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.

Tent Rocks National Monument

Today we took the kids hiking in Tent Rocks National Monument. William and Hyrum did awesome making it the whole 3 miles (ok, maybe they had a few shoulder rides from daddy). The view from the top was incredible and well worth the climb. Once we made it past all the steep parts on the way down, the boys had fun racing down the trail back to the van. It made going down much faster than the trip up. It's always so rewarding to spend quality time together as a family, especially when it involves enjoying our beautiful surroundings.

18 Months

Thomas is now 18 months old. He is quickly turning into a little toddler, not only in the way he looks, but also in the way he acts. He is realizing that he can do what his brothers do and I often find him right in the middle of all their action together. He is still my sweet little Tommy, though, snuggling on my shoulder for comfort, kissing my cheeks at night and giving me hugs to say "sorry." His smiles always bring me great joy and brighten me up when I'm feeling down. He continues to be my little angel. Here's what he's up to these days.

Thomas...

• can say "ba" (ball), "mommee," "daddee," "hy" (Hyrum), "mo" (more), "pe" (please), "teet" (treat), "um" (I want some of that), "me" (milk) and "hu hu hu" (dog)


• runs around the house chasing his big brothers


• loves to laugh- he even does silly things just so he can laugh at himself


• uses a spoon and fork to eat


• pushes chairs around so he can climb on them to reach things (way too young to have learned this already)


• loves to suck on toothpaste bottles (with the lid on of course) and chew on toothbrushes


• plays peek-a-boo in the kitchen curtains


• screams...when he's happy, when he's sad, when he's mad, to get my attention, to fit in with his brothers...pretty much for any and all reasons


• plays with purses and anything with a strap that he can put over his shoulder


• is great at putting things back into whatever container they came out of (ie toys and spilled snacks)


• has a smile that melts my heart and a cheesy grin that makes me giggle

Daddy Date #2

Last night was Hyrum's turn to go out on a date with daddy. Since he and William do almost everything alike, it was only natural that he chose to have dinner at McDonald's (he wanted the same happy meal toy as William). After eating dinner and playing in the play area for awhile they ventured over to the dollar store where Hyrum picked out a rocket blast off toy. Oh, the simple joys of being a child. The best part is that Dave, having a little boy still inside of him, has just as much fun! I can't wait until my turn to take the boys out next month...