A Wonderful Day

Do you ever have a day where everything went so smoothly and you look back and say, "Wow!" Today was just such a wonderful day. I can't even describe how good I feel about today. I feel content and at peace. I am not trying to brag at all here but I am going to share everything that I did today so that on those days that are not so good I can look back and remember that there is hope.

5:30 am my day began by sorting laundry and getting it started (Monday is when all "good wives" do their laundry, can you name that book?) . Then on to making the boys lunches for school and get my bag ready to take to the gym. I had about 15 minutes to spare before I needed to make breakfast so I decided that rather than waste it I cleaned the little half bathroom that has been begging to be cleaned. By this time it was time to put the first load in the dryer and begin on breakfast. And, I didn't just pull out cold cereal. This morning we had scrambled eggs, banana muffins and applesauce and juice. Once everyone was ready for the day we all left and took the boys to school. I then dropped the van off at the shop so the AC could get fixed and drove my handsome husband to work so I could have his car for the day. Then it was back to town to hit the gym for an hour. Then, my awesome friend Debbie had offered to watch my two youngest children so I could get some work done. By this point it is only 10-10:30 and I am salivating at the chance to get some major things accomplished with nobody asking for my attention. Drop them off and hurry home for a shower after I again switch some more laundry. Then I chopped and filled the last 7 pints of chicken to be pressure canned. While that was doing its thing for the next 1 1/2 hours I did the dishes, cleaned the kids' bathroom, vacuumed
the stairs, shot off an email to a friend, got a meatloaf ready to go in the oven for dinner and another one in the freezer for a "rainy" day, and and ate my lunch in peace---I also changed another load of laundry during that time. By this time it is 2:00 and time to pick up the van from the shop. Oh, AC is so glorious! I quickly got gas in the car and picked up my children who have been having a great time playing with friends. Then, off the the school for the boys. We came home and I surprised them all with their first popsicles of the year and changed over the laundry again. We got homework done and I threw some potatoes in the ovent to bake along with the meatloaf, and off we went to the park to play with some other friends. When we came home dinner was minutes from being complete, I did the dishes immediately after (this is a big deal because often by dinner I just want to rest and I don't do them until after the kids go down) we had Family Home Evening that was meaningful and was relatively peaceful. The kids are now in bed and I need to put the last load of laundry in the dryer, read my scriptures and maybe eat some Haagen Daaz (which I have never tried) that is waiting in the freezer. Today was a great day. I am so thankful the Lord lets us have days like this. Sometimes that is what keeps me going. So, if you made it through that long log of my day you are truely a true friend. But, like I said I did this for me so I can go back on days that are not so productive and remember that life is good, I have good friends, and just remember all blessings I have.

I Went, I Ran,........

I Conquered! The half marathon was a great experience. And I even did better than I thought I would. But, let's not get ahead of ourselves. All week we were hearing that the weather was going to be cold and rainy. Yuck! But, then thing started looking better and the cold front wasn't going to arrive until sometime between 11 am and 1pm. Well, that was perfect! The morning started out at 62 degrees. There was only a slight breeze and it was cloudy. You just about can't ask for better running conditions. It's warm enough to wear shorts but you don't get too sweaty. There were about 800 people in this half marathon. It was crazy at the beginning trying to get past everyone who was going slower because it was a trail run. So, having 3 abreast was a little much on the trail. Thus, my first mile was about 1 minute slower than it should have. But, after that I was able to make up the time and kept an awesome pace the rest of the race.

Scott, and the kids slept in a little and tried to make it for the half way point but didn't quite make it---partly because I was running faster than normal!!!! So, this is what they did while they waited for me.


Notice there is nobody even close to Carly! I wouldn't want to be by her either when she is swinging that bag around. You never know what might be in there!

As usual, Taylor and Carter are fighting/wrestling. And since it was a park there is a stick involved.


And Spencer, notice his shoes are off. That kid is always taking his shoes off.
And here I am crossing the finish line. My official chip time was 2:11:43. The time you see above me was the "gun" time. But, I obviously wasn't the first one to cross the starting line.


Here I am with my finishers medal! It was pretty cool to wear it around for a couple of hours. But, at the same time I was also thinking, "Okay, so now what?"
All of us that ran the race together. Thanks to all of them for helping me stick to my goal. Such good friends and running buddies.

Wendy D., Amme, Sherri, WendyR.

Running a half marathon was absolutely amazing and I highly reccomend it to anyone. It is even worth the sore legs and knees.

Race Day List

My first half marathon begins in 12 1/2 hours. I am starting to get nervous, but also trying to make myself stay relaxed. Does that make sense? I have actually been meaning to write this post all week. But, with it being Spring Break and all the kids home it just hasn't happened. About 4 years ago I read the book "Running with Angels" by Pam ???. It is an amazing story of 1 woman's struggle to overcome obesity and she ran a full marathon 1 year after she started exercising. Anyway, something she did has always stuck with me. She dedicated a mile to important people in her life. Now, first a disclaimer. If you don't see your name, or feel that you are not included in a group please don't hate me. IT DOES NOT MEAN YOU AREN'T IMPORTANT TO ME!!!!! To be able to cover everyone who is important to me I would have to run 500 miles. And let's just face it, it isn't happening. So, without further adieu my dedication. I will be thinking about you and also praying for you while I run your designated mile.

1-Scott---none of this would even be possible without you. I love you.
2-Taylor
3-Carter
4-Carlyn
5-Spencer---all of my kids have been such a great support during my training.
6-Mom and Dad--Thanks for not getting annoyed each week when I would call you with a new highest number of miles.
7-Shannon, Laurie, Tawna, Curtis, Tammie, Kaley, and also all my bro in-laws and you too, Steph! ----You guys have all been great cheerleaders. You will never know how much your words of encouragement have meant.
8-"The other side" Scott's family---You guys are great.
9-All my Logan Friends--I love all you gals and miss you a ton.
10-Vikki and Camille--My two marathon running friends. You are such an inspiration to me and sometimes thinking about you was the only thing that kept me going.
11-Texas friends--I have made so many amazing friends here in Texas. I can't imagine life without you.
12-Ingrid--You have been so kind to answer questions that I am sure you thought were dumb. Thanks for shoe shopping with me and your willingness to take the weekly running report.
13-Madey--A 14 year old young athlete with cancer. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. All I know is I would not have been able to handle your battle when I was 14. Your story has really touched my heart and also all of your friends who are rallying around you with so much support.
.1-Amme B.--If there is 1 thing I have learned in this journey it is that it is okay to take a little time for me. It has actually made me a better wife and mother. So, I dedicate the last 1/10 of a mile to myself and say, "Here's to many, many, more miles."


Race pictures will follow shortly....................................

February Is Springtime in Texas

First a disclaimer... Amme did not post this blog, This is her husband Scott. For those who don't know, I am the one who takes the most interest in the yard, garden, and backyard orchard. Amme is a very beautiful talented individual, but sometimes she forgets to water my plants and they die. Oh, well I killed my Mom's indoor palm tree once so I guess what goes around comes around. Anyway, since I do most of the work I decided to publish this post.

The following pictures, of one of our peach trees, were taken about the middle of February. Sorry, I am as slow as Amme at posting. The weather was still a little cold (30's at night burr.) , but this little tree decided it was time to start blooming.


In Houston, peaches ripen in May and June so the growing season starts earlier than for "all y'all" up north.

The leaves of our peach trees did not fall until after Christmas so they were "leafless" for only a few weeks, which made it a little confusing on when to prune them. When I saw they were about to start blooming, I decided I had better get around to it quickly.

We had a couple of light frosts after this tree started blooming, but fortunately the flowers were ok. Hopefully we will get a few peaches this year. We are also hoping that our Texas peaches will be comparable to the ones we are used to from Utah. The ones we get in the grocery store go rotten before they get ripe, yuck!

Behind this picture is our new blackberry and strawberry bed.


I might have bitten off a little more I can chew, with the new beds. I have decided that next year I am not putting in any more raised beds. My new motto is "use what you've got". Maybe since Amme's big race is next week, we will have more time to garden. Notice the nicely tilled but un-planted beds behind the peach tree,

Since the time of these pictures, our other peach tree and citrus trees are starting to bloom also. The weather is nice and warm. But don't feel too bad. After all, we will be roasting down here from May till October.

My Baby Girl Grew Up!

Please join me on a very brief walk down memory lane. While it may not seem like it, there really is 1 picture for every year of her life. She just really matured between 2 and 3.



My sweet precious Carlyn Mae. Five years ago you came to our family. I still remember so much of that time leading up to your birth and how excited all of us were to have you join our family. I think you had the most nick names of any of our family. Just a few were Princess, Princess Fatty Cheeks, Squishy, Fatty Patty. You had the chunkiest cheeks and legs and everyone love to hold you and kiss you. Everyone said you were such a pretty baby. You are such a happy little girl who loves everything beautiful. After two rough and tumble boys it was so fun to dress you up in pink and ruffles. You were always so patient when I needed to finish up with something.
You continued to love beautiful things. You were so proud of yourself at 14 months old when you found one of mommy's shirts in the laundry and put it on. Little did we know that would begin your love of shoes, clothes, and dressing up.
I am so glad you enjoy books and reading. You are such a smart girl and you are always surprising me with your knowledge and your vocabulary.
Carlyn, you grew up way too fast and that is why I still call you baby girl. My sandal girl. I am so glad we live somewhere warm so you don't have to wear socks very often.
After a short lived fear of swimming when we lived in Albuquerque you have become a little fish. I don't know how many times I have had to save you because you just aren't scared of the water at all! Happy Birthday sweetie girl. I love you!
Carly had her 5th birthday a couple of weeks ago. Sorry! I am a slow poster. Yes, I realize in the above picture that she is blowing out the candles on less than half a cheesecake. Please, let me explain. When I asked Carly what she wanted for her birthday she said "Cheesecake". Wonderful! That gets me off the hook because at our house it is manly to make cheesecake. Scott, makes really good cheesecake. Since Scott's birthday is only 1 week after Carlyn's he made just one cheesecake and cut it in half. But in his zealousness to get it cut and put away (we are both trying to lose weight) he didn't let us put candles on and sing first!!! He even started dishing up slices when I said "Um, aren't we going to sing?"
What do you do when you can't decide which new thing to play with? Just use them all!
Carlyn also had her first "friend party" this year. She has been counting down for months when it would be time for her party. She had a great time with her friends and was very spoiled by all of them.
I did get to make a cake for her friend party which was the day before her real birthday. And, for all you cake fanatics out there I think this has got to be the easiest cake I have ever done. It probably also has the most frosting per square inch I have ever done too. But, that is what birthdays are for right?! We love you Princess Carlyn.

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.