The week flew by

This week our friends (TJ and Josh) from Ohio came to visit us again. They have moved to Colorado and had time to come stay with us and hang out. It was great having them here and our weekend filled up while they were here because of it. It started with a nice relaxing Friday (I of course was doing a lot of homework since I was behind, again). But Steve got to chat it up with the guys and it was nice for them to spend time together just relaxing.

Josh, me and TJ

Then on Saturday it was Julia's first Soccer game. She started playing late this season. We decided last week that she could play and we got her signed up with the Lady Bugs and she loves it. Her first practise was last Wednesday and her first game was Saturday. Josh was our weekend Paparazzi (he is seriously good).

Julia playing hard

Then it was a full afternoon of grocery shopping at the Fruit/Veggie market and Sam's Club and Wal*Mart. We were getting together with all our WoW friends later that evening and TJ was going to make some comfort food that he eats when he is at home with his Mom in Chicago. More on this later.

Next came my run. Striders 7 2008. I was so ready for this run but picking up my packet gave me butterflies in my stomach. I was so nervous. It was hard to just think of it as "Just another run" but I kept telling myself that. I met some great women that it was really fun to talk to before the race and hopefully I will see them again. One of them kept pace with me and finished about two or three minutes before me and came up and hugged me at the end. It felt really cool. The run was really difficult at the beginning but after the first mile it was great. The first mile was up the mountain and I mean it was straight up. I had to walk up most of it but on the descents and flat parts I ran. I ran the rest of the way and it was gorgeous. I loved it. I finished in great time. My unofficial time was, 1:37:19 (they haven't posted times yet so I will blog that later). I got a little woozy after I was done but my Mom and wonderful hubby kept me walking and I didn't pass out. I was so not used to running in the sun and heat, so next time (yes there will be a next time) I will be better prepared.This is a shot of me crossing the finish line.

A shot of Mom, Me and Julia after the race.

Then it was shower time and last minute prep for the WoW friends BBQ. TJ made his now famous Squash and onion dish and Candied Yams. Oh my gosh if you guys could have tasted these things you would be begging for the recipe. They were so good. He and Julia also made this dessert that looked like it was way good too. Unfortunately I could eat it so I just will tell you that it looked like it was awesome. I didn't get any pictures of it because I wouldn't want you to drool all over your computers. LOL.

It was great to see everyone and connect faces to names and voices but I have to say there was a lot of geekyness at that part but we all had a blast and enjoyed every minute of it. Even my Mom and Sister came (they don't play) and had a blast. Here is a group pic of all the gamers and then a few extra shots.The WoW friends gang, I would list names but I can't remember them all.

David and Carrie Larsen (The Hosts of the evening).

The gals: Loretta (Mom), Me, Windy (Sister)

Running Update

I think Jillian (Trainer from the Biggest Loser) would be proud of me today. I ran my butt off today. Melissa M. you are right we all need to push ourselves and I did today. I ran a 6.58 mile route and it was a killer. Usually when I run I have about 2 hills that are real challenges. Today I had two additional hills in the middle that were straight up and when I ran down the first one I knew I was in serious trouble, these hills were going to kick my butt going back up. I just kept telling myself one foot in front of the other and when I made it to the top I smacked the stop sign that was up at the top and did a happy hop but almost fell flat on my face.

It was raining when I started running which was REALLY nice (I took this pic at my run down Glassman Ave). I like rain better than I like sprinklers because the rain hits every where. I was soaked about half way through but it kept me going. Then it got a little sunnier and I wanted more rain. At about my 5th mile I realized I was getting a little damp in the socks. I think I need to find socks that won't soak up the water so much. I might have a little blister on the inside of my foot because it felt a little chapped when I got done.

All in all I finished it in 1:38:00. I am very happy with that. Even though it was only 14:52 min/mile I feel good and feel like I am ready for my 7 miler next Saturday.

Weight Update - Running Update

So today I weighed myself (it being Wednesday and all) and WOOOOOOOT!!! I am down to 248.2 Oh my gosh I know I haven't weighed that since before Julia was born. I am sooo very happy about this but it makes me so nervous because I have to be so careful and not get too forgetful about my goals.

Also I didn't eat enough carbs before I ran tonight and I totally felt it in my run. I met with a Nutrition Specialist about my "special diet" and she said that was what was causing me to feel like I was running through water. She was right. I can totally feel the difference. So now I am eating more beans and sweet potato's so that I can get my carb intake up. I ran my 2 miler tonight in 24:45 minutes. So a 11:55 minute mile. :) That makes me so very happy too. So all together a great day.

P.S. I love this stuff, it is all natural (really it is) and I can actually eat it. YUMMY!!!!!

P.S.S Oh and Cory I told you I was going to tell... Mari he hit your van with a ball he was throwing to Spencer from across the street. LOL Love you guys!!

Running Update

Ok so now Sam has blogged about wanting to do a half marathon so now we are committed. She wants me to do it with her so I will agree to it. Of course I haven't even run my 7 miler (Sept. 27th) but I am feeling really confident. I will register after my 6.5 mile run is successful but in my heart I am committed. So more training is forth coming although we doubt we will be able to find a 1/2 marathon until spring but that is ok because that gives me plenty of time. I will, as always keep you posted.

Running Udpate - AFA Chili Cook-off

Tonight was my 6 miler. Woot!!! I am sooo happy. I ran it slower than normal but I don't care. I ran six miles!!!!!!!

Ok but that is small potato's. Today the "Women In Northrop Grumman" (WINGs) from my company did a Chili cook-off at Hill Air force Base. We were called the "Just Winging It" Team, there were 3 teams from our company. We really were just winging it because we pulled everything together in a week. The recipe that we used was on that was all from cans and seasoning but it was easy to throw all together. We started at 7:45 am and then at noon the judging began. We had a lot of people tell us that we had really good chili but we really weren't too hopeful. But in the end we placed 2nd in the non-military division. It was awesome. We were all so happy. So if you want the recipe let me know and I will e-mail it to you.

This was our theme and poster. We wore little fairy wings which you can't see and the furry hats.

This was the three of us that were there bright and early to begin the slow cooking. Jeannette and Cathy (Cathy was the ringleader and the one who put it all together)

This is Jeannette and me looking like we are having a fun time, which we were.

And this is the Chili that was so very good!

Carnival Time

Julia's school had their annual carnival for a fundraising event.

There was face painting.

Frog smacking.

And the really big slide. There was a dunk tank where Julia was going to dunk her Principal but he got out before she got up there and she missed any way. But she does have a good arm.

Running Update

You are never as slow as you feel. Monday and tonight I ran (Monday 3 miles and 2.07 tonight) and while I felt like I was going really slowly, when I recorded my times they were faster then it felt like when I ran it. Tonight I accomplished another PR for my 2.07 miler. 24:38 that is a 11.84 min/mile by far the fastest I have ever run. I still felt like my legs were in water but it was still a great time. I wonder why that is. I am sure some running expert could tell me but for now I will just settle for the good time and not really care how I got it. :)

When I was on my last 1/4 of mile I passed an intersection just before a car drove through it. Some boys in the car rolled down their window and whistled and yelled "Run for it". While I am not sure why they felt the need to do that it made me think. What am I running for. It was only a second when the answer came to me, I am running for me. I am running because I can and I feel great when I do it. I don't have a lot of check offs in my life besides getting married in the Temple, having kids and having a job that I love. Running is one now that I can say I have actually done and really enjoyed. And it is important to me that I enjoy it because then when I reach a goal it is really a celebration.

I just want to say thanks to all you who give me support, my Hubby (who rubs my feet), my Sis, my Mom, Carrie, Mari, Delaney, Sammy, Steph (all the way from Chicago) and my Heavenly Father). Without all of you cheering me on I don't think it would have been as much fun nor worth it.

By the way if you want to see an athlete check out Steph's Blog (on my "Blogs I Visit") she is awesome inspiration for me.

See you out there and Get out and LIVE (for you)!!

Mmmmm, do you want me to save you some?

Anyone for stewed wubby? Thank heavens he (Connor) can't reach the buttons on the stove, yet. He has attempted already to microwave his blankies but they only went for 15 seconds before I told him that blankies don't go in the microwave. At least he listened. LOL!

Peach Days - 2008

On Saturday we met Adam and Tia Larsen up in Brigham City for their Annual Peach Days. It was really fun and I even got to taste some yummy peaches ($1 a piece but at least I could eat them).

Julia in a Army Hummer.

Connor very happy just sitting in the wagon not sitting in the Army Hummer.

The Gang that we were with, left to right: (front) Tia, Tayden (sp?),(middle) Connor, Devyn (sp?), Eddie, Michael, Julia, Michelle, Steve (back) Mike, Adam, Mark.

We then went to Adam and Tia's house and ate Pizza and played a REALLY fun game called Betrayal at House on the Hill. It was lots of fun, I ended up being the traitor and killed almost everyone but they got me in the end.

Thanks Larsen's for a great day and a really fun weekend!!!

Family Fun 1 Mile Walk

This morning our family woke up and went to our Stake's Family Fun Run. It is something that they do for the athletes in our Stake. They do a 1 mile route and a 5k route. Since I did my run last night I decided to just do the 1 mile walk with my family. It was fun. Connor didn't walk but he didn't mind that at all. Steve pushed him on the stroller and Julia and I did the kids scavenger hunt along the way. Our family finished in 22 minutes and 19 seconds. Our new family Personal Record (PR). It was nice to get out with our fellow ward members and walk around the area. There was a guy pushing his wife I think in a wheelchair/bike that looked homemade. Lots and lots of Dads and Moms pushing kids in strollers (a few of them even running the 5K) and lots of old people out there trucking along. Afterwards there was a free breakfast of pancakes, eggs and bananas. We had a good time and got some good exercise.

Here we are waiting for the race to start.

Julia is reading what we have to find on the scavenger hunt.

Connor is ticked that I am taking his picture.

Here my family is crossing the finish line.

Here we are enjoying our bountiful feast.

Runners High

Today I think I felt what I would call a runners high. I was doing my 5.71 mile run (the one that I was up to last time when I got injured, using my old shoes) and it was the last half mile, I felt like I could run forever. It was amazing. I was tired but my legs got this release of something that made them feel like I was just starting out on my run. It was so cool. I finished and stretched and was glad that I was done but I seriously feel so good. I made good time too. I finished the whole run at 1:17:29:34 so a 13.32 minute mile. Pretty darn good, and no injuries. Even better!! See you out there!

Running Update

Well folks, I did it. I ran a new record (for my 2.07 mile run). I ran it in 24.56 minutes, which if you do the math, you would come up with a 12 min/mile. WOOT!!!!! I love it. I am so excited you can't even tell. No actually you can't. I am sitting at the computer thinking about what I am going to eat for dinner. I think that is why I ran so fast, I am hungry. I have class on Wednesday so I went from work to class to putting the kids to bed to running. Now I am going to congratulate myself with a baked sweet potato. Yummy!! Aren't you all jealous?

Have a great night and Get Out and Live!!

Happy 10th Anniversary To Steve and I

So 10 years ago this weekend I made the huge step and invited my husband (it was only the second time we had met) to go camping over Labor Day at Monte Cristo. We were going to be camping up there and going boating the next day. We ended up staying up all night talking and making out by the river.

I wanted to do something that would include the kids that would make this day special so we had decided to go up to the same camp out and spot on the river and take the kids hiking around there. But when we woke up this morning it was pouring rain so that bagged that idea. So instead Julia and I met Windy, Mom and Cindi to go get pedicures. Steve and Connor went over the my Dad's house and hung out with the guys. Cindi is due on Wednesday and we all know how great pedi's are when you are that pregnant.

We met back up with Steve and Connor at Lunch time and were going to go to the restaurant where Steve proposed to me in Ogden, Sandy's. Turns out they are the only restaurant that chose to be closed on Labor Day weekend. What a huge bummer. So we went to Chili's and ate there but I ended up getting really sick and not enjoying the salad that I got.

The only thing that went the way it was supposed to today was Windy and Matt got to go out to dinner with my parents, and I did my 3 mile run.

But at least we all got to do stuff together (except for the pedicures, sorry honey but at least I have great looking feet now).