Running with the Leopards

This year Noah and Adam both set a goal to run in a 5K with Ben and I. We chose the running with the Leopards for 3 reasons. It was a family friendly registration (AKA- discount for kids), because it was mostly downhill, and I talked my friend into running with us for her first 5K and it was close to home so she would come. To say it was a VERY cold morning is an understatement. We were freezing and they started late. We were all very anxious to get moving so we could warm up. Finally, as the race began we all took off in good spirits. Noah quickly developed a bad cramp and had to pull off to the side and walk to recover. Ben stayed with him and I kept running with Adam. Adam had spent the 48 hours previous to the race complaining and saying that it would be too hard, and he was scared to try. I have to say that I had to really try to keep up with him. He just kept him pace, smile, and flew through the course. I was so proud of him and found myself wondering who's kid that was. We all finished the race and enjoyed some awesome spoils afterwards. It was a fun time for all of us. The race was the Saturday morning that we left for Disneyland. We finished and headed home to begin our trip. 

I wanted to post about the race because it was a big accomplishment for all of us. Especially, I think, for Adam. Here is his finishing stats...
5th place for under 11 male- His finishing time was 27:53.4, which gave him a pace of 8:59.8 minute miles.

Noah was 7th place for under 11 males. His finishing time was 29:46.2, his pace was 9:36.2 minute miles.

I was 8th place for woman 35-39 with a finishing time of 27:53, and a pace of 8:59.7 per mile.  My time was very similar to Adam because we were running together.

Ben was 7th place for Men 35-39. Ben's time was similar to Noah for the same reason as mine to Adam. I'm sure Ben could do better, but what a good dad to stay behind and help him through his cramp and get him to finish something hard.

14 years ago

It was 14 short years ago today that I married my Ben. The time has gone by relatively quickly. It seemed slow when I was in it, but to see where we are now I can't believe it's been so long. He is a wonderful husband who works tirelessly to take care of me. He provides not only for me but our family with such eagerness. He loves to be a wonderful provider. He is fun and dare I say funny? He will let that go to his head. Together we have 4 3/4 beautiful children. That is crazy!

 Some of my favorite memories of our wedding day are napping in the park,  the accident in the car (ask Ben), how excited Ben was when Grandpa Horsley came, dancing way too close (other people must have been uncomfortable), and waiting in the celestial room to be married. I am such a lucky and blessed person to be able to have Ben as my rock and my friend. He can save my life and ruin my life all in one day. Isn't that what friends are for? I say that with a smile. He's wonderful in every way. Happy Anniversary Ben! We beat your dad! I love you!

Not many photos of us together...this will have to do:) I should dig out a wedding photo. That'd be fun!

The Horsley Honk and Wave

Well, as many of you may know...Ben lost the Primary election. It was a pretty close 41% to 59% result. However, we did have a great time on Election day doing a honk and wave. We got a bunch of our friends, and forced some of the neighbor kids to help, but it was fun despite the loss. Here are some of my favorite pictures of everyone performing their civic duty and/or community service.

Dallin was doing lots of tricks with the signs...he amazed us all with his mad skills.Sol rocked out the double sign

Little Seth could barely hold up the sign, but he was there holding and waving!

Noah and his buddies covered the whole corner.

Ben was so cute trying to get people to remember to vote. He really did try hard.

Hannah and her friends covered the east corner.

This is pretty much the extent of effort and excitement that Adam put into the whole thing...nada.

Thanks for your help Savannah!

I think Hayden was the hottest and most tired, but he hung in there.

Carter was practicing the alternative method of "look mom...no hands!"

Oh Ember...isn't she cute!

I mostly ran around chasing Seth and trying to keep kids out of the street, but I did find a few moments to help Ben and hold a sign and wave.

It was a great race, and Ben fought hard. It just wasn't meant to be. On to the next thing! Summertime with Ben!!!

Hello 2010

I just want to say Happy New Year to everyone. I especially want to take a minute and tell Ben how much I am grateful for him. He has had the whole week off and he has taken good care of us this week. He basically re-decorated and re-organized the whole house. He got me a new bed because we have been sleeping on the floor for the past 4 months. He put up all the pictures/shelves/curtain rods in the house that have been sitting around waiting for me to find a hammer and nails to do it myself. He has taken us to eat at all the yummy places that we wanted to. He has taken the boys sledding twice because he knows that they want to go really bad and he also knows that I hate to be in the snow. The list goes on and on. Essentially if Ben wasn't around this household and I would fall apart. Ben I love you and I am so blessed to be able to spend the next year with you. Lets do some great things this year!