Checking in with Kristin...

It's so fun to have her around - well, most of the time. She is so content to just hang out! About a month ago, Erin's little girl had a Fancy Nancy birthday party. I made her some little tu-tu's for the girls to wear for the party. Kristin helped me, and when I told her what they were for, she asked if she got to go to Elyse's birthday party. I told her no, that Elyse lived in Las Vegas, and it was too far to go for her party. She was heartbroken. Erin sent her a little package of goodies from the party in the mail. It was the greatest package ever! It had the sunglasses, a little purse, beads to make a necklace, a flower for her hair and I'm sure more treasures. This kept Kristin busy for HOURS and she slept with everything she got. I'm not exaggerating. I just love it that such cheap little things make her happy.

Lately she has been asking to color. My boys NEVER did that. It's so fun to see her with markers, and color. She writes her name and colors and draws for hours. I love that about little girls (well, comparing them to my boys). As long as Jake doesn't torment her, she's very content to do her own little thing. I love this little girl.

Last night, we went to the BYU game. As Kristin was mesmorized watching the drill team and cheerleaders, she said, "I know what I want to be when I grow up. (I totally knew what was coming) A cheerleader!" I love it. When she sees something, she has no problem with deciding right then and there that she plans on doing that!

Summertime Treats

Is there anything better than popcicles in the summertime? I just couldn't photoshop out her snotty nose. The snot just made these photos complete!



Well, okay, maybe red vines?

If someone jumps off a cliff...

After watching her siblings jump off this rock, she thought she'd give it a go. Now, this is just a big rock in my parents front yard - no cliff, but she sure thought about it. That's why I love this picture - she's so deep in thought. She wouldn't have even hit the grass. In fact, I had to run up and grab her because she got so close to jumping. Look at her! TOTALLY thinking she can make it...naughty girl!

Photography Blog

I decided to start a photography blog - where all my latest photos will be posted. You can check it out at: Jen Korth Photography

Lara and David

These are my favorite photos from their wedding I shot about a week ago. The top one is my favorite, the last one I think is awesome - I think it's hilarious! It was so hard to only pick a few to showcase on here. They were the GREATEST couple! Congrats you guys!

Fourth of July

Yeah, Yeah, I know, I'm a bit late. Honestly, I have been so busy with weddings and other peoples photos, I didn't get to editing my own fourth of July pictures until tonight. I am officially caught up on photo shoots! WAHOO! Well, until tomorrow night! Can't wait to see you Leisa! So, here they are. We did the annual Copperton Park thing. I love love love it every year! This year we invited our friends, the Braithwaites! They too, loved it and their kids are currently practicing for next years races. If you don't have plans next 4th, let us know!

Here's Jake and Haley in front of the old fire truck that is in attendance every year. I loved it. It was overcast which made for great photo taking! Haley did NOT like sitting up there...anything for a photo...

The reason I love the races so much, is that is it literally fun for all ages. Case in point...

The little kids above. Don't you just LOVE the expression on Jake's face? Priceless!

The bigger kids. This is serious stuff!

The biggest kids! (Well, technically they weren't the oldest group to run. Both my parents did) My brother Michael is on Troy's right side in the green shirt. Not only is there running races, but sack races, hula hoops, shoe mix that are fun for all. In the photo above is Michael, James (cousin) and Troy. Apparently they all biffed it in this race. The crowd got a good laugh. Troy thinks he's too tall for the sack race. Not me, it goes up to my chin about! I did participate in the races, but nobody dare uses my camera. Even Haley LOVED it! The greatest part is that the winners recieve money! $3 for first, $2 for second, $1 for third. The little kids (under 6) all get a 50 cent piece just for running. See you all next year!

NEW FAVE!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song. I need to download or buy her CD. I listen to this all day long! I was having a grouchy day today(you know, everyone has them), and I turned this on while I was cleaning the kitchen. (How come I'm the only one who doesn't find it funny when Haley throws ramen noodles all over the floor? Maybe I should...It's just a mess to clean, right?) This totally made my day a bit better. ENJOY! I haven't even checked to see if I can download it from itunes yet...anyone know?

Auntie D and the "C" Family

No, I didn't forget about you! I have been busy, busy, busy! Here's a little sneak peak...Here is the perfect, "C" Family...

Here is what they REALLY look (and act) like:
In all seriousness, I LOVE THIS FAMILY! They are the greatest! I only wish they didn't live in VA! Come on guys, seriously! We don't get to see them very often, but when we do, it's great! They saved our butts a few times when we lived in VA. Especially when Haley was born. I wasn't recovering well, and Troy called "D" to come take the kids. She did, they had a blast, and it was a huge relief! I have a bunch more done, and hopefully the rest will be done in the next few days! This is a photo right before this family did a 20 mile hike in the high Uintah's...would LOVE an after picture! ;)

Jake-ism

I should be in bed, or finishing packing for our weekend in sunny AZ, but I had to type out this little ditty...

I was working downstairs today, and Jake was watching something on TV. He hollered down the stairs, very matter-of-factly, "Mom, I want to grow a beard." It was a statement, not a question. I just found it hilarious. He sees Troy shave. Does he not know that is how you keep from getting a beard? If he thinks he can really grow one, what has prevented it from happening? So, beware...since faith can move mountains, Jake just may have a beard by the time we get back Sunday afternoon.

Whoever said running was a cheap sport?

I just got back from the podiatrist. He was really nice. I have an inflammed ligament due to my flat feet. Seriously, Peterson feet are the WORST - and I daresay out of my brothers, I have the best feet(unfortunately, that's really not saying much). Jason's are THE WORST EVER - pretty sure in the whole history of feet! For the record, Troy NEVER complains if I get a pedicure, that's how nasty they are. Anyways, I have to take an anti-inflammatory, get orthodics(insurance doesn't cover orthodics - apparently they run between $100-$200), new running shoes, and not go barefoot or wear flip flops. HELLO? I hate wearing any shoes in the house and I would wear flip flops all year round if I could. He told me there is a brand of sandals I can get, but they're $70. Sure, tack it onto my bill. I am not allowed to run now, and just have to cross-train. At least for the next month until my foot is healed. I guess I may have to go look into that gym membership I was planning on getting this winter. A bit sooner than I wanted. I also have to ice my foot before bed, EVERY night, regardless of my activity.

So, if I add all this up, along with my cardiologist bills, my watch, and the cost of the few races I've done (I seriously can't believe I paid someone else to run) it's a bit hairy.

Sneak Peak for Carly

These aren't necessarily my favorites, just the first few I've edited...thought you'd like a sneak peak...okay, definitely LOVING the first one! Aren't these kids just the cutest things?

Ronnie

This is my nephew, Ronnie. I took his Senior Pictures last week. I seriously love this kid. He is Jake's hero. Literally. Ronnie is 18, the oldest grandchild on the Korth side, and all the younger boy cousins love him. Ronnie is so good to all of them. He plays with them, wrestles with them, and (I think) loves them. We happened to pull up next to Ronnie in the car today, and Jake was so excited. He talks about Ronnie all the time. The other night I told the kids I was looking for a babysitter, and Jake asked if I would please call Ronnie. I had to explain to him that Ronnie is too old for babysitting. I'm sure Ronnie isn't aware of just how much my boys adore him. I appreciate his example and how he is with my kids. I can only hope my boys turn out as well as Ronnie. We love you Ronnie! Enjoy your senior year!

The Run

Okay, where do I start. Okay, at 3:30 am when I woke up and ate breakfast. Cherice picked me up, where we met Becca, Jon, Donnarae, and Beau to drive down to Provo. We got there and picked up our bib's and hopped on a bus to the top of South Fork. Beau was WAY too chipper for a 5am bus ride! ;) We got up there and there were a million port-a-potties set up. We went to the bathroom, and then waited around for the race to start. I'm telling you, runner's are a different breed. They were running all around this field. I kept telling Cherice, "Do they know the race hasn't started yet? What are they doing????" It was set to start at 6:30, but it was obvious that they were going to be a little late. Cherice and I decided to get started. We knew there was no chance we would win and didn't want to be too behind everyone. We went by the time on my watch, so it wasn't ruining our real time. It turned out good we started early, we were actually able to see all of our friends and family as they ran past us! :)

Once the real race got started, I was seriously amazed. All these SPEEDY people FLEW by us. Literally flying. I really enjoyed watching all of them. Their stride was huge. I seriously thought they were going to face plow it they were going so fast down the hill.

I learned 2 things from this race. People who told me there were no hills were TOTAL LIARS! There were at least 4 hills that I was not happy about going up. Also, I didn't feel any adrenaline, or excitement about running an actual race. Just wasn't there. If anything else, it stressed me out. I must not be competitive enough --okay, or at all. Cherice and I did AWESOME up until about mile 8.5. We had just run about 2 miles on concrete, and Cherice's knee was starting to hurt. We stopped to go to the bathroom, and it was a 10 minute wait, and afterwards it just wasn't the same. My foot I had hurt last week, was really acting up. I started limping/running and my hip started hurting for compensating for my foot. It was brutal. I'm pretty sure I WANTED to give up. I think I swore a lot too. The worst part of the race for me, was when we got to the parking lot, we could see the finish line, and we had 2 miles left to go. On an aching body, it was torture. We had already decided that pain or no pain, we would sprint the last stretch, and were really wondering why we had our families be at the end. Thinking they would be embarrassed of us, and having them to see us hobbling in just under the 3 hour mark. As soon as we rounded the corner and they started yelling, I started crying. Cherice looked at me and said, "Okay, it's definitely worth it that they're here". It was. We plastered smiles on our faces, and ran to the finish. I grabbed 2 cups of water, and went to find my family. I started crying. I don't know how I did it. I can honestly say I NEVER want to do it again. I am up for 10K's, just no more half marathons!

I am happy I did it. I feel like it was such an accomplishment to set a goal and have to work on that goal for 7 months straight. I am very disappointed of how I did. Not time-wise, but how my body held up. I feel much more proud of the 11 miles I ran a few weeks ago.

Did I survive? Well, yes and no. I had a photo-shoot after my race, and did that and came home and took a Tylenol with Codeine and took a nap. My foot hurt so badly, it woke me up numerous times during my nap. When I woke up, I went to the doctor. They took an xray but didn't find anything and told me it was ligament/tendon damage. They gave me an ankle brace to wear and suggested I see a sports medicine guy, or a podiatrist. I woke up this morning, and literally couldn't walk. I wore the brace to church, and afterwards took off the brace and realized not only is my ankle swollen, but my whole foot is swollen now. Looks like I'll have to go to a podiatrist tomorrow.

I am alive, yes. But, I don't know when I'll be able to run or walk again for that matter. That's disheartening. Here are photos from the event. Excuse my outfit. I wasn't out trying to win a fashion show, just trying to wear what I would be most comfy in. Turns out, I chose the wrong shirt. I should have worn my flourescent green tank top.

BUT...I DID IT! I finished a half-marathon. I went the distance. I did something in which 8 months ago, I NEVER would have dreamed I could do it. I honestly don't remember the last time I set a goal, and completed it. It literally took hours of training. I'm so grateful for Troy who encouraged me, and has taken care of me, the kids, and the house the past 2 days. I am also so glad he was at the finish line cheering for me. It made it all worth it! I can't believe I'm posting pictures. For posterity, right?

This is our group that ran. From left to right, Heidi, Donnarae, Jon, Becca, Beau, Cherice and me.

This is us running for the finish ine. Pretty sure we're only smiling cause we saw our families!Those ladies you see running just in front of us, we called the camou girls. We were pretty much neck and neck the last 4 miles. At about 1 mile left, they started running, and I told Cherice they were jumping the gun. We were able to pass them at the VERY end. SWEET!

Hey, did you know I just completed a half marathon?

D-Day

Tomorrow's the day. THE DAY! It's the half marathon. 13.2 miles. Am I insane? I couldn't run 100 feet 5 months ago, and now I am running 13.2 miles - and all at one time? Yep, I must be insane. I have to get up at 3:45 am to make it on time. Seriously? That's not morning, it's the middle of the night. What have I gotten myself into? 3 weeks ago, I ran 11 miles, but that's the furthest I've gone in one shot, and honestly, it was not the funnest 2 hours and 17 minutes of my life. Hmmm....stay tuned to see if I survive....

Kyle's Baptism

Kyle got baptised on Saturday. It was such a great day! I started my day off by an 8 mile run with Cherice at 4:30 am. Afterwards, we headed over to the church, and my poor father-in-law was the first relative there and I made him take our familiy picture. He has vowed to never take a photo with my camera - but I promised him I wouldn't make fun of him on my blog - and he finally agreed. I think he did a pretty good job. My camera is definitely not a point and shoot. I didn't mean to dress the rest of my kids in white. They just happened to be the clothes that were clean and ready to go. So, I stick out like a sore thumb. So many of our family was able to be there. Here is the clan. I'm pretty sure it's impossible to get a great photo with this many people...especially in the lobby of a church... Here are the few photos of Kyle that day that I love. Kyle had a good day. Before his baptism, he was very nervous. As soon as he came up out of the water, he kept telling Troy, "That was so awesome" over and over and over. Troy confirmed him surrounded by a bunch of men that Kyle adores. It was really great! After the baptism, we headed to our house for lunch. My friend, Heidi Adams, made a video of Kyle's first 8 years. I LOVE it. We had that playing during the lunch. I had put about 250 photos on the disc, so Heidi had a lot to deal with! ;) I just couldn't narrow it down. (Heidi, how can I upload it to my sidebar?) Thanks to all who brought food, helped me prepare food, and showed up to eat the food. It was a day we won't forget!

Troy and I were VERY proud of Kyle. He fasted all day Sunday. Definitely not an easy thing to do. I won't lie, he had a hard time, but afterwards, he was SO excited that he had done it! I, personally, was very impressed. Click HERE for more information on our beliefs.

My little cousin

My cousin had a baby yesterday. I went to the hospital today to take a few pictures. She's so cute and tiny! Welcome to the world, Maya...(and this CRAZY family!)

Adding a little texture...

Cougar Clinic

Cherice and I went last week to the BYU Football Women's Clinic. Awhile ago, Troy forwarded me and email and said he thought I should go, since I have a season ticket this year, he thought it would make the season more interesting for me. I joked and said I would go, if he would go to a scrapbook class. Cherice's Birthday was the end of June, and she's a football fanatic...so, I signed us both up, and we did it for her birthday. It was SERIOUSLY the funnest thing EVER! We got there, and they had HUGE hoagie sandwiches and cougar brownies. Along with capri suns and bottled water. We ate, and then took a tour of the stadium. Well, we went to the locker room. We could have gone up to the press box, but wanted to get a seat, and they were filling up fast...next year...
Here's some photos we got of the night...none of these are edited...
Us with Brandon Doman - the QB coach (i think)
Us with Max Hall - the QB. He was super nice and personally showed me how to throw the football!
Us with Bronco Mendenhall - the Head Coach. He is such a great guy. Cherice personally thanked him for changing the football program and making great examples for our boys!
Us with Dennis Pitta and Max Hall. Apparently they are new brothers-in-law now.Cherice and the 3 point stance. Seriously, it made my legs BURN! Me doing the tackle sled. This was Cherice's favorite thing to do! We have decided this will now be a tradition. Anyone is welcome to join us! Next time we will get there RIGHT when it starts and save some good seats up front. I will also bring a football to have signed for my boys - maybe a jersey as well. I have been telling Troy all the fun things that happened all weekend. One of the coolest things was that they gave all of us a Media Book??? (I think it's called that) They had just received the boxes of them that very day, and assured us we would have them well before ANYONE else - including our husbands! I got it signed by Bronco, Max, and Dennis (oh yeah, totally on first name basis). My nephew was drooling over it yesterday. As we were leaving LaVell Edwards Stadium, I told Cherice that it totally made me want to be a football fan. She laughed and said that it was now not only a perfect birthday present for her, but one for Troy as well. She promised she wouldn't hold me to my comment. I told her to talk to me after I watch all 4 kids during the first game - let's be honest, by myself - in 100 degree weather and see how much I'm enjoying it then...until next year...
GO COUGS!