One More Race....

We ran in the "Last Chance Race" today.  Rob, several of our friends and myself ran the Half Marathon (13.1 miles).  It was fun to get one last race before the end of the year. 
The weather was more cold and frosty than last year.  The sun came out and it was just gorgeous.  The course was different from last year's and we ran through more beautiful trails.  It was just breath taking to see the ocean and clear skies.  It was a great run!
I loved running with friends, for most of it, we then split at the end.  It worked out!  I ran it in 2hrs and 22min.  I really paced myself and didn't push it, nice and steady...I stayed! 
Rob ran it alone.  He set a new PR.  He ran it in 2hrs and 4min.  Last year he ran it in 2hrs and 16min.  WOW!!  Big improvement.  I'm so proud of him!  He still doesn't find pleasure in running, or I should I say, doesn't like it, but he does see the benefit and the good that comes from it.  He is such a great sport.  He never ceases to amaze me. 
I'm so proud of my friends.  For three of them, this was their first half marathon.  They did great!  I also had a chance to see an old friend who moved this Summer.  I realized I missed her more than I thought. 
I also saw a ton of other friends, including some Ragnar teammates from this year's team.  I can't wait to run this one again next year!  I also hope I can drag some more friends along, again, heeeheeee!  I'm sure Rob will...he will probably set a new PR. 

Late Christmas Present Just Arrived...

The mail man just dropped off a package with my name on it.  To my delightful surprise it was filled with sweet gifts from Rob.  He bought me more running apparel than I had ever hoped for.  They are some things that I needed/wanted and that I had postponed purchasing because of our tight budget.  But Rob just had to spoil me.  He didn't have to, but he wanted to. 

Thank you Rob for spoiling me and loving me so much.  Thanks for your support with my running.  I can't wait to use my gloves, headband, new water bottle and wool socks for running.  Thank you!  You are my best friend!

Traditions, Traditions, Traditions....

                                        

Merrry Christmas!

Our family is filled with wonderful tradtions.  I love this time of year the most.  The kids all look forward to decorating the Christmas tree (seeing all their old ornaments and remembering when they got them) and they also look forward to getting a new ornament.
 
They love baking and cooking with me, especially sugar cookies and cinammon rolls.
 
They get new PJ's Christmas Eve.

We watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

We also decorate/ornate oranges with cloves and make the house smell so good!
 
We read the book "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"and watch the movie (our favorite).
 
We read "Twas the Night Before Christmas".
 
We read from the scriptures the Nativity- "Savior's Birth". 

We go caroling to a handfull of friends, and the list goes on...

For me the best part of this time of year is spending time with my kids and husband celebrating and thinking about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Because of Him we have this time to celebrate and be together and make memories that last a lifetime.
 
I had a chance tonight to SKYPE with Rob's family and mine.  My folks actually began opening presents during our SKYPE time, so I had the chance to see them get all excited about the gifts we gave them.  I also had a chance to meet my new nephew Baby R.  He is sooooooo cute!  And soooooooo Yummy!  I got to see my Beautiful sisters, handsome brother and good looking parents.  Oh how I love them and miss them this time of year!

I also got to reminisce my most favorite Christmas memory with them and made Daddy cry!!!!  WoNderFul Times this Holiday season brings!!!  WOnDerFul times!

I didn't get to write our Christmas letter this year.  I figure I still have time.  But, I wanted to thank all of you who didn't procrastinate and actually sent out their Christmas cards/letters in time.  Thanks for sending them our way!  We enjoyed reading them and seeing the pictures of your loved ones!

P.S  The kids added a new tradtion this year-  They cut, from our backyard and the help from Rob, Charlie Brown Christmas trees and made homemade paper ornaments tohang on them.  The trees are in their rooms with lights.  Really cute!

We HoPe YoU aLl EnJoY a WoNdErFuL cHrIsTmAs AnD hAvE a FaBuLoUs NeW yEaR 2011!!

What Have We Been Up To?...

I cannot believe I have neglected blogging for this long.  This let's you know that I have not kept up with my journal at all.  Blogging is my only record of our daily/weekly life's events.  I really cannot go too long without posting, this is the main way to keep our memories. 
Lots has happened.  Soccer season ended for James after Nov 12th.  His team won the Championship overall the local Bellingham Middle School District.  Congratulations!  He played well and hard.  His games were mostly during little girls' practices, so I missed more than half the season.  I took pictures of his last game but it was late in the afternoon and it was getting dark.  They didn't turn out too good.  They are mostly blurry!  The referee asked me not to use flash...what?  He said it was distracting the players.  Oh well!
Let's see what else?!...
Oh we all got whatever nasty cold/flu that was going around.  I had it the longest, for over 17 days.  Nasty stuff.  Sophia was the one that managed to scape it and only had the symptoms for less than 2 days.  Lucky girl!   
I missed running for over 6 weeks.  I have no sign of any more muscle strains on my back.  Started running again this last month and it feels OOOOOOOOH  SO GOOD!  I am trying to take it easy and not push myself again.  I can finally run for about an hour without struggling to breath so much.  I cannot believe how quickly I lost my cardio, stamina, endurance and even some muscle tone.  All that hard work and months of training could be almost lost in less than 2 months.  Crazy!!
I'm just happy and very grateful to be running again.  We have a half Marathon (13.1miles) in 10 days.  Pretty exciting!
We enjoyed Thanksgiving with our friends the Fisher's and the missionaries.  Rob got us all to fill this jar for about three weeks, and in it we put strips of paper with things that we were grateful for.  It was fun to read most all of them.  There must have been over 50-100 strips to read.  It was awesome!  One funny one was written by Juliette.  She must have been angry when she wrote "I'm grateful for NOTHING".  LOL!!!  Love that girl!  She is HONEST about her feelings!
We (just Rob and I) also made a trip to Seattle with our friends the McCall's.  We visited the Seattle Library.  It is an art museum all on its own.  I want to go back with our kids.  It was so much fun.  I could have spent hours taking pictures.  We also went to the Seattle Art Museum and enjoyed the Picasso exhibit there.  That was very interesting all on its own!  He was quite an interesting artist.
I had a root canal done.  That was not fun.  I had an air pocket in my filling and well it got infected, and thus needed an unexpected root canal. 
I managed to successfully put together my last Ward Activity, it was our Ward Christmas Dinner.  I delegated everything that needed done.  I still stressed a little, but learned that I just had to let others do what I had asked them to do in their own way.  I had to let go and not have such high expectations.  All those who helped did a great job!  Thank you so much for helping me put together this big event.   Now that I have been released from being the Ward's Activity Committee Chairman, I'm looking forward to serving the Lord where I'm needed next according to His Will.  I'm ready to Serve!
Oh, I have also enjoyed taking some pictures of nature, friends and babies the last 2 months.  I still have much to learn, but I truly am feeling a little more confident about it.  Just need to make more time for it and study photography more in depth.  Not just with hands on, but with secular information as well. 
My little Brother got home from his mission on Dec. 9th.  He is hoping to come out here and visit us for a few days, but he might be working instead.  We did have a chance to SKYPE with him (we got a little camera from Rob's parents and we can make video calls).  It is amazing Technology!  I was able to see him.  He has grown up so much.  I can't wait to hug him and kiss him.  I love you lil' bro!  Welcome HOME!
Rob sang at Church for our Ward Christmas Program on Sunday, he was amazing.  He sang a duet with our friend Bro. Green.  They are so good together.  I hope they sing together again.
Eliza did awesome with her speaking part at our Stake Christmas Cantata on Sunday night.  She truly has the gift of speaking just like Rob and James.  She felt so good and was so thankful to Heavenly Father for helping her read her part clearly and with the spirit.  It was a memorable experience for her as well as a confidence booster!  P.S  The whole program was amazing!  I cried, the Spirit was so strong in the music and words expressed.  WOW!
Oh, Rob and I have talks to give this Sunday at Church.  I prayed and fasted today!  I have way too much information; too many quotes, scriptures, and talks to share.  I have my topic (thru inspiration), it is just a matter of narrowing it all down to 10-15minutes.  Thank goodness for Rob and for prayers! 
OK, I think that sums it all.  I will probably post pictures of all these things I just wrote about, thru out the weeks to come.  I will also try to post our yearly Family Christmas letter before Christmas!  We'll see!  Stay tuned!
Merry Christmas to every one, just in case I procrastinate on writing that letter!
P.S 2- I did want to mention the fact that we have been involved in serving others a lot lately.  It is good to make time for others and be instruments in the Lord's Hands.  It just feels good!  I'm thankful for such opportunities!

What Shall We Give For Christ?...

Nutella...

Nutella, Nutella, How we love Nutella!   We have no self control when this stuff is around.  We put it in just about everything...Best way is with Ritz crackers and pretzels, and bananas, and apples, and ....OK, OK, we haven't figured out our favorite way to eat Nutella yet.  How do you eat Nutella?

Express Yourself Through Writing...

I have always encouraged my children to express themsleves thru wiritng or thru art, especially since they are all very strong-willed and loud when it comes to expressing their emotions (there is less contention this way, too). 
From the minute they can draw or write, I hand them a journal.  Juliette has been the one, out of the three oldest, to really take this seriously (Sophia is following in her footsteps with her art).  That girl could write a novel!  (Maybe she will someday).
I find a note (love/hate) almost every day from her and Sophia comes home with tons of art (drawings).  I love it!  But the latest, most creative writing from Juliette I found on my i-Phone notepad (which I have no idea how she figured out how to use), which said this...
"Mom eliza got home with Sophia and both of them were so mean eliza slaped me with her follder and well I don't know what SssssSophia did but oh I remember what Sophia did so she laphed at me beacuse eliza said some thing mean and I did not like it"
I had to laugh, because soon after that note I found one by Eliza that said "I love you"

I love being a Mom!!!!

Who does God's Work...

Who does God's work will get God's pay


However long may seem the day

However weary be the way

No mortal hand, God's hand can stay

He may not pay as others pay

...In gold or silks or raiments gay

In goods that perish and decay

But his high wisdom knows a way

And this is sure let come what may

Who does God's work will get God's pay.

Anonymous

LDS.org - CES Fireside - To Have Peace and Happiness

LDS.org - CES Fireside - To Have Peace and Happiness

I Must Admit....

The passed three weeks of my life has been absolutely out of the normal.  First, I had to take time off (2 weeks) from running due to some upper back muscle straining (apparently I didn't give my body enough recovery time after my last marathon).  Then, once I was healed from that I came down with a horrid COLD.  Maybe it's the FLU.  I don't know, but it is no fun!
 
Anyhow, it seems like it was meant for my life to slow down for a bit.  I really feel that the Lord has allowed all this to happen so that I could stop and smell the roses more, well stop and make time for Him, to do what He wanted me to do or needs for me to do.  It is like He is preparing me for something and this was the only way I would actually listen and obey.  So, what have I done the last 21 days?
 
Well, I'll tell you what I have not done...

~I have not studied photography (like I said I would), or
~facebooked (approx. 45min. total through out the whole day) or
~blogged as much. 
~I haven''t watched a lot of movies (maybe four movies total thus far). 
~I haven't talked on the phone to friends or family, more than the usual.
~ I haven't eaten the left over Halloween candy.
~I have not done the laundry (Rob's done it)
~
But I have found myself sitting on my rear more often than normal (because of icing/heating my back or sick from my cold).  And during these sitting times...

~I have listened to all of October's General Conference talks, again. 
~Read some church talks from the past. 
~Studied and researched, via lds.org, about marriage and intimacy and oneness. 
~Emerged myself in the scriptures more (reading "Preach My Gospel") and pondered about what I read, for once. 
~I have looked though mormon.org, jesuschrist.lds.org, and mormon messages. 
~Started a profile on Mormon.org.  Not done with that yet. 
~I made and wrote thank you cards to friends. 
~I did some e-mailing to family and friends that I have not contacted for awhile. 
~I went through 1000's of pictures (still have 1000's to go) and deleted a ton of them. 
~I have had so much quiet/alone time to do some real soul searching and thinking. 
~I have been more calmed and at peace.
~I have, ironically, been a scattered brain; forgetting words and things, not making any sense, etc...(I blame my COLD)
~I have listened to uplifting music
~I have gone outside and taken pictures of nature and tried to capture the beautiful Autumn colors.
~ I have gotten more hugs and kisses from my kids, and I have hugged them and kissed them more, in return.
~I have drunk more than 90oz of water a day.
~I have actually gotten more sleep the last 2 weeks than I have in months (regardless of my back and cold)
~I have felt more love in my home
~I have had some wonderful spiritual experiences (Heavenly Father really tries to communicate with me more than I had ever imagined, in just one day)
~I have thought of friends' situations, relatives' unfortunate circumstances and made an effort to recognize the good in my every day life
~I have expressed more prayers of gratitude and have asked the Lord to help all those in our lives that need peace, answers, healing, love, comfort, etc. 
~I have spent more time listening to my kids, etc........

As you can see I have done much good the last 21 days while I have had to sit on my rear and stop to "smell the roses" more. Life has been a challenge, but it has brought us a load of blessings. Life is GOOD! I have been shaped and molded by the Lord in 21 days. I am better today than I was yesterday. I am progressing towards becoming the person I'm supposed to be and who I once was, according to Heavenly Father's Plan.

Lunch With Friends Is A Must In Life...

I always love going out with friends to eat.  I don't do it often because it can get expensive.  There is just something about enjoying a delicious meal together with people you relish being with, and then endulging on some sweetness over a nice talk about life in general or whatever is on your mind.  When all is done, everyone leaves feeling renewed and thinking "Why don't we do this more often?" 
Rob and I had the wonderful opportunity to go out to eat with my old Best Friend from High School, Brian (Rob replaced him ^_^, he is my best friend now!!)  and his sweet wife, Angee.  We laughed, cried and teased for three hours.   I brought up some past teasing by Brian, I still have not gotten over some of his pestering, heeheee!  I'm scarred for life!  I may need Therapy, Brian would you be able to pay for that?  Just kidding! 
Anyhow, Thank you Angee and Brian for lunch!  We had so much fun and felt so much love amongst us.  I hope we don't have to wait another year to see each other.  We love you guys!
P.S  Brian, you are so lucky I controlled myself from posting all of your dorky pictures that I took.  You better give me a good one next time.  Smiles are required!