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!

Dancing King

Okay, one day, Kyle is going to kill me for posting this. We were having family movie night, and watching something on the Disney Channel. There was some singing in it, and Kyle started grooving. He is HILARIOUS when he's dancing. He is not shy, and is happy to do it, but boy does the kid have NO rhythm. I think this is hilarious! He is just so tall and skinny...poor kid...I really do hope he always is happy to dance, and that no one ever tells him he has no rhythm (JASON)...

"I don't know"

Here's a video of Haley. Lately when I ask her questions, she tells me, "I don't know". It sounds so sweet. It's my favorite thing ever right now...here she is...

All About Mom...

I liked this one. It's always a wake-up call as to what is going on in your kids minds...for better or worse...I called them all in seperately to answer...so as not to be persuaded...

1. What does mom always say to you?
Kyle: Be Nice.
Jake: Clean up.
Kristin: i love you

2. What makes mom happy?
Kyle: When I'm not mean to Jake and Kristin
Jake: Love
Kristin: giving you hugs and kisses

3. What makes mom sad?
Kyle: When I disobey you.
Jake: When I be naughty.(Yes, I corrected his grammar)
Kristin: not giving you hugs and kisses

4. How does mom make you laugh?
Kyle: There aren't very many ways.
Jake: When you say funny stuff...like.................................................................(apparently I don't do this enough)
Kristin: Saying funny words

5. How old is mom?
Kyle: 30 years old
Jake: 14
Kristin: I don't know

6. How tall is mom?
Kyle: 30 inches
Jake: 40 feet tall
Kristin: I think "this" tall. Holding up her hand...

7. What does mom like to do?
Kyle: shopping and work on the computer
Jake: go to sleep
Kristin: work

8. What is mom's job?
Kyle: working on Making Memories
Jake: to send stuff
Kristin: doing work...writing stuff down on the computer

9. What is mom's favorite food?
Kyle: I have no idea
Jake: Rumbi (HE IS SO RIGHT!)
Kristin: macaroni and cheese (gross...I hate the stuff...don't remember the last time I've eaten it)

10. How do you know your mom loves you?
Kyle: because you're always telling us how to be good and you're not doing that just to be mean, you're doing it so that we can do good and so we can grow up and be good adults (wow. he really gets all that? it may have something to do with his bishop's interview for getting baptised this week...got some sense talked into him!)
Jake: You give me kisses and hugs
Kristin: cause you give me hugs and kisses

Okay, things I've learned from this...
I need to have "NO COMPUTER" time...laugh and play with my kids more...we'll see how this next week goes...

I should be in bed...

I am running in the morning - EARLY. Tomorrow also happens to be the first day of school for Kyle. They do kindergarten a week later, so Jake won't start until next week. I can't believe Kyle is a third grader. Crazy! I have been editing photos today. I try not to do things on Sunday, but I get so anxious to see my photos. My cousin was married on Friday, and I was lucky enough to be the photographer. Here are a few shots that I really liked...I'm only about halfway done editing, so I'm sure there will be more...Brian and Kara are in Cancun on their honeymoon, then they head down to Phoenix where Brian is attending law school. I wish them the best of luck!

This photo was taken while we were waiting for other couples to be finished on the steps. This was a 'real' moment, which is why I think I like it so much!

Memories...

Okay, I'm finally doing it. Although - remember as you post memories, my FAMILY reads this! ;)

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.EVERYBODY PLAY! I want to see what memories are out there!

Kyle is ALMOST EIGHT!

Kyle turns 8 on Wednesday - the 23rd of July. I can't believe he is almost 8. I am making some invitations to his baptism on August 2nd, and decided to take his photos in his suit for the occasion. I thought since I would have him prepped and ready, I would just do his 8 year old birthday shoot as well! Kyle has a hard time when I won't buy his school pictures, but he's always so busy and so uncooperative, I don't normally take his pictures. Okay, I'll be honest, he's just not as cute as Haley is right now!

I love Kyle! Poor kid is in the stage where you have adult teeth in a little body. He's a good boy. It's tough being the oldest. I speak from experience. You're expected to do so much and so much is expected of you. I try to remember that he's still just a kid, but with 3 younger siblings, he really helps so much! I love his freckles. I love his bright blue eyes. I love how sensitive is, and yes, I love his temper. He is always begging to have "family movie nights" and do anything with the family. Kyle is a smart smart kid. He has always had a huge vocabulary, and miraculously he knows in what context to use that vocabulary. People ask us all the time how we teach our kids big words. I don't know. The only thing I think may have helped, is we never speak "baby talk" to our kids. If our kids say something incorrectly, we correct them. I HATE bad grammar, and am constantly correcting that as well. It's definitely my pet peeve, and I don't think there is any excuse for it. The best time to correct grammar is now, when they're NOT applying for jobs later in life. (okay, off my high horse - I think I get it from my Grandparents/Parents. I come from a background of many many teachers)

Just a little example of Kyle's...hmmmm...what to call it? Observations?
Jake and Kristin were arguing in the car. Okay, let's be honest, Jake was pestering, Kristin was screaming. Kyle told them to stop. He said, "you need to settle it like Obama and McCain." At this point I have my ears on "listening as hard as I can" mode - trying not to giggle. He explains to them, that if one thinks differently than the other, then they discuss it, or let their "people" tell them what to think. That was the jist of it, but he seriously talked to Jake and Kristin for 5 minutes on his McCain/Obama logic. It got them to be quiet at the very least. Seriously, I don't think we've ever sit down and discussed the candidacy with the kids. I'm sure he heard an earful over the Fourth of July. David - you missed a good discussion/Michael taking on the Peterson fam.

So, our plans got changed the other night, so the whole family headed out to do Kyle's 8 year old photos. I decided to do them at the Jordan River Temple. All my kids think they're photographers now. Telling me how we have to get flowers behind, or a bit of the fountain, etc...I had to tell them that I knew what I was doing...So, here is what I got. I've been figuring out some awesome new tricks in photoshop. So, a few of these are texturized, I was just messing around, but you'll have to let me know what you think...I tried to get Kyle as Kyle. Not too posed. He got a little sunbearn on his upper cheeks yesterday, so in some photos I tried to photoshop them out, but I didn't want it to look too plasticy. Troy kept pretending to put gum in my hair to get Kyle to giggle. AND saying Kyle's favorite line from the Pink Panther: Can I see your big brass bowls. (Said in an english accent - you see why an 8 year old would find it funny)

I love you Kyle! I'm excited for you to start THIRD *gasp* grade! I love you!

Behind (uh oh - probably just got dinged on my rating again)

I feel like I'm behind. I'll just do little by little until I'm caught up. So much has been happening. Mike and Maria in town, the Fourth of July, Bear Lake, Scout Camp...So, I'll start with Scout Camp!

Kyle's Birthday is July 23rd and he will turn 8. We had asked awhile ago if Kyle would be able to attend Scout Camp - even though he would be 2 weeks from turning 8. The scout leader told us no. I thought that sounded odd, but didn't want to push the subject. A day before camp, the scout leader called and told me Kyle could go. Nothing like last minute. I really wanted to be able to go to camp with him for one day, but with late notice, I didn't have a place for my other kids to go. Kyle was so nervous to go. I promised him he would have fun. That he did. When he got home, I made him go take a shower. I told Troy he was a big ball of dirt. Maybe it's a good thing I couldn't go to camp. It would have driven me crazy. After the first day, Kyle told me he could buy things up there, so he took $5 to camp the next day. He came home with a whip and a pocket knife. Seriously, what other dangerous things can they sell to 8 year olds without their parents permission? Here he is in all his dirty glory with his Scout Day Camp goods...

Uh oh...

Created by OnePlusYou

I clicked on this and the reason my blog is rated "R" is for the following words and the frequency of those words in my blog during the past 2 1/2 years.

crappy (7x)
shoot (6x) (uh...hello...photo "shoots")
crap (4x)
hell (1x) (you know, that place nobody wants to end up)

Come on! I think this is a little strict...but reader beware!

Manic Monday

Okay. It's been 48 hours, and I've officially recovered from Monday, so I guess I better document it.

I went running Monday morning, I got home at 6:30 am and showered, and got my house ready to be cleaned. (It's a lot more work than it sounds.) I had to leave the house at 7:30 to drop off my kids to various friends to make it to the dentist by 8:00am. (I only found out last Thursday that I had an appointment, because they had a cancellation and fit me in - so I was a bit stressed out trying to find people to watch the kids) So, I tell the kids to go get in the car. Usually it takes me telling them 20 times before they actually do it, but that's just a part of getting out of the house in the morning. Jake, Kyle, and Kristin were going to Heidi's to play, and Haley was going to Cherice's. So, I had 2 stops before I could head to the dentist. After I told the kids to go get in the car, Kyle ran in and told me that Jake was going to be in trouble. Uh oh. I went outside, and Jake had gone and played in the mud. He had mud up to his elbows, ankles, and then had conveniently fallen on his butt in the mud. It was nothing a wet wipe could take care of, and I had to strip him down in the driveway, and carry him up to the shower. I was so mad! So, thanks to the delay I was about 5-10 minutes late for my appointment. I now also had Jake in tow. It was his punishment. No playing with friends - he had to sit through my dentist appointment. He was amazingly perfect.

On the way to my dentist appointment, I was trying to figure out when my appointment was with my trainer that day, because with all I had going on, I didn't know how I was going to fit it in. I checked online that morning , but I called to verify since I didn't get a reminder call, and they said they didn't have it in their computer...blah...blah...blah...so, I didn't get to meet with my trainer.

Okay, so I'm at the dentist. I have to say, I really like our dentist (Brandon Robison of Robison Family Dental)! I LOVE our hygenist! I have never had a hygenist who has been so gentle. Anyways, I had to get cavities filled, so I saw the dentist. (I'm typing this full on knowing his wife, Carly, is a reader of my blog...still humiliated at this point...)

They gave me shots to numb up my mouth, and then started on the top filling. All was going well. When he started on the bottom, I jumped. Apparently the drugs didn't work on the bottom, so they gave me another shot down there. I'm telling you, these aren't little shots...they're pretty painful...it still wasn't working, and I think I got another shot. At this point, I was shaking. I'm chalking it up to whatever drug they had been putting in me. I was shaking, and I told them that I was going to cry. My mouth wasn't hurting, my body just felt wierd, and I couldn't really control my emotions. I shed a few tears, and they went on with business. As they were finishing up with the top tooth, waiting for the bottom to numb, I lost it. Seriously, I was bawling. I don't know why. I couldn't control it, and it was the ugly cry. I think I even snorted (there was this huge plastic thing in my mouth and everything else - definitely didn't mean to). They had to remove everything from my mouth, just so I could TRY to stop crying and wipe my eyes. I seriously, don't even know why I was crying. I couldn't quit. Troy told me I probably embarrassed myself so bad I should find another dentist. I asked him if he really wanted to change dentists, and he said, "I don't have to, you just might!" Thanks. So, my mouth finally got numb and they finished up. I left the office at 10. Just short of 2 hours in the chair. Troy called as I was leaving, and I started bawling again. I seriously couldn't stop. I went into the bathroom for a bit, and thought I had calmed down enough, but didn't. I got in my car - called Erin - still bawling (she's my safe person). She calmed me down a little bit, but then I got lost trying to get out of the parking lot. It's all under construction - so that got me started again, and I just pulled into a spot and cried some more. A construction worked walked up to me, and told me how to get out. Lucky me, an extra person who gets to witness the ugly cry.

I headed home and got a little bit of work done, then it was off to the Cardiologist. I dropped the kids off with Allisun this time. Since I had such an emotional morning, I didn't think it would be a good idea to go to the cardiologist by myself. Cherice met me there. It was an interesting experience. I was at least 50 years younger than anyone else in the waiting room. Filling out their paperwork took me all of 2 minutes. They had one whole 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper designated for medications I was currently taking. Lucky for me, I'm not taking anything! They called us back into the room, and the nurse asked a million questions. All of which were no. I think the only thing I told her was that I had 2 c-sections. I kept saying, the only thing I've had is babies! The nurse kept thinking she had forgotton to go over things because I answered no to everything! Me and Cherice just kept giggling. The doctor came in. He was awesome. An older man who smelled like my Grandpa Peterson used to. Old Spice - I think. He listened to my concerns. It was good Cherice was there, because she vouched for my on my running. Cherice and I ran TEN MILES Saturday morning and it took us about 2 hours. My heart rate was pretty much in the 180's the whole time. The doc didn't think it was possible that I could run that long with my heart rate so high. Cherice assured him that I did, and told him I talked the whole time! He examined me and said he MAY hear a faint something in my left coradid artery that he wants to ultrasound to make sure there is not plaque build up. He didn't think it was anything, but is going to do it. He also scheduled me for a stress test on a treadmill for Monday. He told me to bring my heart rate monitor so we can see how accurate it is. That's GREAT! I was happy I went and made the appointment. He didn't make me feel stupid I was there. I had Cherice as my support, and it was great!

As soon as I finished up with the cardiologist, I headed downtown for a Bridal Shoot at Red Butte Gardens. I stopped at Pictureline and rented a fish eye lens. I thought it was cool, but I don't think I would buy one for awhile. The bridal shoot was awesome. I was really nervous, because this was with another person who I had never met before - and with my last experience - I was worried. She was great! She was fun. I think the photos turned out great. Here are a few from that night:

The one below is with the fish eye lens. See the curviture around the edges?

Here is my favorite one.
And a few others...
I came home and went straight to bed. I was so happy Tuesday morning when Heidi called and said she was too sick to run. Not that she was sick, but that I could go back to bed.

Okay, now that I've put everyone to sleep with my long tale, I have to finish it off with how nice my dentist is. He called to check on me last night. I think I'm still a bit too embarrassed to call him back. Carly, you'll have to let him know I'm good - embarrassed - but good!

What to think?

Okay, many of you know I have been running. I think I started running in February, although I have been walking since last September...anyhow...I got a new watch. Previously mentioned...it is the Garmin Forerunner 305. It has a heart rate monitor that I wear around my chest, and my heart rate is displayed on my watch. Well, I know nothing about heart rates, or anything about the heart really. So, Heidi - my running partner - is a nurse. I decided to wear my monitor one morning, and I would look down, and I told Heidi what my heart rate was. While running, it varies from the 170-188 range depending on terrain, but typically stays in the high 180's during running. Now, this means nothing to me. Heidi thought that was WAY high. My trainer told me that in order to have my body in fat loss mode, I shouldn't have my heart rate more than 130-140. If I keep my heart rate at 130, I don't feel like I'm getting any exercise. My trainer SWEARS most people push their bodies too hard, and don't get results, and that by doing exercise, just taking it easier, will make all the difference in the world(in losing fat).

My problem, is that I'm training for the half marathon. I have worked so hard, and I want to accomplish this goal, but I also don't want to die in a race because I was clueless about my heart. So, I decided it was time for a physical. I got blood drawn, cholesterol checked, and talked to the Dr. about my heart. He told me my heart rate should NEVER be above 190. NEVER. At the highest work out point for me (which is 85% of maximum) is 161. So, really it shouldn't ever be above that point. For me, walking straight up a hill we frequent, my heart rate is about 167. I really expected to go to the doctor, him tell me that running is good for my body, suck it up and continue it. Instead, I had an EKG done. A lay on the table do nothing EKG. All was normal. They referred me to a cardiologist, and I am hoping they'll do an EKG while I'm running on a treadmill - you would think that would tell them more since that is my reason for going in. My appointment is on Monday.

The thing is, I am wondering if this is all a huge waste of time. I really wouldn't know my heart rate was that high unless I had my watch (which I tested by manually taking my heart rate and the watch was accurate). I would just keep running. Not knowing anything was wrong. My cholesterol is good, my blood pressure is good, I have no chest pains. I would assume 5 months ago, my heart rate would have been a lot higher, doesn't your heart get stronger through exercise? I am still breathing(currently).

The doctor told me to take it easy and keep my heart rate under 170 until I got in to see the cardiologist. I need to find a big 9 mile hill to run down on Saturday morning if that's the case. I am now a month away from the half marathon. What do I do? I don't want to slow down Cherice (my training partner), and I also don't want to push myself too hard.

Oh, on the humerous side, I also learned a VERY interesting fact. I am 4 foot 11 3/4 inches. I am not shrinking. Everyone else who has measured me has just rounded up. I think that legally makes me a 'little person'.

Bear Lake

We went to Bear Lake this past weekend. It was crazy. It was fun. It was hot. It was exhausting. It was great.

Our friends, the Braithewaite's, went up with us. Me and the kids went up with Troy's dad on Thursday night. Troy had a calculus class on Friday, and couldn't leave until it was over. Troy's mom and Cherice and her kids came up on Friday night. We had a great time riding the four-wheeler, waverunners, and the kids had an absolute BLAST having a wet-sand war.

Naturally, I didn't get any pictures. Why? I didn't want my camera filled with sand.

BUT, the property has all these flowers on it. The funny thing is, they only open in the morning. They were really pretty yellow and purple flowers. I brought some clothes for the kids and I wanted to take their pictures. Since I had to do it in the morning, I thought the perfect timing would be Sunday morning on our way home. Friday night, I decided to dress Haley up and get one picture of her. She was definitely not in the mood, and this is the only one I got.
Color

Vintage

Friday after we had been at the water for 5 hours, Krisin would not stop whining, she was burning up and felt crappy. I tried to get her to drink water, and she wouldn't stop. She finally fell asleep, but would keep waking up with a fever, not feeling good. When Cherice got there, I gave her some motrin, and then she slept through the night. On Saturday, Kristin said her throat hurt (she didn't mention that the day before). I looked in her throat and her tonsils were swollen with white patches. I packed the girls up, and drove straight to the instacare. I thought for sure it was strep. It wasn't. Just a virus. Kristin has the hugest tonsils in the world, and I'm sure we'll be getting them taken out by winter. So, I missed the chance to take pictures with the pretty flowers...next time, right? The crappiest part was that Troy didn't even get to Bear Lake until late Friday night. I left Saturday morning, and Troy came home with the boys on Sunday. We both had seperate vacations. Crappy.

It was a good time. I drove a 4-wheeler for the first time! It's not my thing. I took the 2 girls out on a wave-runner. They loved it. We are headed there in 2 weeks for a family reunion. Fun times!
Oh, in case you were wondering, I still hate camping!

A new hat

This (above) is currently my favorite photo. It changes daily, but for now, this is it. This is {just} Kristin. Right after swimming, hair not done, happy to wear her new hat. LOVE IT!

I got Kristin a new hat (Old Navy $8.50) to take up to Bear Lake. I gave it to her after swimming lessons, while I was getting things ready to go. Her and Jake were playing in the garage (who knew the garage had great lighting?) on the rocking horse and I decided to snap a few shots...

Jake got a new hat too. He wanted to pose, so I only took one of him. I'm not into posing lately. I just want them to...be.

Photography

Lately I have been feeling like I am a crappy photographer. I had a rough shoot with a couple for their engagement pictures. I think they turned out great, but the bride and me didn't click. (To say it nicely) She didn't like any of my suggestions, and would refuse to do poses, and then would demand I take her poses (which didn't turn out so well). So, after the shoot, any confidence I had, was pretty much shot. So, I have been trying to "get back on the wagon" to get ready for a wedding I had last week. Which is why I posted some pics of Jake earlier in the week.


So, I took photos at a wedding last week(different couple than the ones mentioned above). They are my favorite couple ever! Down to earth, nice, just happy people, happy to be getting married...I'm in the middle of editing now, but thought I'd show a few pics.

I thought I'd mention something about photographer's and their style. All photographers have a different style. Before hiring a photographer, it's best to check out their portfolio, and make sure you like their style. I know my style is different, and not everybody likes my style BUT, it's my style... and I assume that people hire me to be their photographer because they like my style. One other thing...people need to be happy with how they look. (I know, easier said than done) A photographer can take pictures, and try to do it at an angle that is flattering, but you're still going to be you when all is said and done. Some people don't realize this. Sorry...lately, I have been realizing and going through things that make being a photographer really hard! It seems that adults are always really harsh towards their appearance when they see a photo. To everyone else, a photo will look great, because they're not nit picking, or noticing every little thing that we tend to find fault with ourselves. Anyways...coming down off the soap box...

My two nieces happened to be flower girls at this wedding, and I'm probably biased, but these are my FAVORITE pics as of late. This picture of the couple at the reflection pool, was something that just happened as we were at the reflection pool. It's really hard to get the bride and groom, and temple at the reflection pool. I realize that you can't see the bride and groom well. In my opinion, that doesn't matter. Don't worry, this isn't the only picture I took of them at the temple! ;)

David Who?

Conversation on the way home from church:

Kristin: We talked about David in my class today.

Kyle: David Archuletta or David Cook? (WHAT?????????????? Are you kidding me? Our family didn't even watch this season of AI - apparently his second grade teacher is a big fan...)

Kristin: I don't know.

Troy: David and Goliath?

Kristin: No

Troy: King David?

Kristin: No, just David

Troy: What did David do?

Kristin: He just killed a big guy.

Troy: That's David and Goliath.

Kristin: Oh yeah, you're probably right.

Jake

I haven't posted much about the fam lately, and I snapped a few pictures of Jake the other day...so Jake...this is for you:

Jake is sometimes referred as: our problem child. He likes to push the limits. As far as they can go. I pray every night that at some point he'll STOP being like my brother Michael. :) He's a super sweet kid at the same time. Love's to snuggle and give hugs. Love's just a little extra attention. I guess that's a typical middle child, right? I don't know. He's usually a perfect angel when one on one with Troy or me, or either of my parents. (I don't think anyone else has dared take him one on one - but I assure you, he's GREAT in that atmosphere!)

He loves Haley and LOVES to pester Kristin. Which, as you can imagine, make most of my days a dream come true. He played soccer and baseball this year. He improved GREATLY in soccer, and his last game scored 3 goals! Our boys have a problem being motivated the whole game to try to score goals. So, I told Jake he would get $1 for everytime he scored-he only plays 3 on 3, and Kyle got $5 if he scored - he plays 11 on 11 and it's a full field. (Kyle never scored - but at least he played his heart out to the end trying...it didn't start out that way). The boys last game started at the same time, so Troy went to one, I went to the other. Jake requested me to go to his game. The greatest part about watching Jake play soccer, is the dance he does after he scores. It's hilarious! He's got these herky jerky movements that get the whole crowd giggling.

Jake starts Kindergarten! I can't believe it! Because we are on a year round schedule, he starts Kindergarten on July 28th. He will go to afternoon Kindergarten. Kristin will go to morning preschool starting in August. Hopefully, that will help with the pestering to seperate them. One can hope. Jake has a great sense of humor, and a huge vocabulary. He has a little speech problem which at times makes it difficult to understand his large vocabulary. Jake has these cute freckles on his nose, which I love.

Jake doesn't eat much. He chooses two days a week, and will eat everything on his plate...the other days, he just picks at his food and never eats much.

Previously this year, Jake got kicked out of Troy and my primary class because he was so naughty. His new teacher tells me that he is an "angel". I would have to agree at times he is an angel. We love Jake and all that he brings to our family. It would not be complete without him.

From the mouth of Jake: Troy was listening to the radio and Jake asked who sang that particular song. Troy said, I think it's Chicago. Jake said, "Who in Chicago is singing the song?" Troy had to explain that Chicago was the name of a group. I think Jake's still confused...

WE DID IT!

Cherice and I just got home from an EIGHT MILE RUN! I am so proud of us! We both could have kept going. Doing 7 miles last weekend, about killed us both. Last week we were doing the Relay for Life, and were running in a track-like atmosphere, and it was TOUGH! This morning was GREAT! We took a few stretching breaks, and I can happily say my aches and pains that I normally have during a run, didn't happen this morning. I think I may actually be able to do this half marathon! We have about 7 weeks left! Thanks to my new Garmin Forerunner 305 watch - (LOVE IT - EVERYONE should get one) our fastest pace was 7:58 mph! That's super good for us! Anyways, just tooting our own horn!

Tomorrow...

I can't wait for tomorrow. I just looked at my calendar, and there is NOTHING on tomorrow's date. No baseball, Kyle finished that up tonight, no swimming lessons...NOTHING! That is HUGE for me. Although, Erin had her baby (everyone is healthy and happy), and I am trying to keep up on her part of the business. (Really love and appreciate all that she does...TRULY!) But, it's our business, so technically, I don't have to do anything tomorrow if I don't want to. So, what should I do? Take the kids to the splash park? Declare it a mommy fun day? Prepare dinner so it is ready to put in the oven at 4? Thinking about making lasagna...definitely NOT on my diet, but the family would enjoy it. Hmmmmm....I guess I can do a bit of laundry after my run in the morning, and just have an easy day. Make a goal not to get upset or yell at the kids...possiblities are endless. Just to put it in perspective, it's the only day on the whole month of June without ANYTHING written. Stay tuned...

Erin

Erin is currently in the hospital giving birth...I am so anxious to find out what is happening! She's my business partner and one of my best friends. I hope all is going well!

"Fancy Dancy"

Here is Kristin in all of her glory. Her Fancy Nancy Glory. Except, for some reason, she has a hard time saying "Fancy Nancy" so she says, "Fancy Dancy". While I'm remembering, she also says, "Whoops - eeps" instead of "oopsie". SO cute. I smile everytime she says it!

Anyways, My mom created a BEAST. I know I mentioned Target sold Fancy Nancy items a few posts back. Fancy Nancy is a new book out for girls that is SO cute! Well, my mom bought Kristin a purse (yes that pink chicken looking thing is a purse) and sunglasses. She wears them CONSTANTLY...along with her Strawberry Shortcake hat. I told her every morning she doesn't complain about getting her hair done, she'll earn a dollar to go toward the next Fancy Nancy item. That's a big deal. She HATES getting her hair done, and I have no patience for it. Seriously, who LIKES to do their hair? It's all part of being a girl...deal with it. So, my mornings are much smoother.

I love how girlie she is about these things. I told her I was going to call her "Fancy Kristin" and she informed me "No, call me Fancy Dancy Kristin"...what else can you say to that, but yes, your highness!

Training...

My training for the half marathon is going strong. On Saturday, Cherice, Heidi, and I ran our longest...6 MILES! That is pretty much a 10K and we did it in an hour and 8 minutes! WAHOO! We actually did 7 miles, but the first mile was a walking warm up. The next 6 miles, it was ALL running. Heidi charted the course and we (okay, I) found it to be much hillier than I would have liked. (It's my turn to chart the course next time ;) I have to say, I LOVE the downhills! I run faster, my stride is longer, and I don't get winded! Every Saturday we are increasing our run a mile. This morning, thanks to advice from Maria, we ran a 9 minute mile, and did two short stretches of sprinting. It about killed me! I was amazed at how much harder it was for my body...mainly my lungs...to do that. I guess that means it's helping my body get faster and more in shape! Much to my dismay, I figure that I'm going to have to be a runner for the rest of my life. It's not THAT horrible (I know, people killing over now hearing those words from my mouth). In the middle of a run is still painful and I do mutter profanities under my breath (usually on the uphills) but afterwards is a great feeling. All day, I kept telling Troy, I ran 6 miles today...If I saw you on Saturday, chances are I told you as well. I am still COMPLETELY amazed, that I can run 6 miles. It's crazy!

I have been thinking after reading my friends blog about her birthday, and turning 30 how I feel about the big 3-0. I feel like my twenties was spent making babies, and focusing on everyone but myself. It's the point in life where Troy was climbing the ladder through work. I feel like now, we are both getting to where we want to be. Troy at work, me with myself. I am finally taking time to do things for me, and I have to say, I love it! My kids are getting big enough that I don't feel guilty about it. Troy's finally on a normal schedule that enables me to do something active regularly. I concluded that my thirties is a time to be the best me that I can. Be more open-minded and try to learn all that I can, be the best mom and wife in the world, and take time to enjoy life!

I do happen to have the greatest husband. I got home after being gone for almost an hour and a half on Saturday morning, and Troy had gotten all the kids up (or vice versa) he had made breakfast, and was having the kids clean up and do jobs. When I got home, they were vacuuming, and everything was clean. It was the best feeling ever! It showed me that Troy thinks that what I'm doing is worth it! Anyways...enough rambling...hey, did you hear I ran 6 miles on Saturday? ;)

Faith in Humanity...

Okay, to start this out:

On Saturday June 7th from 7:30 - 11:30 we will be having a Rock Band Party (the game, not an actual Rock Band). It will be held at the mansion on 2nd Ave and E St. There will be prizes given out for the best dressed rocker, the best rock band and the best solo artist. The cost will be $5 per person or $4 if you bring some food to share. All money raised will go to The American Cancer Society.

Get your band together or just come and join up with some people and make your own band there.

Come dressed as the best rocker you can be and be ready to "Rock Cancer"!

Please pass this along to all your friends, the more the merrier.

So, I spoke with Jon today. He is planning this party, even though it is 1 day after he is having surgery...dedication, I tell ya! Anyways, he was telling me he was trying to get some gift cards donated as prizes...he said he was having no luck. Businesses were telling him to pretty much write an essay and submit it, and in about a month, they would be in touch. Well, since our Relay for Life team got started a bit late, we have no time for that. I was driving by Rumbi's, and decided to give them a call. For those of you who know me well, know that I frequent Rumbi's weekly. I called, and the manager immediately said yes, and told me to stop by and pick some up. When I went in to get the Free Meal Cards, he told me how just last week, his father was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was all so new, but he was willing to do what he could to help. I don't know what he would have done if his father hadn't just gotten diagnosed, but it makes you think, huh? It can affect any of us at any time. So, I scored 2 free meals from Rumbi, and was thinking about where else I could go (with help from Heidi). I decided to stop in Chik-fil-a. They just opened a new store out by us. The marketing director came out, and gave me 25 free sandwich coupons! I was so excited. I was telling my mom, how I have never done anything like this before. If you know me, you know I DON'T do school fundraisers. I hate asking people to buy stuff...but this is for CANCER! It's about time I do my part. I stopped at Kneaders on my way to the school to sell glow bracelets and necklaces. They gave me a $10 gift card! HOLY COW! I was on cloud 9. I seriously was euphoric! People care!

Then I went to the school to sell glow bracelets. Cherice and Daxton had passed out flyers the day before letting people know we would be there! It was crappy. I hated standing there. Jake had a sign, but then ran off with it, so I stood there asking kids if they wanted to buy a necklace, and the kids were looking at me strange with "Stranger Danger" pounding in their heads! Thank heavens the Braithwaite clan showed up and purchased a case of them. Heidi also purchased a case. Other than that, we sold $20 worth. So, any amount of money is worth it! We will sell glow sticks again tomorrow at Morning Cloak Park (Just West of Foothills Elementary) from 1:30-2:00 right after school. Bring your kids! Teach them what it's about! Have them earn money to come buy a necklace. Necklaces are $1 Bracelets are 50 cents. A case of 50 are $16. Jake has a baseball game tonight, so I think we'll take them with us and try to sell some there. Cherice and I both have the glow necklaces, so if you want to purchase any, call us, or stop by!

The Gardens

Today me and my girls went to the Thanksgiving Point Gardens with Heidi and her kids. I had planned on doing a bridal shoot there this evening (until the weather turned nasty) and wanted Heidi to show me around - since she's a fancy 'member'. My first experience with the Gardens was during my first official 5K. Trust me, I was not looking at scenery much. Just trying to survive! Anyways, this place is a photographers DREAM! My grandma Harding would be in HEAVEN! I told my mom she has to bring her. The crappy part: to be able to take professional photos (technically, in the contract, any photographs) here, it costs $100 a session. That's just for me and 2 others to get in. If there were any more, they'd have to pay full admission. They don't even have a yearly pass available. INSANE! SO, I snuck in my camera in my purse (yes, my purse is huge - I'm a mom...) and we went and hid out in the "Secret Garden", I think my FAVORITE place there. I could have stayed for hours taking pictures of my girls. Jake was in St. George with my parents, so I just had my girls. I tried to take some photos of Heidi's kids too. Ethan was too happy to pose, Rachel wanted to do her own thing, and the baby was having none of it. Since we had to be 'shady' with my camera, I didn't get too many. (Heidi, you need to look and see what ones you like for me to edit). I basically got 2 great ones of each of my girls, but only had time to edit 3. I am learning and trying new things in photoshop, so notice my fancy edges. ANYWAYS, I found out Red Butte Gardens has an annual photographer pass, but it is only good for me and 1 other person, everyone else has to pay admission. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to get it. I've never been to RBG, but if it's anything like Thanksgiving Point, it may be worth it. It would just be nice to KNOW I had a gorgeous place to take brides, families, etc...Tell me what you think, would you be willing to pay admission into Red Butte Gardens for your family to have pictures taken there? With the amount of brides lined up for the summer, it may be worth it just for bridals...hmmmm....and if Erin comes and will take my own family photos in the fall?...hmmmm.....Oh well, rambling...here are my favorite 3 of the day of my girls...

Relay for Life

Jon and Donnarae put together a team to walk in the Relay for Life in West Jordan on June 13th at the Veterans Memorial Park . For those of you that are not familiar with the Relay for Life it is a fund raiser event put on by the American Cancer Society to raise money to help find a cure for cancer. For a 12 hour period, someone from your team has to be walking at all times. A team consists of about 8-15 people. According to the American Cancer Society, 7.6 million people died from cancer in the world during 2007. As some of you may know my grandmother is a cancer survivor. We currently have a little boy in our ward fighting off Leukemia, and one of Jon and Donnarae's closest friends has Lymphoma. I think most of us know at least one person who is battling the fight against cancer. This is a disease that affects so many people around the world and will continue to do so.

We are trying to raise money for the event. If you would like to help you can click on the link below and click the "Donate" button and it will walk you through it. NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL! Also, we are going to be selling glow-in-the-dark necklaces with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. We are going to have my kids sell them kind of like they would do a lemonade stand. I will post when we will be doing that, and anyone that is in the area is more than welcome to stop by and purchase some glow necklaces! Great to have for the Fourth of July! Come stock up! ;)

Click here to view the team page for 7,599,999

I think in life, we hear of these things happening, we know people with cancer, yet we sometimes don't know how we can help. This is your chance! I would hope you know me well enough that I would never ask for money, unless it was a great cause. This is it. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HELP! Even if it's bringing your kids over to purchase glow-necklaces! (They're going to be the bracelets, that you hook together, so they will be 3 for $1 - that will make a necklace - or 1 for 50 cents!)

I think we're all so busy in our own lives, that if something isn't directly affecting us, we stay busy in our own lives, and don't branch out. I am so happy Troy and I are doing the Relay for Life. I'm grateful to be able to teach my kids that they can make a difference, even if it's just a little bit and consists of walking through the night. We will be doing this from 6 pm - 10 am.

SO...help me out! THANKS! If you would rather mail me a check, that is great as well. Make it out to "American Cancer Society" I need it by June 9th.

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeGreatWestDivision?team_id=314065&pg=team&fr_id=6399&et=CsU_EuXB_uvk-oX1cGaTvw..&s_tafId=105498

Bows Hats and Flowers

I went to a Bow, Hat, and Flower party the other night(THANKS TERESA!). I got my girls (as well as Erin's girls) some cute stuff! Here is a little preview! I'm thinking of having a party myself. The stuff was really cheap and it was nice to have such a low-key, come as you please, type of party. No pressure, no demonstration, just look around and buy what you want and take it home that night! My kinda party! Kristin went with me and told me she ONLY likes the ones with glitter or a crystal in the middle. Isn't she just fancy? OH. Speaking of Fancy, at Target today, there was a WHOLE line of Fancy Nancy stuff from the books. Kristin was dying! Too bad her birthday was just a few weeks ago. She wanted it all!

A Day in the Life...

I got this idea from Beth. This will just serve as a reminder of what my day to day life is all about. Nothing too exciting - just a normal day. Today was actually one of my less busy days. There wasn't anything I HAD to do. Well, after re-reading it, it seems like a busy day, but it really wasn't. I really slacked with my work today too. Oh well, it will still be there in the morning.

5:15 am Alarm goes off. Get out of bed, get dressed, put in a load of laundry and meet Heidi on the corner for our morning walk/run. I'm having knee problems due to having sore hamstrings from pulling weeds, so I have a rough morning.

6:15 am Make myself breakfast and switch the laundry. Make the kids breakfast, get them all dressed, teeth brushed, and check email. Take Kristin's picture in her new hat and flower with a crystal center.

7:45 am Autumn gets dropped off so I can take her to preschool at 9:30. Her mom has a doctor appointment.

8:00 am Leave to pick up Daxton and drop the boys off at school.

8:15 am Arrive at home. Try to clean up breakfast, and switch laundry again. Shower and get dressed.

9:30 am Take the girls to preschool, and head to the new Walmart to grab a few groceries.

10:25 am Put groceries away, and go to Cookie Cutters, to exchange a hat I bought for Kristin.

11:00 am Meet Collette at Chick-fil-a to use our free sandwich coupons and let the boys play on the toys.

11:40 am Arrive home in time to meet Kristin, put Haley down for a nap.

11:45 am Call Erin, and frantically put our order for Making Memories in for the day.

12:00 pm Order is in, try to get a little bit of work done.

12:30 pm Order 14 yards of topsoil that will be delivered tomorrow to fill our raised garden beds. Make Jake and Kristin lunch. I'm too cheap to buy them food at Chick-fil-a, so they got sandwiches at home.

12:45 pm Take Jake to play with Daniel. Buy flowers from Collette (she bought too many flowers, and I needed some more) Kristin wakes up Haley, and gets sent to bed as punishment. Haley usually sleeps for 3 hours, so it's hard to miss out on that time. Kristin has been a pill lately.

2:00 pm Plant flowers. Collette brings Jake home, cause him and Daniel are being mean to the other kids(those two are getting to be little buds - the stinkers).

3:40 pm Figure out that the post office picked up the boxes fed-ex left for me. AUGHHH! Such morons. Get packages ready to take to the post office.

4:15 pm Feeling grouchy. Get the boys into soccer practice gear. Drop Kyle off at soccer, go to post office, retrieve my fed-ex boxes, go to IFA, buy $73 worth of vegetable plants, drop in at Little Ceasar's for a $5 cheese pizza.

5:30 pm Pick Kyle up from soccer, drop Jake off. Head home to get Kyle's mit. Oh wait, it's Daxton's spare, cause Kyle's already lost his.

6:20 pm Go back, pick up Jake. I usually NEVER leave Jake alone at his practice. It's right down the street from my house, but I knew I had to get Kyle's mit, or he would be late for baseball, so I just did it. Well, Jake's practice got out a little early, and when I got there, he seemed a tad worried about where I was. There are 3 people in my ward on his team, and they were all there, but he was still worried. (Another good mother of the year nomination reason)

6:30 pm Drop Kyle off at baseball practice. Head home, help Troy build raised vegetable garden. Shovel about 10 wheelbarrow loads of top soil and horse crap into the raised beds.

7:20 pm Jump in the car to go pick up Kyle.

7:30 pm Arrive home, continue shoveling crap for the garden beds. Boys are helping spread the 'crap' into the garden.

8:30 pm Send kids in to get read for bed. Water my new plants.

8:45 pm Go into house, to find the kids are just watching TV and haven't even started getting ready for bed yet.

9:00 pm Kids are in bed, waiting for their songs (they each get one song at night, that either Troy or I sing to them).

9:30 pm Troy comes in from fixing sprinklers and doing yardwork, and gets in the shower.

10:07 pm Considering running to Smith's for some rice milk for Haley. Feeling way too exhausted to do it. I know I am getting up at 5:15 to run in the morning. Think I'll drive to Smith's after my run in the morning. Better blog, instead...thinking more seriously about diving into bed...gonna do it...goodnight!

2008 Mother of the Year Award

Please nominate me. Reasons below:

Here is a picture of Jake's arm. Yep, it's a tan-line of a Pirate's of the Caribbean tattoo. A few days after we got home from Korea, Jake begged me to put a tattoo on him that he had received at a birthday party. I'm not a fan of fake tattoo's. I don't want my kids thinking fake ones, or real ones, are "cool". But, I have literally been in a whirlwind since we have gotten back, trying to catch up, and so instead of a fight, I just put it on. Well, 3 weeks later, the dumb thing STILL hasn't washed off! I had these alcohol pads, and decided enough was enough. I took it off, only to find it had left a tan line in it's place. AUGHHHH!!! That's what I get, I guess.

If you're thinking that's not enough to nominate me, it gets better...

2 weeks ago today, before church, Kyle was in the backyard barefoot. I was up in my room getting ready, when I heard the "only mom's understand this is not a normal holler" yell. I yelled at Troy to go help Kyle. I had no clue what was wrong, the mommy instinct just told me it was bad. Well, Kyle came in the house, with a long stick that was stuck between his front two toes. We pulled the stick out, got some antiseptic, and cleaned and bandaged it. A few days later, Kyle had Cherice look at it. It had a little pus in it and Cherice opened it up, cleaned it out (she is a professional at this) and bandaged it again. Well, Kyle has been limping through WHOLE soccer games, and during his baseball games. On Friday, after school, he was screaming that he was in so much pain. Well, I have been listening to whining and complaining about the foot for almost 2 weeks now. If you know Kyle, you know he is a bit of a hypochondriac. So, I thought, I'm taking him to the urgent care. It's worth $15 for a doctor to tell him he's fine, and then he'll stop with the nonsense. I hauled him in, and the doctor decided to re-open the wound and see if there wasn't something still in there. Now, when Cherice and I had looked, we could see it was a pretty deep hole that the stick had left, but there was no trace of anything else in that hole. So, we went to the procedure room, where they numbed Kyle's toe. Boy, did that kid scream like a little girl. After it was numb, the doctor cut it open and proceeded to look in the wound. (Oh, we had a male nurse and a female doctor...Kyle was so confused. I had to tell him that there were male nurses and doctors, and that it didn't matter if you were a boy or a girl, but that you could do anything...) She couldn't see anything. She decided to flush the wound out a bit with water or something. As she did that, a little sliver of wood came out. OH. CRAP! He's been walking around for 2 weeks with that embedded in his foot. I'm feeling pretty crappy at this point. She decides to keep flushing, when this HUGE (for being a sliver embedded in the foot) sliver came out also. We were all FLOORED! These had been in his foot for ALMOST 2 WEEKS! The doctor kept flushing, just to make sure. That was it. Nothing more came out. They let us take the slivers home taped to a tongue depressor as a souvenir. Kyle loves showing it to everyone. He is especially excited to take it to school on Tuesday. Here is a picture. I put a dime in the photo, so you could gauge size. The large one isn't a thin sliver at all. It's pretty thick. Kyle will never go in the backyard barefoot again.

So, yep, don't just nominate me, hand over that award.