Breakfast With Alicia

It's 2012! Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

I stopped by my blog today just to check out how I did on last year's resolutions. One of them was to post to this blog 2-3 times a month. Well, I did post 3 times in 2011 so I'd say that's a ~~great big success~~ huge FAILure! Oh, well. Resolutions were made to be broken, right?

2011 really was a great year for us. Personally, I ran 3 marathons, 2 half marathons, a 10k, 3 5ks and Ragnar. I raised money for a fantastic teacher while training for my last marathon and I qualified and joined the Marathon Maniacs. I've also made some new friends, read lots of good books and thoroughly enjoyed my first year back as a primary teacher.

Our vacations were short but fun. As a family, we went to St. George, Disneyland, Park City, Lagoon for a couple days and even flew to South Carolina for Thanksgiving. As a couple, Will and I went to San Francisco and I also spent a few days with my girlfriends in Southern Utah. Will got away to Vegas with his buddy Seth for a couple days, too.

Coleman and Cooper continue to grow and I continue to struggle with the internal conflict of being happy to watch them grow vs. being sad that I can't stop time and have them be my "little" ones just a bit longer. Coleman is insightful and kind. Cooper is energetic and precarious. They couldn't be more different and each year that passes proves it even more. I love being a mom. I am in love with those kids. They. Are. Everything.

Well, this wouldn't be a proper New Year's post without at least a couple resolutions so here goes-

In 2012,

I will continue running throughout the year and run at least 2 marathons. (A good number since that is how many I'm signed up for already.) My foot is injured and I'm not sure how well I'll be running once I get back to it so no time goals for now.
I will work on magnifying my callings at church (my current callings are primary teacher, yw asst camp director and visiting teacher). I will focus on making sure my primary kids, the young women and the ladies I visit teach know I love them through acts of service and kindness.
I will apply to go back to school and start finishing what I started all those years ago.
I will focus on the health of my family and be sure to feed them healthy, well thought out meals and set a good example for my boys with my own healthy habits.
I will build my food storage, buying at least one thing a week to add to it and
I will find and maintain balance in my life, remembering that, when I put my Father in Heaven first, He will help me to keep things in perspective.

I kinda' feel like I should be saying amen after all that. Haha. Nothing like setting new goals to remind you what's really important.

I'd say that's a good list for now.

Happy 2012, all!

California Dreamin'

2011-04-18T01:32:00.000-07:00

We had originally scheduled our trip to California for the first week of March but I *still* had to flu (after 2 weeks!) so we canceled our hotel reservations and decided that we would go during Spring Break, almost 6 wks later. Let me tell you, that was a LONG 6 wks! We love this yearly trip and couldn't wait for a little down time. When Spring Break finally arrived, we packed up the boys (and nearly half our belongings) and headed south!

Day 1- We left Saturday morning and drove through snow (for 4 hours!) until we hit St. George. The weather was so terrible when we left home that it just made us feel all the better to leave it behind. Once we hit Cali, the sun was shining and the skies were clear. We knew we were in for a great week. That night we settled into our hotel room and got poki bowls from our favorite sushi spot.


Yum! Poki!

Day 2- We had originally planned on going to the beach on Sunday but at the last minute we decided to do our first day at Disneyland instead. We figured it may be better to have a rest day on Tuesday, in the midst of all the theme park madness. This ended up being a really good decision.

As soon as our shuttle arrived at Disney, we went right to guest services to pick up what I like to call our Autism Fastpass. This little card is like GOLD! We get on every ride with no wait. Such a beautiful thing. I used to feel a little guilty using it but now I just see it as the universe's way of paying us back for all the struggles. Having a child with autism doesn't come with many perks so we really relish this one. Will and I joked with each other that some people would pay any amount of money for a card like this. You wouldn't believe how much you can see and do in one day when you don't have to wait in lines.

We're at Disneyland!

Anyway, I digress. Where was I? Oh yeah, so we got our pass and started the boys out slowly on the kiddie rides. The boys took turns picking rides and we rode everything we wanted to ride in Fantasyland by lunch so we headed to Tomorrowland. We made it to the Jedi Academy show a few minutes early and made some signs while we waited.


They were the first ones picked!

Cooper takes the Jedi training very seriously and even stood solemnly with his hands clasped behind his back as the Jedis made there way out to the stage. It was his way of showing reverence and respect for them. All the other kids were jumping up and down yelling but not Cooper. He's a true Padawan. Haha! That kid cracks me up. Coleman couldn't have cared less about it all. This pic kinda shows that. Cooper is all ready to fight and Coleman? He is staring at his feet, off in a Fantasyland off his own, I'm sure.

Next, we headed over the other side of the park to explore. Coleman started feeling not so great while we were on Tom Sawyer Island so we rested for a while and I made sure he drank some water. He had been complaining a little about his tummy hurting earlier but I didn't think too much of it since he wasn't making a big deal of it. We then rode the Winnie the Pooh ride and I bought a treat next door to officially end my 30 day sugar detox. This was a big deal so I wanted something GOOD. I bought a $5 Mickey chocolate and ended my streak. Not the best chocolate I've eaten but any sugar at all would've put a smile on my face at that point. Oh, happy day! I was back on the sugar-guzzlin' wagon! :)

A little bit later, we headed to Downtown Disney to look around and when we stopped to get the boys some cotton candy, Coleman, without warning, threw up right in front of the cart. No "I-think-I-need-to-hurl" look on his face. Not even a preemptive dry heave to warn us. It must have surprised him as much as it did us because he just stood there. I quickly pushed him over to the bushes behind the cotton candy cart to finish up. Poor guy. Throwing up at Disneyland. :( But not 5 minutes later, he said, "I feel way better!" and we continued on with our day. He is such a trooper.

Day 3- Disney's California Adventure- More rides. Coleman and I rode a lot of the rides together that Will didn't want to ride (namely the ferris wheel and, well, anything else that goes in a circle.) Cooper was still a little gun shy about most the rides in DCA.

We didn't split up too often, though. We rode the Toy Story ride together.

And the Bug's Land rides.

And we explored together at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.

Plus, we all happily learned how to draw Grumpy at the Animation Academy.

Well, most of us. One of us was "grumpy" about not being able to keep up.


Poor Cooper. He was so sad. Looks good to me, though!

We ended our long day with Soarin' Over California

and a quick pic in front of the Tron lights.

Another day at the park, another night of pure exhaustion. Hotel beds never felt so comfortable. :)

Day 4- Rest Day!- Will and I love the rest days because we basically just roam around looking for unique places to eat. The boys went swimming that morning for a couple of hours at the hotel pool. (A side note: Cooper really swam! He was swimming underwater just like a little fish.) After swimming, we went to Trader Joe's and picked up some fun food- yuca chips, cocoa nibs, sprouted wheat bagels, peanut butter cream cheese. I love this store. So much cool stuff! After Trader Joe's we went to H&M and I bought some super stylish jeans for little Coops. Then, we drove to Newport Beach and ate an amazing seafood joint, Bear Flag Fish Co. So good! Then it was over to the pier to see the ocean and put our feet in the water. Although, the boys couldn't help but go in a little deeper. They weren't in swim trunks and we had no towels with us but how could I tell them to not go in. It's the ocean!

After a little frolicking, we grabbed a couple doughnuts from a boardwalk bakery and bought some smoked salmon from another seafood place and headed back to the hotel. Another full day of active resting. Loving vacation!

Day 5- Legoland!-

We had never gone to Legoland in the past but Cooper is such a Star Wars Lego superfan that we decided to give it a go this year. We had heard that it was great for smaller kiddos so we knew the boys would like it. All the rides were low on the intensity scale, which Cooper really liked. The lines were short and the park is clean and well-maintained.

Cooper also got his Star Wars Lego fix.

Coleman rode a semi-fast but still very small coaster here and was really warming up to the idea of riding some of the bigger coasters at Disney.

Day 6- Our last day in California. :( We spent the day going back and forth between Disneyland and California Adventure, riding everything that we missed the first couple of days. Coleman had finally built the nerve to ride the big coasters so he and Will started the day by riding Space Mountain. Then Coleman and I tried out the Matterhorn. I totally forgot my camera in the rush to catch the shuttle that morning so I only got a couple pics with my camera phone. Here's a pic of a pic of Coleman and I on California Screamin'. That was a big deal.

I was so impressed that he rode it. He was really scared while we were in line but afterward, it was all he could talk about and he even rode it again with Will. We were very proud of him for overcoming his fear. The day seemed to go by so quickly and before we knew it we were watching the World of Color show and enjoying our final moments at the park.

We arrived back at our hotel at midnight. We were all exhausted once again. Gotta' love an active vacation. ;)

Day 7- After sleeping in, we got all packed up and headed home. We were so sad to leave, as always. What a blessing this last week was to us. So many fun memories were made. I loved being able to spend all this time together. I can't wait until the next trip we take together.

Coleman is 9!

2011-03-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

Coleman over the years. He's so grown up!

My firstborn babe turns 9 today and I'm finding myself oddly emotional over it all. Where has the time gone?! My sweet little baby is now my sweet not-so-little kiddo. I keep asking him to stop growing but he says he can't help it. :( So, I guess all I can do is learn to appreciate right now. With that in mind, here are my top 10 favorite things about Coleman.

Coleman cares SO much about doing what's right. He is determined to be the type of boy that his Heavenly Father wants him to be. He is always reminding us to pray and read our scriptures and is such a good example to us all.
Coleman will do anything for his little brother. From the time Cooper was a baby Coleman has shared everything with him. We remind Cooper often how lucky he is to have such a loving big brother.
Coleman is really creative and loves to write. He is constantly brewing up new ideas for scripts for movies, shows, etc. And he is a very smart, witty writer. He loves when his stories make me laugh. And they do. Often.
Coleman is so affectionate. He gives me (and Dad and Cooper) several hugs and kisses throughout the day. This morning he told me that he doesn't care what he gets for his birthday as long as he has Mom, Dad and Cooper. This boy has his priorities straight! :)
Coleman has an amazing mind. I would just love to step inside his brain for just a moment to see how it all works. He never forgets anything! And some subjects (ie. tv and movie ratings) he knows all the way down to the tiniest detail. It's fascinating.
I don't even remember the last time Coleman got in trouble. He seriously does everything I ask, when I ask. He doesn't lollygag or second guess me. Such an obedient lad. :)
This boy will eat ANYTHING. There is nothing that he won't try. He loves sushi, smoked salmon, and his grandmother's HOT Thai food. He is the easiest kid to cook for. I can make anything I want without a second thought as to if he'll eat it or not.
Coleman is always putting others needs ahead of his own and this quality makes him a great friend.
Coleman is never afraid to be himself. He is who he is, he likes what he likes. And he doesn't try and change himself for anyone. I love this about him!
Coleman is a kind, sweet and an amazing boy! I'm so blessed to be his mom and there's not a day that goes by that I don't remind myself of that.

Happy birthday to my sweet boy! I love you, Coleman!

Love, Mom

Happy New Year! It's 2011, y'all!

2011-01-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

I posted to this blog a total of 3 times this past year. 3! Did I have more than 3 great family memories this year? Absolutely! Did I drop the ball when it came to documenting all these great memories? Well, not exactly. I post pictures on Facebook all the time with notes about what we've been up to BUT I need to get blogging again. So, New Year's resolution #1 is to blog at least 2-3 times a month on the family blog.

Before going any further into my goals for 2011, let's see how I did on last year's goals. Here are the goals I wrote out last Dec.31st. (and how I did on each goal in parentheses).

Running goals: first marathon (1/9/10!), 5k in less than 24 min, 10k in less than 50 min, and a half-marathon in less than 1hr55min. All will require some work but all are totally attainable. (I'm really proud of how I did on this one. I finished my first marathon on Jan. 9th of this year. Check! I PRed at the Pony Express 5k in June with a time of 23:23! Check! And also PRed at the Halloween Half with a time of 1:50:46! Check! The only 10k I ran was an obstacle course in the mud so no PRs there but I think under 50 is totally doable.)
Be at church on time at least 90% of the time. This one will be difficult since church starts at 9:00am this year and I made it to church on time, oh, about 5% of the time when church started at 1:00pm. Now's a great time to figure out a new Sunday morning regimen that will help us to be more prompt. (I did really pitifully on this one and it really needs to change. We only made it to church on time about a handful of times in 2010. I just can't seem to get it together!)
Read my scriptures everyday. My reading has been inconsistent and I need to make sure that I read, even if just a little, everyday. (I did pretty well on this one. Even when I didn't have time to read a chapter, I read a verse or two. I can definitely do better, though.)
Do something nice for someone everyday. Make cookies, write a letter, pay a compliment- be creative and be personal. Surprise people with a nice gesture. Love this one and I'm thinking I'll get the whole family involved. (Check! Well, I didn't really keep track but it seems that there are always opportunities to do something nice for someone, especially at home. Always a great goal, though.)
Play in a mixed doubles tennis tournament with hubster. This year, I'm not letting this one beat me. There is a local tournament every year in June and this year I'll be the first to sign up! (Oh!!! I let it beat me again! In fact, I think I only picked up a racquet maybe 3-4 times this year. Just been running so much and tennis has taken a back seat. I really miss it, though!)
Lastly, I wasn't even sure that I'd add this one this year, but I do need to lose a few pounds. To be totally honest, marathon training has led me down a path of, well, over-carbing and I'd like to be back to feeling like myself by spring. So, my last goal is to lose, hmm, let's say 10 pounds and get back to weight-training and feeling light and spry again. (Ugh. I should have trusted my instincts on this one. I did not lose 10 pounds but I have lost and gained and all-in-all pretty much stayed the same. Not such a bad thing. My health goals will be different this year.)

So, what do I want to do this year? Time to set some new goals!

My 2011 Goals

Running goals: 5k in less than 23 minutes, half-marathon in less than 1:50 and two more full marathons. Also, at least 1000 miles for the year. Hmm, yep, that'll do.
Volunteer goals: Work on getting the Utah County Chapter of Train4Autism up and running. Get at least a team of 20 together for the Utah Valley Marathon (full, half, or 5k.) Excited to see where this goal takes me this year. I should get lots of opportunities to have booths at different venues. Will be fun.
Health goals: Focus on eating more "clean." Make meal plans every week focusing on healthy ingredients. I actually do pretty well at this most the time. Lately, we've been eating out a little more, though, and I want to make sure that doesn't become a habit, even when things get busy.
Personal goals: Will and I are teaching in primary at church this year and the theme for the year is "I Know the Scriptures are True." My goal is to strengthen my own testimony of the scriptures by reading everyday, personally and with my family. I know that this goal will not only enrich my life but also my children and the kids in my class at church. Gotta love that!
Blogging goals: It's obvious that I need to be better about documenting our family adventures. So, as I mentioned already, my goal is to update this blog at least 2-3 times a month.
Parenting goals: Plan an activity with each boy once a week. I want more one-on-one time with the boys, especially Coleman, so I'm going to make it a priority to plan special activities so that they both get individual time with Mommy.

I'm thinking those are some good starter goals. I'll add more if I think of any later. Happy New Year! And good luck with your goals this year!

Friends in Need...are friends indeed!

2010-10-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon, Will came home and told me that we were going to spend Saturday morning volunteering. He had called United Way and found a place that we could take the boys and do some much needed work. My first thought- "What about my long run?" (Selfish, but true.) He told me to go on my run and not to worry about volunteering. He would take the boys. Uh. Yeah right. I can't bear when my family does anything without me and to do service without me?! Absolutely no way I could deal with the guilt. After all, I guess I could run later in the day. So, I tapped into his enthusiasm and we headed out Saturday morning to Friends in Need Animal Rescue.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Karen, who founded the place along with her husband. She gave us brushes and let us get in with the pygmy goats and brush them. The boys and I were really excited to bond with the little goats but Will asked if he could just brush them from outside the gate. Too funny. After everyone laughed at him, he realized that maybe that was a silly notion and he, quite uncomfortably, came in with us. Here we are letting the goats get used to us being in there with them.

Coleman loved the goats. There was one little goat, Annie, that loved being brushed. Many of the animals at this animal rescue had been neglected and mistreated in the past so it was so great to be able to spend some time with them and show them a little attention.

After our time with the goats, Karen put us to work painting a couple of their new animal enclosures. The boys worked hard and without complaining. I was really proud of them. The geese were honking away at us while we worked and Coleman said they were saying "Thank You" because we were painting their houses. I like to think so, too.

This first one was going to be used in the goat enclosure.

This one was built for the doves.

Cooper took his work very seriously. And no complaining! That's a first for him. :)

So, am I glad I skipped my run to go and volunteer at Friends in Need? Absolutely! A wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. We were blessed to see the wonderful work they do there and already have plans to go back this Thursday!

Our 2nd annual Disneyland trip!

2010-04-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

Now that we've gone twice- it's considered a tradition, right? Well, I love this new tradition! Once again, we had such a blast soaking up the sun in Southern California. And once again, we took advantage of every second of this week long trip. Here is a Disneyland 2010 Top 10!

1. The most memorable moment of the whole trip, for us and the boys alike, was the Jedi Training Academy. Cooper had talked about nothing else the entire time leading up to the trip. He knew that he was destined to be a Jedi. And we were going to have to make it happen. He would need to be picked out of the crowd to participate so we figured our best bet would be to go to the first show of the day. So, we did. And guess what? He wasn't picked. So we came back an hour later for the second show. This time, the Jedi must have felt the force was strong in our family because both boys got picked! They were so excited. Here's little Cooper getting suited up. He was all business.

And Coleman ready for training.

After being properly trained, the boys got a chance to fight Darth Vader himself!

We've now been home from this trip for 4 weeks and Cooper is still totally obsessed with everything Star Wars. Anything he can turn into a lightsaber, he does. Yesterday, it was a dowel rod from my cake decorating bin. The day before that, a mailing tube. Before Disneyland, he had Jedi tendencies. After, he is a Jedi master second only to Yoda.

2. This year, Grandma and Grandpa Verburg accompanied us to SoCal. It was so fun to have them there with us! Not to mention, really nice to actually be able to go on a couple "grown-up" rides while they watched the boys. God bless grandparents! Here are some cute shots with Grandma and Grandpa. Love them! I am blessed with amazing in-laws!

3. One of the first things Coleman said after getting to Disneyland- "I love my life!" And he said it so emphatically! He really meant it. Makes a mom and dad feel really great! We got treated to this fun mantra a couple more times on this trip, too.

4. You may know that Will is training for his first MMA amateur fight but you wouldn't guess it to see how much of a wimp he is on rides. Case in point-

scared on Tower of Terror

scared on Space Mountain

really scared on Splash Mountain (this one may be a bit of a stretch)

missing from this photo because he was too scared to get on the Ferris Wheel

But don't worry, he eventually found something that was more his speed...

5. What in the world did we eat to fuel all this fun while we were at Disneyland, you ask? Well, we ate our weight in turkey legs, of course! The turkey legs are amazing and we convinced ourselves they were health food and provided us plenty of protein to fuel our muscles so we ate plenty! At $8 each they were not cheap but what is at Disneyland?!

Notice the grease smudge in the middle of our "sharing" pic? Oh yeah! Health food! Ha ha!

6. Speaking of food, this year we took a mental health day while in SoCal and ventured away from the park and out into the real world. We spent a leisurely day at the Asian mall in Little Saigon and at the LA Farmers Market. I think both of these places are going to part of our yearly itinerary from now on. Just look at all the yummy food we bought that day! Asian, Cajun and French food + treats from the bakery and chocolate shop. Oh man! It's a wonder I didn't gain more weight than I did that week!

7. Coleman has turned into our very own Forrest Gump as of lately. From being in a magazine to having his name used in a book by his favorite author, this kid just always seems to be in the spotlight without ever really trying to be (or caring to be). It cracks me up how apathetic he is about it all. That being said, it was no surprise that, on this trip to Disney, Coleman won the Screamer of the Day Contest at the Monster's Inc. ride that allowed us to be first on the ride and first to ride anytime we wanted to the rest of the day. Go Coleman! This kid is a stud!

8. Last year, we decided to hit the beach for one day and we were thrilled to have beautiful, warm weather. We frolicked at the beach and soaked up the sun. This year? Well, yes we still frolicked but it was tepid frolicking. A little too cool to spend much time in the water but we walked along the boardwalk and went to lunch at The Crab Cooker so still a fantastic day!

9. Will and I ran in a half-marathon in Vegas on the way back to Utah- check that report out HERE!

10. To see any other pics that you didn't see here, check out my photo album.

There you go! At long last, the Disneyland blog post! I'm apparently running about a month behind but it's Spring Break so I'm hoping to catch up. Hope everyone is having a fantastic Easter!

Running from an Angel '10- 1st Marathon Recap

2010-01-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

The other side! For weeks, months I sat here wondering what it will feel like to be on the other side of all the marathon training: all the fantasies of crossing the finish line, what it might feel like in the final 6 miles, the emotions I might feel as I gutted it out, and how happy I would be to finally say I'm a marathoner. And here I am on the other side and it feels...AMAZING!!! Our first marathon definitely had it's ups and downs (quite literally!) but Will and I have both come out on the other side feeling like we could take on anything.

Here's how it all went down:

Will, Dad, the boys and I traveled from Utah down to Boulder City, NV on Friday night, checked into our hotel room and headed out to IHOP for some pre-race pancakes, my carb-loading food of choice. (Love the Harvest Grain & Nut pancakes!) We then went back to the hotel and settled in. I set out our clothes and anything and everything we would need for the next morning's run.

I felt surprisingly calm, no pre-race jitters, no nervous tics, no defeating self-talk. That's weird. I always get nervous, even before short races. I figured that maybe the nerves would come the next morning. Fast forward to the next morning (after a terrible night's sleep on the brick-like mattresses at the hotel)- I woke up at about 4:30 am. I tried really hard to get back sleep but just couldn't get comfortable. I finally gave up at 5:30, even though the alarm was set for 6:00, and got up and got dressed. I was still surprisingly calm and stayed that way the rest of the day. I was a mess before my first half so I'm still not quite sure why I was so calm. I was just happy! I was excited to have the day finally here- the reward for all the hard work! I knew that this day was going to be great- no matter what!

We left the hotel at about 7:10 and headed over to the race start at Lake Mead N.R.A., which was about 5 minutes away. We were there fairly early (8 am start) so we (well, my dad) took a few pictures.

views of Lake Mead from starting area

my race shirt

Will and I with the boys with Lake Mead behind us.

The race photographer getting ready to snap our photo.

I can't wait to see the pics that were taken out on the course!

Friends from church who were running, too. Cami (first marathon), Will, me,

Jen (5th marathon) and Lisa (1st marathon.) So great to have them there.

Made the run that much more special. They all did AWESOME!

Lisa and I. Love this girl!

Coleman and Cooper waiting patiently for the race to start.

Calico Racing sign. There was a 50 mile ultra, marathon, half-marathon, 10k and 5k

that morning and Calico seemed to have it all running so smoothly.

The race director, Joyce, was amazing!

After snapping a few photos we all headed over to the start with just a few minutes before go time. The race director, Joyce, gave us a pre-race talk (all 68 of us running the marathon that morning) and was sweet enough to mention my grandmother and the fact that we were running our first marathon in honor of what would've been her 86th birthday. There was also a guy there who was running his 200th marathon! Crazy!

8:00 am- Go Time!

We all lined up at the small starting line chute and we were on our way as soon as the race director yelled go!

Starting the Garmin

Bye, Dad!

Miles 1-5

Mile 1- 9:30

Mile 2- 9:18

Mile 3- 9:46

Mile 4- 9:26

Mile 5- 9:32

We started out feeling fresh and happy to be finally meeting our goal of running a marathon. I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face! We were chatting with the people around us and the miles were going by smoothly and quickly. The weather was sunny and beautiful. Our pace was a little quicker than it would have normally been on a long run but we both felt we were taking it pretty easy so we stuck with it. It was somewhere in this first 5 miles that we ended up running along with a few other marathoners and forming our own "pace group." There was Eric (the triathlete from AZ), Ed (the marathon maniac from So. Cal.), Casey (a local marathoner working on getting her 3 marathons in 3 months to gain membership to the maniacs elite club), Mitch (another maniac who ran with us off and on) and another first-timer (I forgot his name!) They were such a fantastic group! We were all super chatty which helped the miles fly by. There were rolling hills in this part but nothing too hard. Which brings us to-

Miles 6-10

Mile 6- 10:10

Mile 7- 9:24

Mile 8- 9:42

Mile 9- 10:33

Mile 10- 10:54

Still hammering it out here. More rolling hills. There were really NO flat parts on this course. In fact, before we started the race, one of the other runners told Will, "You sure picked a hard one to be your first!" Yes we did!! You can see which miles had the uphills and which had the downhills by our mile splits. Anyway, I'm still all smiles at this point. I'll spare you the suspense and just let you know- I smiled through this entire marathon! (This little tidbit will seem quite impressive a little further down in this story.) I was having so much fun just living in the moment. Nothing could shake my positive attitude. Will seemed to be doing well, too, but he was uncharacteristically quiet. I chalked it up to being in the zone or just enjoying listening to everyone else. Our group was still all hanging in there together. We learned so much about each other and about running from the experienced marathoners in the group. Physically, I was feeling good. No aches or pains. My wind felt great and I was thinking, "I'm going to finish this marathon easily!"

Miles 11-15

Mile 11- 9:47

Mile 12- 10:40

Mile 13- 9:38 (2:08:17 at half-marathon point)

Mile 14- 10:19

Mile 15- 10:58

Mile 11 brought us down a fairly long hill where the road was pretty curved. My ankles were bothering me a little until we got to where the road was a little more even. We then preceded up a steep hill and back down the other side to get to the halfway turn around. We got there in just over 2 hours. We were on our way to the sub 4:30 time that we had set as our goal! And we were still feeling good! I was drinking at every station and had taken 2 gels. My energy was high as we turned to run that 13.1 miles back the other way. Mile 15 brought us to a steep hill (the same one that hurt my ankles on the way down) and this hill was brutal! One mile uphill! We managed to run up the hill with no stopping and were so relieved to get to the top!

Miles 16-20

Mile 16- 11:24

Mile 17- 11:29

Mile 18- 10:37

Mile 19- 12:48

Mile 20- 13:01

Something changed in Mile 16. Will started to slow down a little. He was breaking away from the pack. I knew something was wrong but he said he was fine and continued on. He didn't seem fine, though. Our group had pretty much dispersed at this point. All except for Ed (the marathon maniac from So.Cal.) He and I were running a little ahead of Will only to look behind us to see him struggling. He had put on his headphones for a little "pump up" music and despite his best efforts, took his first walk break between miles 18 and 19. His left quad was locking up on him and had been for the past couple of miles. He was trying to hide it and continue but it was really hurting at this point. There was an aid station right ahead so we stopped for a moment to meet back up with him. I was jogging just a little to keep my legs moving but Ed stayed back with Will. Before I knew it, I was at least a quarter mile ahead of them. I turned around to see Cami and Jen passing by Will and stopping to help rub out his thigh a little. I needed to hold back and stay with Will. I stopped and waited for him even though he was telling me to continue on. WHAT?! No way!! We were going to finish this marathon together, no matter what! He started to get emotional because he felt he had let me down because he wouldn't be able to run the whole way. He felt like he had failed me. I assured him that I was more concerned that we finish the marathon together over anything else. Still, he felt a little dejected and I could tell. I hated that he was so worried about me being disappointed. One thing he didn't know was that what he would accomplish over the next few miles would make me as proud as I've ever been of him.

Miles 18-20 were stop and go. We would walk a little, run a little. Ed continued to stay with us and coach us. (By the way, Ed was awesome! We seriously had our own personal coach out there! He was running his 35th marathon and was a wealth of knowledge. He talked to keep Will's mind off of the pain and continued to give him advice on how to push through. We loved Ed! What a blessing it was to meet him out there on the course.)

Here we are with Ed after the race.

Miles 21-26

Mile 21- 13:58

Mile 22- 13:43

Mile 23- 13:36

Mile 24- 14:13

Mile 25- 15:17

Mile 26- 14:33

This was gut-check time for Will. He was not going to let this marathon (or his body) beat him. With six miles left, now both of his quads are locking up and the left quad is starting to get worse and worse. What started at the bottom of his quad is working it's way up. He kept hoping that the walk breaks would loosen him up but no such luck. Running was excruciating for him but he still continued to push past his limits. I started to get emotional watching him. Every step he took inspired me. Amazing. He kept running, albeit slow, and was determined to finish. No matter how much his body screamed at him to stop.

The Finish

We had ascended the last small hill and were headed down the .2 to the finish line. Ed ran on ahead of us to allow us to finish together. (And, as I learned later, to make sure that our family and friends would be ready to meet us. My dad said Ed came across the finish line saying, "Who here is with a Alicia and Will? Here they come!" Again- love Ed! Who, by the way, headed right back out to do the course again. Maniac indeed!) Anyway, when we got close, I grabbed Will's hand and we finished together! I was so emotional and so proud of my husband (and me!) for what we had just gone through together. Truly a spectacular feeling to cross that finish line and to do it side-by-side. If a marathon is a great metaphor for life then it is truly fitting that I would be right by his side to the very end. Our official finish time- 5:05:48.

Here's some video of us at the finish line.

Post-race

Will was definitely in some pain as we finished. I got this still shot from the video. A picture can speak a thousand words, don't you think?

I was just grinning from ear-to-ear and happy to be done. Will needed some time before he could be happy about it all. :) After a drink, some electrolyte tablets, and some chili (the post-race food was yummy!) he started to feel a little better and within a half an hour he was planning his comeback. Another marathon? What?! I thought he said this would be his one and only. He said he just can't go out like that. So, we are already planning his comeback.

As for me, my legs ached for sure but I generally, felt good throughout the race. In fact, my only real pain is in my neck. I guess I just kept my shoulders too tight. My dad joked about how you never expect someone who has just run a marathon to joke about how much their neck hurts. Ha ha! I guess that's true!

Anyway, I'm hooked and ready to find another one to do this spring and perhaps in the fall, too. I loved the whole experience. Strike that, I hate that Will was hurting but I loved the marathon and everyone who was involved in it and all the ups and downs. It was exhilarating! What a great weekend we had!

Thank you Running from an Angel Marathon! You may have been tough but you just showed us what we're made of!!!

Wow! 2009 went by lightning fast!

2009-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again and I'm ready to set some new goals. I decided to take a look at the goals I set for myself last year at about this time and was surprised to see how few (ha!) I actually accomplished. Here are last year's goals:

Run a 5k in less than 24 minutes. Current PR is 25:47. (FAIL! But did manage to get a new PR of 25:27! I'll be trying this one again this year.)
Start running longer distances (5+ miles) at least once a week. (Check!)
Play in a local mixed doubles tennis tournament with Will. (FAIL! This one is the one I'm most afraid of! I'm just so scared to lose that I won't even try. I'm sure this has something to do with my terrible high school tennis team experience, or lack thereof. I'm still adding this one to this year's goals. I really need to get over it already.)
Learn how to swim, like really swim- backstroke, breaststroke, etc. (FAIL! I thought I might want to do a triathlon but I'm not even remotely interested anymore. I'll leave the swimming to the fish...and the old people at the gym.)
Save at least $500/month. (FAIL! Not even close. Ha!)
Lose 10 lbs (or more) and keep it off! (I lost it but didn't keep it off. This one's a wash.)
Refinish the 2 old dressers that are collecting dust in the garage. (Is it possible it's been over a year since I got those old dressers?! Geesh! Well, didn't refinish them but I did clean them up and they are being used so this one's a wash, too.)
Reorganize and redecorate the loft upstairs. (Um, fail.)
Spend more time working with Coleman on reading and helping Cooper with his speech. (Check! At least I have my priorities in line.)
Read more books. Not to the boys. I read plenty of those. I mean actual grown-up best-seller list books. Then maybe I won't feel like I'm getting dumber with each passing year. (Check! In fact, I've read 3 books in the last 3 weeks!)

So, that's like 3 out of 10. Not very good. Heck, half of these goals I forgot I had even set! I'm going to have to print out a copy of this year's goals and put them where I'll see them. Will says he doesn't set goals at the beginning of the year. He just sets goals throughout the year as things come up that he wants to work on. Not a bad idea. Then you never come back to a list like this and think, "What was I thinking?!" But me being me, I like to wax introspective at least once a year and come up with some things that seem goal-worthy. So, without further adieu-

My Goals for 2010

Running goals: first marathon (1/9/10!), 5k in less than 24 min, 10k in less than 50 min, and a half-marathon in less than 1hr55min. All will require some work but all are totally attainable.
Be at church on time at least 90% of the time. This one will be difficult since church starts at 9:00am this year and I made it to church on time, oh, about 5% of the time when church started at 1:00pm. Now's a great time to figure out a new Sunday morning regimen that will help us to be more prompt.
Read my scriptures everyday. My reading has been inconsistent and I need to make sure that I read, even if just a little, everyday.
Do something nice for someone everyday. Make cookies, write a letter, pay a compliment- be creative and be personal. Surprise people with a nice gesture. Love this one and I'm thinking I'll get the whole family involved.
Play in a mixed doubles tennis tournament with hubster. This year, I'm not letting this one beat me. There is a local tournament every year in June and this year I'll be the first to sign up!
Lastly, I wasn't even sure that I'd add this one this year, but I do need to lose a few pounds. To be totally honest, marathon training has led me down a path of, well, over-carbing and I'd like to be back to feeling like myself by spring. So, my last goal is to lose, hmm, let's say 10 pounds and get back to weight-training and feeling light and spry again.

I'm liking this year's list! Makes me happy to have some goals written out. Funny how last year I made absolutely no mention of running a marathon. It wasn't even on my radar back then. Just goes to show that sometimes we just have to go where life seems to be pushing us. I'm certainly all for adjusting my goals as I see fit throughout the year. Heck, by the time 6 months go by, I may need to adjust my goal to getting to church on time to 50%. (Nards! Giving up before I even start trying!)

Really looking forward to twenty-ten! Good luck to all you goal-setting fools and Happy New Year!!!

32 ain't so bad!

2009-12-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday and it's fair to say that it started out a little un-birthday like with news from the hubby that it would be $800 to get the car fixed. Yikes! I was on my way to go shopping when he called and I turned right around and went home. Amazing how news like that will make you just feel like not spending money. Oh man, right at Christmastime, too. Anyway, I went home, checked the bank account and started to feel a little better.

After a little shifting around of funds, my headache was starting to dissipate and there was a knock at the door. Sweet Anne Marie showed up with this little box of deliciousness. I know, I know. Taking pictures of cupcakes is lame but this one really deserved to have a picture documenting it's existence. It was packaged up so pretty that it instantly had me feeling like a birthday girl again! The cupcake itself was yellow cake with a raspberry cream filling and lemon butter cream frosting. I told Anne Marie that it wouldn't last long and she told me I could eat it for lunch because it was my birthday after all. I didn't eat it for lunch but I did share it with the boys as an after-school snack. Yum! Thanks, Anne Marie!

Just after Anne Marie stopped by it was time for me to pick Cooper up from preschool. The kiddos were all waiting outside on the front porch for their parents and I was treated to the preschoolers singing me the Happy Birthday song. SO CUTE! I wish I had been prepared for it and got it on video. Their sweet little faces were just too precious for words. Thanks, Sandra, for that little surprise!

My financially-induced tears of the morning were distant memories by this point and I was just ready to spend the rest of the day celebrating. I was thrilled to have the next couple knocks at my door bring me more birthday goodies. This from the Relief Society Presidency

and this from my sweet neighbors, the Bartons.

Will made it home at about 4:30 pm and I was just starting to get ready for our night out when Will had the boys give me my gift. He had taken them to Color Me Mine and had them make me this cute-ified plate for me. It says "Happy Birthday, Mom!" and has their little hand prints on it. Coleman says that it's blue and red because it's their favorite colors. I think it's perfect! Love these boys!

We all got spiffied up and went out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner. Even on a Tuesday night this place was packed. (Crazy!) It was well worth the wait, though. The food was amazing! We had the avocado egg rolls as an appetizer and I ordered the Chicken Bellagio as my main dish. Pretty sure I didn't even make it halfway through my huge plate of food. (Lucky for me, I get to have the rest for lunch today!) Will had this jambalaya-type pasta dish and the food was delicious all around. Sadly, I was too full to have cheesecake but I did buy a slice to take home. Red velvet cheesecake, why do you have to be so delicious? I finished you off for breakfast and already miss you so...

Thanks to the Sisouthams for going out with us! (And for the Cheesecake Factory gift card that was very quickly used!) You guys are awesome! Our birthday dinners are becoming quite the tradition! And thanks to my mom for the cutest measuring spoons ever!! Can't wait to get them!

After I got home, there were some super sweet messages on the answering machine and some yummy cookies from Smart Cookie waiting on the doorstep from my neighbors, Tiffany and Sandra. The cookies are calling my name but I've told myself I need to drink at least a quart of water before I can have any more sugar. Ha ha! Don't worry they will be savored real soon! I'm sure I'll have some help from Will and the boys, too...

One last surprise from BFF, Jenn. She came by after we got home and brought me a iTunes gift card! Thanks so much, Jenn! I could really use the new tunes for the marathon training. Can't wait to go shopping for some new songs.

Thanks again to everyone who made my birthday so special! 32 ain't so bad! In fact, I think I'm gonna' like it!

We elfed ourselves!

2009-11-19T07:32:00.001-08:00

There is Christmas stuff everywhere and yet I was unable to get in the holiday spirit until now! Funny that it took getting "elfed" to do it! Ha ha!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

www.breakfast-with-alicia.blogspot.com

Mr. McGillicutty?

2009-11-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

So, Coleman has now decided he wants to be involved in TV production. He wrote his first script two days ago and we told him that for Family Home Evening he could assign parts and we would record it. So, without further adieu, here's "Kingdom in the Door." Apparently it's part of a series called Scary Place. :)

Cast of characters:
Mr. McGillicutty, the teacher- Dad
Tommy- Cooper
Eric- Mom
New kid- Coleman
A kid outside- Coleman

Mr. McGillicutty- "Today's lunch menu is meatlarf. Let's sing a song about it. Meatlarf, yummy, yummy,
yummy!"
Tommy (raising his hand)- "Mr. McGillicutty?"
Mr. McGillicutty- "Yes? Uh, not good. Not good."
Tommy (still raising his hand)- "Mr. McGillicutty?! Does 2+10=19?"
Mr. McGillicutty- "No."
Tommy- "Oh."
Mr. McGullicutty- "What's this?"
Eric- "Huh?"
Tommy- "Hi!"
Mr. McGillicutty- "A new student? I should have known."
Eric- "Who is he?"
Mr. McGillicutty- "I don't know."
[New kid walks in to classroom.]
New kid- "Hello!"
Mr. McGillicutty (angrily)- "You broke the door!!!"
New kid- "Sorry."
Mr. McGillicutty- "Why don't you sit..."
Tommy and Eric (bamming the desk next to them)- "Over here! Over here!"
Mr. McGillicutty (pointing)- "...with those two."
New kid- "Okay."
Tommy and Eric- "Tee, hee, hee."
Mr. McGillicutty (angrily)- "Boys!"
New kid- "Hi guys!"
Tommy and Eric- "Ha, hee!"
Mr. McGillicutty (angrily)- "What are you doin'?!"
All 3 boys- "HA!HA!HA!"
Mr. McGillicutty- "Now..."
Eric (looking at Mr. McGillicutty)- "Is he dead?"
Tommy- "No, why would he?"
Mr. McGillicutty- "...and..."
All 3 boys- "HA!HA!HA!HA!"
Mr. McGillicutty (angrily)- "STOP!!!"
New kid- "What? Hee, hee!"
Mr. McGillicutty- "...so..."
All 3 boys- "HA!HA!HA!"
Mr. McGillicutty- "What the heck?!"
New kid- "La-l-la!"
Tommy and Eric- "HA!HA!HA!"
[School bell rings.]
A kid outside- "Come on out!"
All 3 boys- "Hooray!"
[All 3 boys run over Mr. McGillicutty.]
Mr. McGillicutty- "Ow!"
[The boys are playing ball outside.]
Eric- "Downsy! Downsy!"
New kid- "Upsy-daisy!"
Mr. McGillicutty- "Oh come on!!! Man, man!!!"
THE END

Obviously, we didn't practice it ~~much~~ at all before recording but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't have mattered. :) The important thing is- Coleman couldn't have been more excited to have it all acted out. I'm sharing it here not because of our magnificent acting (although, it is!) but because Coleman wants everyone to see it. Hope you enjoy!

Coleman's big stage debut!

2009-11-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Coleman has been interested in movies for a long time. He's like a walking calendar for movie premiere dates. A couple of months ago he began asking me how movies were made and what he needed to do to make his own movie. Sufficeth to say, I really had no idea what to tell him. I only got as far as telling him to write a screenplay. And he did write a couple "screenplays" and then when I told him that we could video he and his friends acting it out he asked, "Then they will play it at the movie theater?" Uh, not exactly, bub. He's so not interested in making movies unless it's going to play at the local Cinemark. :)

So, in order for him to learn exactly how much work goes into a real production we signed him up for his first musical theater production. We told him that he could learn things that will help him when he goes on to make movies- stuff about sets and stage direction, etc. He was all about it.

The local arts council does a couple of plays a year for 4-8 yr olds to star in. This go round they were putting on 101 Dalmatians. Coleman auditioned (every kid was awarded a role) and got the part of Chihuahua #4, perfect part for a first-timer! He continued to go to practice every Mon and Wed from 4-5pm for 7 weeks. He learned all the songs and dances and was ready for his debut performance last Thursday. He was a little nervous the first night but it played to his advantage because it helped him to be more focused. (Well, as focused as Coleman gets anyway.) Coleman did his very best that night and the two subsequent nights and we couldn't have been any more proud. Go Coleman! Our very own li'l actor.

Here's part of the song "Twilight Bark" where the Chihuahuas were center stage. He may have been a bit off-beat but we think he stole the show! I say he just added his own flare to his character. :)

Here's Coleman posing by the truck on set.

Getting our photo-op with the star.

I also want to mention that Coleman had great support in the audience every night as well. June and the kids came on Thursday night. Jenn, Madi and Jackson came on Friday night and Jenny, La and Talon came to see him on Saturday night. We love and appreciate all of our supportive friends and family. You guys are the best! Coleman is so lucky to have such wonderful people in his life.

Here's a bit of the final number.

By the way, Coleman says he never, ever wants to do another play. Too much practice, he says. Ha, ha! Next up for Coleman? He wants drawing and writing classes. That sounds about right.

Catch-up post!

2009-10-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

Ok. Just taking a minute here (after midnight!) to catch-up a little on my blog. I've been posting about once a week on my other blog and I guess that's all I've really had in me to write lately.

First of all let's catch up a little on Coops. I just love this redhead so much. I just want to eat him up some days! He has been so affectionate lately always giving Mom and Dad lots of hugs and kisses and "I love you's." Will has really been appreciating this because Cooper has typically given Mom all the love and Dad all the kicks to the head. Oh, and he just finished up his very first season of soccer. The Purple People Eaters had a great fall season. Cooper has gotten better each week and even scored a goal a couple of games back! Even so, I'm not entirely sure that soccer is his sport. While he enjoys playing, when they ask if anyone needs a break, he is always to first kid to volunteer. He really just likes sitting on Mom's lap, drinking some Gatorade and cheering for his team. We're thinking he may be more of a baseball guy, as he's been excited to watch games with Will and has begun asking lots of questions while he watches. Since t-ball won't be until next summer, we've decided to sign Cooper up for some MMA (mixed martial arts) classes until then. Starting that in a couple weeks! He's a natural fighter so I'm sure he'll do really well.

Now Coleman. My sweet Coleman. He is such a great boy! He consistently does as he's told and always without complaining. He loves to read and going to the library is the highlight of his week. Lately, he's been obsessed with writing (and illustrating) chapter books of his own. He will work on them for hours at a time, breaking only to think about what his next book will be about. Sometimes, he'll go and pace around in the back yard "acting out" what he wrote. And yes, he does look a bit crazy walking around talking to himself but at least he's being creative, right?! Coleman has also been enjoying a bit of fame this month from his appearance in the Friend. It seems like everyone and their brother has seen it. Every day he comes home and says that someone else mentioned they saw him. I think he's really enjoying his 15 minutes of fame. He plans on extending his fame by appearing in the Lehi Arts Council's performance of the Kidz Musical 101 Dalmatians at the beginning of November. Watch out because Chihuahua #4 just might steal the show! :)

As for Will, he's been busy working. Being an asst. principal at a jr. high is no easy task! He's so blessed to have a job that allows him so much time off, though. We really love having him home on the days that school is out. Of course, work is not all he's been up to. He has been taking ukulele lessons for the past few weeks. Ukulele? Really?! Yes! He has always wanted to learn. He says he just loves how calming the music is. He's determined to do some mean strumming at the beach next summer. I've been listening to him practice and he's getting quite good. He can now play the Happy Birthday song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Gotta' start somewhere! Will is also training for the marathon along with me. He had a brief spell with a swollen ankle but all is well now and he's training at 100%. So proud of him!

As for me, it's same ol', same ol'. I am keeping myself pretty busy lately shopping for the perfect new flooring for our downstairs. I've narrowed it down to either hardwood or laminate. Still trying to decide what will look best with our maple cabinets. I'm terrible at making these kinds of decisions. Too indecisive. And absolutely no clue what looks good. I need some help! Other than the floors, I've been running (a lot!) and doing all the busy mommy stuff that I do everyday. Gotta love it!!

My Marathon Blog

2009-09-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

www.aliciaruns.blogspot.com

I thought about calling it i-need-a-nap.blogspot.com or i-may-hurt-myself.blogspot.com but AliciaRuns seemed simple and to the point. Just training updates and random thoughts. I actually just really wanted to keep some kind of journal to remember it all but thought others might enjoy it, too. Or maybe not. But, either way, it's out there.

How do you eat an elephant?

2009-09-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

One bite at a time! This past Saturday our elephant came in the form of a half-marathon that Will and I signed up for on a whim back in July. I hadn't really considered running that far before. In fact, I had only ever run 6 miles at one time but Will's sister, June, and her husband, Steve, convinced me that we could do it so I signed up for it quickly before I could change my mind. (It's funny how sometimes we don't believe in ourselves until someone else does.) Anyway, there was no backing out. We paid our money and had no choice but to go for it. As soon as we were home from vacation I found a training plan and we got started.

The training was challenging but never more than we could handle. We did all of our long runs on the Jordan River Trail which made those runs really pretty nice. It's so quiet out there and you can feel secluded but without being too far from civilization. I actually look forward to my long runs because of that trail. Even though I saw at least one snake cross my path every time I ran out there. Creepy but it usually put a little extra pep in my step!

The only snag in training came for me 3 weeks before the race when I wore some new shoes out for a 9 mile run. By the time I made it back, I had strained a ligament in my foot and was out of training for a little over a week. Not smart! Injuries are certainly a part of training, though. And I'm learning to work through them and not get too down when it happens. After all, it always gets better, right?!

Race Time: I was really anxious/excited the day before the race. I spent the whole day doing the two things I do when I'm nervous- cleaning and baking. I really get a lot done when I'm anxious about something.

That night I made pancakes for dinner (a little carbo-loading) but I really had to force myself to eat it. I just didn't feel like eating but knew I had to so that I would have fuel to burn on the run. So, I ate a pancake but wasn't able to eat anything else the rest of the night. Will's sister picked the boys up at about 8:00 pm and took them to her house to stay the night (yay for awesome sister-in-laws!) and Will and I got to bed early to get some much needed rest. Well, I should say we both got to bed early only I wasn't able to fall asleep until past 11:00. Pesky anxiety.

So, finally we made it to race day. The day that I would become a bonafide long-distance runner. I was so excited that I jumped right out of bed when my alarm went off at 5:00 am. I ran downstairs to eat half a waffle with peanut butter and 1/2 a banana. Again, I didn't want to eat but knew I had to. Will and I were out the door by 5:45 and on our way to Spanish Fork.

It was dark and rainy when we arrived but once we got our race packets, put our race chips on our shoes and pinned our numbers on our shirts, the sun was starting to come out and the rain stopped. It looked as if it would be perfect weather for a run. I made a pre-run trip to the loo and met a bunch of friendly ladies while waiting in line. People are super friendly at long-distance races. I even met and talked with a few people while running! It's like some kind of "we're all in this together" attitude and it's infectious. I love that.

Will and I made our way over to the starting line. We were both feeling confident and ready to go. The race started and we were on our way. Knowing we didn't want to go out too fast, we stuck to our race plan and ran at about a 9:25 min/mile pace for the first 6 miles. Our plan was to run a negative split (basically run the 2nd half faster if we felt like we had the juice to.) Around mile 6, we hit the big, mile-long hill. No kidding, we ran uphill that entire mile! The Garmin beeped when we hit mile 7 and I realized that we had run our fastest mile yet! That's when I knew we could pick it up a little. Miles 7-13 we averaged a little under a 9:00 min/mile and finished the race in 2:00:45, a 9:13 min/mile average pace. Wahoo!! It's great when things work out the way you plan them to! Of course, I would have loved to have finished in under 2 hours but I was just happy to have finished. Under 2 hours can be my next goal. :)

As soon as we crossed the finish line, my legs locked up. I felt it right away. I had to run around for a couple minutes just to keep loose as I cooled down. Will seemed fine. He was just happy to be done I think. Let me take a minute here to talk about my husband. I basically forced him into running this with me and I think it was the best training decision I could have made. What a huge support he was for me. He was right by my side the whole time, giving me gels when it was time and gentle encouragement when my IT band was acting up. I loved sharing this with him. I just love him.

Anyway, we congratulated ourselves, had some water and fruit, and walked around until they handed out medals. We finished 108 and 109 out of about 270 runners. No awards for us although we were hoping maybe Will would finish in the top 3 of the Clydesdale division. That's for guys that are 200+. But alas, he didn't. We sat through the billion different raffles hoping to win an iPod or a camera or even a chicken dinner but it wasn't in the cards for us. It's okay, though, because we had already gotten our award- the feeling of knowing that we had finished the race was enough for us. And finishing easily, without a single thought about stopping, was our reward for all the hard training.

All in all, a great experience and way easier than I expected. I'm feeling completely confidant about training for the full marathon. Training starts next week!

Super Cooper is 4!

2009-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's been particularly hard for me to let this baby boy grow up. I have been seriously sad that he isn't 3 anymore. Three was such a good year for him! He has been such a Mama's boy. I've gotten lots of love and hugs and kisses from him. I think I am just afraid that as he gets bigger I'll get less and less of that cuddly time. Kinda makes me wanna wrap him up in a blankie and start moving in reverse. Alas, I know that my efforts will be futile and I have to embrace the 4-yr-old Cooper which has so far proved not to be so bad. He's had plenty of love for Mommy today, even though he's 4. So, little boy, I'll let you grow up. I have no choice...

That being said- let's celebrate my little Cooper. Here's a little about this special boy.

He is incredibly goofy. A total ham who just eats up the attention he gets from anybody. This is pretty much proved by every photograph that I ever take of him. He loves to pose and be silly.
Many, many times Will and I have retired for the night only to find this little fella' (and his older brother) in our bed. We've successfully been able to lock our door to keep them out for a long while. However, just last week we went to bed only to find them in there again! The next morning I asked Cooper how he got in my room and he said, "I used the key!" Ha ha! I have to admit I kind of love it that they want to sleep with us. It's comforting to have us all together at night.
This one is obvious to anyone who knows Cooper. He ~~loves~~ is totally obsessed with superheroes! In fact, he can name a couple dozen superheroes and villains off of the top of his head. He has also learned the real names of his favorites- Peter Parker, Tony Stark, Johnny Storm, Dr. Bruce Banner, Ben Grimm. He can go on and on.
He's been boxing since he was 1. For some reason, he has always just taken to it. He's got a natural ability that's a bit uncanny. I, for one, am not thrilled about this but he does seem to love it. He doesn't hit when he gets angry. So it hasn't made him aggressive. He just seems to love sparring for fun. Here's a pic of him in one of his first sparring matched with his cousin Amy back in 2007. In fact, he moved through all of his cousins that day!
To counterbalance his tough boy image I have to mention this- Cooper helps me make cookies every single Sunday night. He puts on his little turtle apron and promptly pulls everything out of the pantry that we need. Mom measures and then he adds everything to the bowl. He even knows how to gently tap the bowl until all the flour has been added to the Kitchenaid. Once the dough is made he always gets to lick the beater and has seconds and thirds of the cookie dough. Usually, he's full of cookie dough before the cookies are even done. I love having him as my cookie-makin' bud. Love this little tradition of ours.

Just a few of the things that we love so much about him. Happy birthday, bud! We love you! Here's a few pics from his first 4 years.

We love you little guy!

Back-to-school!

2009-08-21T00:16:00.000-07:00

How can it be time for school already?! I never even got a chance to post all the fun summer stuff we did this year! Oh well. I'll have to come back to that later. Just wanted to jump on here and mention that Coleman says that, "2nd grade is awesome!" and Cooper is thoroughly enjoying his time in preschool. And I am thoroughly enjoying time to myself two mornings a week. (Yay!)

A little about Cooper's 1st day in his new preschool: I dropped Cooper off at his preschool looking like the top pic and picked him up 3 hours later in his Flash costume.

What happened, you ask? Dang kid ran home and got his costume when he saw a toy that reminded him of it! You see, Cooper's preschool is right next door taught by my sweet neighbor, Sandra. The whole group of preschoolers were outside playing when he took off towards home (30 ft. away.) The door was unlocked. (I was not at home.) By the time they went to get him (pretty much immediately) he had already grabbed his costume and was on his way back. Sandra, bless her heart, allowed him to wear it and even helped him to put it on. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw him but had a very stern "talking-to" with him soon after I picked him up. He won't be doing it again. Goofy kid. He is obsessed with superheroes.

Coleman's a 2nd grader! He was so nervous last night about going into a new class. In fact, it made me nervous to see him nervous. By this morning, though, he said that he was just excited and by the time he got home he said he had a great day "other than the ride home." Ugh! The bus ride home. He didn't get home until 4:45 today! School lets out at 3:30 so that is a dang long time to be on the bus. Granted he does go to school in another town but it should never take more than 1/2 an hour. The bus driver got lost when he tried to backtrack his morning route and ended up restarting his route from the furthest point. Huh?! What kind of idiot do you have to be to drive a school bus?! Sorry. That was uncalled for but I was just livid that he was on the bus that long. Thankfully Will is friends with the head administrator over transportation (perks of having a school administrator as a husband) so tomorrow this guy better get it right. Oh, that sounded threatening, huh? I can be a beast when it comes to my kids.

Anyway, here's a couple pics of Coleman before school this morning. He was stoked to wear his new Star Wars tee.

He's not really one to pose for pics. Ha ha! Love this kid!

Worth mentioning, too, I hosted a back-to-school donut party yesterday morning. You can read more about it on Jenn's blog. (Click here to see.) I really need to get to bed!

A couple videos from Park City trip.

2009-06-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

We got back from Park City on Friday after spending 3 nights at the Westgate Resort. Nice to get away for a few days. Will says this was our "appetizer" vacation since we are leaving this Saturday to go back East for nearly a month. That must be the main course. Ha ha! Anyway, I spent my time in Park City keeping the boys entertained while Will went to his meetings, etc. Just wanted to post a couple videos of the boys that I captured while we were there.

A Life Like Mary's

2009-05-25T09:17:00.001-07:00

This past Monday, my dear grandmother (my Maw Maw) passed from this life and went to be with her Father in Heaven once again. I thought that I was prepared for her to pass. I knew that she hadn't been herself for a long while and that her health had been deteriorating quickly. I told myself to be prepared but nothing prepares you to say goodbye to someone who has meant so much to you.

Maw Maw was everything that I want to be in my life- a loving mother and grandmother, a tireless hostess, and just a completely selfless human being. Her life was centered around her family and making sure that those around her were comfortable and happy. It was difficult to be anything but happy around Maw Maw. She was one of the funniest women I've ever known (whether she meant to be or not) and we spent a good part of our time together as family laughing about funny things she would say. She always really enjoyed the attention.

Maw Maw was also a fabulous cook and I called her often to ask for recipes and cooking tips. About 5 years ago she sent me all of her most used recipes in their original forms- 40 yr old newspaper clippings, splattered note cards and yellowed pages right out of old cookbooks. These are the most treasured items I received from her. She told me that she knew I would use them and it means so much to me to know that I'm able to carry on her legacy by cooking all the things that she so lovingly prepared herself.

She was something special.

I love you, Maw Maw! You will be missed.

Living Traditions '09

2009-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Today we went to the Living Traditions festival in downtown Salt Lake. It's a festival that showcases dozens of cultures- the food, the crafts, the performing arts. We love it and have gone every year for the past five years. There is just something about it that marks the permanence of warm weather. No more snow. No more back and forth weather. Just sunshine and warm weather for the next few months. Gotta love that.

Anyway, this year was great as always. As soon as we got there we made a beeline for the food stands. We bought the boys some fried spring rolls from the Thai stand to hold them over while we looked around. When it was all said and done we hit the Thai stand, the Tahitian stand, the Vietnamese stand, the Swiss stand, the Bolivian stand, the Pakistani stand and the Hawaiian stand. We took our food and sat under a tree by the south stage to watch the Hawaiian dancing. Great performance although the drunk guy that hung out in front of the stage facing the crowd and dancing was a bit distracting. Was pretty funny, though.

After that we went over to the kids area and found that they were doing a demonstration of Brazilian Copeira, which is like a type of dance that incorporates gymnastics and some fighting moves. It's really cool. The kids were all invited to learn a couple moves. Here's Coleman trying out what he learned.

I don't have pictures of Cooper but he loved it even more than Coleman! We are even thinking about finding lessons for him.

After the festival, we went to Lollicup and had some bubble smoothies and then to the Asian store before heading home. Great day and lots of fun family togetherness!

Happy Birthday, Coleman!

2009-03-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Coleman is 7 and I don't know where the years have gone! He has grown into a terrific kid. Such a sweet boy, always looking to make a new friend, a terrific big brother and can often be found trying to comfort Cooper when he's upset and just an all-around sweetheart. I don't think this kid has a bad bone in his body! (Of course, I say this as his mother but others will agree with me!) Today, he asked me if I'm going to miss him when he's grown up and I told him, "So much my heart will hurt, bud." He seemed satisfied with that answer. I tell you, there's not a day that goes by that he doesn't remind me why I love him so much! Happy Birthday, Coleman!

Newborn

One year old

Two years old

Three years old

Four years old

Five years old

Six years old

And now he's seven!!!

Coleman celebrated his 7th birthday at Build-a-Bear this year and he had such a blast with his cousins and friends. I thought I'd post some pics of all the fun.

The party leader, Kylee, was cute as a button and really fun.

Got their bears all picked out!

Everybody hold your hearts up high!

A pic of everybody there.

Almost everybody, had to get Jenny, La, and Talon in another picture.

All done! A picture with their new friends! Check out Cooper's face.

A close-up. He was sad because he just got in trouble for biting Coleman. Guess Cooper was a little jealous of all the attention the birthday boy was getting.

The birthday cake. He was so excited that he got to eat the bear.

Every night since the party Coleman has thanked Heavenly Father for it in his prayers. And he says he wants to have his party there again next year. I'm so glad he had fun. He really deserved a special day just for him. I love you, Coleman!

10 Memorable Things About our Trip to So.Cal.

2009-03-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

1. I realized after a day at Newport Beach that I am not always tuned in to my mommy radar. My instincts can be downright off! How did I realize this you ask? Because Cooper looked like this for the next 3 days.
I was sure that everyone at Disneyland must have thought he was there because of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. "Look at that little boy with the nasty skin disorder." I now know to apply sunscreen over his whole face not just his nose and cheeks like most of us with normal skin tones. Good news is that it never seemed to bother him. He was a bit annoyed that I applied sunscreen every 2 hours the rest of the trip, though.

2. Coleman is all talk when it comes to roller coasters. He talked for weeks about how excited he was for all the roller coasters but when I asked him to ride with me, he mostly refused. Even on the ones he did ride, he was scared to death the whole ride and only after the ride was over would he talk about how awesome it was. Funny kid.

3. It pays to talk to the locals. Will stopped a guy on the beach to ask him where some good seafood places were and it led us to food like this-

and this-

at The Crab Cooker in Newport Beach. (We ordered pretty much everything on the menu- salmon, scallops, shrimp, crab, raw oysters and clams. We were determined to eat all the seafood we could find since it's hard to find fresh seafood in Utah.) Jay (that's our new friend's name) also led us to our new favorite sushi place called Tommy's in Tustin, CA. I had the poke bowl and it was awesome. I would go back to CA just to get one of those. And Jay gave us his phone # and told us we could call him for recommendations any time we're in town. Nice guy!

4. Seth and Charya! Old friends of ours were visiting So. California (they now live in D.C.) at the same time we were. What a nice coincidence! We were able to get together with them for a couple of meals while we were there. It's always fun to see them. They are that couple that when we all get together, there is tons of laughter. And I mean like the kind of laughing that makes your belly hurt. So much fun!

5. Overall, we had great weather while at Disneyland but the 3rd day it just wouldn't stop raining! It rained pretty much all day long and even poured in spells. We were not letting anything get in our way of having fun, though. And that day turned out being the day we had the most fun. Soggy shoes and all! We kept telling the boys that it was an adventure to be out in the rain. And, believe me, it was!

6. The only time we weren't having fun was when Coleman would get one of his roaring headaches. Twice we ended up at the First Aid building in Disneyland so Coleman could get some Tylenol and lay down. That's gotta be a bad headache if you want to lay down while at Disneyland. He was such a trooper, though. And once his medicine would kick in, he was back to having fun. Here's a snapshot I took while he was resting. Poor guy!

I have to say that the nurses there were really fantastic. It was so great that he could find a quiet spot to rest there. They were really accommodating and sweet to him.

7. The very first ride that we went on was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. To our surprise, Cooper was big enough to ride so we all went on. That was probably a huge mistake on our part because Cooper refused to ride pretty much everything else after that. Note to self: next time start with It's a Small World.

8. Perks! Before we left, I found out that since we have a Disney Rewards Visa card we would have some perks while at the park. Free stroller rental, cardholders only character meet 'n' greets, discounts and Disney dollars to spend. May not sound like much but after paying $6 for a corn dog, you really start to appreciate the freebies. Oh, and another perk- the guest assistance pass. We told guest services that Coleman can get a bit over-stimulated and may need a quiet place to wait for rides. They handed over a pass that allowed us to go in through the exits on many rides and get right on! Sweet! Although, I have to say we didn't really need to use it that often. The lines were short already so we didn't want to use it unless we really needed to. But it was nice to have and we did use it a few times in Fantasyland. The lines are always long for Peter Pan.

9. I got to run twice in the early mornings while we were there. It was so fun. Maybe the most fun I had on the trip. There is just something invigorating about running in new towns. It's such a fun way to explore.

10. Coleman and Cooper crack me up in pictures. Coleman always does some sort of weird forced smile, if you even want to call it that. And Cooper always makes faces and overposes. Let's see how many pics I can find from our trip to support this.

I wonder where they get it from...I saw children everywhere that knew just how to pose for pictures. Their mom would say "Smile!" and they would smile and the camera would flash, their sweet little faces saved digitally perfect and scrapbook worthy. Not so much when I take a picture. But I have to say I love the things about our family that makes us unique, bad pictures and all. And who likes to scrapbook, anyway?!

So, that's our vacation in a nutshell. Can't wait to go back!

Ready to go!

2009-02-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

Life has a way of stressing us out, doesn't it? Just when things start running smoothly, a wrench gets thrown in, right?! I guess you've got to know the bad in order to appreciate the good sometimes and I am thrilled that it's my turn to appreciate the good! Yes, I'm leaving all my cares behind and headed to Disneyland, the happiest place on earth! I've spent hours upon hours scouting hotels, reading up on the best time to visit, scouring through hundreds of pictures of the park food and I even found a run route for early mornings around the park (see below)! I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. There's just something about Disney. Call me a nerd but I'd say that I'm as excited (or more excited) than the kiddos. Although I have to admit that a large part of the excitement now is because it's so fun to see the boys enjoy themselves. So, anyway, here we go!
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/ca/anaheim/525190721667"&amp;amp;gt;Disneyland Loop&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-states/ca/anaheim"&amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Anaheim, California&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

25 Random Things About Me

2009-02-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

Not sure if I can think of more after doing 100 things about this time last year but I'll give it a shot. I'm feeling pretty random tonight.

My big "diamond" in my ring is actually a CZ. Will always said we'd change it someday but I wouldn't change a thing. Reminds me of where we came from... We just really wanted to be married, money or not. I still feel like the luckiest woman alive.
I'm super competitive. Even went as far as mooning Will once after he beat me in tennis. Not really proud of that one.
I still have the ponytail that I cut off recently. Not really sure why. Just having a hard time letting go.
I love going to the dentist because they've always said such nice things about my teeth.
My oldest is constantly having to translate what my youngest is saying to me. "Coleman, what did Cooper say?" "He said he wants watch Spiderman." "Ohhhh. Ok."
I've got something called Neurally Mediated Hypotension. In a nutshell, low blood pressure that just wears me out sometimes. This last month has been...ugh, exhausting!
I drink 8 glasses of water everyday without fail.
I deal with stress 3 ways: run, eat or shop. And lately shopping's been my only option. Sorry, honey!
I love the fact that Cooper is in preK now and I get 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted "me" time every Tues. and Thurs. morning.
I really want to do foster care someday.
I cry or well-up at pretty much every live performance I see- the choir on Sunday (thank you Cami!), the Lion King show at Disney World, Coleman's singing time at school. Doesn't matter what it is. I'm just a mess. And I'm not even musically inclined. Live music just touches me for whatever reason.
I want to publish a cookbook someday or own a candy shop. Either of those would allow me to wear a cute apron around all day, right?
I am a low-maintenance gal. In fact, I hardly remember to cut my nails, much less paint them.
My hands are always cold. In the winter, I drive with one hand on the wheel and the other under my leg. When that one gets cold, I switch. And so it goes until I get to where I'm going.
I thought Yes Man was a really funny movie. I never like the movies that win all the awards... Call me simple.
I really need to do some sit-ups.
I honestly tried doing the Roger Rabbit the other day in front of the mirror and I can't remember how to do it.
I'm doing a Biggest Loser challenge. Was in 1st place last week. 4th place this week. Goes 'til the end of March.
I make the exact same things to eat every Sunday. Turkey sausage, scrambled eggs, grits and toast for breakfast and blackened salmon, rice pilaf and a green salad for dinner. Then chocolate chip cookies while watching the latest America's Funniest Home Videos. Every Sunday. It's tradition.
I hardly ever answer the phone when it rings.
I can't wait for spring! Darn you, Punxsutawney Phil! I've had enough of the cold.
I love tax returns. This year, we are using part of it to buy Will some decent eyesight. He's really stoked about it.
I found a gray hair in my eyebrow the other day (of all places.) First one. Gettin' old, gettin' old.
This is my 172nd blog post.
I'm a total night owl that needs to get up early so that usually means I don't get nearly enough sleep. Speaking of sleep... Nitey-nite!

Because a goal not written down is only a good idea.

2009-01-01T13:37:00.000-08:00

Now that all the Christmas craziness is behind me (thank goodness!), it's that time of year to focus in on all the goals I'd like to set for myself this year. So, here's my top ten goals of 2009-

Run a 5k in less than 24 minutes. Current PR is 25:47.
Start running longer distances (5+ miles) at least once a week.
Play in a local mixed doubles tennis tournament with Will.
Learn how to swim, like really swim- backstroke, breaststroke, etc.
Save at least $500/month. (<---Will really likes this one.)
Lose 10 lbs (or more) and keep it off!
Refinish the 2 old dressers that are collecting dust in the garage.
Reorganize and redecorate the loft upstairs.
Spend more time working with Coleman on reading and helping Cooper with his speech.
Read more books. Not to the boys. I read plenty of those. I mean actual grown-up best-seller list books. Then maybe I won't feel like I'm getting dumber with each passing year.

So, that's a pretty good list for now. Would be a great feeling if I could come back and look at this post next year with all these things under my belt. Happy 2009!

Coleman's Christmas Singing Time 2008

2008-12-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Cameron's and Mrs. Flethcher's classes teamed up for the singing time this month. It was great to see Coleman having so much fun. He really loves to dance! Here are just a few clips of all the fun. Enjoy!

This picture makes me laugh.

2008-12-05T07:39:00.000-08:00

I've got this on my computer as my desktop background. I'd be lying if I said I don't feel like this every once in a while. :)

Chef of the Day!

2008-12-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to a couple emails congratulating me on being Chef of the Day on Recipezaar's website. "Huh?" I thought. So, I went to the site and look who's mug I saw on the front page. Hilarious! Maybe now someone will try the recipes I posted!

Tomorrow's Turkey Day!

2008-11-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and this will have to be my last thankful post (and probably my last post for a while! I need a blogging hiatus.) Anyway, between the sleep-inducing tryptophan, uninhibited face-stuffing and giddy excitement of upcoming Black Friday sales I'm pretty sure I won't be on the computer tomorrow. Can't wait!

Friends and neighbors: me (sorry, no makeup!) Sandra, Amy, Jenn, and Tiffany

So, last but certainly not least, today I want to give thanks for my friends. I've never been the type of girl who has needed to have lots of friends. A couple close friends at any one time suits me well. However, as I look back on my life I realize that I've been blessed with dozens of close friends that have each been in my life at one point or another, right when I needed them. So thanks so much to all my friends! Life is so much better when you have friends to share it with! Happy Thanksgiving!

"I count myself in nothing else so happy

As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends."

- William Shakespeare

An attitude of gratitude.

2008-11-24T22:13:00.001-08:00

Tonight, as the computer was scrolling through our pictures on our screensaver, I saw a picture of a sunset that I took in Cambria this summer and I realized something- that picture in no way embodies what that moment was like. At that moment I was breathless because of the majesty of the earth. It was one of those moments when you realize that you are but a blip on the radar. I felt humbled. There is a reason why a picture never does a moment like that justice. It's because it's not just about what you saw. It's about how you felt. So, today I'm thankful for the beauty of the earth and I vow to find more moments to appreciate it.

3 days until Thanksgiving!

2008-11-24T21:20:00.000-08:00

And I'm thankful for the United Way. Ok, this probably wouldn't be high on my list most years but I really wanted to post about the service opportunity we had the other day. A couple of weeks ago I went to a conference for parents with kids with Special Needs. United Way had a booth there and after talking with their representative I asked them if they ever had volunteer opportunities that involve the whole family. (Will and I have always said that we wanted to start volunteering at least once a month once the boys were old enough to.) To my delight, she said that they actually had a Family Volunteer Day coming up the next weekend and even the 3 yr old could help out. Yay! That's just what we were looking for. Upon returning home, I told Will about it and found out that the Michigan/Ohio State game was at the same time! Bummer! But wait! (This will blow your mind!) Will, knowing that the game probably wouldn't go well, welcomed the diversion! This was shocking to me because he says that he hasn't missed a Michigan/Ohio State game since 1985 (and I believe it!) But he knew this would be great way to teach the boys some important lessons.

So, this past Saturday morning we woke the boys up early and headed to the food bank in Provo to receive our assignment. They gave us directions and we promptly headed to Hoofbeats for Healing, a therapeutic horseback riding arena in Spanish Fork. The boys were surprisingly excited to help. We spent the morning cleaning out storage trailers and shoveling and leveling out dirt in front of their indoor facilities. We really did have fun and the boys learned that helping others can make you happy. Great experience and we plan on having many more like it. Here's a few pics from that morning.

Will shoveling dirt. I was too but I stopped to take this picture. No lie!

The boys raking out the dirt to make it level. Well, let's just say they gave it their best shot. What more could I ask?

And here's Cooper hard at work. He was so cute just following everyone elses lead.

Coleman and Cooper both worked really hard picking big rocks out of the dirt and tossing them aside.

Great job, guys! Let's go check the website for another service project!

I'm thankful for the little things!

2008-11-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

10 little things I'm thankful for:

Spanx.
Towels right out of the dryer.
When husband does the dishes.
The popcorn setting on the microwave.
Clorox wipes. (I love bleach!)
Clearance sales.
Hoodies.
A good laugh.
TiVo.
Online shopping.

5 days until Thanksgiving

2008-11-22T20:47:00.001-08:00

And I'm thankful for the fine arts! Here's Cooper's latest contemporary dance number. He was very serious about this performance. He kept chasing Coleman out of the room because he was laughing at him. You may not catch it but in the middle of his dance Will says, "There's a lot of expression in this piece." Misunderstanding what his Dad said, Cooper proceeds to pretend to brush his teeth.

Thnx fr th Mmrs

2008-11-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

I'm so thankful to my parents for lots of reasons. One of those reasons is because they gave me 4 amazing siblings. The kind that love unconditionally and laugh hysterically at all the same nonsense. We know each other in a way that is really rare. An understanding meant only for siblings. I love that we are all so different. It makes our family so fun and interesting! Another reason I'm thankful for my parents is because they worked so hard to make my childhood special with lots of fun traditions and lots of family togetherness. This post is dedicated to my Mom and Dad, my 3 sisters and 1 Barbie-playin' brother! Love you guys! Happy Thanksgiving!

That was then:

This is now:

Chad and I dancing with Beeper at the children's museum. Chad's an awesome dancer, obviously.

Celeste, Briana, and me at a baseball game in West Virginia.

At Dad's wedding last summer. A rare photo of all of us together.

Today, I'm thankful that I'm so easily amused!

2008-11-20T16:12:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

What do I have to be thankful for? Everything!

2008-11-19T21:14:00.000-08:00

And I'm thankful that this collection of photos is now a book, DVD, and CD just in time for Christmas! Enjoy!

Today, I'm thankful...

2008-11-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

...for my health! Will and I just watched Biggest Loser and while I really enjoy the competition aspect of the show I think what is most striking to me is watching people begin to believe in themselves again (or sometimes for the first time ever!) People let themselves get so downtrodden and beat down by life that they just stop caring for themselves. In a sense, they stop living. I know what it's like. I've been there. You see, after Cooper was born I found myself terribly overweight with debilitating post-partum depression. Coleman was handed an autism diagnosis at right around the same time and I was lost. I was plagued by nightmares every night and I knew that something had to change. The stress was getting to be more than I could bear. Here's a pic of my mom and I around that time (Nov. 2005.)

Oh man. I honestly remember that day so clearly. I wore a girdle under that sweater just trying to suck it all in. Wow. Anyway, I finally decided to start caring for myself so that I could care for my kids the way they needed to be cared for. We bought a treadmill and I started running. It became my stress release. The nightmares went away. My confidence came back. Even the autism didn't seem quite so scary!

Today, I'm still running at least 3-4 times a week. I don't run to get skinny. It's certainly not about fitting into a size 2. I run to survive another day. Well, that's a bit melodramatic but you get the point. I run to keep my mind clear, my body healthy and what I huge difference it's made in my quality of life. So, I can't help but feel blessed and thankful for my health this Thanksgiving. Who knows where I would be if I hadn't decided to start caring for myself a little.

11 Days and Counting

2008-11-17T22:50:00.000-08:00

I'm posting really late. It's almost midnight so I'll make it short. Okay, something that I'm thankful for. (thinking) Well, I'm thankful for my 700 TC down comforter and my big poofy pillow. I know it's lame. I'm sorry! I'm so tired it's the only thing I can think about! I'll think of something good tomorrow. Nitey-nite!

12 Days 'Til Thanksgiving

2008-11-16T17:36:00.000-08:00

Michigan's record is 3-8 this season and if you know my husband, you know that means some very contentious Saturdays at my house. So today, I'm thankful that football season is almost over! All I can say is- phew! It's about time! (By the way, Will says he's glad it's over, too.) Go blue! And please play better next year!

Countdown to Thanksgiving (cont.)...

2008-11-15T18:10:00.000-08:00

It's my 2nd consecutive Countdown to Thanksgiving blog post! And today, I'm feeling thankful for something that I'm not sure I could live without- Google! (These are in no specific order, by the way. Google is great but not necessarily a close second to my husband and kids, knowumsayin?) Anyway, I use it at least two dozen or more times a day. I am a Google dependent. Pretty sure that if I had to live without it people would ask what happened to me. "Alicia always seemed so creative and informed. What happened?" In reality, I don't think I've ever had an original thought pass through my head. Everything I do is some form of something that I saw on the net. I need a recipe- google it! What the heck is a fartlek? Google it! What time is the movie? Google it! Need ideas for a lesson handout? Google it! You get the idea. I'm not necessarily a bright lady but imagine how much dumber I would be without Google! Ever had to live even just a day or two without the internet and felt completely paralyzed? I have! It's so sad but true. What an amazing thing to have all this info right at our fingertips! Yay Google! Yay computer! Yay fartleks! (Google it.) ;)

Countdown to Thanksgiving...

2008-11-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

I was driving down the road yesterday and saw a house with all their Christmas decorations out. Come on, people! It's not even Thanksgiving yet! I mean, don't you think that's skipping ahead a bit? So, in order to give Thanksgiving the attention it rightly deserves, I've decided to do a blog countdown to Turkey Day. Everyday from today until Thanksgiving I'm going to post something that I'm thankful for. So, here goes!

Today's is a no-brainer. It's what I'm most thankful for- my 3 boys. My life would be much less exciting without these guys. What would I do with my time if I wasn't yelling at them to wipe the seat or to turn down the TV or eat their veggies? (And that's just Will!) Sure, maybe I would have a lot more sleep, a lot less wrinkles, and the pre-baby body back. And maybe I would've have finished college and gone on to be a famous book-writing psychologist and maybe I would be traveling the world right now and competing in ironman triathlons. And maybe, just maybe, I would be the first woman on the moon (has a woman done that yet?) Hmmm...Wait! What was I talking about again? Oh yeah! (So sorry. I lost my focus for a bit.) Anyway, what I was saying is that none of that would ever be worth not having the loving support of a sweet, hard-working husband or the treasured soft kisses from 2 beautiful sons that the Lord created just for me! I am so blessed this and every Thanksgiving if they were the only thing I had to be thankful for! I've learned to love in a way that no other people or things could have ever taught me. Thanks guys! MMMWAH!

Church Halloween party '08

2008-10-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to our ward's annual Halloween party. Needless to say, with Michigan losing a big rival game only moments before the party started, some of us were not in the greatest mood (...ahem, William) but I somehow still got him to dress up and go. What a good sport!

Will and I went as Napoleon Dynamite and Deb. We watched the movie the night before for a little inspiration. Here's our official picture pose that night.
Will was so good at keeping in character. Really funny stuff. Here he his doing his Happy Hands Club bit.

We were actually surprised at how few of the adults actually dressed up. Who says the kids get to have all the fun?

Speaking of kiddos, Coleman and Cooper got to pick what they wanted to be this year. Cooper wanted to be Iron Man which was a $20 costume at Kmart. Simple. But Coleman, bless his heart, was dead set on being a Cog, which are the bad guys from the Disney online game Toontown. And no, they do not make Cog costumes so I scrambled to find him a suit and warned him everyday that he'd have to wear make-up, which he was okay with once I told him it wasn't the kind that girls wear. I was so worried that he wouldn't like the feel of the make-up all over his face. But he surprised me and didn't complain a bit. He was so thrilled when he saw himself in the mirror. I caught him impersonating his favorite Cogs throughout the night. Just totally off in his own world, channeling the Cog energy. He's so funny. Here's a pic of the boys with Madi (she was Cinderella.) By the way, this was the only pic I got of Cooper with his mask on. I don't really blame him for not wearing it. I'm pretty sure he couldn't see a thing when he had it on.

And a pic with their next door bud, Colby.
We had dinner and then played some Halloween themed games with the kids. There was also a pumpkin carving contest that I somehow managed to win. That was the cherry on top for me. I was really surprised because it was such a simple design. Here 's a pic of me and Cooper with our winning pumpkin and our prize, a pumpkin pie and can of whipped cream. Yum! We still have trick-or-treating coming up this Friday and school parties that both boys are excited about so the fun's not over yet. Will is scheming a way to scare the kids that come to our doorstep to trick or treat so just a warning for the neighbors. ;)

Scarecrow Festival '08

2008-10-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we headed to the Scarecrow Festival again this year. We've gone every year for the past 4 years so it's kind of a tradition now.

The boys started out by playing several fun Halloween themed games. Here's Cooper cheating in the throw-the-spider-into-the-web game. He really wanted to make sure that it would stick.
Rather than tossing them, Coleman carefully placed the rings around these animals necks. I learned that my boys really like to play by their own set of rules.
Cooper looked SO uncomfortable when he and Will wheeled up after their turn on these pedal cars. I don't blame him for the grimace. Just look at that split!
After a ridiculously long wait in line, Coleman got freaked out by some backfire from the train. We were worried that he'd jump off the train before the ride even got started but he was fine after a couple minutes.
Here they are coming back from their trip around the fairgrounds. Hey, where's Coop?! We thought he had jumped off the train or something but he was just (not so cautiously) leaning over the side. He is always doing something crazy. Little monkey.
The boys were excited to ride the ponies at Farm Country even though they've ridden them many times before. Coleman chose the smallest one and I teased him that he was so big that the pony wouldn't be able to move. The look on his face told me that he actually believed me until the ride got started. Speaking of the look on his face, I have got to stop telling Coleman to say "Cheese!" because I always get this look--->
This pic was taken right before we left so I was lucky to get a good smile out of both of them. Had to get a pic of them with some scarecrows.

This is why I pay for school pictures.

2008-10-13T16:38:00.001-07:00

Because no other photo session can bring out this real kind of emotion. Can you say deer in headlights?

My Itty-Bitty Athletes.

2008-10-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

This past week brought a couple firsts. Cooper's first extra-curricular activity, itty-bitty football classes, and Coleman's first tae kwon do class. Cooper has taken to football like a fish to water. No surprises here. He's always been very coordinated and seems to take to sports just naturally. Here he is playing running back. Go Coops!

Coleman really seems to enjoy tae kwon do! I just love that he approaches everything he does with the pure intent of having fun. No competitiveness. No feeling silly or embarassed. He just goes for it. Makes me wish I were more like that. I continue to learn so much from him. Funny boy.

The Office season premiere is tonight!

2008-09-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

How about a game of murder checkers? Anyone?

Now that I'm a mommy...

2008-09-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

1. I know the meaning of the word "ouch." (Delivered rugrat #1 with no epidural. Ouch, indeed. Makes me ashamed that I ever used the term before.)
2. I only decorate with items that can't be broken.
3. I have a new appreciation for abstract art and I display it all over my fridge.
4. Exercise and "me time" have to go hand in hand because I have no time for both.
5. I learned I can take a punch to the face. Who knew?
6. I had to buy a steam cleaner.
7. I will sometimes stay up way past my bedtime no matter how tired I am because it's quiet! Ahhh, I love those nights.
8. I went from thinking that I'm a kind, patient person to thinking, "I've really got work on being more kind and patient."
9. I can ignore crying, whining, etc. for hours on end. Doesn't phase me one bit.
10. I get it! I get why everyone says, "It's the toughest job you'll ever love." Wouldn't change a thing about my life or my boys. Just to hear those little voices call me Mommy. What a blessing!

Dreyer's Ice Cream Social

2008-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

Back in April, I entered this contest that Dreyer's Ice Cream was holding. They were looking for neighborhoods deserving of a free ice cream party. I entered my 2 short paragraphs on a whim and didn't think much more about it. Lo and behold, a couple of months later they informed me that I had won a grand prize which was an ice cream party for me and all my neighbors, enough for 100 people! Cool! I never have won anything before and it was great that it was something I could share with all my neighbors! Here are a few pics from today's party.

My freezer in the garage was filled to the brim with ice cream! Here I am waiting for the party to start. My neighbor Sandra was so sweet and brought brownies because she really loves warm brownies with ice cream. Apparently, she's not the only one because they were gone quick! The neighbors hanging out in the front yard.
Cooper, Joshua, Kyle, Madi, Coleman and Nathan. The nametags had a spot to write your favorite flavor of ice cream and Coleman's said "french fry." Better get a patent on that one, bud!
Will fixing an ice cream cone for Spencer. We were trying to keep the ice cream out of the sun but it kept creeping back on us.

Some neighbors found a shady spot under our tree out front.

The whole party was really laid back and easy. I'm so glad that so many neighbors came. We really do have a great neighborhood! Many of us have become great friends over the last 3 years!

What great fun! And all because of 2 simple paragraphs. This is what I wrote-

Sandra came over yesterday to borrow my oven cleaner. She's looking for something to clean her iron with. That pesky build-up doesn't have a chance against her! And Madi, the sweet little girl across the street, called to see if she could come over and play with the boys. She was just a toddler when they moved in 3 years ago and my oldest, Coleman, was only 3 so they've now known each other for the better part of their little lives. Having moved 10 times in 5 years before settling here, we had no idea what we were missing out on. Neighbors can be a fantastic blessing!

You see, my husband and I are both Eastern transplants that ended up in Utah thousands of miles from our families. We've always made do, relying on our "tag-team" parenting efforts and never needed anyone's help. But what does a young mother do when she is as sick as a dog in bed with the flu and her husband has one of those "can't miss" days at work with no family close by? In my case, I called a friendly neighbor who gladly took my kids to her house so I could rest. That day, to me, was the day I learned how important it is to nourish relationships with our neighbors. It's been 2 years since then and there have been meals made and shared, birthdays remembered, tools borrowed, driveways shoveled, and plenty of shoulders to cry on when needed. It's no coincidence that we've moved into such a caring and charitable neighborhood at this time in our lives. We needed a family and we found family right out our front door!

Thanks to Dreyer's and all my wonderful neighbors!

6 quirks tag

2008-09-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

Cami tagged me, so here goes! Six quirky things about me.

I am a bit particular (some might say obsessive-compulsive) when I do the dishes, which is probably why I hate to do them! I basically wash them and then use the dishwasher to "sterilize" them. I always separate all the spoons, forks, and knives in the cutlery basket. Weird, I know.
I'm usually not a "gaming geek" but two nights ago I spent 2 hrs playing Disney's Toontown online. It was completely cathartic- earning jellybeans, fighting Cogs, completing Toon tasks- I loved it all! Ha!
I sometimes sing with the songs on my MP3 player while running on the treadmill. Pretty breathy and really terrible. What can I say?! There are some songs that just beg you to sing along! Will finds it pretty hilarious.
I check my weight every single morning and it can easily affect my mood, probably why I've been in such a bad mood lately...
I really dislike "parties" that aren't really parties at all. Just once I'd like to be invited to a real party just because someone likes me and not because they want me to buy Tupperware! (Sorry to anyone that's invited me to a "party." It's not you, it's me. It's just one of those Utah things I've never been able to get used to.)
I really, really love those cutesy style aprons like you find on Etsy. I wish I had a billion of them. They are so dang cute!

Ok. I tag Jenn, Jenny, and Jennifer!

A couple cute things...

2008-08-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

There are always these little moments when the boys do or say something funny and I think, "I need to write that down!" So, I'm going to finally write a couple of them down.

Today, the Young Women taught the children's primary classes at church. When I picked Coleman up the young woman who taught him, Summer, said "Coleman is so smart!" Of course, as his Mom I already know this but I asked her,"Did he answer some questions right?" She said she had asked him what he could do to help his Mommy at home and he said, "Clean up my toys." When asked if that would make his Mommy happy, he said yes then paused and said, "Umm, no, she would be surprised!" Yes I would!

Also, a couple of weeks ago, Coleman's little friend Madi was coming over and he was so excited to see her. He plays with her nearly everyday but for some reason this day was different. He thoughtfully dressed himself in some basketball shorts and a polo shirt and when the knock came at the door he quickly tucked in his (polo) shirt into his (basketball) shorts in order to look his best for Madi. It was so sweet! It was really just funny to see that he was aware that he needed to look his best in order to impress the fairer sex.

And today, Cooper and Coleman took turns performing song and dance numbers. Obviously inspired by Coleman's rousing performance of his original song "Ketchup," Cooper took the stage for his very own performance. We have no idea what he was singing (although I think I may have heard him say "hot dog" in there somewhere), but the dance was pretty impressive. His right leg was jerking like he was trying to shake something off of it and his arms wiggled all around. And at the end of every performance he'd always get down on one knee and gives the thumbs up with a huge smile on his face just waiting for the adoring fans (Will, Coleman and I) to applaud. Kudos, Cooper! I'll always be your biggest fan!

First things first for my first first-grader!

2008-08-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

Coleman started 1st grade and we are so thrilled about how his first week has gone! He loves school and is excited to get up and go every morning. I really was not looking forward to having to wake him up in the morning (he's a heavy sleeper) but he's gotten up every morning so far without any struggle! Yay!

He came home the first day and told me that he got lost after lunch and a girl with a brown shirt helped him find his class. "I think she was a third-grader," he said. And apparently he's been playing at recess with more than just his classmates. He comes home everyday and says that he played with "a boy with red hair" or "a boy with a blue shirt." I told him he needs to start asking them their names! :) It just didn't occur to him. My silly boy! I love that he is making new friends so quickly.

He's been learning a lot of new songs and he comes home everyday excited to share them with us. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for him! Here are some pictures from his first day.

Holding cookies for his bus driver and aide.

Running to the bus.

Sitting in the very back seat of the bus.

Getting off the bus after a full day of learnin'.

All smiles means he had a great day!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Cooper!

2008-08-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

What a joy it has been getting to know you better in this past year! Thank you for being a total Mama's boy! I don't know what I'd do without your daily hugs and kisses. And you've really grown into that little personality of yours! You are a total ham, always the center of attention and never afraid to have a little fun. Happy Birthday, Pumpkinhead!

Making Friends (some pics)

2008-08-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

My brother saw my last blog and decided to give me a sneak peek of some of the pics he took on Friday. My fave is the one on the swingset. There is just something so sweet about his face in that photo. Those are eyes that say "I am a Child of God," don't ya think?

Making Friends

2008-08-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Coleman's Uncle Chad came down on Friday to take pictures of him for the Friend magazine. For those who don't know, my brother is an editor at the Friend, which is an LDS magazine for children. There is a section in the magazine called Making Friends where they feature a different kid from around the world every month. So, sometime in late 2009 or early 2010 watch for it to feature Coleman! He was so excited to spend the day taking pictures and sharing things about himself for the article. We're hoping that his example will make every child with autism feel more "normal." After all, there's no such thing as disabled, only differently-abled! Thanks Chad for making that day so special for your special nephew!

Here's a couple pics of Uncle Chaddy earning his photo-journalist cred-

At the dinosour museum.

At Thanksgiving Point Gardens.

Can't wait to see what kind of pictures his camera took!

Top Ten

2008-08-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Inspired by a friend's recent blog, I thought I'd post a recent Top Ten list. So, here goes-

1. School is about to start and Coleman will be in school all day this year. Will was talking about how Coleman will be carrying his little lunch tray to his table at lunch time and I seriously about cried. (I'm teary-eyed right now just typing it out.) I just always have such a hard time letting him grow up! That being said, I do kinda look forward to having a bit more quiet around here during the day. The boys haven't learned a whole lot this summer but they both have PhDs in driving each other crazy! And me!

2. I bought fresh figs at Costco last week and they were not nearly as good as I remember them right off my granny's fig tree. But I did manage to make some pretty decent homemade fig newtons with them.

3. We went to a Salt Lake Bees baseball game last Friday night thanks to our friend, Jen, who won tickets off the radio and couldn't use them. We got free t-shirts and the boys got their names up on the jumbo-tron. We also got to lead the stadium in "Take me out to the ball game" during the 7th inning stretch with our section. Cooper's little mug was on the jumbo-tron for a moment. Really fun time! Here are a couple pics from the game.

4. Will and I have been playing tennis on the new courts behind our house at least twice a week. He's really competitive, as am I, so the games get pretty heated. Last night, one game went to 4 deuces! (Which means nothing to non-tennis players, so let's just say it was a close game.)

5. Cooper's birthday is next Sunday and I'm making him an Iron Man cake. I want to do something 3D but I'm having "cake block." Any ideas?

6. Cooper can finally say his P sounds and he uses it all the time because he found out that saying "Poo poo" always makes his big brother laugh. Boys...

7. Will has joined a gym in Orem called Throwdown Elite Training Center and if you know him, you've heard all about it! He is a bit obsessed with Mixed Martial Arts and has wanted to do something like this for a long time. So far he's done Muay Thai kickboxing, Jui-Jitsu, boxing and boot camp classes. He comes home exhausted and exhilirated. I'm really happy that he has found something that he can do just for himself. Even if he is a total nerd about it.

8. The boys and I are going on a picnic/adventure today. It will probably consist of eating PB&J and walking around the park looking at bugs. And maybe, no definitely, playing at the playground.

9. Tonight we are having true WV hot dogs for dinner 'cuz sometimes you just need a chili dog topped with slaw! Of course, we are having whole wheat buns, turkey franks, turkey chili and fat free mayo in the slaw because that's just how I do. My true West Virginian ancestors will be rolling over in their graves!

10. Cooper's wearing big boy undies for the first time today! Wish me luck!

Holy Toledo, Batman!

2008-08-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

I seriously have the creeps just thinking about what I'm about to post. This kind of thing just doesn't happen every day, though. So, it's totally blogworthy. Anyway, to the weak of heart- stop reading here. How about taking a look at this cute, little puppy?

Ok, for the rest of you- A neighborhood boy noticed a bat (!) in the corner of my porch by the top of the door. Just hanging there, sleeping. I was like, "Ok. I'm shutting the door now." Aagh!!! That is not cool! And, of course, Will is even more freaked out then me (so much for a macho bat-wrangling husband). He hasn't even looked at it. He's that scared! I made my neighbor, Jenn, take pictures of it because I didn't want to get too close. Now, tell me this doesn't make your skin crawl! Please let it be gone tomorrow morning!

See it in the corner?

Man, man, man!

Ok, I've got to go wash my hands or something. Blech! Maybe I just need to look at that sweet, adorable puppy again.

Ahhh, that's better!

8 Years Later...

2008-08-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

...and still going strong! What a journey it's been and I wouldn't want to have any other companion on this wild and crazy trip! Will has an amazing passion for life that has always inspired me. I've always felt that we were just meant to be together. We've got this cool sort of yin and yang thing. We manage to balance each other out so perfectly. And what can I say about our two biggest accomplishments- munchkin #1 and #2. They have blessed our marriage and have completed our family. I just love those moments when one of our kids are doing something super cute and Will and I glance up at each other. Our hearts connect in those moments. It's a beautiful thing to share that kind of love with someone and I don't take it for granted, not even for a moment. Thank you, William, for all the sweet-nothings and for leaving me twitterpated after all these years!

(Translation for Will- just so you really get what I'm saying, let me put it in terms you'll understand. You're a great teammate with a passion for the game. We've done a great job sticking to our game plan, even against some pretty tough competition. Our little rookies play bigger than their size and will always be our #1 draft picks. Thanks for 8 winning seasons! We're putting up big numbers! I love you!)

Do I make you hungry?

2008-07-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this because I thought it was so funny (and flattering!) that my friend, Jenn, devoted a whole post on her blog to the chocolate chip cookies I make every Sunday. Check it out by clicking here.

Humor me.

2008-07-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ok. I've been wanting to learn how to use the Windows Movie Maker, so I decided to use pictures and video from our recent trip to the zoo and tinker around with it. Here's what I came up with. Keep in mind, it's my first...

(FYI- You may want to turn off the media player on the right of the screen so you're not hearing two songs at once.)

A Supersized Slip 'n Slide!

2008-07-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, a friend of ours from church put on a slip n slide party at a local park. This was not your normal thin, plastic slip n slide. This thing was huge. She bought 3 old vinyl billboard signs from a local sign company who sells them for $25/each and lined them up going down a fairly steep hill. Then someone stood at the top of the hill with a garden hose and voila! you've got one GIANT slip n slide! Cool idea, right?

Coleman was excited to ride down but tentative. (Imagine that!) He didn't want to go alone so he rode down on either mine or his dad's lap each time. He actually required a little coaxing at the top of the slide every time he went down but once he got to the bottom he was ready to go again. So, we'd walk up, stand in line, sit at the top of the slide, he'd get stiff and scared, we'd grab him and come down and then start the whole cycle again. He's so funny. Here's some video of one of our trips down.

Cooper, on the other hand, hated the slide! And he's our adventurous one! He was content just sitting at the top of the hill watching everyone else have fun. Will snatched him up from his perch and brought him down a couple of times but it always ended in tears. Here he is after his final trip down.

It was really fun (for most of us) and we can't wait to go back again next year!

No lullabies required.

2008-07-13T23:30:00.000-07:00

Cooper gave up his afternoon naps probably 5-6 months ago. He sleeps plenty at night so it's usually not a problem. But, every once in awhile, he gets really tired and it always hits him right at dinner time. I'm convinced that he spends so much time running around that he doesn't even realize that he's tired until he sits down at the table to eat. And here's what happens.

Yup, that would be his head in his plate! I totally get that a full belly can make you want to take a nap (like after eating at Tucano's. Oh, the humanity!) but falling asleep on your plate is another level of tired. That's like "I-had-one-too-many" tired. But I promise there are no drunk babies here. Maybe I had better check the label on that strawberry lemonade again...

Last Sunday we caught him in the act. Every Sunday night, Cooper helps me make cookies but I wasn't sure he was going to be able to stay awake. Watch him fall asleep while eating salmon by the handfuls.

It's amazing how kids can fall asleep anywhere doing anything. I have Coleman on video when he was 2 sleeping standing up on two different occasions! Sleeping while standing! Now that's tired!

The mother lode.

2008-07-12T07:33:00.000-07:00

My mom left yesterday to go visit my brother in Roy. It was great having her here all the way from West Virginia. She stayed with us for about 4 weeks and it was fun for the boys to get to spend some time with their Nona.

We definitely used her for lots of free babysitting but I felt she needed to clock in some manual labor, too, so I made her help me put together the boys new swingset before we left for California. My mom and I are both very left-brained people. I knew she'd be a great wing man on this project and she was. Here are some action shots. By the way, you weren't supposed to smile in your picture mom. This is manly work. We needed to look fierce and focused (ie. my awesome screw-placing skills photo.)

The finished project. I just need to finish up the roof still. Will is going to put in some pre-washed pea gravel, too. It was a grueling couple of days that we worked on it. The first day was like from sun up to sun down. Mom was a trooper, though. The day after we finished Will and I took off on a relaxing trip to the beach but for Mom there was no rest for the weary. She had to watch the boys for 3 days. Sorry, Mom! But thank you! Funny story, Coleman's Sunday school teacher told him how cool she thought his new playset was and he apparently got very offended and told her, "It's not a playset. It's a park!" Indeed it is!

HoOt! hOoT!

2008-07-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last night, we went to an Orem Owlz baseball game. The Owlz are a single A professional baseball team that are pretty new to Utah County. We had a coupon for free admission so we decided to go check it out. We're not big baseball fans but thankfully you don't really need to be a fan to have a good time at the ballpark. The boys just figured out that you cheer when everybody else does and you occupy the rest of your time with one of the following: popcorn, hot dogs, ice cream, oh, and that giant playground where all of the kids in the stadium head when they get bored. To top off their night, Nona (my mom) bought the boys giant foam Owl claws at the souvenir shop. Great fun and I think we'll be going back again this summer. Here are some pics of the fun:
The boys with Hootz the Owl.
The smile I get when I tell him to say "Cheese!" That is some major cheese, Coops!
Coleman looking underwhelmed at all the excitement.
Cooper, Will, Coleman and Nona sitting in seats we didn't pay for. Shhh! We were supposed to be sitting in the General Admission area. Cooper having a baseball game standard- ice cream in a little baseball helmet.

Until next time, Owlz! Hoot, hoot!

A romantic weekend in Cambria, CA.

2008-06-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! Will and I just got back from a trip to Cambria, CA for my friend Amber's wedding. Let me just preface this post by mentioning that Will and I have not had a weekend away from the kids since, well, since we had kids. So, we have to thank Amber for that! Thanks, Amber!!!

The trip started with a long drive through the desert. Pretty much all day Saturday we spent driving. The drive wasn't really very scenic but that was ok because it gave Will and I a lot of time to talk. Also, I figured out that a really fun game to play in the car when you're bored is to just set the radio to scan and whenever the scanner hits a new song you have to dance to it (in your seat) how you think it would be danced on So You Think You Can Dance. Really quite entertaining! Will didn't really play because he was driving but I had fun.

We got into Cambria at about 7 o'clock California time and went out to eat a this local joint that smokes their chicken using redwood. That was kinda cool but the real gem there for Will and I was the grilled calamari steak sandwich. I've never had anything like it. In fact, it prompted me to get out my camera for the first time on this trip. Yum!

We spent a little time on the beach after dinner but it quickly got too cold and windy so we settled for listening to the waves crash from our motel room. Here's a pic of the motel.

Cambria is such a neat place because the whole village is just sort of nestled into the hills right by the beach. There are no commercial buildings just little local stores, family-owned motels and bed and breakfasts. No large chains. Just really quaint and RELAXING! I really could've stayed here forever!

On Sunday, I got up at about 6:30 am and took a jog by the beach (I couldn't resist.) I'm not sure if it was the sea-level elavation or just the scenery but I felt like I could have just kept running and running and running! It just felt so great. But I needed to get back to the motel so Will and I could get breakfast and get ready for the wedding. The ceremony was just beautiful. Amber looked amazing and everything just seemed to fit her to a tee. From the ceremony to the reception, it was all perfect. Here's some pics from the wedding and reception.

After the reception, Will and I spent the rest of the afternoon strolling along Main Street shopping in all the cute little shops. Later, we had dinner at a restaurant with an ocean view. I had this total California sandwich which was avocado, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and red onion on sourdough. Can't get that anywhere else!

We spent the rest of the evening on the beach, trying to take it all in before leaving bright and early Monday morning. Great trip! I'm ready to go back for more!

Fun at Heber Valley Camp!

2008-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, Will's sister, June, lucked into a reservation for one night at Heber Valley Camp (these reservations are usually made a year ahead of time and are hard to come by.) When she called us to see if we'd like to go up, we weren't sure we wanted to go. The whole camping thing really isn't our cup of tea (see last post) but we love to do anything with family and we would be sleeping in cabins after all, so we decided to go.

Heber Valley Camp is an LDS church-owned camp that is used mainly for girls camps but lots of families make reservations for family reunions and things like that. It is huge and has several different campsites. We were in Reeder #4, which consisted of 4 cabins that can sleep 16 people each. In the middle of the campsite there was a kitchen pavilion which included gas stoves and a refrigerator and a huge firepit. It was really nice! Not at all what I usually think of when I think of camping.

Each cabin has wooden bunks and whoever stays is required to bring a mat or pad and sleeping bags, etc. We took this huge bean bag that we have that folds out into a king-size mattress so instead of a bunk we just plopped our bed on a tarp in the middle of the floor. We don't have sleeping bags or camping mats so that worked out great for us.

When we arrived at camp on Friday evening, we were last to arrive so we had just enough time to unpack and then headed straight over to the waterfront area for paddleboats and canoeing. We spent about an hour on the water and were able to spend some time in a paddleboat and then the rest of the time in a canoe. Great full-body workout! My quads were burning on that paddleboat!
We spent the rest of the evening making up for lost calories by eating way too much food and acting silly with the nieces and nephews (hence the Kid 'n Play moves.)

I think we may try out for So You Think You Can Dance next year. Will says we need some practice but I say it's perfect! Let's take it on the road!

While the boys watched Toy Story on the portable DVD player, Will and I stuck by the campfire with a few others. We finally all got to bed at around 10:30-11:00. The next morning we woke up to this-SNOW! Yes, Snow! In June!!! Crazy, right!? It was really unexpected and great fun for the kids to see it snow this late in the season. Once everyone was up, we had a big breakfast of eggs, hash browns, sausage, pancakes and lots of hot cocoa and then packed up and headed home. Coleman's first t-ball game was at noon and we didn't want to miss it. And we didn't really want to hang out in the snow!

All in all, great fun! Looks like for non-campers we sure are getting in a lot of camping lately!

A "campout" for non-campers.

2008-06-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Our church sponsored a father/son campout a couple of weekends ago. Sounds like fun, right?! Well, Will is NOT a camper and even though he had intended to go, at the last minute he decided it wasn't for him. However, in the spirit of being one with nature, we decided to have our own "campout" at a nearby park. Our campout was essentially just a cook-out but the boys were so excited to be camping that we let them believe that's what camping is. (Who wouldn't want to go camping if it means eating hot dogs and s'mores and then going home to sleep in a nice cozy bed?!)

I have to admit that I was a little worried that Will wouldn't be able to start a fire. He's never been a boy scout and if you consider the friends he hung out with as a kid, the closest he's ever been to fire was probably first-degree arson. But he surprised me! I guess he did a little homework and asked his co-worker how to build a fire. He built the little firewood stack and voila, fire!
I was impressed! I was prepared to be eating cold hot dogs and stiff s'mores but ol' hubby is more manly than I thought! The boys were very meticulous when it came to finding wood to feed the fire. They loved impressing their Dad with their finds. Here they are looking for the perfect sticks.
Cooper found one!
The fire was blazing and Coleman was convinced that he needed to stand on the picnic table while roasting his marshmallows in order to keep safe. That child is quirky!

Here are a couple cute shots of Super Cooper-

The boys had so much fun that we are planning to do this again and again this summer. Who knows, maybe Will will be one of those Grizzly Adams types by next years father/son campout?! Ha!

My brother must've been bored...

2008-05-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

...but this is cool! And it has almost 100,000 hits on YouTube. Watch this little video that my brother, ChaddyMac, made to amuse his boys (and himself.) Have fun, go mad!

A fun run!

2008-05-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

You know that 5k that Will and I have been stressing about for the past couple of months? (If not, you can visit the site I set up for it by clicking on the link at the left of this page <---.) Anyway, Will and I have participated in this run the past couple of years as runners. Last year the run was a bit unorganized. In fact, the race was actually only 2.5 miles instead of 3.1. Crazy, right? (And I only found that out after I had thought I had beat my best time by like 4 minutes! I was so disappointed!) Also, it was always such a small event with about 15-20 runners at most. So, Will and I decided that we would take over the race this year and do it up right! Like a real charity event!

So, fast forward to this year. We got sponsors, volunteers, a great race route, t-shirts, medals and raffle prizes. We ended up recruiting over 100 runners and raising $1500 for Primary Children's Medical Center in SLC. A great success!

And I received this in my email inbox the day after the race-

"I just have to tell you. Your race was my fourth 5k I've ran this year and it was by far the most organized and put together.(...)You guys did a GREAT job getting it all together and I know it was a lot of work and it turned out beautiful.

Thank you so much I had a great time. -Annie Johnson"

That was from our overall female winner, an obviously very experienced runner. It was such a great feeling getting that nod from her. It makes me feel like we are on the right track and that perhaps we've found our nitch. Will really put his heart and soul into this race. I'm so proud of his effort.

And to top it off, I got 2nd place in my age category and got a medal of my own! (Which makes me feel better about having to move up an age category this year. I was in the 30-39 age group. Whoa!)

Here are some pics of the event:
Before the race-

The finish line chute-

Will writing down bib numbers at the finish line.

We've decided to continue to put together an event like this every year for charity, no matter where we're at. It was such a rewarding experience. Thanks again to all those that supported the race!

Check out this Before and After!

2008-04-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

Most people don't know this but I am actually pretty handy with a hammer and nail! Really! The neighbors call to borrow tools from me not Will. Just call me Bob Vila! I started out with a big idea for the wasted space in our family room. I just wanted to get rid of the desk and create a bit more of a streamlined space SO I created a plan for a built-in desk. I did have a little help here and there. (No thanks to my husband, who is the opposite of handy, but big kudos to Gary and Ty!) But this project was MY baby from start to finish! What do you think?

Here's an old pic of the cluttered workspace and before any work started. Just a big cork board and the desk covering the window.

This is mid-construction.

And the finished project! My pride and joy! And my family room feels twice as big! (Click on it to see more detail.)

Spring Break Takes the Cake!

2008-04-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well, as most of you know, Will has been gone all week interviewing for 3 jobs in S. Carolina. So, that leaves me here with the boys on Spring Break. I thought we'd have a pretty boring week but it's been anything but! There have definitely been times when I've thought to myself, "How do single mothers do it?!" But generally we've been having a good time and getting in lots of quality mommy/son time.

See Jenn's page for their first experience with the ice cream truck yesterday. They were so excited. I mean, how often does the ice cream come to you, right?! What a thrill! Here's an extra little bit of info- before Coleman got a bite of his popsicle he somehow got it stuck to his lip. He proceeded to rip it off and start eating. I didn't think anything of it until Jenn asked me why there was blood all over his popsicle. His lip was bleeding pretty freely in 2 places! And he was totally oblivious to it. That had to hurt. He is one tough kiddo sometimes. He just kept eating! It reminded me of the time that he got staples in his head and didn't even flinch. The doctor spent like 10 minutes telling me how much it hurt and then when she did it, not a peep! She put in 3! Yet for some reason this same kid will howl like a coyote after barely bumping his elbow on the dining room table. Crazy kid.

We also went to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point this week. I thought it would be a good time to go since Will's gone and it's so dang expensive. All in all, I thought it was a pretty cool museum. Coleman oohed and aahed at every little fossil. And Cooper followed big brother around imitating oohs and aahs, very cute. They really enjoyed the hands on exhibits and didn't want to leave when it was time to go. Afterwards, we went to IKEA and had dinner and did a little shopping.

It's been a great week but we are definitely ready for Papa's return tomorrow! The boys have already begun making their "Welcome home!" poster to hold up at the airport.

Karate Kid!

2008-04-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

Coleman's been saying for weeks that he wants to take karate lessons and every time he mentions it I look at the online registration at the local community center and the class is already full so I tell him I'll look again the next month. This has happened at least 3 times and every time it bums him out. I was hoping to find another class for him and as luck would have it, a karate studio has recently opened close by. We gave them a call and they were able to fit Coleman right in! He was so excited to (finally) get to realize his dream of learning how to "beat up bad guys!"

I was worried that he might have trouble focusing during the lesson but he did great! A little issue with eye contact but not too bad. His Mr. Miyagi (J.D.) was really great with him, too. Really positive and supportive. I think this is going to be really good for Coleman! Wax-on, Wax-off, my son...

Coleman's got talent!

2008-04-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Coleman's kindergarten class had a talent show today! He was so excited to participate. Last night, we sat on the computer together and picked out his 3 favorite knock-knock jokes. He practiced them a couple of times and by this morning he had them memorized. He got a little bit of stage fright when it came time to perform so Will helped him a bit (ok, a lot) and Coleman held the paper that the jokes were written on pretending to read them. I thought he did a bang-up job! See for yourself!

Here's the jokes, since he's kinda hard to hear:
Knock. Knock. (Who's there?) Dewey. (Dewey who?) Dewey have to go to school today?
Knock. Knock. (Who's there?) Boo. (Boo who?) Don't cry. It's only a joke.
and Coleman's favorite- Knock. Knock. (Who's there?) Cargo. (Cargo who?) Cargo beep! beep!

His classmates were all very supportive. Such a good experience for him!

Our Top 10 Easter '08 Memories

2008-03-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

10. Coleman and Cooper got to participate in three Easter egg hunts this year. One church egg hunt, one neighborhood party and one with family. That's close to 40 candy filled eggs for each boy! Kinda makes your sweet tooth ache, doesn't it?

9. We colored easter eggs for Family Home Evening the Monday before Easter. The boys got a big kick out of "coloring" the egg with the invisible crayon and then dipping it to see what they drew.

8. On the way to Easter egg hunt #1, I got a flat tire only to be scooped up by a sweet neighbor. When asked if I needed a ride home, I told her no because Will was supposed to meet me at the park after his Praxis test at BYU. Well, Will's test ran long and he didn't show so I ended up walking 1/2 a mile home in the freezing weather with Cooper in my arms and Coleman dragging along behind me. I made it as fun as I could by racing the boys and singing songs but it was pretty miserable. Here's a video from before the long walk home-

7. Easter Sunday fell on a Stake Conference day and in our book that means NO CHURCH! I know that's so bad! Even non-religious types go to church on Easter Sunday, right?! Well, hopefully we didn't miss out on too many blessings by playing hooky...

6. We had dinner at June's (Will's sister's) house. That means great food and lots of it. Also, the boys were completely occupied by other kids and we actually got in some adult conversation. There was much to do about Obama's pastor. Any opinions?

5. I usually allow myself one Cadbury creme egg as a special treat every Easter. (I know they are sickeningly sweet, but I love them!) This year I think I allowed myself 1/2 a dozen! Guess I can't have another until the year 2013! It's probably for the best.

4. On Easter Day (when we were supposed to be at church) I cleaned the entire upstairs of our house. Let me tell you, that's quite a feat. And I'm happy to say that it has stayed clean since! If only the Easter bunny could do windows...

3. Coleman did such a great job playing with all the other kids on Easter at June's house. Typically, when there are a lot of people around, he just sorta shuts down and tries to be alone (it's an autism/overstimulation thing) but this year he was right in the thick of things. We were so proud of him! There were a lot of kids there! See for yourself!2. The Easter bunny was very generous this year and got the boys some pretty cool stuff. Coleman's Test Tube Alien is a constant reminder of just how generous the Easter bunny is. It's sitting by the kitchen sink in all it's test tube glory. This thing is creepy and Coleman loves it! Cooper got some Spiderman body wash and since he loves anything Spiderman, he was more than thrilled.

1. The best part about Easter 2008 was not the candy or toys or the Easter egg hunts, it was all the quality time that our li'l family got to spend together. I'm cherishing every moment because I know they grow up fast and our lives will only get busier and busier. So Happy Belated Easter from our family to yours!

Coleman's Birthday Slideshow!

2008-03-16T16:08:00.001-07:00

My baby boy is 6! Coleman's birthday party was on Saturday but we had his birthday party on Friday hoping to beat the weekend crowds. We booked a party at Jump On It which is this neat place that has wall to wall trampolines and also an area with blow-ups, video games and some private decorated party rooms. My goal this year was to have his party somewhere other than my house so I wouldn't have to stress over cleaning, decorating, games and all the other stuff that comes with birthday parties. I stress enough over the cake (not too mention make a huge mess preparing it.) This year was the most stress free party yet and I think Coleman had more fun than ever. He had 7 cousins and 4 little friends (and parents, too) come to celebrate with him and he couldn't have been more pleased.

After an hour and a half of all the fun a kid can handle we all made our way to the party room to have cake and open presents. Coleman wanted an El Tigre themed cake. El Tigre is a new cartoon that plays on Nickelodeon. It's not very well known and it was near impossible to find toys for the cake but I finally found a set of McDonald's Happy Meal El Tigre toys on eBay. the cake was a fairly simple vanilla sheet cake filled with cookies and creme filling and frosted with chocolate fudge buttercream. The piece de resistance was the volcano that sat atop the cake. I formed it out of rice krispie treats and iced it with the same frosting as the cake, then I poured "molten lava" (tinted red icing) around the sides. At the time of presentation, I added a bit of dried ice and hot water inside the top of the volcano to give it that about-to-erupt cool factor. It was a total hit and my brother says I get an A+ for my science project! Thanks Chad!

Thanks for all who came and shared this party with us! It means so much to me to have so many people who love and care for Coleman. Truly.

And what a blessing he is to us. I mean how many people can say they have an actual super hero living with them! Thanks, Dr. Chalk, for always keeping us safe. We love you!

The goodie bags are ready...

2008-03-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

Coleman is turning 6 this Saturday and I just love my boys' birthdays! They are seriously my two favorite days of the year! Tonight I put together the goodie bags for Coleman's li'l guests. We've got something really exciting planned for his party and, of course, his cake. More to come later on those. Just thought I'd post a teaser. Happy *almost* birthday Coleman!

My 100

2008-02-10T15:08:00.000-08:00

1. I love tennis! Will play anytime, anywhere, with anybody.
2. I hate doing dishes and there are always dirty dishes in my sink. Always.
3. I miss being by my family in West Virginia but never want to live there again.
4. I love the smell of fresh cut grass.
5. I still don't know how to properly apply eyeshadow.
6. I constantly lose words and end up saying, "Ummm..." a lot in conversations. This drives me crazy! And probably everyone that I talk to.
7. I have "Flintstone" toes. They are all the same length.
8. I hate the snow.
9. My sweet little boys make me laugh all the time.
10. It really annoys me that my husband is so obsessed with football. I mean, it's just a game!
11. I can make a mean cupcake. My favorite is the strawberry cupcake with lemon cream cheese frosting and topped with a slice of strawberry and lemon zest. Oh, and there's the PB&J cupcake...
12. I miss eating sweets. It's been 13 days.
13. I don't believe that the number 13 is unlucky. I'm not superstitious and you'll never get one of those, "Send this to 7 people or else" kind-of emails from me.
14. I wash my hands way too much. Most of the time, my hands look like I just dipped them in flour.
15. I run to keep my sanity. Not sure if it's working.
16. It took me three tries to pass my driver's license test.
17. I love musicals but haven't seen one in years.
18. My parents took me to Disney World pretty much every year of my young life and now I love it probably more than my kids.
19. I love watching the Food Network especially when I'm dieting. It's like food porn and I'm an addict!
20. I'm really competitive.
21. My dad calls me "Leesh" with a thick hillbilly accent.
22. My middle name is Marie, named after Marie Osmond.
23. I've met Marie Osmond on a couple different occasions. She's really sweet.
24. I love celebrities but I do not envy them one bit.
25. I'm a happy girl.
26. I was president of the Environmental Action Club in high school long enough to get my picture taken for the yearbook.
27. I rarely go to bed before midnight.
28. I keep a daily food log. Have for the past 2 years.
29. I still can't believe that I have a little one with red hair.
30. My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate peanut butter.
31. My favorite color is pink most days. Sometimes it's blue.
32. I was a free spirit in high school and my hair has been every color under the sun.
33. I made a split second decision to get a tattoo when I was 21. I don't love it but I don't regret it.
34. I'd love to have my own cupcake shop.
35. I'm completely unorganized right now which is so unlike me.
36. I love my neighbors.
37. My favorite restaurant is Happy Sumo. I love sushi! It's my favorite food.
38. I hope they have good sushi in South Carolina.
39. The dentist says I need a crown on one of my teeth. Not good.
40. I love getting packages in the mail even if it's just something I ordered and knew was coming.
41. I absolutely hate scary movies and will not watch them.
42. I wake up in the middle of the night pretty much every night and cannot go back to sleep until I check on the boys.
43. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
44. I listen to my Norah Jones CD when I need to relax.
45. I've never been able to do a cartwheel. I'm pretty fantastic at somersaults, though.
46. I love watching Elvis movies and pretty much any old classic movie from the '50s or '60s.
47. I worked at Old Navy in Orlando one summer and I dressed up as the Old Navy dog for a celebrity all-star soccer game at Disney Wide World of Sports. Woof!
48. I love my hair down but it's pretty much always pulled back.
49. I very rarely make my bed in the morning.
50. I love my husband. No seven year itch here.
51. I've been told that I say, "Gee whiz!" whenever I'm annoyed.
52. My sister-in-law calls me Doris Day. I must've been born in the wrong era. I was totally supposed to be a mom in the '50s! Gee whiz!
53. I recently spent over $100 on a pair of running shoes. The best $100 I've spent in a long while.
54. I rarely spend $100 on anything.
55. I love bargain hunting at Ross. It's completely cathartic.
56. I had to look up cathartic in the dictionary to make sure I was using it right.
57. Did you know catharsis also means cleansing your bowels? That's weird.
58. That's not what I meant when I said shopping was cathartic.
59. I love pop music and will blast it in my MP3 player while I clean. It boosts my energy. My right now favorite is Move Your Feet by Junior Senior.
60. We have dance parties at my house all the time. The boys and I are always cutting a rug! I turn on the music and yell,"Verburg Dance party!" and we boogie. It's so fun to hear their giggles while we dance.
61. I'm a terrible dancer. Total white girl.
62. My favorite movie is The Notebook.
63. We have a standing kickboxing bag in our family room. I bought it for Will but I use it way more than he does.
64. I miss the sun. Can't wait for spring!
65. I've never scrapbooked.
66. I love that my husband is the only Valentine I've ever had. I had many boyfriends but never was with anyone on Valentine's until Will.
67. I am not a picky eater. I like pretty much everything.
68. I broke my big toe when I was a kid and my mom cut the toe out of my sneakers to make room for my big, bandaged toe.
69. I took dance lessons for 8 years between the ages of 2-10.
70. I still vividly remember one of my classmates puking next to me in 7th grade.
71. I really want to buy a bike, as in a bicycle not a Harley.
72. I'm not good at decorating and it gives me a headache to even think about it.
73. I still know all the words to Ice, Ice Baby.
74. Will and I are planning to go on a cruise for our 10th wedding anniversary in 2010.
75. I haven't been on an overnighter with Will and I alone since before Coleman was born.
76. I've had laser hair removal and I love it! I'm going back for more and more until I'm as hairless as a sphynx.
77. I love oatmeal for breakfast and eat in about 100 different ways.
78. I'm the only blonde out of all my siblings (3 sisters, 1 brother.)
79. I love long, hot bubble baths with no interruptions.
80. I predict that Will will buy me a another CD for Valentine's Day. Not sure which one though. Maybe the newish John Mayer CD.
81. I had my first kiss at 16.
82. My favorite days of the year are my kids birthdays.
83. My favorite day of the week is Friday.
84. My mailbox is falling apart and needs new screws. Has for the past 2 years.
85. I went on my first diet when I was just 11. I took my little baggy of Slimfast powder and thermos full of milk and that's what I had for lunch. That's really sad, right?
86. I can outrun my husband and I do outrun him in every 5k we enter. I love that! See #20.
87. I used to work as a paraeducator in a classroom with severe and profoundly disabled teens. That was a very rewarding job.
88. I wish I were lying on a beach somewhere right now.
89. I really like eating at diners. There's just something about it.
90. I have a rather extensive Hello Kitty collection. Dolls, bags, notepads, figurines, even Hello Kitty McDonald's toys from Thailand. Got those on eBay.
91. I hate to drive anywhere further than into town.
92. My favorite flowers are daisies.
93. My most favorite thing I've ever done on vacation is go whitewater rafting.
94. I love entering sweepstakes but have yet to win anything.
95. I love to sing along to Patsy Cline and Frank Sinatra songs. Again, so should've been around in the 1950s.
96. I have my own set of golf clubs and play with Will as often as he'll let me. I need to find a girlfriend who likes to play.
97. I got hit by a car when I was 5 yrs old. Don't worry. I'm okay.
98. I love to do something I call "Windows" shopping. It's where you shop online, put a bunch of stuff in your cart and then don't buy it. I don't know why but I do it all the time!
99. I cannot use forks with bent prongs. It's drives me crazy!
100. I'm making chicken enchiladas for dinner tonight. Better get started!

Sledding with the Myers

2008-02-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

What a fun day we had today! Jenn (Myers) and I were chatting on Friday about our plans for the next day. She mentioned that they were going to buy a sled and try out a hill in Eagle Mtn. that Gary had heard of. I said, "Sounds great! Count us in!" or something to that effect. (Thanks again, Jenn, for allowing me to invite us along on your family outing!)

Will had never been sledding before (being from S. Carolina and all) so it was a real adventure for us. If you know us at all, you probably know that we are not real keen on the whole "go-out-in-the-snow-and-freeze-your-buns-off thing" but it happened to be a beautiful, sunny day and luckily not too cold. A perfect winter day- if there is such a thing.

The men and children took to the hills quickly and must've gotten bored with the speed they were going because they decided to take it up a notch on the steeper hills. Here's Gary giving the ol' heave-ho to Will who is on the sled with Coleman and Madi.
And here's what happens next-

They nearly run over that kid and then swerve and plow over a tree! What were you thinking guys?! (Gary, next time, push a little harder. We were just inches from our first America's Funniest Home Videos entry! Geez!) I think that they hit the ramp partly, too. That video is just so close to something really exciting happening, isn't it?

Anyway, fun was had by all and here are a few pics to prove it!

The boys eating the snow.

Coleman and his Mommy. Say "Snowball!"

A family pic.

70/Sunny! Golf weather in SC!

2008-02-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Will is in South Carolina right now. He flew out on Friday to go to a couple of school district job fairs and a scheduled preliminary interview. He's finishing his post-master's administrative endorsement, which means he's in the process of moving from school counselor to school administrator. I'm really proud of how hard he's been working. He never complains and has never been afraid of hard work. Before he left we went to Mr. Mac and bought him his first "real" suit. He has another one but it looks like something the New Kids on the Block wore to the Grammy's in 1988. It's really that bad and not something I would ever let him wear in public. In fact, where is that suit? It's totally going to DI tomorrow.

Anyway, so he left to SC in his first suit on Friday and had his interviews yesterday. He called me afterwards to inform me that at the first school district he visited, the superintendent was LDS! What a coincidence! Needless to say, Will instantly had a connection with this superintendent and got the attention of a few of the administrators that were there just because he was chumming it up with the superintendent. Great job rubbing elbows, sweetheart!

At the next school district, where his interview was, he says that he was fully prepared and really aced his interview. The lady who interviewed him already mentioned a second interview!

So, nothing set in stone yet but things are looking good for a summer move cross-country. I'm already thinking of all the things we need to do to prepare the house to sell. (Getting ahead of myself a little here but I'm just so excited!) Just think, I could be playing tennis and golf year round! And not too mention the road races! Take me home, country roads!

2008 is gonna be great!

2008-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Inspired in part by Connie's New Year blog- I've decided to write down some goals for 2008. At church last Sunday, someone said that, "A goal not written down is only a good idea." So I want to make sure that these good ideas get put into action!

*Read the Book of Mormon in it's entirety.

*Start attending the temple regularly.

*Spend at least 20 min. each day helping Coleman with his reading.

*Spend at least 20 min. each day helping Cooper with his speech.

*Begin competing in local tennis tournaments.

*Beat my best time in a 5k. Right now my best is 25:47.

*Finally get that last pesky 10 lbs off and keep it off.

*Go on a date with my husband at least once a month.

I'm sure there are many more things that I can work on but that's good for now.

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley 1910-2008

2008-01-27T23:06:00.000-08:00

The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints died this evening and I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for his life of service. What a great example he was to so many people of love, selflessness, righteousness and faith. I really loved to listen to him speak. Just like most everyone else, it is sometimes hard for me to stay awake during Conference but I always perked up whenever he began to speak. He was always so upbeat and happy (and funny!) He will be missed by many. I'm so thankful for his legacy and all that he left behind. He will live on in so many stories he told, books he wrote and inspirational quotations that will be recalled Sunday after Sunday in ward buildings all over the world. Thank you, Pres. Hinckley. I know you are happy to be with your sweet wife once again.

A December recap.

2008-01-24T10:01:00.001-08:00

December was such a busy month for us! I can't believe I haven't blogged since the very beginning of last month! (Ok, that's a lie. I'm not shocked that I haven't blogged since then because for some reason my posts have become few and far between.) Anyhow, how about a recap?!

Let's see, Cooper can say, "Ho Ho Ho!" which is really quite cute. Half the time it comes out sounding more like "Oh Oh Oh!" which makes it even cuter! Coleman had a great month of fun between parties and his very first Christmas program. He really tried hard to learn the songs and did a great job holding up his candlestick, although not exactly when he was supposed to. Will got to relax and take a couple of weeks off of work but I've decided that he really needs a hobby after seeing last month's cell phone bill ($265, yikes!) That's a lot of money just to chat football with a buddy back home. Doesn't he have any local friends?! Oh, and I turned the big 3-0! And those that know me, know that I mention it all the time just to hear people tell me that I don't look 30. It's pitiful, really.

Here's just a couple pics from last month. I'll be better this month, I promise! (<---she says at nearly the end of the month! Geez!)

A mini mommy vacation!

2007-12-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

A mom's work is never done...unless she gets the heck out of dodge! And that's just what I did this weekend! My dear friend and college roommate, Connie, and I met up in Provo on Friday night. Despite the first winter storm trying to derail our plans, we were both able to ditch the kids and husbands and we checked ourselves into the Marriott for a long overdue girls night away.

First on the agenda was a quiet dinner. I rarely eat pasta so I was so excited to eat at the Macaroni Grill (yum!). We both ordered the Chicken Scallopine and it was fantastic! Oh, and I ate lots of bread dipped in olive oil. Wow, I really enjoyed that dinner! But even better than the dinner was the terrific company. When Connie and I get together it seems that not a day has past since we were roommates 10 years ago. We always pick up right where we left off. It's amazing to see where the last ten years has taken each of us. What a blessing to have a friend like her.

After dinner, we stopped by the grocery store, bought some cheesecake and mini eclairs and headed back to the hotel to relax and watch a movie. It ends up that it's like $15 to order a movie at the hotel so we settled for watching A Beautiful Mind on cable. Good movie but I stand by my statement that Russell Crowe has the worst West Virginia accent I've ever heard! Not even 15 minutes into the movie, he basically just gives up and reverts back to his natural Aussie accent. Annoying! Anyway, Connie and I were both trying to stay awake through the movie (so much for staying up and gabbing all night. We are definitely not 19 anymore!) but the bed's were so comfortable that are bodies were just begging us to sleep. After the movie and more than our share of eclairs, we called it a night.

Let me just say, it was so nice to sleep without interruption. No one in the bed but me and a hundred pillows. Did I mention the beds were so comfy?! Like sleeping on a cloud. What a nice change of pace. Usually, I'm sharing my bed with both boys before the night is over and Will always ends up in the guest bedroom for lack of room in our king sized bed. So, yeah, this was very different than my normal routine.

The next morning, we arose to a fresh winter snow on the ground and the need to go shopping rushing through our veins. We got ready and headed to the mall. It was so great just to browse and buy, no real reason and no real need. Shopping is great therapy, whether you buy anything or not. We bought a few things and then headed for lunch. Funny enough, we both wanted Hot Dog on a Stick so we ate there and got back to shopping.

Connie introduced me to the Lancome counter at Dillard's. A notorious drugstore make-up shopper, I had no idea that you got such amazing service at the department store make-up counters. A full makeover later, Connie bought a few things, including a foundation brush for me for my looming 30th birthday coming in a couple weeks (which I LOVE, by the way. Great coverage for us old gals! Thanks again, Connie!) I even got a free gift that included a make-up bag, mini mascara, a lipstick in a great shade, an eyeshadow palette and some wrinkle serum (it's never too early to start using that, right?!) Happy Birthday to me!

Connie had to leave a bit early to pick her kids up and get home to Cedar City before the weather got too bad. So, we took a few pics and said our goodbyes. I stayed for awhile longer and made it home at about 4:00 on Saturday. I have to say I had such a great time and "It's cheaper than therapy" right, Connie?! This was my first time ever taking a time-out like this for myself and I would highly recommend it to any of you moms out there! What a blast is was just to recharge my batteries and remember that we are not only moms, we are individuals who deserve a break from time to time. Time well spent!

Until next time, roomie!

The lights at Temple Square.

2007-11-28T23:05:00.000-08:00

I have the pleasure of working with the young women at my church. They are so sweet and are great for getting some "girl" time in. My life is seemingly mostly "boy" time, living with 3 of the mongrels, um, I mean gentlemen. :P

Tonight was really special and fun because we went to Temple Square to see it all lit up and had donuts and hot cocoa and tried to keep warm. Here's a photo we got of (most of) the group. (I'm right up front. You'll recognize the cheesy grin.)

A fun night!

Try...try...triathlon!

2007-11-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

I went to the indoor track this morning to run. It was nice to get off of the treadmill and join the world again, switch it up a bit. Anyway, I was on my way out and happen to notice a flyer for an adult triathlon training class. I thought, "That would be so cool but I don't want to do it alone." I took a flyer with me thinking that maybe I'd ask around and see if anyone wanted to do it with me. I want to compete in a triathlon but I'm a so-so swimmer and I haven't been on a bike in a long while. I definitely need some training.

Anyway, I didn't think much more about it until I went to church this morning with Coleman to practice his Primary program for church tomorrow. An acquaintance of mine approached me there and said, "You work out a lot, right?" I told her that I like to think so and she asked if I had heard about the triathlon training at the local community center. "I'm in!" I told her. How cool is that! I didn't even have to ask! I told another girl about it while we were there and she had already signed up. Awesome!
So looks like I'm officially in training for my first triathlon!

Check out my Halloween Slide Show!

2007-11-08T09:21:00.001-08:00

AUTISM

2007-10-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Wonder where I've been lately? I've been totally consumed. I've been reading books, running to Coleman's school to put out fires, crying through meetings with his teachers, pulling my hair out because I don't know what to do half the time. He has autism and I've never really mentioned it on my blog because this has always been a place for me to come to brag, to focus on all the good things in our lives, to paint a perfect picture of our family. Well, we are not perfect. We have love, hugs and big laughs but we also suffer.

I have only posted once in the past 2 months because everytime I sit down to write (which has been several times) I can't be creative enough to leave out the autism. It has the #1 spot on our priority list lately. So, let's see this as my "coming out" blog, of sorts.

We've known about Coleman's autism for the past 2 years. He was originally diagnosed as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified.) This is a general diagnosis under the autism umbrella. We started him in Special Ed. PreK and he was there for the past 2 years. He really did well there- a model student and really bright to boot! We were so excited when they told us that he would be mainstreaming into a "typical" kindergarten class this year.

Coleman started kindergarten 2 months ago and is as bright (if not brighter) than all of his classmates but you can tell that he socially a bit different. He has trouble looking people in the eye. He has trouble iniatating conversations with his peers. He stims quite a bit, which means that he kind of retreats to his own world and runs around with seemingly no idea what he's doing. (Although, we know that he is very aware of his surroundings when he's in "stimming mode." He just seems to be unaware. Make any sense?) Ever since beginning kindergarten, Coleman's more "unusual" behaviors have resurfaced because of how overwhelming it's been for him to adjust to this new setting (24 kids, only 1 teacher!) He's been having meltdowns in class. He's been carried to the principal's office on more than one occasion. They call me once he gets to that point and I come running to either take him home or calm him down enough to go back to class. It's been so tough on him.

BUT we have hope! We took Coleman to see a DAN! (defeat autism now!) doctor and we will be starting biomedical treatments to help minimize his behaviors. This includes dealing with excesses of yeast in his system, building up his immunity and perhaps changing his diet. Will and I are both really excited to finally be able to do something that might help Coleman. Many kids have been treated by DAN! doctors and shown dramatic improvements, to the point that they are indistinguishable from their peers. Of course, insurance covers none of this and we are bound to end up in debt, but we HAVE to do it. Is there even a choice when it comes to our kids?! We do what we have to do.

So, keep us in your prayers. We could use them. And since no blog is complete without a picture. Here's a cute pic of Coleman on Halloween (he had a blast trick 'r' treating, by the way.) I love you, my beautiful boy!

Long overdue post.

2007-09-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hey all! My blog has definitely been on the back burner lately. What's happened since Cooper's birthday? Well, Coleman started kindergarten and he really likes it and is making new friends. He's always so excited to see me when I pick him up after school and he just chats away about everything that happened that day. He's so sweet and he's learning so much! I'm really proud of him.

Let's see. Will's been working incredibly hard at work being the new President of the Counselor Assoc. in the school district and doing his administrative internship and all of his daily responsibilities as a counselor. I'm really proud of him. He's never been afraid of hard work, that husband of mine!

Cooper is growing by leaps and bounds and being a typical 2 yr old. Funny thing- he is so obsessed with Buzz Lightyear that he actually mumbles, "...and beyond!" in his sleep. It's crazy but true! He's so affectionate and he makes me smile even at times when I feel terrible. What a blessing that boy is!

As for me, I'm surviving! I've decided to take up yoga and pilates. I really look forward to tapping into the meditative aspects of those forms of exercise. Also, I'm very conscious of my upcoming 30th birthday in December and I'm determined to look better at 30 than I did at 20. It helps me to feel better about getting older. :) Well, I'll leave you with a couple of pics.

Here's all of us eating at a local steakhouse a couple of weeks ago. Yum!

Happy Birthday, Cooper!

2007-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

My baby is 2! It's hard to believe two years have passed so quickly. He was just 2 months old in this picture-

A new, little redheaded baby boy. I remember wanting to do a black and white shot back then but I couldn't bear not showing his true colors. He's been such a blessing in our lives. He's a bundle of energy and 100% all boy. In fact, he's pretty widely known for his boxing prowess already. He also loves wrestling with his big brother. He's obsessed with Buzz Lightyear and we're pretty sure that he wants to be a superhero when he grows up. We are so thankful for the 2 years we've had with him to date and we look so forward to watching him grow as the years pass. Thank you for being you, Cooper! We love you! Happy Birthday!

Check out my Summer Vacation Slide Show!

2007-08-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

Back to the blog!

2007-08-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hey all! We are back from vacation and boy did we have a blast!! I will be uploading the pics from vacation as soon as our new computer gets here (at the end of the week.) Just thought I'd post the last couple cakes I've done.

Here's the wedding cake I made for Dad and Gwen. The cake itself came together pretty easily even though I had to make it sans most of my usual tools. The hard part came when we had to deliver it. We drove from Huntington, WV to Fayetteville, WV (about 2 hours) with this monster sitting on my lap. Uh, and can you say windy roads! It took a lot of concentration to balance the cake around all the twists and turns. We also had to blast the A/C so that the icing wouldn't melt. Needless to say, it wasn't a comfortable ride but we finally arrived with no disasters and the cake was a big hit. The owner of the B&B where the wedding was held even said that it was the best cake they've had all year! And my sweet sister and brother-in-law, Tara and Kevin, say that next time I'm in they are going to renew their vows just so they can have some cake. :)

This next cake was a paid cake order from an old friend of mine who just happened across my blog when looking for cake decorators in the area. She wanted brown and blue so this is what I came up with.

And here are the cupcakes I made to match.

She also said the cake was a hit! Maybe I've got something goin' here!

One more quick post.

2007-07-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

I made my second wedding cake! This one was very small for less than 50 people. Just thought I'd share. Now I can focus on packing for our trip!

2007-07-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to quickly post this pic of Coleman. I gave him a haircut the other day and he was freaking out every time I got near his ears with the razor. (My own fault, I'm sure, because I did knick his ear last time. It wasn't my fault! He moved!) Anyway, he looked so funny with just the top and back of his head shaved, I had to take a pic to post. I wish you could see it more clearly but he totally looked like he was bald on top like a little old man. We finally had to hold him down and shave the rest but I think he would've been totally happy if we hadn't.

We leave on vacation early Wednesday morning so I'm not sure I'll get a chance to post before we leave. See you guys in a month! We're off to SC, Disney and WV!

25:48!

2007-07-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

It's my new best time in a 5k! My goal was to run it in under 29 minutes so you can imagine my surprise when I approached the finish line and the official time was still in the 25 minute range! 25:48! That's just over 8 minutes per mile! I'm stilled psyched about it. This run was really special, too, because Will, Gail (my sister-in-law) and Lindsay and Taylor (my nieces) ran in it, too. Everybody did well and Taylor actually won her age division (12 and under). We are so proud of her! I didn't win in my age division (18-29) but next year I'll be in the 30-39 yr old age division so maybe my chances will be better then. Plus, I'll have another year to work on quickening my pace.

Will's finish was probably the most dramatic of the day. After finishing the race, I stationed myself at the finish line to cheer on everyone else. Before I knew it, Will had turned the corner and was coming down the final stretch. As he came closer to me I could see that he was really digging in and the reason why was quickly apparent. A 13-yr-old girl was right beside him and they were sprinting to the end. They were both determined not to lose! You could see it on their faces. The whole crowd was chuckling about the old guy (Will's 33) racing the little girl. It was so close but she pulled ahead of him at the last second. It was so funny to watch! I just wish I had it on video. Anyway, we really had a fun time. And Will and I are looking for a 5k to run while on vacation. Anyone know of any coming up in SC or WV?

Happy 20th Anniversary!

2007-06-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

June (my sister-in-law) and her husband, Steve, are celebrating their 20th anniversary this Wednesday and I just wanted to say congrats! In this day and age, that is quite an accomplishment! You guys are a beautiful couple and fantastic people. Here's a pic of the happy couple at a celebration in their honor at our house yesterday.

Thanks to Will's parents, we enjoyed king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, teriyaki chicken, som tum, spinach and strawberry salad and sticky rice. What a feast! And, as always, I made a cake for dessert. What a great reason to celebrate! Can't wait til my own 20th anniversary!

Father's Day Dance-Off

2007-06-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

There were lots of kids at the Father's Day BBQ yesterday but mine were the only that couldn't stop dancing! That's my boys! Oh, and Cooper is shirtless because his shirt was a disaster after dinner. Guess I should know by now to pack an extra set of clothes for him when we go anywhere!

Father's Day was great fun. Coleman made a card for Will and sang him a song that he made up. I made an 11x14 poster of the boys that I framed for Will to put in his office. I found a program online that let me create the poster using a photo I downloaded and adding a poem and border to it. It turned out really nice. Then we went to the BBQ at June's (my SIL) house. I took three kinds of cupcakes- Cookies 'n' Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Strawberry w/ Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. The strawberry ones were my favorite. Here's a pic of those. They were so yummy!

Will's parents came into town this morning so Coleman is staying the night at his cousins tonight. I'm sure he's having a blast. Should be a relatively quiet night here tonight. At least I'll get to go grocery shopping with only one child hanging on my leg tonight!

My 100th blog!

2007-06-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that this is officially my 100th post to Blogger. Wow! I guess I've had a lot to say over the past year and 3 months. I know that I would never have written in a journal this much, so I guess blogging is slowly turning into my only documented family history. Someday, my great great grand kids will have to come to this site to see what happened to their ancestors way back in 2007. Funny.

Anyway, a couple of things to post about. Saturday, we got the pleasure of attending a PJs and Pancakes party for all the kids at church. PJs is supposed to stand for Prayers, Journals and Scriptures. The kids got to wear their pajamas and they went to three little workshops to learn about scripture stories, the importance of prayers and how to keep a journal. At the end, they all got to go to the gym to eat waffles (apparently frozen waffles are a lot easier to make than pancakes.) The boys had a lot of fun running around in their jammies and I think they basically stayed in them the rest of the day.

Today, we went to the zoo. We usually go up there about once a year. So, I guess today was our once-a-year trek. It was really fun to watch Cooper's reactions to all the animals because even though he went to the zoo last year, he really didn't remember much. This year they have a white alligator there that is one of only 10 in the world. That was pretty cool. I would say that, by his reaction, Cooper's favorite animal had to have been the elephants. He was pretty excited when we were watching them get fed. Coleman loved all the reptiles and it's got me thinking about buying him a pet turtle. We'll have to see. I'm not convinced that he's ready for a pet quite yet. Anyway, it's been a full day and I leave you with the two best pics of the day.

Our new tree.

2007-06-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been pretty eventful. We replaced the old blue '94 Cavalier. Sad to see it go but it finally gave up the ghost. It was only a matter of time and we knew it. We replaced it with an '03 Hyundai Sonata. Wait, I think I have a picture on here somewhere. Here it is-

We like it so far. It's really just a relief to have two reliable cars now. Truly.

Also, we've been working a lot in our yard lately. Last weekend, we planted new shrubs in the flower beds. (We had to replace the ones that didn't survive over the winter.) And this week, we bought some trees for the yard! For those of you who are back East- Out here we have to plant trees in order to have any. It's sad but
true. Here's a pic of Coleman with our favorite, our "shade" tree. It's a Sycamore.

Funny story, we bought this HUGE tree and put it the back of our truck only to realize when we got home that we had absolutely no way of moving it out of the truck. Will started to freak a little but thankfully, a landscaper that we've used in the past was available to come with a few of his guys and plant our trees. We were so thrilled to see all the trees in the ground and we officially have the largest tree in the whole neighborhood!

And last but not least, Coleman graduated preschool! His class celebrated by having a end-of-year family picnic. Coleman got to ride a horse and Cooper kept himself busy playing with fly swatters and bubbles.

(<---this is a great way to keep toddlers busy, by the way.)

It was really fun for Coleman to go and give gifts to his teachers and to say goodbye. He drew pictures for all the teachers aides and we put together a small gift for his teacher. Coleman was really lucky to have such caring teachers the past two years. He's grown so much and he's more than ready for kindergarten. We are so proud of him! We love you, Coleman!

My 1st wedding cake!

2007-05-26T11:25:00.001-07:00

I was so stressed out over this cake! It was my first wedding cake, my first 3-tiered cake and my first time using whipped cream frosting on a stacked cake. That's a lot of firsts! It did not turn out exactly how I had pictured it in my minds eye but I'm pretty happy with the end product. I was in disaster mode last night because I couldn't get the frosting smooth (note to self: NEVER use whipped cream frosting on a wedding cake again!) and the buttercream decorations I put on were starting to slide down the cake. Then, this morning I went out to buy flowers for the cake only to find out that (duh!) it's Memorial Day weekend and fresh flowers aren't that easy to come by unless you order them in advance. So, I bought silk flowers instead. I just feel like anything that could've gone wrong with this cake did go wrong. So, I'm just happy that I was able to pull it all together and it still looks like it's supposed to. Chalk this one up as a learning experience. Dad, are you still sure you want me to do your wedding cake?!

One more cake.

2007-05-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

This one was made for June's (my SIL) neighbor. She ordered it for her daughter who loves basketball. I tell you what- if I ever need anyone to be in charge of marketing for my itty-bitty company, she's the first person I'm calling. She tells everyone she knows about my cakes and I just love it because I'm not very good at tooting my own horn. :) Thanks June!

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

My boys are so sweet! Somehow Will found time to put together a gift with Coleman that was really unforgettable! After church yesterday, Coleman gave me a shoebox that was covered in his drawings. Upon opening the box, I realized that there were several little presents and they were all numbered. I started with box #1 and opened it to find a slip of paper that said, "I will clean the kitchen and toy room." Will took Coleman right away and they cleaned up toy room (the kitchen was already clean) while I waited to open my next gift. After the toy room was clean I opened gift #2 and wrote on it was "Dipidee treats for a sweet mommy!" and it was 2 boxes of gourmet chocolates from a local sweets store, Dipidee. (Yum!) Box #3 read "Time for Mommy's pedicure!" and inside was a new bottle of pink nail polish. Will grabbed a big bowl of hot water for me to soak my feet in and then massaged my feet, dried them off and Coleman painted Mommy's toenails. It was so cute how excited he was to take care of me. I don't care that there is nail polish all over my toes. It was the best pedicure I've ever had! LOL! Gift #4 was a gourmet meal cooked by Will. (Gourmet means cooked on the grill because that's all the cooking Will does.) We had blackened salmon, rice pilaf and salad. It was fantastic! And last, but certainly not least, gift #5 was a card made for me by Coleman. He wrote Happy Mother's Day on the front and signed his and Cooper's name and wrote We Love You on the inside.

The perfect ending to such a perfect day! Thanks, Sweetheart, for letting me sit back and reflect on why it's so wonderful to be a mommy! I love my boys, all 3 of them!