I have a few things to be grateful for,
all wrapped into one post...since I got a little behind.
We've been busy around here.
New grass has come to live in our backyard.
And, that led to all the things I'm grateful for today.
I'm grateful for FABULOUS neighbors
who called us last week and said,
"We're putting a play yard in our backyard,
and we're getting a sod cutter,
and we're throwing the grass over the fence,
and we hope your yard is ready!"
So that means free grass for us!
Thanks neighbors!
That led to lots of sprinkler work.
And who spent the ENTIRE day here helping us?
(we were out there until 10:30 last night!)
Awesome brother-in-law Nate!
I'm grateful for all the hard work Nate!
We couldn't have finished without you.
Literally.
And, thanks to Christa for being the
dish washer and kid washer so I could help outside!
I'm also grateful for Adam.
He has the know-how to get these jobs done.
And, he can't wait to camp out in the
backyard with the girls.
They've been talking about it all day.
Thanks for working so hard,
to make our girls so happy!
GRASS RULES!
(I'm talking about the kind in my backyard)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Book Club
One night a month I get to go and meet with some
awesome women.
I started going with my friend Lori to her Book Club
about 3 years ago.
I look forward to it every month!
I love the different personalities of each girl,
and the unique thoughts they bring to our discussions.
It always makes me think,
and we always laugh A LOT!
I'm grateful for them,
and for Book Club!
This month we're reading this book...
if you want to join the fun!
According to Wikipedia,
it's a "gothic, suspense novel."
What is that exactly?
awesome women.
I started going with my friend Lori to her Book Club
about 3 years ago.
I look forward to it every month!
I love the different personalities of each girl,
and the unique thoughts they bring to our discussions.
It always makes me think,
and we always laugh A LOT!
I'm grateful for them,
and for Book Club!
This month we're reading this book...
if you want to join the fun!
According to Wikipedia,
it's a "gothic, suspense novel."
What is that exactly?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Grandmother
Today us girls went to visit this great woman:
(Audrey and her great-grandma)
She's my grandmother,
and she's wonderful.
I'm grateful for her example,
her kindness,
and her love.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Friends
This past weekend I have been especially grateful
for my friend Teresa.
(See previous post for picture)
She made it possible for Audrey,
to remain in her tumbling program...
despite our financial struggles these last few months.
She is an AMAZING teacher,
and friend.
I have a lot of those
(amazing friends)
by the way...
for my friend Teresa.
(See previous post for picture)
She made it possible for Audrey,
to remain in her tumbling program...
despite our financial struggles these last few months.
She is an AMAZING teacher,
and friend.
I have a lot of those
(amazing friends)
by the way...
Sunday, May 23, 2010
They Twirl and They Tumble
On Saturday we were treated to a special tumbling revue,
featuring the amazing Audrey!
We had such a great time seeing her progress over the last year!
The highlight was the jumping jacks during warm-up,
but no one caught that on tape!
Audrey is full of energy,
and it shows...
I am so proud of her mad tumbling skills!
We had such a great time seeing her progress over the last year!
The highlight was the jumping jacks during warm-up,
but no one caught that on tape!
Audrey is full of energy,
and it shows...
I am so proud of her mad tumbling skills!
Audrey waiting to begin warm up
Check out her feature performance below.
We would like to point out her
back-walk-over at the end...
it was a surprise for us
because we didn't know she could do it!
Audrey is the one in the black leggings...
with the long, brown hair.
Enjoy!
The Revue
Receiving her award of accomplishment
Lauren enjoying the performance
Christa and Sophie
Christa and Audrey
A proud mama and her girl
Audrey and her teacher Mrs. Teresa
Christa and Audrey
A proud mama and her girl
Audrey and her teacher Mrs. Teresa
Home Movies
Tonight we spent Sunday evening at my parents.
After a delicious dinner, someone brought up the topic of
Home Movies.
We spent the next hour or so watching some favorites,
I was about 9 years old in all of them.
In them we were swimming,
playing with my Grandmother and Grandfather Furnell,
(my mother's parents)
Aunt Janice and Uncle Steve,
(my mom's sister and husband)
helping my 15 month old brother learn to walk,
having a snow fight,
in Tucson, AZ
on Christmas morning.
(Which is Amazing in and of itself...)
What memories!
That's what I'm grateful for tonight.
The memories from a happy,
I mean truly happy,
childhood.
We were always together as a family,
and we were always laughing.
I can't think of a better way to grow up.
Home Movies.
We spent the next hour or so watching some favorites,
I was about 9 years old in all of them.
In them we were swimming,
playing with my Grandmother and Grandfather Furnell,
(my mother's parents)
Aunt Janice and Uncle Steve,
(my mom's sister and husband)
helping my 15 month old brother learn to walk,
having a snow fight,
in Tucson, AZ
on Christmas morning.
(Which is Amazing in and of itself...)
What memories!
That's what I'm grateful for tonight.
The memories from a happy,
I mean truly happy,
childhood.
We were always together as a family,
and we were always laughing.
I can't think of a better way to grow up.
And, I hope my children feel the same way one day.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Swiffer Wet Jet...
was a great invention.
Today I am grateful for my Swiffer.
It's really useful when cleaning up
BLUE KOOL-AID
that's been thrown across the kitchen floor.
Thank you Swiffer,
for making my life easier today.
Today I am grateful for my Swiffer.
It's really useful when cleaning up
BLUE KOOL-AID
that's been thrown across the kitchen floor.
Thank you Swiffer,
for making my life easier today.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Today I'm grateful that my girls love their Dad so much.
On the way home tonight I was following Adam in his truck.
At one point, I glanced back to spy both of the girls
sitting sideways in their seats,
to see out the windshield,
and make sure Dad was still in front of us.
If I got too far behind,
I was ordered to "Speed it up Mom!"
It brings a smile to my face,
and makes Dad feel like he's one in a million.
On the way home tonight I was following Adam in his truck.
At one point, I glanced back to spy both of the girls
sitting sideways in their seats,
to see out the windshield,
and make sure Dad was still in front of us.
If I got too far behind,
I was ordered to "Speed it up Mom!"
It brings a smile to my face,
and makes Dad feel like he's one in a million.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Dress Up
Today I'm grateful for Lauren's MAD dressing skills.
Because they make me laugh.
This is what I got today when I set her clothes out:
Please notice the boots on the wrong feet,
and the nylons OVER the shorts.
And, the best part is
those were not items
I set out for her to wear...
Please notice the boots on the wrong feet,
and the nylons OVER the shorts.
And, the best part is
those were not items
I set out for her to wear...
Vegas Baby
In honor of Mother's Day
and our 10 year Anniversary
Adam surprised me on Mother's Day morning,
with a quick trip to Las Vegas...
and we were leaving the next morning!
I've never been a big fan of Vegas,
probably for obvious reasons...
we don't gamble, or drink,
or do any of the other traditional Vegas things...
But, I have to say, this trip was a blast!
We headed out Monday morning with Rocky and Steph,
and had a Fantastic time.
It was great to relax,
not be responsible for anyone else,
and act like we were 10 years younger!
We did "The Fremont Street" experience,
which you can see in the photos.
Really fun.
At the top of every hour,
they shut down the casino lights,
and have a lazer show overhead.
The show we saw featured music from "The Doors".
We also went to "The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop"
featured in the History Channel show, "Pawn Stars".
I made them stop so I could go in,
and in case you were wondering,
it looks like any other pawn shop.
And no, the owners are never there...
for some reason people expected to see them there.
And yes, I know I'm silly.
We stayed at the WorldMark by Wyndam.
It was awesome!
We could have spent 2 more days,
laying by the hot tub,
and floating in the Lazy River.
Thanks for taking us Rocky and Steph!
We had a great time!
Can we go back?
and our 10 year Anniversary
Adam surprised me on Mother's Day morning,
with a quick trip to Las Vegas...
and we were leaving the next morning!
I've never been a big fan of Vegas,
probably for obvious reasons...
we don't gamble, or drink,
or do any of the other traditional Vegas things...
But, I have to say, this trip was a blast!
We headed out Monday morning with Rocky and Steph,
and had a Fantastic time.
It was great to relax,
not be responsible for anyone else,
and act like we were 10 years younger!
We did "The Fremont Street" experience,
which you can see in the photos.
Really fun.
At the top of every hour,
they shut down the casino lights,
and have a lazer show overhead.
The show we saw featured music from "The Doors".
We also went to "The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop"
featured in the History Channel show, "Pawn Stars".
I made them stop so I could go in,
and in case you were wondering,
it looks like any other pawn shop.
And no, the owners are never there...
for some reason people expected to see them there.
And yes, I know I'm silly.
We stayed at the WorldMark by Wyndam.
It was awesome!
We could have spent 2 more days,
laying by the hot tub,
and floating in the Lazy River.
Thanks for taking us Rocky and Steph!
We had a great time!
Can we go back?
Monday
On Monday, Adam and I celebrated our
10 year
Anniversary.
Wowser.
I'm grateful for Adam,
and how much fun we have together!
P.S. I'm also grateful for MacCool's Fish N' Chips,
even though my tummy wasn't after I ate
every, single, bite.
Delish.
Anniversary.
Wowser.
I'm grateful for Adam,
and how much fun we have together!
P.S. I'm also grateful for MacCool's Fish N' Chips,
even though my tummy wasn't after I ate
every, single, bite.
Delish.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Thunder Thighs
Today, I'm grateful for my Thunder Thighs.
They help me run.
I couldn't do it without them.
This quote is on the wall in my closet,
(to remind me why I like my
Thunder Thighs,
when they won't fit in my pants).
So, from my Thunder Thighs down to my Cankels
thanks for helping me run today.
They help me run.
I couldn't do it without them.
This quote is on the wall in my closet,
(to remind me why I like my
Thunder Thighs,
when they won't fit in my pants).
"I have Thunder Thighs.
And that's a compliment,
Because they are strong,
and toned,
and muscular.
And though they are unwelcomed
in the petite section,
they are cheered on in marathons.
Fifty years from now
I'll bounce a grandchild on my thunder thighs,
and then I'll go out for a run." - Nike
And that's a compliment,
Because they are strong,
and toned,
and muscular.
And though they are unwelcomed
in the petite section,
they are cheered on in marathons.
Fifty years from now
I'll bounce a grandchild on my thunder thighs,
and then I'll go out for a run." - Nike
So, from my Thunder Thighs down to my Cankels
thanks for helping me run today.
Friday
On Friday I was grateful for my privileged life.
Let me explain.
I often read this blog.
I bet a lot of you do or have heard of it.
The writer has been getting a lot
of mean comments lately.
Many of them are about how spoiled she is,
because she comes from a "privileged" life.
Two thoughts:
1. If you are sitting in front of a computer,
with access to the internet,
and most likely a roof over your head,
and I'm guessing a full tummy...
aren't YOU coming from a life of privilege?
Especially in comparison to those who have
none of the above? Come on.
2. Why is it a bad thing to come from a life
of privilege? Isn't the true tragedy to come
from a life of privilege, and not acknowledge
that blessing? If you don't recognize that you
have been blessed, how can you give back to
others? If you think you aren't living a life
of privilege, you have a problem...in my
opinion. And, you all know I have one.
You might have a DIFFERENT life of privilege
than me, but that doesn't make it any better
or worse than the next person's.
So...Friday (and everyday) I am grateful
to come from a life of privilege. I'm grateful
for the parents who worked HARD to provide
a shelter for my head, food for my body, and
clothing to cover it. I'm grateful that I feel
of their love and support every day. I'm grateful
to have a husband who does the same for me
and our own children. I am not ashamed
that I live where I live and have what I have.
I recognize that I am blessed to have these
things, and that tomorrow, I could have none
of them. I do not feel entitled to have these
things, I only know that I've been blessed to
have them. And, I hope to give to others as much
as I can to show my gratitude.
Let me explain.
I often read this blog.
I bet a lot of you do or have heard of it.
The writer has been getting a lot
of mean comments lately.
Many of them are about how spoiled she is,
because she comes from a "privileged" life.
Two thoughts:
1. If you are sitting in front of a computer,
with access to the internet,
and most likely a roof over your head,
and I'm guessing a full tummy...
aren't YOU coming from a life of privilege?
Especially in comparison to those who have
none of the above? Come on.
2. Why is it a bad thing to come from a life
of privilege? Isn't the true tragedy to come
from a life of privilege, and not acknowledge
that blessing? If you don't recognize that you
have been blessed, how can you give back to
others? If you think you aren't living a life
of privilege, you have a problem...in my
opinion. And, you all know I have one.
You might have a DIFFERENT life of privilege
than me, but that doesn't make it any better
or worse than the next person's.
So...Friday (and everyday) I am grateful
to come from a life of privilege. I'm grateful
for the parents who worked HARD to provide
a shelter for my head, food for my body, and
clothing to cover it. I'm grateful that I feel
of their love and support every day. I'm grateful
to have a husband who does the same for me
and our own children. I am not ashamed
that I live where I live and have what I have.
I recognize that I am blessed to have these
things, and that tomorrow, I could have none
of them. I do not feel entitled to have these
things, I only know that I've been blessed to
have them. And, I hope to give to others as much
as I can to show my gratitude.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Copying of The Gratitude Project
In honor of my sister, and her fabulous ideas...
and the fact that we have both been talking together
about the rut we seem to be in...
I am going to attempt to follow in her footsteps,
and write about something I am grateful for every day.
and the fact that we have both been talking together
about the rut we seem to be in...
I am going to attempt to follow in her footsteps,
and write about something I am grateful for every day.
Today I am grateful for my mellow girls.
I have been watching the always energetic, and entertaining,
Momo...you can see read more about him here...
and he has had me on my toes!
It has been fun,
and made me stand back and realize how easy my girls are!
They may be full of crying and drama,
but they stay in their crib during nap time!
Thanks for letting me watch Momo today Anj!
He made me smile all day!
I have been watching the always energetic, and entertaining,
Momo...you can see read more about him here...
and he has had me on my toes!
It has been fun,
and made me stand back and realize how easy my girls are!
They may be full of crying and drama,
but they stay in their crib during nap time!
Thanks for letting me watch Momo today Anj!
He made me smile all day!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Dear Mom
(My favorite picture of Grandma Janet with a brand new Lauren Lou)
Someone I was talking to recently
described my relationship with my mother perfectly:
She's a rock.
I can always count on her to be there, steady, and strong.
She'll always support my decisions,
even if she doesn't agree with them.
If I take a problem to her,
I usually know what she's going to say before she says it,
I just need her to tell me I'm right,
(or wrong).
She loves me no matter what.
Even when I'm a silly little girl,
(or at least when I act like one
when I'm supposed to be grown up).
And that's all that matters.
I love my mom.
I only hope to be the kind of mother she is,
when I grow up.
December 2007
Shortly after having Lauren 2007
Grandma Janet in a fabulous Southern Belle Hat
described my relationship with my mother perfectly:
She's a rock.
I can always count on her to be there, steady, and strong.
She'll always support my decisions,
even if she doesn't agree with them.
If I take a problem to her,
I usually know what she's going to say before she says it,
I just need her to tell me I'm right,
(or wrong).
She loves me no matter what.
Even when I'm a silly little girl,
(or at least when I act like one
when I'm supposed to be grown up).
And that's all that matters.
I love my mom.
I only hope to be the kind of mother she is,
when I grow up.
December 2007
Shortly after having Lauren 2007
Grandma Janet in a fabulous Southern Belle Hat
Saturday, May 1, 2010
April Showers brings May Snow
I thought the old saying went,
"April Showers bring May Flowers."
But, as I glared out the window this morning at the falling snow,
I decided Mother Nature has a funny sense of humor,
and she uses that humor in Utah every spring.
You see...I love to run. A lot.
And, as of this morning I had been rained
out of 2 of my morning runs this week.
And, I only go 4 mornings a week.
Seriously?
Mother Nature didn't win today. I donned my running shoes
semi-weatherproof jacket and ran out the door.
A lot of people don't understand the running thing.
I've tried to explain it, but really,
I'm not very good at explaining why I like to run.
The passion started almost 12 years ago,
and it's so ingrained in me now,
that if I don't run,
I'm ornery...or so Adam says.
He can tell.
"Did you run today?"
is the most popular question in our house,
on an evening when I'm short tempered with the kids.
"No," is usually the answer on those days.
I don't know why? I think it's the endorphins,
or it could be the fat that I imagine piling up on my buns
because I missed one run.
I know it's all in my head,
but I can still feel those fat cells taking up residence!
A few weeks ago I was reading a copy of Runner's World
(courtesy of Christa, who also loves to run, as does Jess,
it must be a family thing) and I found this article.
It explained my running obsession to a "T",
except for the swearing thing.
Because I'm pretty sure the girls I run with would fall over
if they heard a swear word come out of my mouth. Love them!
Maybe you can relate to the story?
P.S. I love the picture.
Enjoy!
Hell Week
by Kristina Pinto
Illustration by Katy Lemay
A cold rain is pelting the road, but I'm desperate to head out for a run. I gingerly test my ankle with a jog down to the base of the driveway, and everything's a go. At a cautious pace that doesn't quite match my zeal, I run away from home for an hour, hoping my injury is behind me. When a running mom gets injured, the whole family pays. After falling a week ago in such a spectacular fashion that I later found gravel in my hair, I sat on my son's playroom floor with my foot elevated. Instead of wondering how I'd manage to fulfill my mom-duties on one foot, I fretted over how I'd find the will to fulfill them because I couldn't run with a sprained ankle. With a look of fear on his face, my husband quipped to our 4-year-old, "What will happen to us now that Mommy can't run?" He knows running keeps me sane, and his expression suggested he was sizing me up for a straight jacket. I just hoped it was made of wicking fabric so I'd at least feel like a runner.
If you're a runner and a mother—or if you live with one—maybe you get what I mean. We were taught that we could have a career and a family and a life outside both. But to make it all work, sometimes we need to run away. Out on the road, there are neither babies nor bosses tugging at our pant legs. The playlist on my iPod may blend Shrek incongruously with Eminem, but otherwise, my runs amount to sweaty, exhausting interludes of peace and quiet.
As a runner-mother, I train and race to be distinctly different from the woman struggling to maneuver the grocery cart shaped like a race car. "Sorry, sorry," I repeat like a mantra in the produce section, as I bump my way around the vegetables. Give me four safety pins and a piece of paper with a number on it, and there are no apologies. I have somewhere I need to go, as fast as possible, and no one gets in my way. The woman on the playground who uses phrases like "Oopsy daisy" spits and swears while running with friends. Pink running skirts are deceiving; there is nothing pretty about the conversations held by running moms on long runs.
As if anticipating the frazzled, potentially unhinged woman I might become, my son asked me one day how my foot felt. He suggested a Band-Aid to help. "Thank you," I said. "A Spider-Man Band-Aid is exactly what I need." As if superhero powers really were at work, my recovery time was quick. No X-rays or psychiatric care required.
Seven long days after my wipe out, I hold my breath as I slip into my Asics. Although my joints creak and my form lacks grace, I find the tough, ruthless athlete I fancy myself to be. I feel particularly hard-core slogging it out in the rain. I come home drenched, with strands of hair plastered to my cheeks. But I must have a look of satisfaction, because my husband and son cheer as if I have just crossed a finish line. Their runner-mother is back.
"April Showers bring May Flowers."
But, as I glared out the window this morning at the falling snow,
I decided Mother Nature has a funny sense of humor,
and she uses that humor in Utah every spring.
You see...I love to run. A lot.
And, as of this morning I had been rained
out of 2 of my morning runs this week.
And, I only go 4 mornings a week.
Seriously?
Mother Nature didn't win today. I donned my running shoes
semi-weatherproof jacket and ran out the door.
A lot of people don't understand the running thing.
I've tried to explain it, but really,
I'm not very good at explaining why I like to run.
The passion started almost 12 years ago,
and it's so ingrained in me now,
that if I don't run,
I'm ornery...or so Adam says.
He can tell.
"Did you run today?"
is the most popular question in our house,
on an evening when I'm short tempered with the kids.
"No," is usually the answer on those days.
I don't know why? I think it's the endorphins,
or it could be the fat that I imagine piling up on my buns
because I missed one run.
I know it's all in my head,
but I can still feel those fat cells taking up residence!
A few weeks ago I was reading a copy of Runner's World
(courtesy of Christa, who also loves to run, as does Jess,
it must be a family thing) and I found this article.
It explained my running obsession to a "T",
except for the swearing thing.
Because I'm pretty sure the girls I run with would fall over
if they heard a swear word come out of my mouth. Love them!
Maybe you can relate to the story?
P.S. I love the picture.
Enjoy!
Hell Week
by Kristina Pinto
Illustration by Katy Lemay
If you're a runner and a mother—or if you live with one—maybe you get what I mean. We were taught that we could have a career and a family and a life outside both. But to make it all work, sometimes we need to run away. Out on the road, there are neither babies nor bosses tugging at our pant legs. The playlist on my iPod may blend Shrek incongruously with Eminem, but otherwise, my runs amount to sweaty, exhausting interludes of peace and quiet.
As a runner-mother, I train and race to be distinctly different from the woman struggling to maneuver the grocery cart shaped like a race car. "Sorry, sorry," I repeat like a mantra in the produce section, as I bump my way around the vegetables. Give me four safety pins and a piece of paper with a number on it, and there are no apologies. I have somewhere I need to go, as fast as possible, and no one gets in my way. The woman on the playground who uses phrases like "Oopsy daisy" spits and swears while running with friends. Pink running skirts are deceiving; there is nothing pretty about the conversations held by running moms on long runs.
As if anticipating the frazzled, potentially unhinged woman I might become, my son asked me one day how my foot felt. He suggested a Band-Aid to help. "Thank you," I said. "A Spider-Man Band-Aid is exactly what I need." As if superhero powers really were at work, my recovery time was quick. No X-rays or psychiatric care required.
Seven long days after my wipe out, I hold my breath as I slip into my Asics. Although my joints creak and my form lacks grace, I find the tough, ruthless athlete I fancy myself to be. I feel particularly hard-core slogging it out in the rain. I come home drenched, with strands of hair plastered to my cheeks. But I must have a look of satisfaction, because my husband and son cheer as if I have just crossed a finish line. Their runner-mother is back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)