My Youngest Son

This is a picture of Anders taken a year ago, October 2007, in the Havasupai Canyon. Nick, Shaila, a friend of hers, Anders, a friend of his, and me hiked to the campground and spent two nights there. Spectacular!

I'm writing this post to express my love for my young son. When Anders was born I would look into his eyes and I thought I could see his soul. As he grew I could tell he loved life and wanted to experience it all. His growth from boyhood to manhood has given me the opportunity to grow as well. I will admit, though at times difficult, I am learning how to love without condition, to have faith, hope, and charity. What all mothers want for their children is that they eventually reach towards their potential. Anders is trying, he is trying.

Merry Christmas to Blogging Family and Friends!

I hope you will take the time to watch this touching video by missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have faith in and believe their message is true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxKas2Mcjg4

Christmas Stories

In my quest to find the Christmas Spirit I have read a some very sweet and inspiring Christmas stories this season. "Up on the Housetop" by Jean Z. Liebenthal is about a young seven year old girl in the 1930's who discovers what the real meaning of Christmas is. "Noel's Miracle" by C. Phillip Ungricht is the story of a dying, old man who teaches his cynical doctor that the true meaning of Christmas is love. "A Stranger for Christmas" by Carol Lynn Pearson is a hilarious but tender story of two elderly women living in a nursing home who find out that people do still care. "Grace" by Richard Paul Evans is the story of a young runaway girl and the boy who keeps her hidden in his clubhouse from a world too difficult to comprehend. This story ripped at my heart, but a must read. And of course the greatest story of all, the story of the birth of Christ and His reason for coming to the earth as a mortal.

I have another wonderful Christmas story, and that is the miracle of healing in the life of my niece, Kimberlee. My last post was about her horseback riding accident, and how serious it was. The odds against her living, let alone living without any serious side effects from such an injury were very high. The accident was Saturday, the surgery early Sunday morning, yet she was released from the hospital on Tuesday. Daily she continues to progress and return to her normal, sweet self. We all recognize the hand of God in her miraculous recovery. Her mother quoted the scripture 1 Nephi 11:17 in her blog "... I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless I do not know the meaning of all things."

The Christmas spirit fills our home and our hearts and that is another Christmas Story.

When Our Faith is Tested

I am amazed at the speed which tragedy can strike. My niece Kimberlee was seriously hurt in a horseback riding accident yesterday in northern Arizona. Because of a heavy snowstorm they had to painstakingly transport her by ambulance to Flagstaff, a two hour drive. After surgery and many hours of worry and waiting she has regained consciousness and can move all her limbs, truly a miracle because of the initial prognosis. Miriam, her mother, and a woman of great spiritual strength, said there have been many "tender mercies" bestowed upon Kimberlee and the family throughout this ordeal.

What a blessing faith and belief are! I know these spiritual gifts can bring us peace and comfort in times of greatest need. Another kind of tragedy is when we have lost these gifts for whatever reason, and that doesn't usually happen with great speed, but over time.

... just a couple of thoughts I've had while Kimberlee has been on my mind and in my heart.

The Christmas Spirit Returns!!

I managed to pull out some of our decorations.

A workerman's wreath!

Thank you so much for the great suggestions on how I can get the Christmas Spirit this year amid all the chaos. I want to tell you, it's working! I started listening to Christmas music; I read some Christmas stories; I decorated the construction site; my wonderful friend Danette made me the cutest wreath with tools, work gloves, rags, and a ribbon made from duct tape (thank you so much for your thoughtfulness); and I realized that the Christmas spirit comes from inside.

To thank you here is a link to a unique and beautiful Christmas song by Faith Hill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN9SVVHRmGo

My Christmas Decorations!

Here is a picture of our Christmas Decorations. Aren't they lovely? I spent countless hours moving them from one spot to another and then to another just so they could give the right atmosphere in our home! By the way-this is not the garage, but inside our house.Forgive my sarcasm, but as you can see, the remodel continues. Because of the mess from piles of stuff to demolition, drywall, sanding, etc. I just don't want to put up any of our decorations this year. We will get a tree, but the little boys will be making the decorations.
This is a picture of my new open dining room, and below is the larger kitchen. Nick did buy a huge poinsettia for a more festive "construction" look. But I am having a difficult time being cheerful and feeling the Christmas spirit amid the chaos.
The questions is: WHAT WOULD YOU DO? HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN YOUR HEART EVEN AMID CHAOS? I will listen to your suggestions!

My Older Brothers

These are my two older brothers, Buck and B.J. right before the 5K Turkey Trot we did in Pahrump, NV. We spent Thanksgiving together this year with three of Buck's eight children and five grandchildren, seven of B.J.'s nine children and 17 grandchildren, and with two of our five children along with two grandsons. There were more people at my nephew's home than we could count feathers on a turkey! It was organized chaos, with loads of laughter, hugs and kisses, and a scrumptious feast. I loved it! I feel so blessed to have been raised with two older brothers whom I have always adored. We are each unique, but fortunately accept and love each other for our unique characteristics. It is a marvel that Buck is still with us, but because of a heart transplant he had 2 1/2 years ago he is healthy once again. I respect and admire both of these men.

Two observations I made this year during the Gent family gathering: because of how diverse our family seems to be, we are representative of Heavenly Father's family, also very diverse. The great things is, we all love each other. The second thing I observed was that everyone seemed to be in a "good place" in their lives; not too much drama. I could feel a higher level of happiness and peace. I feel so grateful for the blessing of family: my own, the family I was raised in with all the extended family, and Nick's family.

And as far as the Turkey Trot went--I came in first in my age group (there were only three over 60!) and Jorgen took first overall!! Eight family members participated. We had a blast!

Facts About Nick and Linda

What is your husband's name? Nicholas Alfred Goodman

How long have you been married? Thirty-one years!

How long did you date? Two years on and off from our first date to the day we got married, June 17, 1977.

Who is taller? He is by about 6 inches.

Who can sing best? Nick has a beautiful base voice which I wish he would use more often. In the past we have sung duets for different occasions, even a couple of times for wedding receptions.

Who is smarter? I would say Nick is about some things, the academics. But for the important stuff ...

Who does laundry? I definitely do.

Who pays the bills? I do that, too. Nick tends to procrastinate therefore I took over when we got a few of those kinds of letters you don't want to open.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? When looking at the bed from the bottom, Nick sleeps on the right.

Who mows the lawn? Nick definitely does that, although I have in the past.

Who cooks dinner? I do, but there have been times when Nick has, and it was a feast!

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? This is a tough one, we are both fairly stubborn and prideful. So sometimes he has admitted to being wrong first and sometimes I have. But I don't have to too often because most of the time he's wrong! Oops, there goes that pride thing again!

Who kissed who first? Nick kissed me first, but I kept waiting and I probably even asked him to!

Who wears the pants? Hmm, actually we both wear pants. I probably defer to him most of the time, but not that I want to!

What does he do that surprises you? He has brought me thoughtful gifts throughout our entire lives together.

What is his best quality? Probably those thoughtful gifts.

Does he have a nickname for you? Either Schnooky-Putzy or mango dulce.

I tag whoever would like to share their information with others.

Seven Random Facts About Myself

--HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY--

I have been tagged to share seven random facts about myself:

1. My fourth child was born in a communist country!

2. I have traveled to 25 different countries.

3. I've ridden on horses, camels and an elephant!

4. I competed in my first triathlon at age 61.

5. I got married when I was 29 and had my first baby at age 30 and my 5th at 39.

6. I graduated from college 14 years after I graduated from high school.

7. I taught pre-school for 13 years.

The Green Drink

I have struggled this past week keeping my nutrition clean and pure. When I prepare for a race, eating the right kind of food plays a big role. But when I'm not, I totally relax and revert to former bad habits. The result is I don't feel well and I easily gain weight (the worst part). I can pack it on without any problem! My niece posted this healthy drink on her blog (thanks Lucy, I hope you don't mind me using your picture), and I want to share it with you. I'm on my third day of drinking it for breakfast and lunch, with lots of water during the day and eating a regular evening meal. I feel like I'm back on the right track of eating for health.
1 46 oz. can of pure pineapple juice
1/2 C almonds
1 bunch kale (wash and chop)
1 sm. bunch parsley (wash and chop)
1/2 bunch collards (wash and chop)
4 stalks of celery (wash and chop)
2 carrots (wash and no need to peel)
2 apples (no need to peel, but quarter)
2 or more cups of ice (if you want)

Pour half of pineapple juice into heavy duty blender. Add almonds, blend until smooth. Add other ingredients until blender is full. Blend until smooth. Pour into gallon pitcher, and put the rest of the pineapple juice in the blender and blend along with the rest of the ingredients. Add to the first batch. Water can be added to dilute the taste. I thought it tasted great! Plus it was filling and helped me gain back the control I wanted.

I did some research and found another green drink by Dr. Oz from the Oprah show:

2 C fresh spinach
2 C chopped cucumber
5 celery stalks
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 bunch parsley
2 apples
juice of 1 lime
juice of 1/2 lemon

Blend all together and enjoy! This also tastes good and has health benefits as well.

I've been tagged again!

This the 4th photo in my 4th album:

Last December Nick and I were invited to a Southern California political rally for Mitt Romney. We shook hands with him, had our picture taken with him, and listened to his words of wisdom. My opinion: too bad we didn't get to vote for him for President! It was a great event and a lot of fun to mingle with like-minded people!
I have been challenged to tag 4 people to find their 4th picture in their 4th folder so Robin Shipley, Kathryn Gent, Michelle Cook, and Katrina Bingham, you're it!

My First Triathlon

My first triathlon goal is now behind me. I'm not ready to say it was "fun" but it did give me a feeling of accomplishment. And I did reach the four objectives I had set: I didn't drown, I stayed up on the bike, I crossed the finish line running, and I did it all in 1 hour 38 minutes (2o minutes faster than I thought I could!).

Getting ready for the 400 meter swim.

I just hit the dismount area after the 10 mile bike ride, Shaila (who finished in 1 hour 7 minutes!) is cheering me on.

Nick Jr giving me his hand of encouragement at the beginning of the 3 mile run.
(He finished in well under an hour!)

The race is over. Here we have the champion triathlon finishers: my niece Lucy, Linda (me), Shaila, Nick Jr holding Jake, and Rachel!!

I'm really glad I set this goal and completed it, but I can't say yet, "whee, let's do it again!"

P.S. A big thanks to Nick, my husband, who got up at 4:30 so I could get there on time, took the pictures, and possibly was bored to tears waiting for me cross the finish line. I love you Nick!

Our Crazy and Wonderful Friends!

About 12 years ago the Weitzells, Goodmans, Glausers, and Mosleys (WGGM) started group dates together. Every six weeks or so a couple takes their turn at being in charge of a creative date. We are a diverse group of people, but found common ground in that all of us love to laugh and have fun. And actually there have been some serious moments, too. Can't think of any, but I know there must have been! We met together this month to celebrate Disneyland. Each person dressed as a Disney character: Mosleys were "Beauty and the Beast;" Weitzells represented Goofy and Minnie Mouse; the Glausers made a cute Minnie and Mickey Mouse; and the Goodmans (that's us) dressed up like Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.

Mickey and Minnie aka Randy and Karalee

Nick and Linda, Karen and Kirk, debbi and Denny, Karalee and Randy

Linda and Nick aka Tink and Peter

Here's something serious: this was also a going away party for Randy. He leaves for Iraq as a GI Joe next week. We love him and we will be praying for his safe return.

Some of you might think we are kind of crazy to get dressed up in costumes, put on plays, have talent shows, play capture the flag on Mt. Lemmon at night with glo sticks, pull off a great practical joke night, and drive to LA for Nick's 50th birthday to surprise him while we were living there, etc., etc. The list goes on and on with the variety of fun we've had over the past 12+ years. But crazy or not I am grateful to call these "extra-ordinary" people my friends.

I've Been Tagged!

My niece, Kimberlee, tagged anyone who reads her blog to post the 5th picture in the 5th album. This is 14 month old Magnus asleep at the Luau table, Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Hawaii! Taken in February '08. (This pix is from my laptop.)
And this 5th picture is from the main PC. This bull snake was eating a "little" treat just across the road from our house in September '08. You tell me which picture is the cutest? I choose the sleeping toddler!

What Happens in Vegas Does Not Always Stay in Vegas!

Nick and I drove to Las Vegas for a two day meeting about "wealth without taxes." The meeting was informative and very helpful for structuring income to legally avoid having to pay higher taxes. And we could all use that kind of knowledge these days. But that was not the fun part of the weekend. Jorgen and his friend Amy drove down from BYU-Provo to play with us. We went to the UNLV/Air Force game on Saturday. My nephew Adam, who is Jorgen's same age, is on the UNLV football team. I am passionate about football! UNLV lost 29-28 so you can see it was an exciting game. I was able to spend time with three of my nephews while we were there, but I didn't get a picture of Nathan, a law student at UNLV. My picture taking was lacking this trip. This is Jorgen and Amy. She is from Orem, Utah.

My nephew Joe and his wife Kathryn, a fellow blogger! They live in Pahrump, Nv.
Jorgen and Adam, who was a little sad about the loss!

I had a great weekend with Nick, Jorgen and his friend Amy, and with my nephews. The most fun I ever have is when I'm with my family and good friends.

Other things:
I would like to recommend a great book, "The Traveler's Gift." All I can say is it is well worth your time!

And Happy 22nd Birthday to Anders! I love you, and I hope you continue with your decision to make life brighter and better for yourself with each passing day. Following the light of the Son is the way to happiness.

Another Fun Weekend!!

Nick and I drove to El Paso this past weekend to help Gens and his family move out of their apartment back to Tucson into our home for the next few months. He just finished an orthopedic rotation at the Army Hospital. They will be living with us while he does a few more medical rotations locally. This is a picture of the trailer and truck we borrowed from Nick's brother, Pierce, who is as kind and generous as you can get. He's always loaning us something or other!

Nick and Gens standing in front of the trailer after they loaded all their household goods.

Grandma and Dailan celebrating his 4th birthday at Chucky Cheese. What a zoo!

Gens and I took time out to hike the Transmountain Pass. We could see both the West and East side of El Paso when we reached the top and hiked along the ridge. The hike is only three miles, but there were some areas on the way down where we were hanging on for dear life as we climbed down the cliff! I was more than a little nervous. My sweet son stood downward from me, prepared to catch me if I fell. I'm afraid it would have been the end of both of us! Anyway, it was great to spend some one on one time with him. Families are the best, aren't they!

Harvest 4 Hope 5K

Oops! Shaila and me posing for a post 5K picture. Who was the photographer (only she knows!)?Now, that's better!

Good friends gathering after the race at Oro Valley Riverfront Park!

Shaila and I had fun doing this together, even though she was way in front and I was way behind, but I still consider that together. And it was fun to have good friends along for the

run, too. We all got medals and t-shirts, can't beat that! Plus, they collected thousands of pounds of food for the food bank!

Meet My New Acquaintence!

Meet "Janns G." This object is going to be my best friend for the next 4 weeks. We didn't start out on very good terms, in fact I couldn't stand him/her/it. (I haven't decided which gender it is.) I was in pain and I only rode the thing for less than 5 minutes. But with a few adjustments, like a different seat, no shoe guards, and better posture--"Janns G." and I have become better acquainted. Can't say we are on the best of terms, but I think with time we may become best friends. I was able to ride for 6 miles and 1/2 hour today. In the background you will see my other new acquaintence, the pool. Hopefully we will become friends, too, or I'm going to find myself in a heap of trouble. But I have set a goal and I'm not going to give in to pain, fatigue, or discouragement.

Thank You!

Thank you so much to those who have commented on my races. There is a "time and season" for all things, and this just happens to be my season to be pro-active with my health. When I was a young mom with little children, that was my season to be a mother and all that goes with such a busy job. I love reading the posts of you young moms. I can tell our future will be in good hands.

I will share with you that doing this hiking and running thing began because of an extreme amount of stress I was dealing with in my personal life almost two years ago. It has truly been a blessing and I believe it saved me from sinking into a very dark pit. I thank my Father in Heaven every day for teaching me that sweating, breathing hard, sore muscles, and physically enduring to the end is what I needed. My heart is filled with gratitude and amazement that He loves me so. I am grateful for this journey called Life. My circumstances haven't changed all that much, but the burden has been made lighter and I have been strengthened because of Him. And the atonement makes that possible for all of us.

# 5 Race Now Behind Me

I just finished running my 5th race. This was a really fun one for two reasons: it was shorter--5.5 miles, and it was on a trail. I really like running on a trail with all the challenges of rocks, sand, weeds, hills, stairs (at Catalina State Park), and whatever else.

I got another cool t-shirt!

This race was different because I didn't know anybody else running and there wasn't anyone I knew to cheer me on. It was kind of a solitary event for me even though there were 147 people running. I'm throwing this out--if anybody would like to do the next race with me, let me know. There is a 5 K on October 4th, 5:00 pm, Oro Valley Riverfront Park. And if you don't want to run, you can walk! Go to harvest4hope.org and check it out. Those who live in Tucson, join me!

Now, to begin training for the sprint triathlon I'm doing in November at Casa Grande--whole new thing for me.

The Update On Our Kitchen

And this is where my dishwasher and stove have been for the past 5 weeks!

This picture was taken today, September 22, 5 weeks after the tornado! They say it's usually darkest before the dawn; it gets worse before it gets better; or there's a silver lining in every dark cloud.

I don't care what they say, this is how my kitchen has looked for 5 weeks!

I had reached my breaking point yesterday when I came home after being gone for three days and found that not much had changed except for more roof dirt everywhere in the house and I could see the sky through the ceiling in my kitchen!
I feel better today.
BUT,
my feeling better did not come without pleading for patience and humility. I read a scripture the other day, 3 Nephi 6:13, that hit me along side the head! Ouch!
I must stop railing.

Helping Family

This past week Nick and I worked in Nick Jr's backyard to get it ready for grass! We dug trenches, hauled dirt, raked rocks and more rocks, laid pipe, got bit by mosquitoes, and played with Sammy and Jake. It was a satisfying two days of work and fun!

Look at those muscles!

Young Sam (4) helping Grandpa

Rachel and Jake (10 months)

Nick Jr working the machine

This might sound strange, but sometimes I like to do "man work" such as digging ditches, cutting down trees, hauling trash, etc., etc. It is very satisfying to me to do outdoor physical labor, to sweat, and get really tired by the end of the day. I think it reminds me of my childhood, not that I worked that hard, but I saw my parents work hard and the satisfaction they felt when the yard looked great or the garden was planted or some other task they did. Next week we hope to finish raking more rocks, spreading the top soil, and laying sod. What a great way to spend a couple of days, helping your kids.

SO ... WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT?

Nick and I are always having this discussion, why he should put the seat down. A picture is worth a thousand words!!

Sahuaro National Park Labor Day Run

On Saturday I decided to do this race because I didn't go to LA as planned. Our house keeps leaking and I didn't want to come home to a bigger mess! Anyway, this was a tough race. Only 8 miles, but continuously uphill for 2 of those miles. I am not kidding you, there were people walking up the hills faster than I was running! Which turned into a learning experience for me. I was so determined (or stubborn) that I was going to run the full course that I forgot about running strategy. If and when you can walk faster than run, why not walk? I could have been swinging my arms and using a longer stride. As it was, I was dead tired (as you can see) when I crossed the finish line. I came in 499 out of 552 runners--my time was 1 hour 34 minutes and the first place runner out of my age group was 17 minutes faster than me. Wow! I was 5th place out of 7 in the 60-64 age group.
I was so proud to wear Nick Jr's business logo running shirt that he gave me for my birthday along with a new hat and socks! He has been a great trainer, very patient and helpful.

I had a defining moment while waiting around at the awards ceremony afterwards. I never would have thought 14 months ago that me, overweight, out of shape, and not inclined to run, would be waiting to find out how well or poorly I had done in a race I had just run. I did that for years for my children, but never for me. It was a great feeling. I think I had dreamed about it, but didn't ever think it was in the realm of possibility. Now, I love to run, I like to compete, and when that starting gun goes off, I get choked up and cry every time. "Linda, look at what you are doing!" I'm sharing this because to whoever reads this, dreams can come true! It may take a long time and a lot of hard work, but it can happen!

Reaching the Goal!

Three years ago this month I set a goal to read the Standard Works, our set of scriptures containing The Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price (writings of the prophets Moses and Abraham and Joseph Smith). I arrived at my goal last week by finishing the Old Testament.

Lest anyone think I'm boasting I quote Ammon (one of my heroes in The Book of Mormon)..."I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things ..." Alma 26:11-12


I haven't been perfect, many days I read just to get those 5 chapters read, and many days I didn't read at all (as you can tell by how long it took). But my life has been changed because I read the word of God. I feel peace and my burdens have been made light even where I cannot feel them upon my back (Mosiah 24:14).

The Book of Mormon is certainly another testament of Jesus Christ, The D & C is full of modern-day revelations (helped me become acquainted with Joseph Smith), The Pearl of Great Price contains beautiful visions of the creation and our first earthly parents, The New Testament taught me about the Savior and his earthly ministry and about the early prophets (Paul is another hero), and The Old Testament has all of the stories we heard as children.

I'm going to start all over again by continuing to study The Book of Mormon for our Sunday School class. This time will be more of a study rather than a read. Thanks for letting me share!

Park City Half-Marathon

Jorgen and me before the race. It was really cold so we were "hamming" it up to keep warm!Our Cheer Squad! Amy, Grandma, and Robin

Linda at the finish line.

Jorgen and Mom, the race is over and we're smiling!

Okay, let me tell you the gory details! I felt nervous all week in anticipation of running 13.1 miles at 6500 ft. elevation on a course I hadn't seen. I trained during the week in Provo at 4500 ft. and felt ok. I tried really hard to make sure my nutrition was on target during the week for running, too. The race began at 6:45 a.m. so it was cold, below 50 degrees. My hands and arms were frozen until about mile 2. The course meandered through farmland on trails, footbridges, and paved walkways to gain nearly 400'. Not a bad climb at all over 7.1 miles, and it was downhill the 6 miles back. Really a beautiful, idyllic course! I felt strong, not tired until about the last two miles and that was ok because for each mile I ran I dedicated the run to certain people or group of people. The last two miles were dedicated to a son who is doing a very hard thing right now and I needed to do something hard as well so both of us will know that we can "endure to the end." Statistically, I came in 312th out of 500 runners; 199th out of 299 women, and 2nd in my age group. Of course there were only three women over 60! My time was 2 hours 26 minutes, an average of 11 minutes/mile. I was hoping for 2 hours 15 minutes, but I think the altitude played a part in the slower time. It was so fun doing this with Jorgen. He did really well, 9th overall and 1st in his age group! I was so proud of him and of me! Now I start training for a sprint triathlon. All new territory for me!

Fun Pictures from My Week

One of my favorite places in the whole world, Brigham Young University CampusThere used to be a beautiful building standing right here called Knight Mangum Hall, home of the Language Training Mission for missionaries. This was a very special place because I began working here when I went back to college, I met many spiritual giants (courageous missionaries), and I met my handsome husband Nick (Spanish teacher of those courageous missionaries) in these hallowed halls. Where once stood a learning institution now stands a graded pile of dirt. And they call this progress! At least I have memories.

Robin, Jorgen, Amy, and me hitching a ride to the Sundance Shakespeare Theatre.

" Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Sundance Theatre up Provo Canyon

I just wanted to share a few of the fun times I had this past week in Provo.