Happy Easter

Half Marathon

Last Saturday I ran the Albuquerque Half Marathon. I've run a couple of races over the past few years just for fun with Dave, but it has been 6 years since I've really "raced." I love to run and I love to race even more...it runs deep in my blood.

Race day was absolutely beautiful! As the race started I got into my groove and just enjoyed the run (well, miles 11 & 12 weren't so enjoyable). I really pushed myself and ended up finishing in a time of 1:41 (which put me 1st in my age division and the 6th overall female). I wish my time would have been a little faster; however, I know I gave it my all and that makes me satisfied!

The gals and I pre-race

...and we're off

Waving to Dave and the boys

I met Rachel at mile 8 and ran with her for several miles. We became quick friends as we discovered that each of us has 3 kiddos. We chatted about motherhood as we ran, trying to take our minds off the pain of racing.

Cross Country runners in training...check out Will's awesome form!

At this point I felt like I had 20 pound hams tied to each leg, hence the short stride and lack of high knees as I tried to kick it in to the finish. Having Dave and the boys cheering me on gave me strength to make it to the end.

A Family Night Success

Last night for Family Night we did an Easter theme. I hid 12 eggs out in the backyard, each of them with something representing a part of Christ's life the week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. After having a great time finding the eggs, we went inside and opened them one by one, discussing what was inside each egg. Even though I made it very simple so the boys would understand, I found that my own testimony of and love for the Savior was heightened as I talked with them about such significant events. I'm so grateful for this time of year when we can refocus our thoughts on He who triumphed over death and made possible our own salvation.


After our lesson we ate bunny-shaped soft pretzels (I forgot to take a picture before we ate them all up) and decorated bunny bags, a tradition Dave did with his family growing up. I was surprised at how well the boys did at drawing bunny faces on their bags. Now the boys (Dave included) are anxiously awaiting when the Easter bunny will come and fill their bunnies with yummy treats!

Happy Birthday Hyrum

A few weeks ago our little Hyrum turned 5 . It's crazy how old that seems to me, probably because now he's old enough to start school....YIKES! I'm not sure I'm ready for this whole growing up thing. Ready or not, though, it's here and I'll just take it one story, one snack-time, one wrestle on the floor, one scraped knee, and one good night squeeze at a time.

Now, a little bit about our 5-year-old.


Hyrum....

• LOVES to ride his two-wheeler bicycle


• is an awesome big brother to William and Thomas


• requests ramen noodles everyday for lunch, stating "I hate peanut butter sandwiches"


• thinks that spiderman, batman, ironman, and star wars are "so cool" because that's what his preschool friends like (he doesn't even know what star wars is)


• is still completely fascinated by garbage trucks-friday mornings at our house are spent anxiously awaiting the suckers our friendly garbage man brings


• enjoys building and creating things out of odds and ends around the house


• loves to play at the park with Daddy during his lunch break


• can be heard singing/humming a little tune no matter what he's doing


• wears his CTR ring proudly, showing it to everyone


• runs outside each night when Dave gets home so he can sit in daddy's truck


• says, "Mom, do you think I'll get hurt doing this...." as he tries doing tricks off the play set in our backyard

Here is his annual birthday video....

We love you Hyrum!

Families Can Be Together Forever

"I have a family here on earth.

They are so good to me.

I want to share my life with them through all eternity.

Families can be together forever

Through Heavenly Father’s plan.

I always want to be with my own family,

And the Lord has shown me how I can.

The Lord has shown me how I can."

I chose to post the words to this song because they express so eloquently my testimony of eternal families. These simple words have filled me with great peace today. The passing of my mother (9 years ago) still brings me much sorrow, yet I have found, through the Atonement of Christ, tremendous joy that lessens the pain and makes me rejoice at the thought of being reunited with her someday.