Greatest Day...

Friday was a great day for me! I dropped the boys off to Grandpa, and off they went on their trip. I then took the girls to Gardner Village for lunch, and some photos. My mom joined us. It was such a fun girls day. We browsed a few shops. My mom bought Haley some squeeky shoes, that squeek everytime she takes a step. (You can remove the little squeeker - for church or whatever). For Haley, it was love at first site! She walked around, taking short little steps, hopping up and down, just to hear the squeeks. We were laughing, just watching her. I thought other people would think they were the most annoying things, but for the rest of the day, all we got were compliments about how cute she was, and how cute the shoes were. It was really funny! After Gardner Village, we hit the mall, for Kristin to ride the carousel - her reward for taking some pictures. I wanted to go to the Hello Kitty store, to see if I could find the cutest necklaces that a few of the girl models in AZ had worn(no luck - anybody know where I can find those?). As I was standing in Hello Kitty, I started smelling a few things. I remember when my grandma, took me and my cuz, Katie, to the mall when we were little, and we got to pick something from the Hello Kitty store. It still smells the same! It was very nostalgic. I was happy that I was having a fun day with my girls! We dropped my mom off, and headed home. Both girls fell asleep on the way home. Troy came home, we went to the grocery store to get stuff to make a salad (I copied one that I had at a yummy restaurant in AZ, BRAVI) It turned out good, thanks to Heidi. We watched the debate, and then I fell asleep on the couch watching a movie with Troy. It was such a fun day. I loved it...Here are a few photos I got of the girls...

Boys Only!

This weekend is our Amazing Race. Troy's dad is taking the boys, Kyle, Jake, and Daxton to Bear Lake by himself for the weekend. All the boys are SO excited that it's no girls. Doug is leaving on Friday afternoon, because he needs to get something recorded (guessing???) at the court house. Cherice and I were thinking, have you taken them to the grocery store? Are you SURE you want to take them to the court house? So, on the way home from FHE Sunday night, I told the boys, that if they're naughty in a court house, that judges can throw them in jail, etc...etc... Well, before bed, Jake told Troy that he didn't want to go to Bear Lake, Kyle chimed in with, "Yeah, it will be scary going to the court house".

Talking with Cherice the next day, Kenny had given Daxton the same talk. So, yesterday after school, Daxton told Kyle, "I think I'll just stay in the car with Grandma". Kyle broke the news that Grandma wasn't going...At least they're thinking about being good, right?

I think they will be perfect angels! (Depending on how long it takes.) If it takes too long, they may realize that nobody is going to throw them in jail!

Thanks Grandpa, for taking the boys on a boys weekend! I have to give them a countdown every morning! Good luck at the courthouse! )

It's time for a pedicure when...

I am sitting in the Phoenix airport. It's SO awesome they have free wireless internet. Sitting cross-legged holding my laptop, trying to get things done. I'm barefoot, easier to sit cross-legged that way. I'm listening to my ipod. Over my shoulder, I hear a little girl, 2 probably. She is commenting on everything around her, just like they do. She points out my TV in my lap. Then she notices my toes under the laptop. Then she tells her mom, in that cute little 2 year old, squeeky voice, "Mom, toes." Her mom is half listening, just agreeing, like we all do. Then I hear it..."Mom, toes. Her toes are icky." I just started laughing. I turned around, and told her, you are RIGHT! My toes are icky. Her mom realized what she said when I started talking to her and started apologizing...oh, no need! They are icky! She's just honest...anyone up for a pedi?

Kyle-ism - something about a man in uniform...

Part 1

On Monday night, right after Kyle's first flag football practice, I ran to the grocery store. Kyle came with me. He had on his jersey, and cleats. As we were walking out of the store, two girls, roughly ages 7 and 9, looked at Kyle, and said to one another, "LOOK! He's so hot! AND he's a football player!"(7 and 9 year old girls aren't very nonchalant) I looked at Kyle with a smirk, and asked him what he thought about that? He said, "WHAT? You want me to wear this jersey to school tomorrow?" I just laughed. Although I did tease him about it for the rest of the night.

Part 2
Kyle's second practice was tonight, and Troy took him, and his friend, Thomas who were both wearing their football jerseys. They were chatting in the car on the way there, and this was the conversation Troy heard:

Kyle: Be careful. If you have to go to the grocery store, you better take your jersey off. Some girls told me I was hot. You wouldn't want that to happen.

Thomas: I wouldn't mind if the girls were attractive.

Kyle: Yeah, they were attractive.

Watch out Michael Phelps...

here I am, posting a blog in the front yard, sitting on my DI green chair in the driveway (trying to fit in with my white trash neighbors). Troy is playing volleyball, and then I get to go play in an hour. I can't wait. I LOVE volleyball. Really, the kids have been begging to ride their bikes, and I have been gone 90% of the day, so I get to relax in the chair, while they play in the circle. Unfortunately, I can't let my kids play out front without me around. At least I have a nice cushy green chair to hang out in. I'm seriously considering having it re-upholstered. Marinda, how much does your mom charge (seriously). I LOVE this green chair, because my feet reach the ground. It swivels, and it rocks. That is my criteria for a good chair. I may need to go see if I can find it's match. I've had numerous people SWEAR it was theirs at one time.

Anyways, I decided to do a mini-triathlon in November. I am quite excited, nervous, and nauseous, about it all at the same time. After I said I'd do it, I thought, remember how I felt at the top of the half? I seriously don't EVER want to feel that way again! Details of a mini-tri: 3 mile run, 10 mile bike ride, and 350 meters in a pool. I am driving the course on Saturday. It's in Provo. If anyone wants to join Cherice and I, you are definitely welcome! Google: telos tri and you will find details. It's on November 8.

So, last night, in order to prepare, I went to the pool with Annette(previous CHHS - Go Grizzlies - Swim coach), Cherice, and Lindsay. Annette taught us how to swim. We actually didn't even get to actual swimming. I didn't realize how many different steps there are to learning to swim the correct way. We all wore goggles and some of us swim caps. We joked that we needed a camera. We went back and forth doing different things. We started out finding our point of buoyancy and then learning to breathe. We were in the pool for over an hour, and didn't get to the actual swimming part. We are going back next Monday, and I'm excited to learn how to do it. I have a LOT more respect for Michael Phelps now. It has taught me that I need to pay for a REAL instructor to teach my own kids the correct way to swim. I took lessons for as long as I can remember, and I'm not doing it right. So, wish me luck. Oh, another thing I learned is that when you have goggles on, keep your eyes opened. I was so dizzy and lightheaded everytime I would finish a lap. On the way home, I thought I would die. I went to bed at 9 last night, and I'm still a bit dizzy tonight. Apparently you get vertigo if you close your eyes. It's just such a habit. I have NEVER worn goggles. I will really try harder next time to keep my eyes open. As for the race, I am worried about my foot not holding up. I am hoping if I can get my foot healthy, I can last 3 miles on it. Biking and swimming don't hurt it. So, crazy as it sounds, I am most worried about the running. The biking and swimming - while I'm sure will be challenging doing them right after each other - I am not worried about.

I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit this past year. This would be icing. It's on our anniversary. Pretty sure 11 years ago, I couldn't have done all this!

Interesting thought...is there a sport short people can excel at? Seriously? I have been thinking about this all day. Sure seems you have to be tall. I asked Kenny and Cherice. I told Kenny that I realize gymnastics is one, but it's not like I can say, "Troy, I'm headed out to do gymnastics tonight". Kenny offered that I could be a jockey. Once again, not something just a normal person could do. I realize that short people can do anything they set their mind to, but seriously, no advantage!

Well, gotta go gear up for volleyball. I can't wait...we've been on hiatus all summer.

The week at large...

Last week was a fun, busy week. Prepare for a long post. This is my kids last week off track. Jake was given an off-track packet to complete. We finally had to get around to getting it done! Here is Jake, hard at work. To answer Laura's question about Year Round School: I've had my kids in year round, and in traditional. I don't mind year round at all. Sometimes they miss holidays at school if they're off track, which really isn't a big deal. It's nice to have breaks during the year to do things, instead of just summer. My one HUGE irritation, is that we didn't find out what track our kids were going to be on for the next year, until the middle of June. So, we found out our kids were on C Track, which started July 27. SO, our kids got out on July 3, and started the next grade July 27. It's kinda hard to plan vacations/swimming lessons, etc. when you don't find out what track you're on until later. I wish they would put you on the same track for 2 years, so at least 1 summer you could plan accordingly, ahead of time.

Back to my week.

I froze corn. I don't know the "technical" term for this. I'm thinking, "put up corn"? Whatever, we shucked, blanched, and cut corn, put it in freezer bags, and we'll have good corn for the winter. YEA! Cherice and Heidi did this with me. Out of 9 dozen ears of corn, we each ended up getting 9 - 4 cup bags of corn. Not too shabby. Each of us paid $11.50 for this. It's SO YUMMY! Tip: We used a bundt pan (with the hole in the middle) to put the corn in, then we used an electric knife to cut the corn off the cob. It went so fast. It took us 1.5 hours to finish it from start to finish. I wish I would have taken pics of the kids shucking corn, but I was manning the pots inside the house. Next time. I would say this was totally worth it. Here is Cherice and Heidi, just finishing up the last few cobs...

On Friday, it was my friend's Bday. We got together at my house, and did lunch. I forgot that I had scheduled eye appointments for Troy and the kids (mine was the previous week). I asked Troy if he could leave work early and take the kids, so I didn't have to cancel my lunch. He agreed. I was so excited he was taking the kids. Just recently I had a breakdown (when I had all my cardiologist appts) about how hard it is to figure out where the kids are going, just so I could go to an appointment. Dad's make an appointment, and don't have to think twice. So, I was excited he was getting to "experience" 3 kids at the doctor. (I had Haley, so technically it wasn't AS difficult as normal.) The doctor dialated all of their eyes, and they came home like this: After an hour, their eyes were still crazy looking. All four of them are my blued eyed kids, so it was trippy to see black eyes. Here's a close-up of Kyle so you can see how they looked, crazy, huh?

Oh, I need to answer the rest of Laura's questions...
About Haley being potty trained...Kristin was potty trained before she was 2, my boys were all potty trained right after their 2nd Birthdays. I have definitely LUCKED out when it has come to potty training my kids. Once they start recognizing the poop part, (telling me they have to poop, before they do it in their diaper, I start. Haley is definitely getting to that point. I'm just waiting until my kids are in school, and I have less commotion here at home to deal with.

AND - I have always been hooked on Tigers Blood only, this summer I tried a bit of Blue Raspberry with it, and I'm hooked. You should try it...

My favorite girls...

Here is the famous chair I got at the DI for a whopping $15.00. I got the girls up early this morning, and got them ready and stuck them in the car with the chair. We were at a location (just on the side of a back road - nothing spectacular) by 8:15 am. I had to play volleyball at 9am, and had a babyshower at 11am. I didn't have much time, and I was ITCHING to use this chair. I LOVE these girls. So easy going. I just had to paint their fingernails and toenails and promise them a doughnut when we were done, and they cooperated. I LOVE when my own kids cooperate. More can be seen on my photography blog.

Funny Stories

Jake. Is hilarious. He says the goofiest things. I honestly don't have any clue where he learns all of his one-liners. Example: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner (hmmm....) Example: Today, Troy took all the kids to the eye doctor. Haley and I stayed home. Troy said Jake made the eye doctor laugh so hard, he had to stop what he was doing. Story: It was Kyle's turn, the doctor was shining the light in Kyle's eyes, Jake hollered from the back, "Don't go toward the light, Kyle". Seriously, where would he learn that?

The DI (Utah's version of Goodwill or Salvation Army). I have never taken my kids inside of a DI. We have dropped many an item off at the DI. Well, I went looking for a mat to paint for our Amazing Race, and decided DI was my best bet. As we walked in the store(it seriously, was like a scene in a movie) Kyle sighed, "WOW! It's just like a real store." Troy and I were giggling. I guess our kids are deprived, or something. Anyways, I was looking at these AWESOME chairs for photoshoots(stay tuned, trying it out tomorrow on my girls) and Kyle and Jake came running up to me and told me that they think they found the microphone we brought here. The whole rest of the time it was this huge scavenger hunt to try to find items we had donated. Troy and I laughed hysterically through the store. Kyle SWEARS that our old blanket was there, and (wallet in pocket) asked if he should buy it back. DUH! (I'm SURE it was NOT our old blanket)

Conversations while driving. After all of Jake's funny things he has said today, (he has been using the word 'shall' in the correct context...weird) Troy told him he should be a comedian. Troy told him what a comedian was, and Jake turned to Kyle, and in all seriousness, said, "Kyle, you know what I wanna be when I grow up? A Canadian." So, whether it be a comedian or a canadian, the boy has goals.

Kristin. She seriously blows me away with how smart she is. She turned 4 in May, writes her name, knows how to spell it, can count to at least 100, puts puzzles together almost better than me(okay, probably not a big deal) and so many other things. So, at the eye doctor today, It wasn't her turn, but the doctor would ask Jake what letter it was. Kristin would holler from the back of the room, "V!!!!" Troy had to explain to her it wasn't a contest and she would get a turn in a minute. Well, at least the doctor had a bit of fun this afternoon.

Things to look forward to...

I know, I know. I never just enjoy what's going on now. That's usually what irritates me most about myself. I'm always "waiting" for what's coming up next, instead of just enjoying what's happening in life now...but I just want to document what I am looking forward to - no matter how insignificant(in no particular order)...

1. The kids going back on track Sept. 9
2. Kristin starting preschool Sept. 9 (3 KIDS IN SCHOOL)
3. Repeat trip to AZ with Erin for advanced photography workshop...(Can't wait)
4. Jeans weather. Today's high was 67, so we got a taste of it today...kinda nice...
5. My 31st birthday
6. Decorating my house (not sure WHEN this will get done...maybe when I win the lottery that I never play)
7. David coming home
8. My 12th anniversary (seriously, has it been that long?)
9. The "Thoroughly Amazing Race" (Jon and Donnarae are putting on an Amazing Race for our friends. It is gonna be a blast. Can't wait!)
10. Haley being potty trained.

There's many more, but I'll leave it at that. I guess I will do a top 10 of the things I'm happy about now...
1. I bought new jewelry. I kinda like it. I've never gotten more compliments. Tip: wear jewelry
2. The kids are currently off track, and we're not on a strict schedule.
3. I am caught up editing photos!
4. My house is spotless. I love CHELSIE (niece, house-cleaner extraordinaire!)! Today, my kids called her their maid. We are going to have a SERIOUS talk about that. In my opinion, I am hiring her to help me, not them. They still have their own chores. And, MAID? come on...
5. It was Troy's first normal "official" holiday off of work. I forgot to announce, but in 15 weeks, Troy took a trigonometry class, a chemistry class, and a calculus class. He got B+ in everything. That is GREAT! He hasn't been in school for 10 years! He took the summer condensed classes, which are so much harder! I'm so proud of him. He is officially a salaried employee now with title of Engineer.
6. Today, at Chick-fil-a it was free chicken tender day if you wore a football logo. Good thing our WHOLE family has BYU gear. LOVE free lunch - especially somewhere good.
7. First BYU game of the season. I am trying to be postive about this. We have 5 season tickets. As I was writing on the calendar the game schedules, all I could think of was how LONG football season is. I love that it makes Troy so happy. Good thing they sell shaved ice at the games! That keeps me going! (Especially sitting on bleachers in 100 degree weather watching something I really could care less about - I try, really, I try) Troy says as long as he's known me, I've been a shaved ice girl. It's true. Ever since my fam lived in Casa Grande, AZ, I have LOVED shaved ice. They don't have stands in Las Vegas or Portland, so I've been deprived for a few years. Tigers Blood mixed with Blue Raspberry...YUMMY!
8. My dad bought me corn on the cob today. All day I have been thinking it was Saturday, and I told my dad I needed it for Sunday dinner. He probably thought I was crazy, but he bought me some anyways.
9. Kyle is now in scouts. He has gotten his bobcat, and is well on his way to his wolf. Thanks to me. He is going fishing tomorrow for scouts, and is SO excited. As you know, Troy and I are not animal people. We don't like them alive, we don't like to kill them, and we really don't like them dead. So, it's a good thing we live by our family, who most are hunters. My dad will be accompanying him to the fishing pond. THANK HEAVENS! Pretty sure I'd be pretty grouchy taking my 4 kids to a fishing pond by myself tomorrow. All I remember about fishing growing up, is that it wasn't any fun. We couldn't throw rocks in the lake, and we had to get up real early, touch worms, and we had to be quiet. Not my kinda sport.
10. Kyle and Jake are spending the night at Daxton's. While I feel for Cherice, it has been a nice quiet night, in my spotless house, watching a movie with my hubby.
11. Okay, as I was re-reading this, I realized I forgot a HUGE important one. I ran a mile today! YEA! I am taking it very slow, trying to get my foot up to running again. I am going a half mile more each day. So far, my foot hasn't hurt me while running. I ice it every night, but I am really hoping to get up to running 5 miles on a consistent basis. Here's to hoping my feet will hold out...come one, a few more miles...

Well, my eternal post is now coming to an end. Sorry to bore everyone. Oh, I have to say, for any of you Californians - and anyone really, my friend, Priscilla, has some GREAT comments on her blog. EVERYONE should read it. It is some great information on Marriage being between a man and a woman that EVERYONE should be aware of! I think a lot of people wonder why it's a big deal. We're taught to be tolerant of others in this day and age. But this describes how the community and government will be affected by allowing same sex marriages to be legal. I was astounded at the things it lists. PLEASE check it out!

Gnite!

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...