5k #2

On the morning of June 19th Alesa and I did our 5k #2. It was the Running with Angels 5k at Thanksgiving Point. I think this was the 5k I was most excited about. I knew the location would be beautiful and the 5k was inspired by the book "Running with Angels". I absolutely love this book!

5k #2

It was a little bit of an emotional start because they had families release doves in honor of their loved ones who had passed away (and who they were running in honor of) and also in honor of all others who were being remembered that day. Alesa and I shared hugs and tears as we watched this event. I'm so grateful for a sister who understands what is in my heart!

This was a fun 5k. We got to run through the gardens of Thanksgiving point. Past the waterfalls and beautiful flowers. Wow! What a delight!

It was a tough 5k because at the very end (and I mean about .2 mile before the end) there was a very steep, long hill. Ugh! I always want to run the finish even if I've walked the whole thing. But this killer hill made that hard. I did recover and jog across the finish line and was proud that I had done it. My time was slightly slower but that was because I had to walk a little bit more. (See the reason below) Oh, and once again Alesa came and joined me for the finish. She just keeps getting faster! She took about 2 minutes off her last 5k. Go Alesa!!!

I love this girl!!!!! She's my inspiration in so many things.

When I grow up I'm going to be just like her!

Doug's cousin's wife (Stephanie) silk screened these great shirts for us. They say "10 5k's in 2010" We love them! Thanks Stephanie!!!

Mine had to be a little bit different. This is the back of mine. If you can't read it it says "Might not get it done, cuz this oven's got a bun"

That's right! I'm pregnant!!!!!! Hooray!!!! I was about 11 weeks along at this time. I'm now about 17 (I think) weeks along. I'm due in January.

Funny story about the shirt and Alesa finding out. My mom had already guessed that I was pregnant. But we hadn't told anyone else. (Well, I guess Stephanie since she did the shirt) So, I was anxious for Alesa to see it. I walked in front of her on the way to the starting line, etc... but she still didn't notice. As we were standing in line for the Honey Pots I could hear this lady behind me reading my shirt. All the sudden she said, "Are you trying to say you're pregnant?" I laughed and said "yes". Then I watched as Alesa put things together, turned me around to look at my shirt, then gave me a big hug! Ahhh, the perfect reaction! This lady felt bad she'd given it away but I was just grateful, I wasn't sure how long it would be before Alesa noticed. I was about ready to just tell her!

Bevan's Birthday

Bevan's birthday was on Memorial day this year so it made for a CraZY weekend but a FUN one! We celebrated his 4th birthday at the Firehouse. (Bevan thought for a long time we were going to the Firehouse restaurant- it took some talking to convince him the real firehouse would be just as fun!) The firemen were so good to us. Fireman Scott acted genuinely happy to have us there and let the kids climb in the fire engine and ambulance and even try on his fire hat!

Bevan trying on the fireman's hat. Bevan's jacket was almost just like the real firemen's jackets. Fireman Scott kept telling Bevan how much he like Bevan's jacket.

Most of the group in the hats and badges I made.

Bevan and the firemen.

After the firehouse we went back to our house and had hamburgers and salads and cake and ice cream. My mom made this cute cake (because I was too busy doing a million other things.) The idea was the chimney (made of sugar cubes and soaked in vanilla) would start on fire. Unfortunately, it didn't work but the fire engine candles were sure cute anyway!

Stitch wanted to join in the fun but we wouldn't let him so instead he sat in the window of our bedroom and wished he could join us.

Where've we been the last 6 weeks?

I know, I know you've been losing sleep wondering where I've been and why there've been no posts! :) Here is a quick catch up.

As you will be able to tell the last 6 weeks have been SUPER busy but CRAZY fun!

I've still been serving with the Young Women (here we are playing broom hockey in the rain)

Doug has been teaching Gospel Doctrine-

sometimes with only 5 minutes warning when the other teachers don't show.

Katie learned all there is to know about Florence Nightingale for her 5th grade History Fair.

Our neighbor, Teresa Jones, came up with this great costume for her to wear.

We endured rain for most of May and all of June. Unfortunately a lot of school end activities were rained out but there were still plenty of fun ones!

Maddie had "Meet your Pen Pal" day at the park rained out.

Katie had swim day rained out so they just got to go to the local high school for a couple of hours instead of all day at the water park.

Maddie still had a fun Field Day.

And Katie got to go to a Bees Game and

play at the AR (reading) Carnival. (Bevan and I got to go help there too)

Katie graduated from DARE (drug free program) and 5th grade.

Bevan graduated from Joy School.

We are going to miss "Teacher Suzanne" and Joy School.

All of the kids have attended Joy School. We love it!!!

I did more than 20 memorial day arrangements. (This was the small one)

We had our annual Memorial day activities along with going to a shower for Andi (K.C's fiance)

Bevan turned 4!

Isn't that a great cake Grandma Meikle made for him!

(Details in another post)

Sleep-overs and fun with the Austins from Oklahoma

I went to Young Women camp. It was four days of fun even if it did rain the whole time!

Love the girls in our ward!

Alesa and I ran 5k #2 "Running with Angels" at Thanksgiving Point

(More details in another post)

Uncle K.C and Andi got married and we celebrated with two days of parties!

Doug took the kids and went camping with the Austins. Fun times with the cousins!

While the rest of the family was camping, I went to Trek with the Young Men and Young Women. Unfortunately, I didn't get to "trek" but went as a cook. We started the days at 5:00 am but I had a great time getting to know people and interact with the wonderful youth of our stake!

Katie's been playing softball with the city league. I've been coaching the team and Doug's been helping at the games. I've been working both jobs (thankfully!) and of course PTA.

And on top of all this, we've been busy trying to save the world!

Ahhh

It's been a busy, fun, stressful, tiring, no sleep kind of days (weeks) lately. This week Doug has been out of town which always makes it twice as crazy. This morning after getting up at 4:30, e-mailing, faxing, helping to finish last minute history fair reports, making breakfast, taking out garbage, etc, etc... The girls ran out the door and Bevan started demanding something. I told him what to do and asked him to do it himself. He couldn't (wouldn't) (all he needed to do was put something in a room). So I angrily grabbed it and threw it in the room and stormed out and retreated to my bedroom. For some reason that was the final straw. I cried and sobbed and cried some more. Then I sat down to do some Young Women stuff on the computer. Bevan sheepishly came in I smiled at him, he smiled at me, climbed up in my lap and said "You're happy?!" I replied "I am" He wrapped his arms around my neck and said "I just love you so much."

Yup, it's worth it!

5k #1 - "Conquer the Canyon"

Bevan before the 1 mile

Bevan crossing the finish line!

Katie finishes!

This past Saturday was our first 5k. It is one that I have done before, actually twice, since it's right in town. This year it was a whole family affair- Katie did the 5k, Maddie, Bevan and Doug
did the 1 mile run. It was fun for everyone!

We sure looked happy at the beginning!

The run goes up the canyon and then turns and comes back down. The whole way up I was hurting, my hip and leg were hurting so I ended up walking more than I thought. Because of this, I thought for sure my time would be slower than usual. I was pleasantly surprised and my time was actually 1 minute faster than the Top of Utah 5k that means it is probably about 4-5 minutes faster than the last time I did this same 5k. That makes me happy! Small improvements, that's all I want!

Alesa, Tori and Mindee Nyman also did the run. It was so fun to have to many people there! Tori and Alesa once again came and helped me finish the race. Even Maddie, Savannah and Dallin helped me finish. What a great experience! Can't wait for #2 on June 19th!!!

The finishers! (Doug and Justin are behind cameras)

5k #1 done!

Guitar Recital 2010

April 28th was Maddie's guitar recital. It is so fun to watch Maddie learn this instrument that she really loves!
This year Maddie played: "On Top of Spaghetti", "Good Mornin' Blues" and "Rock Feeling"

The first song Maddie and her teacher sang the words and the last two she was able to play and electric guitar. She loved it! She thinks that's what Santa should bring for Christmas. Dad says, "Not until a sound-proof room is built!". I think I agree with Dad. But she did an excellent job!!!
Unfortunately Jenny, Maddie's teacher, is moving so now we are on the look out for a new teacher.

Bevan gets rid of the Bugs!

This spring we have had a TON of Box Elder Bugs (the Utah cockroach)! I've never had this problem in the spring. They were all over in our house even inside. Bevan really doesn't like bugs much and he especially HATES Box Elder bugs.

To show you how much he hates them; one night he was in the bath tub and let out a blood curdling scream. I went running in sure that he had somehow cut his leg off or something just as dramatic. Much to my surprise there was just a Box Elder bug that had dropped into his tub and he wanted in OUT!

One morning while the kids were eating breakfast Bevan had a white piece of cardboard. He told us he wanted it to say "No Bugs Allowed". He wouldn't quit bugging us until it was written. Katie wrote it on both sides and Bevan made us hang it on the window. It must have worked because right after that the bugs all left!
It still hangs in our window. (Even if it doesn't keep the bugs away it makes me happy every time I see it!)