Training

So, I have had a lot of you ask for updates on my training for my half marathon. I have learned a lot during this process. Yes, it has been a process. Therefore, this post will be rather long and wordy. It was about the beginning of October when I suggested this crazy idea to my friends Wendy and Sherri. I looked online and found a training program ( www.marathonrookie.com ) but first we had to get a foundation before we could even begin the training program. We began running together on Saturday mornings and by ourselves during the week. Just getting to the point of 3 miles, 3 x week was an accomplishment that we were proud of. But that was just the beginning. Now the real training could begin. Because we are all wives and mothers we decided that we would only run 3 times a week instead of 4, but because of that we would have to make sure it happened and even a little extra mileage than was required. I have learned many things on this journey. I have listed just a few of them here.

Respect-- I have always had a respectful awe of people who can run long distances (Camille and Vikki you are in that group). But, now that I know what it takes my level of respect is much greater. I know what it takes to run those distances and it is not easy. It is a lot of long and lonely (well, sometimes peaceful!!) miles in all kinds of weather. I used to drive by someone running in the rain and think, "Wow! There is a die hard." But, now that I am one of those people I understand how deep you have to dig to go out in the rain and cold.
Friendship--I have strengthened friendships and learned how to be a better friend. Friends sometimes have to bug each other and coax each other along. An outing with friends can be fun even if all it involves is a water bottle, a trail, and sweat.
Supportive husband--I have always known I was married to a wonderful man but I have been so grateful to Scott these last 18 weeks or so. He has been abandoned every Saturday morning for an average of 2 hours to get children fed and dressed and the day begun. Often he had 3 extras to take care of as well (So that would be 7 children age 8 and under). He always did so cheerfully and without complaint. Thanks sweet hubsand.
How to spit--Sorry Mom. But, sometimes you just have to get it out. At least now I can do it without getting it all over me or having to stop.
Ice an injury--I never really got injured growing up when I played sports so I never learned the value of it. But, I have been dealing with some runner's knee during my training. It really does make a difference when I ice my knees after my long runs.
Cross Training--In January I started doing some more intense cross training on my non running days. Wow! It has really made a difference. And, I have a new love--spin cycling. If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it.
Good Shoes--Again, sorry Mom. I have learned I can't shop the clearance racks on this one. I went to a specialty running store and was fitted for good shoes that are made for how I run and my feet. Oh they feel sooooooooo much better than my old shoes. And as a side note of learning I learned my feet are two different sizes!!! And I learned I have a wide toe box. I never knew that. But, now it makes some things make sense.
Mind over body--There is a quote at the bottom of my training schedule that hangs on my fridge, it says:

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

I have found this to be so true. On days when I was tired or plain just didn't want to run I would tell myself I had to. I had made a goal and I need to complete it. And then I would just get out there and do it. After I would feel so good and realize that I wasn't as tired as I thought.

Dedication--Don't give up. If you have a goal that seems impossible don't quit. Just keep believing that you can do it and it will eventually happen. I had a little help on this one. While running one day; I think on my first 6 mile run Celine Dion came onto the MP3 player right when I was really having to dig deep and finish that last 3/4 mile. The song is something like "Love comes to those who believe". She talks about don't lose your faith if you believe. Anyway, it is my theme song for this race. And I change the words to "Half marathons come to those who believe, and work, and train, and sweat, and make it happen. " But, again it goes back to mind over body. Do you believe enough to make your body do the work?
Law of entropy--I think I have this one right. When you take a few days off it is amazing how much you lose. I had stayed ahead of schedule for most of my training "just in case" of illness or injury. But, I didn't actually think I would need it. But, I have had some really busy weeks combined with a few of us-including me- having a bad 24 hour stomach bug. Of course we all had it on different days. So, I had 2 weeks in a row where I didn't get my cross training in and only ran one day other than my long Saturday run and I ate terrible those weeks. Let me tell you those were some of my hardest runs yet. Your body forgets and begins losing it strength and stamina so quickly. We aren't talking a ton here, but I could definitely tell what I hadn't been doing those weeks.

Well, this has been a long and wordy post. Anyone who read the entire thing should receive a finishers medal. But, remember that you asked for it!

Blog not abandoned

For the few of you who might possibly still check this blog please know that it has not been abandoned. I know that it would appear that way but life has just been crazy.

In November I was called the Secretary in our church women's group. That has kept me going.

And on top of that I have been training for my half marathon. I don't think I realized the time commitment I was making when I decided to do this. And, I definitely couldn't be doing it without the love and support of my wonderful husband and children. They are so good about asking me how far I ran that day, not being upset when I disappear for hours during the week. I have really enjoyed my training and have strengthened friendships and made new ones. I am learning a lot about myself and about running and the 12 + pounds I have lost since the beginning of Dec. doesn't hurt either! This Sat. I am hoping for 10 miles. The big race day is coming up quickly. But I will be ready.

Hopefully I can get a few more updates on here soon but there are a few below for your enjoyment.

Fall updates

Scott and Carter went on a "date" and went fishing. Carter was so proud of his little fish. Scott was pretty proud of his fish too since I had just asked him if he is "just a bad fisherman" because he almost never catches anything.

Spencer jammin. He thought he was pretty cool when he found this and I gave in and let him listen. He feels so big.

The Day after Thanksgiving we went to the "FREE" Day at the zoo.
With 4 kids we try and take advantage of these days. Above Carter and Carlyn and Spencer are in the Eagle's nest. They thought it was pretty cool. We had a fun time and the weather was perfect. We got there early enough to beat the big crowds too.

In the petting zoo the kids loved visiting the goats. Spencer liked them as long as they held still and didn't stand up.

This goat was huge. Did I mention that they loved the goats?!

And the winner is........

Taylor had his Pinewood derby race this past Saturday. He was super excited and had a lot of fun building his car. He went with a pretty basic design and it paid off. He won the entire derby! His car is the black one way out in front. Not bad for his first year. Way to go Taylor!

He even got a trophy.

We Made It

We have had a wonderful fall down here in Southeast Texas. It has been fairly dry and just the right temperature. You know the perfect temperature where you don't have to run the AC and you don't have to run the heat. It has been like that for about the last 6 weeks (ever since you left Victoria!). Well, last week on about Thanksgiving, Scott said, "Do you think we can make it until December without having the heat on?!!? It is going to be cloudy and cool off." With that kind of prediction I wasn't so sure. But we made it! I didn't turn the heat on until about noon on December 1. Can you believe that? December! And that folks, is why I live here. Hopefully you will get a more interesting post from me soon. Until then, have a good one.

Am I Crazy? and a Challenge

Those of you who know what this number means probably don't need to finish reading this post. Those of you who don't know may continue. After a lot of thought, searching and almost beginning and then shelving it, I have made a commitment. I WILL run a half marathon. I am still a little incredulous and still asking myself if I am crazy. But, I keep thinking back to 4 years ago---I can't believe it has been that long! 4 years ago I ran a 10K. I never thought I could do it but I did. I felt great afterward and felt like I could have kept going. But, I let myself get lazy and kind of stopped, but I still missed running. Some of my running friends have told me, "it gets in your blood." I believe that and want to make a change in my health and lifestyle. I want to push myself more than I ever have before (well, except for childbirth, that is like a full marathon) and feel the sense of accomplisment as I cross the finish line knowing that I have done something amazing. To know that I have overcome laziness and entropy. To know that I have made myself healthier and been an example to my children of exercise. So, this fall and winter you won't find me sipping cocoa and nibbling bonbons in my robe and slippers while I read a good book by the fire---NO, you will find me (that is- if you come visit me!) sipping water and crunching carrot sticks while lacing up my running shoes in stinky sweats ready to brave the cold (yes, 50 deg. is cold to me now) and embrace the solitude that will be my companion for most of my workouts. And then, in the spring I will conquer, well I will cross the finish line anyway!

Part of my training is to post this in order to keep me honest with myself. A goal isn't a goal until you write it down. It is so much better for me to take it a step further and tell everyone important to me as well. Because the times when I want to stop, that is what keeps me going. I am a woman of my word. If I told you I would I better do it. So, I have two good girlfriends who are training with me and we will beat this. I challenge you to set your own goal. Whether it be running or some other sport or activity I challenge you to stretch yourself to be something you never thought possible. Why wait until January? If I can do it so can you!!

There's a First Time For Everything

October has been a busy and fun month. We have had many firsts this month as well. So I will share some of those experiences with you. Above you will see our very first sweet potato harvest. Scott really enjoys gardening and trying to grow things. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical back in June when he planted them. But, they grew---even if they are silly shapes. I don't know how they get them so nicely shaped for the grocery store. Oh, well. I then took the fruits of my husband's labor and got seven quarts of sweet potato chunks. MMMMMM. More material for being deceptively delicious (see previous post). Then there was just enough left to make sweet potato pie. Yummo!


Drum roll please! Our family went on our first camping trip in Texas! We found a great place to go and had a great time. I think the 3 older kids each told me at least 3 times each "Thanks so much for bring us camping Mom!" "This is so fun." I guess we will have to make a concerted effort to not let 5 years go by before we go camping again!

Here are Taylor, Carter, and Scott on the Lake in the canoe.

Carter and Carlyn enjoying running around in the cold and wet. It has still been very hot here all fall. But, the day before we left a big storm came in and the temperature dropped about 30 degrees in 2 hours. So, by the time we got up to the campsite it was only about 55 and got even colder overnight. But they were all having so much fun the never really even complained.

Taylor all warm and snuggly in his sleeping bag reading.

This is a bad picture but the only one I have. We had a screened shelter at our campsite. There was even electricity inside and a picnic table inside. That was really nice to have a place to get away from the puddles.

Eating our camp stew.

Another first this month! Spencer's first Capri Sun. He thought he was pretty cool.

He really thinks he is big now with his first Popsicle. He also had his first sucker from the bank this month. This has definitely been a month of first junk food for Spencer. And yes, my grass really is still that green.

Carly and Carter with their friend AJ getting ready for their very first road race. We had a fun run that was put on by the church. The kids did a 1K. It was really cute. They did AWESOME! Carter got first place for the division! And Carlyn ran the whole way. I was really proud of her. All the other kids that participated get to run on the tracks in PE but since she's not in school.....She was a trooper and kept going even though she was tired.

Carter and his medal!

My Heart Hurts

My heart is hurting right now. Last night my sister called to tell me about the passing of Stephanie. I am so sorry for her family and for their loss. I knew Stephanie as a little girl. My family and her family were kitty-corner back neighbors and we went to church together. Many good childhood memories involve the Hunter family. I remember when she was born. She was such a cute little girl with white blond hair. I pray that the Hunter and Johnson family will feel the love that our Heavenly Father has for them at this time and also the love of all of us who know and care about them. We love you Jim and Debbie and family.
The Herald Journal Serving Logan and Cache Valley Breaking News North Logan woman dies after Friday night crash on U.S. 89-91

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Why was I the last to know?

So, I am feeling a little miffed! Miffed is putting it lightly. For several months I have been struggling and frustrated trying to get Spencer to eat vegetables. He has always been a great eater. Literally eating more than the older kids. And I would gloatingly say, "Yes, he is such a good eater. He will eat anything I put in front of him." Apparently I needed to be humbled. One day he just decided that he didn't like any vegetables. And I am not joking. My child who used to love peas and steamed carrots now just thinks they are floor decorations. Green beans are meant to be squished into minuscule pieces, and broccoli, if he decides to touch it, is great for smearing all over your face, ears and hair. Fruit, on the other hand is another story. If he sees fruit at a meal you can think again about getting him to eat any other food until there as absolutely no more fruit. I have been tempted, but have not yet done it, to see just how much fruit he would really eat. But I fear the consequences of what will come out the next day so I haven't. Grapes, strawberries, peaches, pears, apricots, bananas, apples, oranges, etc. He LOVES it all. So now you know my frustration.
Then, on Friday I had taken Carlyn and Spencer to the Library. While Carlyn was busy with story time I had the genius thought of going over to the cookbook section. I have been wanting to incorporate some new, healthy recipes into our lives. Then, I see it. Up on a shelf lies the answer to all my problems. It catches my eye because it is pink. I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever seen a pink cookbook. I have seen green, red, blue, brown, red, orange, and white--but never pink. I pick it up. Just the title is intriguing. That and along with what it says on the front of the cover I know I have hit the jackpot. But, just to make sure I glance at a few pages to make sure this is going to still be normal, and I am not going to have to shop at specialty stores to grocery shop. It's perfect. There are "normal" ingredients that I have in my house. And even better than that I know that my youngest progeny is now going to start eating vegetables. I take it home and can hardly wait to get lunch over with and Spencer down for a nap so I can begin poring over my new found treasure.
What can this cookbook possibly be you say? Who makes a pink cookbook? What could be so exciting. Well, maybe I won't tell you because you have probably already heard of it and you just might even own it. Because, so far, everyone I have told about this book in my excitement for it either owns it, or at least knows the theory behind it. I very well might be the last mother on the face of the planet to know. If you haven't figured it out the book that I am now in love with is called Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. Yes, she is Jerry Seinfeld's wife. Personally, Jerry Seinfeld bugs me but he just got bumped up a notch just because of this cookbook. Those of you who know about this book now have permission to stop reading since, "Oh, I have that book. It is really good" just went through your head. On the slim chance that there is some poor soul who like myself has been in the dark you may read on. The whole premise of this cookbook is using vegetable and some fruit purees mixed into things you already eat. That way your kids still get at least some veggies. So far everything I have tried was amazing. We made sweet potato whole wheat waffles on Sat. morning for breakfast. This wasn't in the book but sweet potato pancakes were. I just added 1/2 cup of blended sweet potatoes to my own batter. They were fabulous and I think next time I will put in even more. Then for lunch on Saturday Scott made box macaroni for the kids (ugh! I know) but he added some more sweet potato. You couldn't even tell and I think it actually made it creamier. Then, that night (okay can you see how excited I am?) we made homemade chicken nuggets that most of the batter was broccoli puree. Spencer ate and liked all of these! Yea!! I know you are thinking that isn't that much vegetable matter. But, to me it is a victory because he wouldn't eat any veggies at all. So something is better than nothing. Also, something I have been doing for several months is making my spaghetti sauce 1/4 blended zucchini. So, there was my free advertising for Deceptively Delicious even though it isn't needed since I was the last to know it even existed. Hmm.............. it is going to be hard to give this back to the library in 3 weeks.

We went to San Antonio in the middle of August (I know wrong time of year for there!) for a quick family vacation. We had a good time seeing and learning new things and just being together.

This dinosaur was just at the front of Ripley's wax museum. We didn't go in the museum but the kids thought it was pretty cool, especially when it started moving it's head and roaring!

Now, on to the things we actually did do!

Look at this huge cactus!

Here we are in the front of the Alamo. This was a great learning experience. But, because it is a shrine to the men who died here you can't take pictures inside the chapel part, the barracks and all the artifacts.

With a Cannon.

It was all just too exciting for Spencer.

Is that an Aloe Vera?

The kids sitting in a little ampitheater at the Alamo.

I think our days of 3 kids in 1 bed are over. They are just getting too big even to do this (2 regular and 1 at the feet).

This place is a lot cooler, literally, than the Alamo.

We also went to Natural Bridge Caverns. Think Timpanogas Cave and you will be about right. But, we didn't have to hike up the mountain! These caverns are about 80 feet underground.

Stalactites and stalagmites.

Some neat formations.

We all had a good time in San Antonio. It all ended too soon. But, I guess that is what next summer is for.

More Catch Up

Once again a disclaimer for being out of order and totally random. But here is my meager attempt at catching up on my severe lack of blogging lately, i.e. the whole summer!

On the chopping block, a.k.a. the bathroom counter
I chopped off Spencer's hair. His curls were really cute and I don't think they were any longer than when I gave the other boys their first haircuts but people were starting to think he was a girl. So, one night I just stopped procrastinating and did it. He looked so old after I did it!

In the middle of August Carly had her right front tooth pulled. You may remember that it has been green and dead looking for a couple of years. We have always been told that she would be fine unless she developed a little abscess in her gum above it. Well, she finally got one and so we had to have her tooth pulled out. She did such a good job and lay very still and very cooperatively for the dentist. I think having Pocahontas playing on the ceiling helped too! This is her with her little cotton rolls in her mouth. I know have taken close up pictures post tooth extraction but can't find them.

I just thought this was a cute picture of Carlyn.

Happy Birthday to Carter. He wanted a dinosaur cake this year. No laughing peanut gallery. It has been a very long time since I used colorflow so it didn't turn out quite like I had wanted it but he was happy and that is what matters.

Like I said these pictures are out of order. Here we have the finished product of what he is opening in the picture below. He was so excited to get this Lego set that he and Taylor immediately went upstairs to play---before eating, getting dressed, etc.

Spencer helping Scott play the guitar.

What did you do to celebrate Lunar Landing Day?
Well, we didn't really celebrate it at home but Scott and his company did. I made this cake for their little party.

One day Scott was out mowing the lawn and Taylor went out into the garage to get his scooter. This is what he found next to Carter's bike. AAAAAAAGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
This PYTHON was only 15 feet from my door. Apparently it was the neighbor's pet. I kept begging Scott to kill it. I didn't care that it wasn't poisonous. I was literally standing getting the number for animal control and the neighbors came to get it. Good news, shortly after this they fed the snake a rat because it had graduated from eating little small mice. Well, the rat and snake had a fight and the snake didn't fare so well so the neighbor had to put the snake out of it's misery. That must of been some rat!!!! I never thought I would say this but "Yahoo for Rats!!!"

Oh what do you do in July, when all the world is green?
Harvest pumpkins of course! Yep, you read that correctly. Our pumpkins were ready in July. Spencer thought they mad great balls so we had to watch him. They are now safely pureed and in the freezer awaiting fall baking. Yum.

Spencer, pre-haircut. I told you these weren't chronological! If you look closely you can see his very first band-aid on his finger. Ouch.
In May, Carly and Spencer and I went to a strawberry farm. I was in absolute heaven. We picked about 20 lbs of strawberries in and hour. They were juicy and succulent. Can't wait for next spring!
One day I was looking for Carly to come in for dinner. She had been outside jumping with the boys but they had been inside for awhile. I went out to the backyard and found her asleep on the trampoline. She acts so grown up most of the time it is so nice when she does something to remind me she is still just a little girl.

Major Summer Catch Up

Okay I realize it has been the entire summer and you were only given one single post. For those of you who are faithful followers, sorry to disappoint. I just got busy and then when I did have the time I would much rather sit and catch up on all of your blogs. So here is a weak attempt at trying to catch up. It may not be in order but here are some pictures. Okay, is anyone else really bugged by this blue underlining. I can't seem to get rid of it! Sorry, I am not techno-savvy enough to get rid of it. There is no underline button to click on to get rid of it like in Word. So bear with me and we shall attempt at a little info on our family. Ummmmmm. Look! the underlining is gone! I promise it wasn't me. I was just typing. Moving on..........


In the middle of June Taylor and Carter took swimming lessons at the City pool. They had a great time and did a really good job. They are turning into fish. This summer Taylor and I had a little race across the pool and I barely beat him.

This is Taylor, well his arm anyway.

This is Carter.


The day after school got out I got to do something I have been waiting many years to do. I got to go on a "vacation" all by myself. My good friend Vikki got married and I was lucky enough to get to go. Vikki and I worked together before I had Taylor so we go pretty far back. It was great to go to Arizona and see her and meet her amazing family and the great guy she married. They are just too cute together and I am so happy for her. No offense to anyone else but I have to honestly say that she was absolutely the happiest and most beautiful bride that I have ever seen in my entire life.
Yeah for little Vikki!

I told you this would not necessarily be in order. Here is Taylor at the end of school with some awards and his 2nd grade teacher.
Here is Carter with his Kindergarten teacher.

Happy Birthday Spencer!

After much frustration I have finally been able to upload some pictures of Spencer's birthday. The computer was still not letting me put everything on, though. So, let's all remember what we tell our preschoolers, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit." Just be happy that you get so see some pictures of his birthday.

We went to Galveston in the morning. Here is Carly making Sand Dollar Cookies!

Carter probably spent the most time in the water of everyone. He loves to walk out as far as he can and jump as the surf comes in and tries to knock him over. I have to admit it is pretty fun especially since you can walk out so far and it is still shallow.

Taylor is trying to build a little boat and sail away. (We watched the Legend of Johnny Lingo a couple of weeks ago.)

Spencer absolutely LOVES the water. He too likes the surf to come and knock him over. He loved to splash and wouldn't let me hold his hand (MR. INDEPENDANT).

"Mom, this sand is sooooooo cool."

My cute little baby is all grown up.

Spencer's favorite thing is balls, and since we went to the beach for his birthday I thought a beach ball was just right!

My little baby is a year old. I can't believe have fast this past year has gone. They say "time flies when you're having fun." I can truly say I have really enjoyed this past year with my cute little Spencer Bruce. Spencer you are so happy that it just oozes from you. Everyone comments on how happy you are even when they hardly know you. When I have a bad day it is always lessened when I get to hold you or you give me a big, slimy, open mouthed kiss. I love being your "MA" and love to play "BA" (ball) with you. Your cute little "evil man" laugh is unforgettable and you are so fun to tickle. Thanks for being so patient when I need to help your brothers and sister. I am so lucky that I get to be your mom for eternity. I love you little "coke-roch".