The Dias'

My kids are so good to me ♡

2014-04-10T23:38:00.001-07:00

Halfway through the day today, I started getting a headache. The kids had some friends over this evening and by the time they went home, it had gone in to full migraine mode. We're talking chills, nausea, shakes, and light sensitivity. Earlier, I had told the kids that when their friends went home, it was time for bed. Sure enough, when it was jammy time, they started to whine which is not out of the norm. I told them (just once) that I had a headache so bad it was making me feel like I was going to throw up and that I needed their help in getting ready for bed. I climbed into the recliner and the next thing I know, I'm being handed (by both kids) a bowl, an ice pack, my water bottle, a blanket, "something pretty to look at" (Lina's glitter bottle), and lots of little kisses, all while they both had their pj's on and ready for bed. Gabriel went straight to bed, and Lina made herself a bed on the couch so she could be near me to make sure I was taken care of. MELTED MY HEART!

Migraines are not common here, so I was super impressed with how they took care of me. They knew exactly what I needed.

The day started off BAD, to tell the truth, but ended thousands of times better.

Just one of those times I never want to forget. ♡♡

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G's first year of basketball

2014-04-06T07:29:00.001-07:00

Gabriel started basketball yesterday and absolutely loved it! When he first started soccer, he was just going with it. When he started jits, he was pretty excited then, but it kind of fizzled out. So I'm anxious to see how this season goes. He's picking it up fairly quickly and wants to practice every day. Here's to a great season!

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Angelina's Kindergarten Orientation

2014-04-03T22:10:00.001-07:00

My cute baby girl will be a kinder soon! As we were listening to the teacher talk to us about how now is the time to start preparing our kids for school, she mentioned how it's important to let the kids start doing things for themselves. Angelina's interpretation of that was hilarious. She came to me and said, "You need to listen to her, mom. She said I can do whatever I want."

I love that little girl. The things she comes up with is amazing. We are all very excited for this new adventure!

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Everything is awesome

2014-04-01T22:07:00.001-07:00

We went and saw the Lego Movie tonight. Now we all have that song stuck in our heads. My kids are incredible. Love them like crazy!

(I am going to start trying to use this blog like I would FB. I'd rather keep my "status updates" in my blog so it's easier to look back and read. Hopefully this app will help me be more consistent in 'journaling'.)

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New Years Resolutions 2014

2014-01-02T11:44:00.001-08:00

Well, today is a lazy day, so here I am dusting off the old laptop and getting back in to "journaling". That is my New Years Resolution. Sitting down to a computer is easier than sitting down to a book [journal] so her we go. Again. I've decided that I'm not going to make this fancy. I just want to write down my life's story and everyone and everything that includes.

My goal - To write at least 3 times a week.

Do I go back and write what I can remember? Or do I start with today (or yesterday, since yesterday was the first of the year)? Maybe this post with start with today, and the next will be other happenings from the past year.

First family photo of 2014

For New Years we hung out at the Oberg's house while celebrating January birthdays. Lot's of fun. Kids are growing up so fast! Damama is moving to Arizona for a few months to house sit for someone so we had to get the party in early this month. Sweet little Lina will be FIVE!, Rachel will be 11, Jim 42, and Damama 67! WOW.

Birthday girls

Lina's 3 year pics

2012-08-07T13:25:00.001-07:00

These were taken back in February, closer to when she had just turned 3. I'm not going to do a whole lot of explaining Miss Lina, look in my previous post. :) I will say that she has amazing personality and, just like her brother, has some great facial expressions. I love how my sweet friend, Jayme, captures it all. Angelina is my sweet Angel Pie and I thank my Father in Heaven for such a wonderful little girl.

Almost a year later. . .Some major updates in a nutshell

2012-08-07T13:12:00.001-07:00

I've been feeling really guilty the past few weeks about not blogging. To me, typing is so much easier that writing. So I justify this as my journal. Maybe I'll write this like a Christmas letter. :)

David is still working for Hunt Pacific managing The Overlook apartments and still loving it. He just recently studied and tested for his property management license and is now managing single family properties on the side. He's got 2 so far. ROCKSTAR! He also just purchased a new rifle and is getting all of his ducks in a row to go hunting again this year. This time he gets to go with my dad and brother. He's pretty excited about it, but sometimes I think I'm more excited than he is! David has been nothing more than my rock these past few months. I have felt very blessed, very comforted, and very motivated to be a better person for him and our family. He has kept me grounded and has gently reminded me of the importance of my calling in life during challenging times. Man, I love him!

Gabriel has started and finished kindergarten and impresses us every single day. He is so smart! He'll come home from school and when asked, "What did you learn today?", he'll answer "I dunno" and mumble. But then when we're just doing every day things around the house, he'll totally surprise us by bringing us a piece of paper with sentences on it or reading a bunch of words or something that he had failed to tell us that he learned at school. Gotta love kids. G has passed two swimming lesson classes and while he loves it, I think he sometimes thinks 'yeah, I know this already'. At the end of his class, they got to go down the big water slide and off the diving board a few times. He was hilarious! Every time it was his turn, he'd almost push the other kids (who were pretty hesitant...scared, really) aside, run, and full on jump off the board. When his instructor would offer his hand to help, he'd say "no, I got this! I know how!" He is so driven when given the opportunity to explore on his own. He has also started taking Jiu Jitsu. Wow does he LOVE that! He wants to practice every day with dad! Again, he is learning very quickly and it has helped with his attitude tremendously! About a month or so into it, he broke his collar bone (at home) and wasn't able to take classes for about 5 weeks. The first week of his accident (which was him spinning around in the living room on one food doing 'Spinjitsu' like they do on Ninjago) he was so sweet. Always saying thank you to everyone who helped him do things. He even shed a couple of tears of gratitude. He loves his family so much and has such a tender heart. After that week, he become somewhat whiney. His independence had completely been removed and it was getting to him. David's mom made him a couple of slings with skulls and crossbones and while G LOVED them, he was getting tired of them. After 4 weeks, we went in for a follow up x-ray and things were looking good! Dr said he could resume normal activities so we were thrilled he'd be taking Jiu Jitsu again! I couldn't wait to start up again to see if it would "cure" his attitude, and after a month, I can honestly say that it helps so much! I can't believe it! When he was taking swimming at the same time, I think it was even better. Gabriel is a kid who needs an out. He's got so much energy that sometimes I don't think he know's how to handle it. With that said, I couldn't have asked for a better son. I love watching him grow into his own person. He teaches me something new every day. He also just lost his first tooth 2 weeks ago. We had gone out to eat after Jiu Jitsu and while we were all getting buckled in the car, we had asked if he wanted dad to pull it out. He said yes. David took a towel and yanked it right out. Gabriel didn't even flinch! We were ALL so excited! When we were getting ready for bed, he looked like he was going to cry. I asked him if he was ok and he said yes and walked away. When I called him to come back, I asked what was wrong and he said nothing. That he was so excited (and had broken down in tears at this point) and just so proud of himself! I couldn't help but giggle. He was so cute! We sat there hugging for a few minutes and then proceeded to get ready for bed with the tooth under his pillow ready for the tooth fairy. He had heard a rumor of other tooth fairies leaving $5 for the first tooth, so this fairy had to live up to that. He woke up super excited to find money. His tooth right next to the one he just lost is pretty loose, too. I think it will be out before the end of the month for sure! The tooth fairy gives only $1 for all the other teeth and he is fully aware that he won't be getting $5 again. :) Gabriel is a stinker, but a day never goes by that he doesn't make me smile.

Bottom is before, top is 4 weeks later. It's amazing how fast the bones in kids begin to heal!

His teeth before and after

His first day of Jiu Jitsu

Angelina is so full of sass! She has major attitude and even has the hip shake to prove it. I think her only saving grace is how stinkin' cute she is! She is also the best snuggler! Every morning when she wakes up, she comes straight into our room and just snuggles. I absolutely love it! As long as she can get a laugh out of something, weather it's ok or not, she'll do it! This girl loves to laugh! The hard part about it, is that her laugh is so contagious! I can't help but start laughing, too. She'll be going into pre-school this year and is beyond excited! I think she feels like one of the big kids. She has taken some swimming classes, along with Gabriel, and has loved them too. She isn't afraid of the water but when it was time to jump off the diving board, one time was enough. She went down the slide with no problems, though. Whenever we go to Jiu Jitsu, she cries saying she wants to go to her ballet class. So we may be signing her up sometime in the near future. :) This chic is ALL GIRL. Loves pink, anything princess, flowers, you name it - she loves it!

I have been really focusing on my health lately. We all have been eating better and I ran the Helvatia 10k this last June with Jayme and Brother Dave. It was so great! David had said that no matter what, we start together, and we'll finish together. Jayme, of course was right by my side the majority of the race. We run the same pace, which is so great! David has more endurance than I do and longer strides. So he'd run up ahead of me a little ways and then jog in place until I caught up with him. The whole race. Right before we entered the stadium he was there waiting for me and then as we were about to cross the finish line, he took me by the hand and we finished together. :) Made my day to run with him!! I love it! I have lost a total of 50 lbs since December 27th and feel the best that I have in my whole life! I'm a happier person and am more confidant than I ever have been. When I first started my journey, it was about being skinny. As time went on, my reasons started to be 'more than that'. There are a lot of health issues in my family (both sides) and I don't want to have to deal with them. Heart problems and diabetes to name a couple. My BMI is in a healthy range for the first time ever, too. I just feel so good!

Some other misc. stuff that we've been up to this summer...

The fair...

Pickin' berries...

LOTS of park time...

We LOVE camping! So far this summer we've gone twice, with another coming up soon. We first went to La Pine and camped on my dad's property, and then the following weekend we went to Detroit Lake and hung with my mom. Both trips were AWESOME! However, next year, they will not be back to back weekends...

I am feeling very blessed for the life I have been given. My family especially. My heart is very full!

Our Dinner Fight With G

2011-03-29T10:10:00.001-07:00

Dinner time, at our house, is A.W.F.U.L! Like yesterday, for example. . .yesterday was such an amazing day. Kids were in fantastic moods, I got a bunch of chores done, things couldn’t have been better. Then it was time for dinner. I dread dinner time. It’s always a fight. It doesn’t matter what we have, the kids whine and complain and even cry sometimes. OR all they do is play with their food and it ends up every except for their mouths. Either way it’s a fight. It totally makes those wonderfully amazing days into nightmares. What a horrible way to end the day! Why isn’t dinner time the same as breakfast and lunch?? They’re fantastic during those meal times. It’s just so irritating!

We’ve done time-outs, left it out so they can finish it later, put it away and they go to bed without anything else to eat. . .so we decided to take a different approach. Chuck-E-Cheese. Anytime G see’s a commercial for that place he BEGS to go there. So last night we gave him a challenge. If he could go two weeks eating ALL of his dinner with NO WHINING, we’d take him to Chuck-E-Cheese. Holy cow did his eyes light up! He still sat at the table for a while not wanting to eat his dinner, but I think it helped!

I decided I was going to make a two week calendar to mark off the days he does and doesn’t eat dinner like a big boy. I went to the Chuck-E-Cheese website to copy a picture to put on my calendar so that it’d be right there. A constant reminder of that glorious prize at the end of the two week tunnel. Well, THANK YOU Chuck-E-Cheese, for making my job so easy! As I was looking around for a good picture, I stumbled across their very own REWARD CALENDARS!! And they’re even for two weeks! (I have to admit, this totally made my night!)

I think this may be a long two weeks. . .for everyone. But I think it’s going to help tremendously! I’ll update in two weeks. Here we go!

Bodybugg Journey–Week 11

2011-03-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning all depressed ready to write my “Can I have a do-over?” entry because these past two weeks have not been good at all. I haven’t been getting in any exercise, nor have I been logging my food. I’ve been somewhat cautious and aware of what and how much I’m consuming, but for me, that’s not good enough. Last week at my weigh-in, I was only down .5 lbs. I know, I know, a loss is a loss and I’m happy that there was one! Another week went by and today I was not looking forward to stepping on that scale. I knew it was going to be bad. I rolled my eyes and then shut them tightly as I stepped on. When I had enough courage to open one eye and look down, I was PLEASANTLY surprised! 2.1 lbs! What the????? How did that even happen?? I don’t know, and quite honestly, I don’t care! I bought my gym membership a few days ago and today I went and got it activated. It felt so good to really sweat. I’ve missed that. I’m a girl who’s not afraid to sweat and get dirty.

As of today, I’m down a total of 22.3 lbs, 5 lbs away from my pre-marriage weight, 13 lbs away from my goal weight, and 23-28 lbs away from my ULTAMATE goal weight. (I set a goal to lose 35 lbs, but I’d really like to lose another 10-15 after that)

I guess the lesson learned these past two weeks (and I thank the bodybugg for this) is that even when not logging food or getting much activity in, I’m still not shoving my face full of M&M’s (even though I still want to) and ice cream. I’ve learned to be in control.

Here’s to another week! This week will be the first week that I’ve had the help of the gym. I’m anxious to see if the scale will be my friend or foe. . .?

Beautiful Baby Girl

2011-02-24T16:26:00.001-08:00

Actually, she’s definitely not a baby anymore!! My sweet Angel-pie turned two and she is just a gorgeous as ever. Here are her 2 year pictures – courtesy of Jayme Anderson

I LOVE this little girl so much. She brings so many smiles to all of our faces. She’s got the sweetest personality and just adores her brother. Angelina, you are such a blessing in our lives (despite your tantrums that you’ve perfected). You. Are. Amazing!

Bodybugg Journey – Week 9

2011-02-23T17:02:00.001-08:00

I’ve dieted. I’ve exercised. I’ve dieted and exercised. And felt like I’ve gotten NO WHERE. Even with the help and support of my loved ones I just couldn’t get my weight down. I’d feel better physically, but would easily get discouraged every time I either stepped on the scale or even looked in the mirror. Sure I’d thought about the Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers (which I have tried in the past and did like), All-i, the ever so popular HCG miracle hormone, and the list goes on and on. But, like I could afford any of that! And don’t you just gain all your weight back once you stop using the product? The only real “miracle” worker out there is food and your body. Enter – the Bodybugg. Now, I couldn’t afford this either, but Christmas morning came and Santa was good to me this year. He didn’t think I was too excited about it, but truth be told, I. Was. EXTATIC! I was just a little pre-occupied by the kids opening their presents. They’re just too cute! So when all was said and done with all the busy-ness of Christmas, I jumped right on the phone and computer to get set up. As you can see by the title of my post, I’m starting week 9 and couldn’t be happier with the way things are going.

Here’s my program:

I need to burn at least 2600 calories a day, consume no more than 1850 calories a day, making my deficit target 750. If I follow all of this to a T, I will lose 1.5 lbs/week. (The program doesn’t let you lose more than 2 lbs/wk and to make it low stress, I just went ahead and made it 1.5 lbs/wk) This puts my goal date at June 7th to lose 35 lbs and meet my goal weight, which, when I do I’m going to keep going. I’d like to lose another 15 lbs after that.

The first 2 weeks, I lost 6 lbs. (3/wk) Ever since, it’s slowed down to 1.5-2 lbs/wk. I’m totally ok with that. As much as I want all of my fat to melt away over night, I really would like to take this slow and easy so that it’s easier to maintain once I’m ready to maintain.

This is no secret. There is no miracle drug out there. It’s not what you eat, it’s how much you eat. Diet is 80% of the game! The great thing about the Bodybugg is that it takes all of the guess work out. All of it! It shows you numbers, graphs, your goals. Everything! It’s amazing.

I started my program on December 28th and I weigh in every Tuesday. As of yesterday, (which was my eighth weigh-in) I am down 18 lbs. I’m also proud to say that I’ve done it all without stepping foot into any sort of gym! YAY! . . .However, I’m really feeling the itch to get a membership. 24 hr Fitness is right down the road and I just think it’d be a nice break to go there when I need to get rid of my kids and sweat out my frustrations. Aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh (big sigh!!) We’ll see.

Until next week!

Too Much To Be Grateful For

2010-11-12T17:44:00.001-08:00

This post is going to be all over the place because that how my thoughts are right now. So, apologies in advance if none of this makes sense. I am SO overwhelmed by the amount of love that has been shown to me the past two years, but more specifically this past year. Since we've bought our house, our finances have been stretched and we've been tested. We have never had a late payment on our mortgage and our home is always well cooled in the summer and well heated in the winter along with light. For that, I am grateful! We haven't been able to do a lot of "extra's". Something that I'm fine with. Sure it'd be nice to go to Disneyland or get some wall decor or area rugs, but really, that stuff doesn't matter. So I wait and save until we are able to get that extra something and then get it. And then wait and save some more until the next time. Waiting has kept us out of more debt. For that, I am grateful! But what I am the most grateful for is when things have gotten tough, my family has jumped right in. Knowingly and not. I know my family loves me. My friends, too. But this year has been so full of unconditional love and service (towards me) that it just fills my heart with such gratitude. I have a hard time letting people do things for me and often times tell the person no when they're in the process of trying. I have heard so many times "just let me do this for you!" and so many times I feel so . . . undeserving and guilty that I can't do the same for them. But for them, I. Am. GRATEFUL!

While talking with my mom about it after she had done something nice for me, I had thanked her and said that I didn't know how to re-pay her. That she didn't even need to do what she did in the first place. She said that she once told her mom the same thing not knowing if she would be able to re-pay her while she was still alive, and her mom said to do it for someone else. I hope someday I am able to do to others as others have done to me and my family. I am eternally grateful for the people in my life and could not have been blessed with better loved ones.

Gabriel's 4 Year Pictures

2010-10-20T10:34:00.001-07:00

I just have to brag a little bit more. My son is the best looking kid in the world! Just LOOK at these gorgeous pictures!

While we were at it, we took some shots of the family and the two kids together.

(pictures taken by Jayme Anderson)

Gabriel Turns 4

2010-08-25T21:40:00.001-07:00

Four years ago, our lives changed. Dramatically.

Four years ago, our needs and wants would never come first again.

Four years ago, the best, most beautiful boy came into our lives and has blessed them every singe day since.

Gabriel, your smile brightens the darkest moments and your laugh is like music. It is so cute the way you scrunch up your nose when laughing and your smile can't get any bigger. When you set your mind to something, there's no stopping you. You are smart, driven, caring, and extremely protective of your sister. . .and your whole family for that matter (just like your dad). You like to follow other people's lead and have a great time doing it.

You LOVE (in no particular order)

*Your dad! Any chance you get, you're right there by his side ready to lend him a hand weather it be fixing something, building something, or doing yard work. This is also known as "man time". There are definitely no girls allowed during this man time. As long as you're with him, nothing else matters.

*Camping. If we tell you we've got plans for camping, you're all ready to go before we even have finished the sentence.

*Spider Man. Your parents are big Superman fans, but you can't get enough of Spiderman.

*Being tickled. ANY chance you get, you want to be tickled. If you're in another room and you hear Angelina laughing (and know that I'm with her), you come running in saying "DO THAT TO ME!!". You ask for it!

*Helping mom cook. (She needs to be better about letting you!)

*Making your sister laugh. You really do LOVE that. Even when you're supposed to be in bed, you sneak into the other room just to keep her going.

*Working in workbooks/learning your letters and how to write them. You call it your "homework".

*Reading - Even though you like a good movie, you'd rather read than watch T.V. and we love that about you.

*Our garden and collecting chicken eggs. Seeing eggs in the coop and veggies that are ready to be picked gets you so excited. Not only do you want to get them all, but you want to eat them all right away.

*Playing outside/playing with friends. Again, when given the choice to watch or movie or play outside, you choose to be out and about.

*Your family. Like I said before, you are very protective of all of us. You hate it when we take Angelina to the doctor for shots. You yell at and hit the nurses. :) When mom and dad play fight or "talk loud" to each other, you always stop us and tell dad to be nice and to not talk loud to mom. (thanks dude!)

*Nature/Animal life. You're curious about things and you don't ever want to hurt the bugs. Whenever mom wants to put bugs in the toilet, you don't like that.

*Moments. AKA ~ Reese's peanut butter cups. A few years back, dad got some and wanted to have a special moment with you. That candy has ever since been known as "moments". Those moment's are pretty good and we have quite a few of them. Regularly. :)

Recently, you've started to like "army man" stuff and asked for an Army man birthday party. So that's what you got.

You're starting soccer for the first time this year,so for your birthday, we got you all of your soccer stuff. Cleats, shin guards, and a ball. We couldn't get you out of your gear all day. . .until you got this other kind of gear. . .

<-- that's your salute

You looked like a real Army man and had so much fun running around looking for "bad guys" with your partner.

You were a couple of good looking troopers!

<-- This is what you did when anyone would sing to you.

We love you so much G$. Having you and watching you grow has brought absolute JOY to our family. We couldn't have asked for better.

Helvatia Half Marathon

2010-06-13T22:11:00.001-07:00

A few months back I received a phone call from a great friend of mine to keep June 12, 2010 open. We're running a 1/2 marathon. About 5 of us were going to start training for it. I said, "SWEET! Let's do it!" I start running here and there and then come across an actual 10 week training schedule. I was already 2 weeks behind but was able to just jump right in. This is great! I'm totally going to run this the whole way through. When I ran 6 miles without stopping, I cried. It's the farthest I've ever ran. (By this time, 2 people had dropped out.) A week or so later when I reached 8 miles, I was pretty dang impressed. That morning, I could tell that my body was getting sick. My kids had been sick for a few days and I think I caught the bug. But I ran anyway cause I didn't want to get off track. Then, the sickness totally took control of my whole body. I wasn't throwing up, but my whole body hurt. . .like when you get the flu. I didn't run for a whole week and when I got back out there, I needed to run 3 miles but couldn't. I felt pretty uneasy about that. The following week, I helped out a friend washing dishes at his cafe. So, no running there. Crap. Only 3 more weeks until the big day and I'm not running 10-11 miles like I should be able to right now. There's no way I can do this. Not to mention, my running partner has a LOT going on in her life too, so she wasn't on track either. Our third person in our running party was on track, but come to find out, she's got kidney stones. So, she's out. It's just me and Jayme. We run great together. At least, I think so! We've pretty much got the same pace and when one's going to fast or too slow, the other keeps us right on track so we don't over do it and we can keep on keepin' on. Life keeps happening for the both of us and with one week to go, I'm feeling pretty nervous. The furthest we've gone is 8 miles. Yes, it was without stopping to walk, but the schedule we were on, we should have been able to do 11. Although I was nervous I was really excited about this. If I can't run the whole thing, WHO CARES!? I'm out there and I'm going to cross the finish line. That'll be so great!

Race day.

I get up at 5:15 to get ready and make sure I've got all I need to get through the race. Some breakfast, my ipod, my shot blocks. . .I'm good to go! Jayme picks me up and we're off to the stadium. There's so much traffic! We get right in, parked, and onto the field. There are people E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E! I couldn't help but feel the excitement all around me. We tell each other that no matter what happens, we're in this together and we may walk, but we're going to run our way through the finish line. And that's what we did.

We start. We've got smiles on our faces and we head off. (You can see the course map here.)

Miles 1-5 I feel incredible. Pace was great, weather was gorgeous, and I've ran this part before so I know what to expect. I'm so excited that I start to get emotional. Ok, Carrie. KNOCK IT OFF! I had to snap myself out of it because it was getting hard to breath. When I get emotional, my chest tightest up. I pull myself together and blow right through to mile 5.

Miles 5-7 HARD! There was a big downhill part after the mile 5 marker and it hurt my knees! I had to stop and use the bathroom at the mile 5 aid station and I think stopping is what did it. Miles 6-7.5 were nice because they were in the shade. :)

Miles 7-9 It was ok. . .Still feeling good but they were stop and go. My wonderful family came to see me right after mile 8 to cheer me on and it was such a great boost! THANK YOU!!

My biggest fans!!

Miles 9-11 Hard. Slow. Lots of walking. Feeling the sun beat down on us, running (walking) on gravel for a mile = no fun, starting to have a mental block.

Miles 11-12 Holy cow! This hurts so bad! Sun is REALLY draining my energy.

Miles 12-13.1 I can't believe it. ONE MORE MILE! We've totally got this! We're going to run through the finish line even if it kills me! We pick up the pace, run the last leg into the stadium, see our families and cross through the big balloon finish line.

David, Gabriel, Angelina, Mom, Dad, Lindsey, and Kylie. . .Thank you for being there! I loved seeing your faces as I turned that corner!

Jayme and I hug each other and it hits me. I start getting emotional again. Except this time, I'm out of breath. So when my chest tightens up, I literally can't breath and start wheezing. So, again, I had to snap myself out of it. What an incredible feeling of accomplishment! I did something that I never thought I'd be able to do. Shoot! Just last week when I ran a 5k, I couldn't even finish that without dying! I don't think I'll run another 1/2 anytime soon but I know that I'll be doing more races. 5 and 10k's whenever I can. My next 1/2 marathon will probably be next year. I want to do the Helvatia half again. I loved it. The beautiful country roads, fresh air, and all the people we amazing. My running partner was even more amazing. I definitely could NOT have done any of it with out her. If she had dropped out, I think I would have still done the race, but it would have been harder and I would have walked 10 out of the 13 miles of it. Thanks, friend.

After the race I didn't want to do ANYTHING. Angelina didn't want anyone else but me, so I had to hold her but I just wanted to die. Ok, maybe not die, but just sit! So we ventured off to find all of the sponsor booths and enjoyed a free burger from the Helvatia Tavern and lots of free Jamba Juice. There were also complimentary 5 min massages, but the line was so long that I didn't even bother. I was pretty bummed about that. We went home fairly soon so kids could take a nap and I could just chill.

RESULTS!!

Overall Place - 2962/3447

Female Overall - 1824/2248

Age (25-29) - 291/319

Time - 3:14:06 (I was anticipating 3 hours so I was not too far off!)

I am so happy with these numbers. SO HAPPY!

Battle wounds include: Sunburn on my face and arms, blisters on my feet, and sore muscles everywhere in between! (some pics are gross)

I feel like I can conquer anything.

Today, not so much. I mean, I could conquer anything. . .if I could move.

Starlight Parade/Fun Run

2010-06-07T13:31:00.001-07:00

I ran my very first race ever and it was SO FUN! It was a 5k and the end of it was, of coarse, up hill. It was so great to finally do it. I've been wanting to run a race like that ever since I can remember. My brother-in-law and two nephews did it with me and they kicked my butt. Just like I thought they would! I'm a slow runner. I like to keep at a slower jog so that I can keep going for a longer time. It wasn't 2 minutes before they all left me behind. I don't blame them one bit and before we even started the race we designated and meeting spot back at the finish line. Good thing, too! My sweet nephew, about 10 minutes into the race, I saw him off to the side cheering me on and then started back up with me and hung out with me until the end. I felt so bad for holding him back, but he was a great partner! My other nephew ran it in about 25 min, and mine and Jake's time was 39 min! That actually is a good time for me. Like I said, I'm a S.L.O.W runner. The whole thing was so fun and I'm so bummed that I don't have ANY pictures! This is a race where you can dress up in costume and there were some great ones! Next year, I'll have to dress up. I just get so hot, I'd need something simple, yet gooood. No wigs, no extra clothes. . .we'll see. After running that 5k, it got me really nervous about this half marathon coming up THIS SATURDAY! But, I figure, I'm just going to go out there and do my best. Who cares if I walk? At least I'm out there and as long as I finish, that is all that matters!

Gabriel's "Carrie Moment"

2010-06-01T11:41:00.001-07:00

This morning as I was trying to get Gabriel out the door and off to school, he was just kind of doddling around in his room. Already dressed with shoes on, he was just in no hurry. David walks into the room and says, "I know how you feel, Gabriel. I'm draggin' today too."

Gabriel jumped right up and said, "Yeah! I'm a dragon!"

It was too cute! We got out the door pretty quick after that. :)

Glorious Day!

2010-05-20T13:41:00.001-07:00

It has been a rather [incredibly] slow process, but as of today, TWENTY pounds have been lost and I DON'T intend to find them ever again! BUH-BYE! :)

Ever Wonder??

2010-05-14T20:46:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder what your toes would look like without their nails? Well, wonder no more. . .

Aside from needing a serious pedicure, take a look at that!! A few weeks ago my toe was hurting and I noticed a blood blister had formed under my nail. A couple of nights ago it was hurting pretty bad so I ended up popping it to relieve the pressure. It felt so much better. I could tell that if I tried hard enough, I could take the nail off. But, in hopes to save my nail, I let it be thinking that it would heal itself back together. Last night after my run I was checking it out and sure enough, it did not. So to save myself the pain that it would make if it snagged on anything, I took it off. My sister told me that she hears of runners losing their nails all the time. REALLY??? I sure hope this doesn't become a regular thing. It's more of an inconvenience than anything.

Marathon Training

2010-05-10T14:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I'm not doing a full marathon. A half. But still. . .That's 13.1 miles! I have never been a big runner. In high school I was big into weight lifting and track. I threw the shot put and the discus. For our warm up in track, we'd have to run a lap around the track - just one - and I always died afterward! Haha! My senior year of high school my mom, brother, and I moved to Colorado. My cousin was on the cross country team so I decided to join her. I was one of the slowest people on the team and I think I ran ONE race without stopping to walk. Since then I would run occasionally to stay active and since having kids, I've put on weight and have become very out of shape. The training schedule I'm on now has me running 4 days a week with different distances each time. This last Saturday I completed 8 miles. It was amazing and I feel absolutely incredible. And I've been doing a lot of thinking. . .I may be about 35 lbs heavier than I'd like to be, but I'm pretty much in the best shape of my life. That is, if you don't count my occasional knee pain, shin splints (which are pretty much gone - thank goodness!), and blood blister on my toe. So, I've decided to not be so hard on myself with my weight. I'm still trying my best to make wise and healthy choices with my food and I keep losing little by little so that's making me very happy. It's also still a main goal of mine and hasn't been put on "the back burner", but I'm on this new 'high' and I'm just soaking it in. Besides, how many people do you know (overweight or not) that can run 8 miles??? I know a small handful but not very many. (and if you know a lot, just shush!)

I do have to give props to my girl, though. I don't think I'd be doing this at all if it weren't for you. (you know who you are) You are my rock. You encourage me in more ways than you know. You push me beyond what I can push myself and you keep me positive when I start giving myself a hard time. THANK YOU! I couldn't ask for a better running partner. We run well together.

The big race is June 12th. I feel so confident that I can do this. And when this one is over, I'll definitely find more to do. My nephew and I are planning to run in the Starlight run this year (it's a 5k) and then my mom, sister, and I are going to walk in the 4th of July parade (also a 5k, I believe). I'm so excited to be able to do all of this!

Tulip Festival

2010-04-17T15:03:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to head out to the Tulip Festival for quite some time now and yesterday we finally were able to go. David worked just half a day and then we headed out. Good thing because the weather was perfect and there's only one more week before it's over. The flowers were all gorgeous. Tulips are a favorite of mine and there are a million different kinds. I had no idea. The kids didn't nap so they weren't really happy for too long. They got pretty restless but all in all, it was a great day.

Gabriel was more interested in the bugs. He's so boy.

Angelina decided to eat the dirt. Must have been pretty good!

The kids enjoyed a flower sucker and some time at the old trains before we left.

New Additions

2010-03-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

It's official. We are now chicken owners. I was totally opposed the first time David brought it up to me. And long after. But, being the good wife that I am, I told him I'd really consider it. I finally felt ok about it and told him that I have one stipulation. I will help feed, water, collect eggs, and help build the coop, but I will NOT clean up after them. He was ok with that and now we have 4. One for each member of the family. We've got 2 Golden Sex Links and 2 Rhode Island Reds. The kids have the Goldens and David and I have the Reds. We all hold them every day in hopes that they'll be used to us and the dog when they get bigger.

Gabriel picked out his chick. . .

He has completely fallen in love with his chick and has named her "Chick Hicks".

David's quite happy about his chick too, although, he has yet to name her.

All Angelina wants to do is go Godzilla on her chick, so we hold it for her for now. Her chicks name is "Chica".

(we put a green dot on the forehead of gabriel's so we'd know which is his)

I don't have a cool name for my chick yet either. It'll come to me.

Faith Points Us To The Future

2010-03-02T15:02:00.001-08:00

I was reading an article in the Ensign (a church magazine) about the story of Lot's wife (in Genesis) and there was a paragraph that I liked. I just wanted to put it down so that I'd remember.

"...not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

~Jeffrey R. Holland

If you have time, read it. The whole article is great.

Weekend Getaway

2010-02-23T18:42:00.001-08:00

David and I had been talking for months about going away for a weekend. At first we thought about heading into Portland because we'd be nice and close if anything happened to our kids. We'd be able to get home quick. But I really wanted to relax. So we headed to the coast. The Oregon coast is simply breath taking. We kind of took our chances heading there in the middle of February, but were pleasantly surprised by the weather. Highs of around 60 degrees, little to no wind, and not a cloud in the sky. Some of you may think the 60 is cold, but I assure you it was absolutely perfect.

We took off Friday evening after David got off of work. When we got into Tillamook we at at The Pacific House Restaurant and it was great. David and I both got the fish and chips and it was the best we'd ever had. After dinner we headed north into Garibaldi and stayed at The Garibaldi House Inn. At first it looked and felt like any other hotel, but as we were checking in at the front desk the owner (Eugene Tish) made it more than just ordinary. He was a cute, older man who had retired but worked the entire time we were there. He was the nicest guy who wanted to make this our home away from home. He told us that it was our place and we made up the rules. If we needed breakfast to last longer, he'd make it happen. If we wanted the pool to stay open longer, we just had to tell him and it'd be done. He even upgraded our room at no extra cost. So we went to our room and RELAXED!

Saturday started early. We were so excited to be able to sleep in, that we weren't able to sleep in at all. We woke up bright and early - about 6:30! It worked out well, though. We got up, ate breakfast and headed out to do some clamming. It was so fun! We walked down to a little marina shop to get my shell fish licence and then headed out onto the sand to start diggin'.

<-- At the Marina shop. Those dogs were so cute! All they wanted to do was to play fetch. When you'd throw the stick in the water, they went to the edge of the doc and just pawed at the water not wanting to go in. Desperation got the best of them and they ended up jumping in after it every time.

<-- On the pier. There were quite a few people crabbing off of the pier. One group was using salmon for bait and ended up catching that seal. Twice! Not sure why they used salmon, but they quickly learned and started using chicken after that.

<-- Our treasures that we found while digging. It was annoying because we found millions of those tiny clams. EVERYWHERE. They're so small that you can't keep them. Finally, after a ton of this...

(shells only)

...He was able to find this...

Just ONE! And barely big enough to keep. Needless to say, we put it back.

There was another guy out there with us who only found one also. The biggest one (in the picture). David found the second biggest two, and I found the smallest one. David did most of the digging. I did some, but I was mostly taking pictures of him digging. We was just doing so well!

After quite a few hours of clamming, we headed back up to our room, got showered, and walked around checking out antique shops and looking for a place to eat.

One of the treasures we found at the shop. . .

(we also found a cute pitcher, but I didn't take a picture of it)

Our friends were staying up in Seaside for the weekend and were headed down to Tillamook so we all decided to head down together for some lunch and some ice cream. After all, you can't be that close to Tillamook without going to the cheese factory!

We also visited the Blue Heron Cheese company and visited their petting zoo. After that we drove down a little further to Cape Lookout to try to catch the sunset. We were a little too late but got in a few pictures anyway. We went back to The Pacific House Restaurant for dinner because when we asked the locals, they pointed us right back to it. David got their clams and I got a burger. Again, really good! We swam for a bit back at the hotel and then crashed! Who knew a day filled with no schedule could be so exhausting!?

Sunday started bright and early too. 7:15 rolled around and we decided to get up, pack, eat breakfast and head out. We found a great camp ground in Barview that has great beach access and wasn't very busy at all! Then again, it was February. We plan to go back during the summer to check it out. A little further north we stopped at Twin Rocks and walked around a bit before heading up to Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is like Tillamook in the sense that you can't be that close to it at not go there. Actually, the main reason for the stop over in Cannon Beach was . . . you guessed it. Bruce's Candy Kitchen. They have the best - everything. (in my opinion)

<-- At the jetty

<-- Twin Rocks

We got back into town around 2 o'clock, dropped some of our stuff off at our house and picked up the kids from my moms (thanks mom!!) to head even more north to Battle Ground, WA. We have some great friends up there and their little girl turned one on the 10th. It was fun to see and celebrate with them.

<-- Crossing over into Washington

<-- Their beautiful little girl. My camera battery died so we only got this one picture.

Before heading home, we made a pit stop at the in-laws to say hello and then finally came home. Everyone went right to bed and had a GREAT night's sleep. It was pretty much the best weekend we've had in a L.O.N.G time.

Frustrations, Not Caring, Closure, I'm Done.

2010-02-19T17:53:00.001-08:00

This post is going to be me venting. Feel free to read it, or don't. I don't care. I just like to get things out on paper because it makes me feel better. It my be jumbled, repetitive, or not even make sense to you. That's ok because it's for me.

I am frustrated and confused.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love my faith and the teachings of it. I try to be strong in my beliefs and people know the things that I do and don't do. I wake up every morning and make the decisions that I do to be the best me and to teach my children the same. I like to believe that I am a person who is accepting, loving, respectful of what others think-feel-what they believe, and definitely non judgmental. I care. I care about others and, more times than not, put them before myself.

I don't like it when people are fake, so I try very hard not to be. I have been trying for the last 6 years to just lay it all out on the table. Like it or not. I have always been one to hate confrontation so I haven't been quite as successful about this as I hope to be one day.

I am not a gossip. If I hear something, I'm not going to go running to the next person and say "guess what so and so did??" That is childish and not my place. However, I do talk to my husband. He is my best friend and when I'm a little annoyed or find something interesting, I go to him. He helps me see things in other points of view, he helps comfort me, and he reminds me when things aren't important enough to care about. So no, I'm not going to not go to him.

I love each one of my friends dearly. If they make choices that I don't agree with or take part in, whatever! It's their decision. Do I like it? No. Does that mean I'm judging them? NO! I know dang well that my purpose here on this Earth is NOT to judge others. So I don't. If you do something and are worried about me finding out, there's something wrong with that. It is because for some reason YOU feel guilty. Why do you feel guilty? I am not important. Why do you care so much what I think?? Sure, I may disagree (and that's all it is. a disagreement. that's ok!) with what you did, but that doesn't mean I'm going to think less of you. We are all human!

The reason why I'm frustrated: JUST BE YOUR OWN PERSON. You can't live both worlds. It doesn't work that way. You can't truly be happy. . .Can you? If you want to live your life making the choices that you make then do it! Don't hide. You'll get a whole lot more respect from the people around you. And guess what? I DON'T CARE. I'll still be your friend. But you have to treat me like a friend. Don't do or say crap behind my back and pretend everything is peaches and cream and we're great friends in front of my face.

I am not perfect. Those of you who know me (if you're reading my blog, you know me) know that my words and actions SCREAM imperfection. I know that. But I try to be perfect. That's what the teachings of the gospel teach. To strive to be like your Savior. And He is perfect. The last thing I want anyone who's reading this to take away from it, is that I think I'm perfect or "holier than thou". Definitely not!

Bottom line: be who you want to be. Not for your parents, your siblings, and definitely not me. But for you. Just. Be. YOU. Don't lead a double life in hopes that the people in one life don't find out about the other life. If they don't like it, then they don't like it. You'll find people that will like you for you without having to hide anything about you. It'll sure be a lot easier on you and the people around you and won't cause any unnecessary drama.

I am just a person who wants to be there for her friends. Take me for who I am, or don't bother. I have enough respect for myself to not care about those who obviously don't care for me.