STAMP CAMP

For all my crafty friends...and not so crafty friends...MY SUPER TALENTED CRAFTY friend LISA is putting on a "Stamp Camp" at her house this Saturday!! She is making "fun neighborhood gift" ideas
Here are just TWO of the projects she will be doing...There will be MANY more adorable crafts (tonight she mentioned a greeting card holder...not even sure how to start making that...that's why I keep her around! :) ) If you are at all interested and want more details...let me know ASAP!!

82 Day DRY Spell

My mom, her sister Carolyn, her brother Doc, and her brother Steve

Up until today we have had an 82 day dry streak (we had a few sprinkles on race day...but it wasn't a measurable amount at the airport so they don't count it--it was just enough for me to know that my mom was there)...today Ty and I had to speak in church...I shared a little bit of what my mom went through to get me here on earth...the incredible faith she had...and the non-waivering testimony she had...and sure enough...it rained while we were at church...first time in 82 days!

Winter Wonderland at Bass Pro Shop

Our girls LOVED seeing Santa at Bass Pro Shop last Monday--although I think they were more excited by all the things there were to do there... more than seeing Santa.

Kylie the Speed Racer

Kylie LOVED "driving" the race cars and the monster trucks...that's all she wanted to do...and I think she stayed at those two locations for at least an hour!

Dear Santa...

Lexi and Sadie were more in to coloring and writing letters to Santa...and then putting them in his mailbox...(my girls are fascinated with mailboxes...they're such a novelty now since most people around here have neighborhood boxes)

PRE-Black Friday Sale

It's not even Black Friday yet...I'm in trouble!

Attitude of Gratitude

I think today will be my last day of Gratitude posts--so just in case I left some out here are some more things I am thankful for...in no particular order...

My Family
My Friends
My Savior
The Gospel
My testimony
Rain
Rainbows
Sunshine
Ice Cream
Talented friends who are always willing to help me...their non-talented friend... out
Fitness Works--
a gym where everybody knows your name (at least at 5:15 am)
For my friends that go with me at 5:00 am
Les Mills
Lori and Natalie
Nice Running Shoes
Run from the Sun-event and committee
Early morning workouts
Blogs
Facebook-sadly that's how I usually find out people are pregnant or moving or having a hard time in their life.
Being at pre-marriage/baby weight again
Upcoming Vacation
Black Friday Ads
Black Friday
Crazy friends who shop with me on Black Friday
Internet
Preschool--My job
Public School
Cozy bed
Airplanes
I'm Thankful Ty has never had to go to war--
But I'm thankful for those who have--who have risked their lives for our country.
Ty's safe return home from work every night.
Big brothers who made me tough when I was young
Big Sisters who always let me tag along--who I could share things with and laugh and play with.
My knowledge of life after death
Gift of Eternal families
My kids' laugh
a car that functions properly (most of the time)
My ability to see the bright side of things
Patience
Forgiveness
I'm thankful I have been able to be a positive influence in people's lives--to help them get more active.
Nursery
Yw women in our ward
Inspired Bishopric
Vita-mix
Christmas decorations
Christmas music
Prayer
Scriptures
Loving Parents who taught me right from wrong
A clean Kitchen
I'm thankful for clean bathrooms...but they don't happen nearly as often
journals
water
Restaurants
Washing machines and dryers
Wonderful Neighbors
My health
My family's health
Life

GRATITUDE #25

Today I'm thankful for these two girls...I know it's against the rules again...but I didn't want to do Ty and Lexi (for their birthdays) and leave out the other two wonderful miracles in my family!

First Kylie--I'm so thankful that she is such a wonderful example to her sisters (most of the time). You tell her a rule and she WILL NOT break it (I pray this trait always lasts!). She is ALWAYS honest even if it means she will get in trouble. She is VERY RESPONSIBLE (we bought some goldfish a few months back...and I can't believe it, but four of them are still alive...but I'm sure it's because she NEVER forgets to feed them, and she always reminds us to change the water...I didn't even post a picture of them because I thought for sure they would be dead in a couple days). She is So SMART...and luckily it comes pretty easy to her...but she gets a 100% on her spelling tests and phonogram tests and vocabulary tests each week without doing anything more than her homework...She has an incredible memory...which can be a blessing and a curse for me...she is a wonderful friend to her sisters and always lets them play with her and her friends...in fact she's usually the one telling me that Lexi didn't want to play with her at school today! I love you Kylie...I am SO thankful for you, and am so happy that you git to be our first born!

I'm also thankful for our baby...even though she is almost 3 it is OFFICIAL that she is our baby...unless Heavenly Father really wants to perform a miracle. I am SO thankful for Sadie. She has the sweetest most fun personality...she is a perfect mix of Kylie and Lexi. It has been so fun to have her home alone all day while the others are at school. Her true sweet side comes out (when her sisters are home they like to tease her and make her not nearly as fun to be around). I'm thankful for all the hugs and kisses she gives...for her funny expressions...for the way she runs...for her long conversations (in which I can only understand about 40%)...I'm thankful that she is kind to everyone and always willing to share (she started out a little rough at about 18 months--constantly having to defend herself from her sisters...but has since mellowed out).
I love her little Sadie-isms...(you can tell she is our baby because we don't correct her)
Blankie=Mankie (although she will try and say Blankie-- "Buh Buh Mankie"
Lexi=Sexy (My brother warned me that would happen)
Kisses= Pishes (even though she can clearly say Kylie)

I am SO thankful for my family...both the crazy one I was born into...and the crazy one Ty and I created.
...To me that's what Thanksgiving is ALL about--being together with family!! Happy Thanksgiving!

GRATITUDE # 24

Today I'm thankful that my girls won't have homework for 6 more days....bike rides to the park, movies, shopping, Christmas decorating, and present wrapping here we come!

Gratitude # 23

Today I am thankful that Ty was home early from work and we could enjoy a winter wonderland with NO WAIT!

"I want a Kitty cat bike"

"I want a Selena Gomez CD"

"I want a bike" (changed from a jump rope... dang it!)

Merry Christmas!

Gratitude # 22

Today I am thankful a new year is coming and I can make "New Year's Resolutions" all over again...this year I made ONE resolution and it was to be a better sister, aunt, and daughter, (and "in law" to all of those things)--and I FAILED!! All I wanted to do was send a card to every family member on their birthday...after I missed my brother and sister-in-laws birthday on Feb. 3rd--I changed it to only a better AUNT...and was going to only send one to my nieces and nephews...and I didn't even do that. Next year I WILL be better!! I promise!

Happy Birthday Alec...this is about all you are getting this year! :) I love you!

GRATITUDE # 21

Today I am thankful that good friends come and visit after they move far away!...So good to see you Latham's...we miss you so much! Can't wait for the Brandon's to visit!! Davis's...you better book a trip here soon!!

GRATITUDE # 20

Today I am thankful that non-stop Christmas music is being played on the radio.

GRATITUDE # 19

Today I'm thankful that Ty took the WHOLE day OFF so I could go to the movies tonight with the girls!!

GRATITUDE #18

Today I am thankful that at this time in my life my thighs don't touch! :)

GRATITUDE #17

Today I am thankful that my dad taught me the phrase "Sure! I'd love to" at such a young age. Some of the greatest blessings in my life have come when I said "Sure! I'd love to!"... even if I didn't really want to! Thanks for your constant positive attitude dad...people can learn a lot from you! I love you!

GRATITUDE # 16

Today I am thankful for all of these reviews that are on active.com. Our hard work is really paying off. I couldn't help but smile when I read these!


larosep said:
This was one of the best half marathons I have run! I am from Portland, Or. and there are a lot of events here but this event was the best organized one I have ever entered. Besides the route was flat and the weather was perfect. Everyone was very friendly and I can only hope I am in Arizona next year to enter this event again!




Today
sdihlmann said:
This was a pleasant race for an incredible cause. I was impressed by the high level of organization and commitment by all volunteers--including the Mesa Police! Additionally, I was pleased to see water/accelerade stations every two miles! What a lovely race.



Today
rdgreer said:
This was a fantastic race. The volunteers and committee members did a great job. The location was excellent. My wife and I had such a great time. We are excited for next year.



Today
tjgraf said:
Excellent event...already looking forward to next years event! Well run from the beginning, everything was easy and well coordinated. The route was perfect without a lot of hills to slow me down Very professional event, and one I'd recommend to someone looking for a run to prepare for the RnR race in January.



Today
Dalmanator said:
We ran the 5k, and it was awesome! Great event, they really did it up nicely. This was my first 5k, but will not be my last!! What a rush!



Today
Nat-08 said:
We loved this race! I ran the 1/2 marathon, and my kids ran in the Fun Run! We thought the location was prime! Crossing home plate for the finish line was icing on the cake! I loved the music right before the race, and the music during the race. I thought the route was great as well! The mile markers were very helpful too. I would've loved to have TIME markers as well, or simple clocks along the way. We had to keep asking the water station workers and the police men along the way what the time was. The water stations were perfect. COLD water was exactly what we needed! Is it odd to offer gum at the energy/water stations? Lots of runners HAVE to run with gum....why not offer them a fresh piece? Heck, I needed one! Like I said earlier the finish line was ideal. I loved the feel of coming into the stadium, seeing family, seeing the clock, seeing the band, hearing someone calling my name on the microphone....it was professional! The food was GREAT! So glad there were more food options than just water and oranges, although I loved the oranges. The bread was perfect...and holy cow....that chocolate milk was the BEST! Definitely going to purchase some for myself at the store! Way to go Run from the Sun team! We'll see you again next year!



Yesterday
Alenajo said:
I had a ton of fun running the half marathon! My family had a great time while I was running, and after too. Everyone volunteering and on the committee was very friendly and helpful. This was a very well done, organized event. We loved it! If there were any improvements to be made (minor ones) I would suggest that next time there be a place to check bags during the race and have the pasta dinner at the expo be available for spouses to purchase also. My husband decided not to go with me to that when he heard he wouldn't even be able to eat there with me.
Other than that, this event was awesome and in my opinion better than most!! Way to go, Run from the Sun Committee!! Thank you so much for offering a great Mesa running event... and for a great cause!



Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:43:56 AM
azrat said:
This was a very well done event! Loved being a part of it. The stations were set up in great spots, many volunteers who were gracious and always cheering you on. It was well organized and had things for families who were waiting for those to finish the race. A great class act! Thank you!

GRATITUDE # 15

Today I am thankful that Ty loves the Christmas season as much as I do, and was excited to decorate today.

not sure what Kylie thought though...I asked her if we should wrap some presents and put them under the tree, and she replied "Right now? before Thanksgiving?"...she has so much to learn!! jk...I don't want to overlook Thanksgiving...because I am so thankful...in fact Thanksgiving was actually one of my favorite holidays as a child because we would go visit my aunt and all of her family and have a HUGE (as in people) Thanksgiving dinner--and I LOVE family--these days I am usually alone on Thanksgiving with my girls--Ty usually has to work, and this year even his parents will be out of town--so we kind of are skipping Thanksgiving (although we did enjoy a nice Turkey day feast tonight together as a big crazy family) and going straight to Christmas--hence all the gratitude posts--I PROMISE I am thankful for ALL of my many blessings.

RUN from the SUN

Today I am thankful for SO many things!! I had a day full of MANY emotions...





I wanted this picture to be last--but I can't get it to move--so maybe it's right where it should be...FIRST! FIRST and FOREMOST I am thankful for Ty. He is my rock, my best friend, my better half...I am so thankful for Ty for allowing me this opportunity and for putting up with A LOT. This race took a lot more work than any of us anticipated...but Ty stuck by me through it all. I had race meeting every Mond. and Wed. at 6:30 am--the last couple meetings I didn't even get home in time to see my girls before they left for school--and that was HARD--but I knew I had Ty who could handle it all--and he did! He helped me set up at the expo ALL day and then came back after getting the girls for moral support and ended up staying ALL night!! He then came back bright and early with me to help out as much as he could--he also ran the 5K--and then had to work ALL day at his own job. He is AMAZING and I am thankful that I have his blessing to do it all again (yes..you read it right...I am committed for another year! Mark your calendars for Nov. 13, 2010).

I'm thankful for this cute family (well this is half of their family)...This is the mastermind behind the whole race...it was his vision and dream and I am thankful that I got to be a part of it! I'm also thankful for his cute wife and these two cute girls that I get to teach preschool to. If anyone is in need of a good family practice Dr. or wants to go get pampered with a facial or chemical peel...go see Dr. Allen! He is the best of the best!

I am so thankful for all that I was able to learn over the last few months...(and I am so thankful Chrissy and her selflessness...she cut all this vinyl for me even though her head felt like it was to going to explode) One example...this vinyl..I have had several opportunities to learn how to apply it at church functions and such, but I always get scared and someone always volunteers to do it for me...but not this time...I put all these together myself. Another example...when I first started as "race Director" I had a lot of "official" paper work I had to fill out--permits for the city; insurance certificates, USAT sanction paperwork, etc--and it SCARED me to death. I couldn't believe I was signing all these important papers...a couple weeks ago I had to fill out a second insurance form for SRP since we were running on a canal and I just had to laugh because I filled it out in 2 minutes flat without hesitation. I have gained a lot more confidence in my position...and I am thankful for that!

I'm thankful we were able to use Hohokam stadium...The staff there was amazing...made set-up and clean up SO easy. Made it possible to have lots of fun "things" at our expo like a kid zone...a warm meal...massage therapists, etc.

I'm thankful for all the volunteers who gave of their time selflessly.

I'm thankful that Courtney took charge in organizing the Expo and placing vendors where they should be.

I'm thankful that we had a cool finish line--and I didn't have to set it up!

I'm thankful I don't look as fat in this picture as I do in the one above! My cute husband was camera happy and did a good job documenting everything...but I hate pictures of just me!

I am thankful for my dear friend/seminary teacher from my SOPHOMORE year in HS...Julie Dabo and Anne Holdaway. They drove all the way from Northern CA just for this! Came in Friday morning and left after the race this afternoon. It was so fun to see them, and they did SO good!! I am so proud of them...I hope to be just like them when I grow up!!

I'm thankful for my dear friend Kristen--for supporting me in my race efforts...for coming with me to the gym every morning--and for just being a good friend!! She ROCKED the 5K!! I am so proud of you Kristen!!! (my psycho eyes are back)

And my new friend Brandy that I met at Time out. I mentioned my race when she said she likes to run and she really came and did it!! She is a lot of fun and I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with her!

And I'm so thankful for my super sweet friend Erin who is kind to everyone she knows. I'm thankful for her example in my life. I'm also thankful that her kids are the same ages as mine and they can go to the same school and be buddies. And I'm thankful she did my race as well...she pushed a double stroller for the whole 5K and rocked it too--SUPERMOM!! And almost even more impressive her cute little kids ran the 5K too!!

And of course my dearest friend Lisa--seriously could I be anymore beastly next to her!! I'm thankful that she came out to support me...she even suffered through the half marathon by herself with an injured hip!

And I don't know how to even begin to thank Molly--She kept us on task and organized and truly made this race possible..I'm thankful for my new friend and that she is going to start coming to the gym with me!

I was so sad to not get pictures of my other friends that I saw on race day...I was a little out of control...determined to get the race started on time- But Laura, Kori, Caree, Natalie, Katie, Kari, Jenna, Tessi, Shara, BJ, and Shannon, Kara...and so many more--I am so thankful for you and your support in my race.

I'm thankful for this rainbow...for the sprinkles that fell just as the half marathon was about to start. Whenever I have a big day (like my wedding (and even my brothers wedding), when my girls were born, even my graduation from BYU) it always rains...sometimes it just sprinkles, sometimes it pours--but I like to believe that is my mom sending me signs for me to know that she is there and happy with what I am doing. And the sprinkles that fell yesterday were followed by one of the most beautiful rainbows I have ever seen. I'm thankful for my mom's influence in my life and the legacy she left behind. She left big shoes to fill...and even though I can fill them with literally with my big feet...I hope I can fill them at least half way spiritually.

I'm thankful Ty was able to run the 5K...he wanted to run the half but got injured...he was going to blow my PR out of the water..so now I get to hold the title for another year (just because he has never ran one before). :) I'm thankful for all of his wonderful ideas that helped make this race a HUGE success.

I'm thankful I had the chance to be the MC--I didn't want to do it, but volunteered to do it until we had another volunteer to come take over...but I ended up loving seeing the runners up close--being able to call them out by name and congratulate them and see their faces light up with their sense of accomplishment went they crossed that line...

yep...my loud annoying voice rang throughout the WHOLE stadium...how embarrassing now that I think about it!

I'm thankful for my DREAM TEAM!! These people were willing to do anything I asked of them, and did it with a smile...SO many hours of SERVICE! Thank you team!! I hope you all return next year!!

And I am thankful for these new friends that made it all possible! Everyone in the above picture helped a lot...but the five of us (and Cherie...but she had just left) were the heart and soul of this race. AMAZING people...simply AMAZING...I am sad that I don't necessarily have a reason to call or text or email them 10,000 times a day now...

I'm thankful for the opportunity to be the CO-DIRECTOR with these two.

I'm also thankful for Blake Kimball of Kimball concepts who designed and made the BEST race shirts ever!!

I'm excited for my life to return to normal...To have a consistent morning routine with my girls (and Ty for that matter...poor guy woke up alone EVERYDAY for the last 2 weeks...I was up and going by 3 am most days!) and to be able to focus a little more on preschool..and start thinking about our upcoming trip to Hawaii..but for today I'm a little sad that I have to wait another 364 days to do it again.

I'm thankful that SO MANY PRAYERS were answered! I'm thankful for wonderful friends, new opportunity, my family, and for the 617 people that ran in my first race as a director!

GRATITUDE #14

Today I am thankful that it is over...kind of.

More details later...first I have to take a nap!!

GRATITUDE # 13

Today I am thankful for PRAYER, ADRENALINE, a PATIENT FAMILY, and NANA and PAPA and BJ and SHANNON for always watching our girls in times of need!

GRATITUDE #12

Today I am thankful that a lot of BLACK FRIDAY ads are published.

There isn't really anything we want or need this year--which is when Black Friday is the best--you can just enjoy the thrill of shopping for 24 hours straight without stressing that you are not going to get THAT item!

3 more days...

SERIOUSLY?!?!?....