Christmas Cruise

For Christmas this year my parents wanted to give the family a Cruise to the Caribbean. Heck Yes! They told us six weeks before we left, so it was nice not having to wait super long to go. Luckily it was just enough time to order Passports for the boys. Talk about a pretty penny, sheesh, they practically rob you. They could make them any price and you have to pay it. My goodness. When they came in the mail the boys were so excited.

 Right after Thanksgiving I put Christmas up because I knew that if I didn't do it then I wouldn't have time to put it up until after the Cruise. Ryker and Cy were so excited to help me put the ornaments on the tree. It was cute that most of the ornaments were concentrated at the bottom. Luckily they both are a bit taller so they at least got half way up the tree.

Dec 6 (Fri) night arrived after much preparation and we were all thrilled to not only head to a warm climate but Jesse was able to get trades for his shifts and was able to come. It will be the most time we would get to spend together as a family this entire year.

 

Only bummer thing was he didn't get the Final Paramedic test done before we left. He has finished all his class hours, clinicals and ride-a-longs. Just waiting on his instructor to recommend him to the state so he can schedule a time to get that done. His goal was to do it before we left, so he wouldn't have to worry about it while we were gone. But oh well I guess. It is what it is.

 

We had a Red Eye flight to New York. And this is a time when I wish I was a little kid again and roll up in a ball on my seat and just sleep in whatever position. I think the adults slept maybe 30 minutes. I guess I can't complain too much since we were going to Paradise.

 

I giggle every time I look at this picture. Jesse buckled Cy in once he fell asleep. Safety First.



 Chantel is a sweetheart to let Ryker sleep on her legs.

We then had to catch the next flight to Ft. Lauderale. When we went outside of the airport the whole group we so happy to feel the heat and to see the blue skies. We were tired needed a shower, but that Florida sunshine and blue skies was nothing short of amazing. And we had just started.

We rented 2 cars. One for our little family and another for Mom, Dad, Ty and Chan (Manda, Craig and Alexa couldn't come due to work schedules). We all went to a late lunch and then our car decided to go to the beach.

 It was a little chilly because the sun was starting to set when we arrived. So I stayed on the beach and watched the boys play in the ocean.

We were there for about an hour then headed back to the hotel and went to bed. Ready to wake up the next morning to get on the Cruise ship! YAY!!!

This year's Analogy...

The other day I was thinking about how I feel behind on my blogging. December has felt the busiest month of this year. Which got me thinking about those coin funnels you see at Science Fair's or Kids Museums. You drop the coin into the starting slot and you start to watch it go around and around the funnel. It's slow at first, with long circular movements. But as it starts to get closer to the middle, that coins appears to speed up. As it nears the end of the funnel it is going so fast that it is now horizontal to the ground. It's still spinning faster and faster until... Plop, it falls through the hole and the show is over.



I feel like this is how our year has been. The start of the year, everything seemed slow and easy, but it just kept getting busier and harder. To the point I couldn't keep up any longer.

December has been a very Fun, Exciting and Busy Month. Between our Christmas Cruise we went on with my family, Christmas Celebrations and Working hard before and after our trip...I am so behind on blogging, house cleaning, laundry (still haven't unpacked completely) and eating clean.

We are so happy about the last year, but so looking forward to 2014. New Challenges, New Goals and a New Beginning.

I am Thankful

My heart is full today! Church today was so uplifting for me and it was something that I have been needing. In Relief Society we had a wonderful lesson about our Saviour that touched my heart. Then in Gospel Doctrine we had a profound lesson about the Armour of God.

 

This last week was Thanksgiving and I have been reflecting on the things that I am thankful for. When I try to list everything I am thankful for, there are so many I have a hard time beginning. Over dinner everyone went around and said something that they were thankful for. My first thoughts were family. Truthfully I have been blessed with sisters and a brother who I am very close to and share a great relationship with. I have been blessed with parents who care and love me. I also am blessed to have Jesse's family as well.

 

Countless times they have all stepped up to help Jesse and me, when we are in a pinch (especially this last year). I am the type of person that would prefer to do everything on my own. I don't want to impose on other people and turn my troubles or problems into theirs. I know I'm strong and can do anything that comes my way, but there are times when I have too much on my plate and I am spread so thin that I MUST rely on my family. And thank goodness I have them! This last year has taught me that it's OK to get help. I don't have to do everything all on my own.

 I know over and over again I have posted about Jesse's sacrifice and hard work this past year. But I am beyond THANKFUL for him and it wouldn't be right if I didn't express my gratitude for the amazing man I married. This past year hasn't been the easiest for us. It's difficult living separate lives that are still intertwined with each other. But the one thing that has kept us going and looking forward is knowing that there is a Season and a Time for everything. Also a dear sweet sister in the Relief Society Presidency also reminded me that the scriptures don't say "It came to stay"... they say "And it came to PASS". Having this knowledge is reassuring that what we experience in this life is to mold our very beings. There is no need to be grumpy about our challenges.

I was reading a conference talk this morning by Elder Jeffery R. Holland from this last October Conference and I came across a sentence that struck me. He said "Patiently waiting for some things is part of our mortal education." That couldn't be more true and more fitting for what this past year has brought for our family.

 Typically we all gather at my Grandma's house for Thanksgiving Dinner. But this year she came down with the flu the day before, so my parents ended up hosting it. And I do have to admit, one thing that I am Thankful for is a Home cooked Meal. I think that might be why Thanksgiving is a favorite Holiday of mine. Who doesn't love to sit down and eat until your hearts content? Mmmm and everything was so delicious. Luckily Grandma was feeling better by dinner time, so she was able to join us. First time in a long time that she hasn't had to stress over Thanksgiving Dinner. It's gotta be a nice break for her.

 After our delicious meal, my little family met up with the Smith Family at the Gateway Theater in SLC to see the movie "FROZEN" together.

We arrived a bit early so we walked around the Mall for a little bit. This was our attempt at a family photo trying to hold my phone to fit us all in. As always Cy has a silly face and Ryker is smiling away.

 See usually it's Cy making the funny face while Ryker smiles at the camera. And I was so focused on Cy waiting for him to smile that I didn't even notice that Ryker was making this gangster pose. When I finally took the picture and looked at it, I burst out laughing. This doesn't happen (like I said in the above picture) so I found it very comical.

Spending my days with these boys can be pretty exhausting and frustrating at times. But nothing is more rewarding than being their mom, and seeing them truly enjoy life!

Halloween 2013

I decided to take Halloween Day off this year. Every year we are super rushed to get ready at night, so I wanted to make sure we had more of a fun day together. And bonus: Jesse was home....YAY!!!

 

After I picked Ryker up from Kindergarten we went home to paint our pumpkins we got from Packs Pumpkin Patch the week before.

 

Everyday since we bought the pumpkins, Ryker has been begging me to paint them. So when it finally came to it, he was thrilled.



 And what 2 year old wouldn't love the opportunity to paint a pumpkin (and himself)?

 Ryker thought Jesse's pumpkin was really cool and scary. ;-)

 Here's the finished products. Take note of the "eyebrows" on the boy's pumpkins.  Ryker thought to make them out of toothpicks and a fruit rope cut in half. Very clever boy! Ryker also suggested I painted my pumpkin with fire since my costume was fire.

 We had plans to go to Mike and Heidi's Trunk or Treat at their ward house. It's kind of a tradition now. Before we went, I went to the house to help Emily with her hair. She was being a flame princess, so she wanted her hair to look like fire. I think it turned out really cool.

 They were characters from Adventure Time. It's not a show I'm familiar with but they looked cute anyways.

The boys dressed up as Fire Fighters this year. It seemed fitting considering this last year's events. Besides they want to be just like their daddy, so they were more than happy to dress up like him.

 I always like to do a theme for the family. So I made Jesse a Dalmatian costume and me a fire costume. Considering I put them together last minute, I think they turned out really cute. My original plan was to have Jesse wear his fire turnouts as well. But a week before he made it known to me that he would be embarrassed to wear them considering he is ACTUALLY a firefighter already. So he agreed to be the dog. Which actually turned out cuter than having three firefighters.

(A big thanks to my brother Tyson for drawing the flames for me on the felt for me to cut out. They look perfect. And Heidi helped cut and glue the dots for Jesse's sweatpants. Thank you to both of them).

 The trunk or treat is set up in the gym, so the kids got a ton a candy in less than 10 minutes. They didn't even finish the loop because their bags were over flowing.

 They certainly make good fireman huh? I'd be curious when they grow up if they'll want to follow in Jesse's footsteps.

Very low key this year, but that is OK. The boys had a good time and that is all that matters. Happy Halloween!

Jesse's Birthday Weekend!

Last weekend I got the pleasure of taking this guy out for his Birthday! We were lucky enough that on his birthday (10/26) he didn't have a shift or a ride along. So we got to go a date. This year they have been hit and miss due to the crazy schedule. I think we have been on about 5 dates this whole year. Not something to brag about, but it just goes to show how much he has been gone.

 

To make up for our lack of dates I wanted to plan a really fun one for him. Our first stop was Boondocks Fun Center in Kaysville. We were lucky enough to have warmish weather, so we were able to do the activities outside. Such as the Go-Carts. 

 ...and Mini Golf.

 Before we headed to dinner we played in the Arcade games. It was fun to do kid activities. Something else besides the usual dinner and a movie night (which we really do like to do).

I took Jesse to a new Sushi Restaurant at Farmington Station, called Sushi Monster. He loves sushi so it was perfect for his birthday. I have started to like some of it too, so it was a win-win for us. It's nice to be able to enjoy something together.

 We then went to the movie "Gravity". Jesse's choice. It was pretty good. I didn't really care what movie we saw, I was just happy to be spending time with my Birthday Boy!

Because of Jesse's busy schedule we weren't able to celebrate his birthday with the family on Sunday. So we had to plan it on a Monday night when he would actually be home. Unfortunately that wasn't the best night for everyone to be there because of their jobs or school. But we had to do it that night or else he wouldn't get a party. So we celebrated with those who were able to make it. :)

I made arrangements at Mikado. Probably his favorite restaurant. They have the best sushi. So he got spoiled getting sushi that close together. But he totally deserves it for all his hard work this last year.

 The big 33! I feel like I just through him a surprise party for when he was turning 30. I wish time would slow down for just a moment. You have to live in the moment and soak up every memory. Thank heavens for pictures and blogging. I would forget everything.

I ordered a German Chocolate Cake from Parson's Bakery. They are the best. It was so tempting that I actually had to cheat on my no sugar goal (until Thanksgiving) that night. And it was worth every bite!

I think this might be a new favorite picture of Jesse and me. Words certainly can't express how much I love this man! I wrote him a letter telling him this very thing, and the best way I could put it into words was by his name.

J-oy
E-ducated
S-arcastic
S-ensitive
E-ncouraging

R-eal Man
O-pen Minded
B-est
E-xtraordinary
R-esponsible
T-rust Worthy

S-mart
M-eaningful
I-nsightful
T-houghtful
H-elpful

That is to only name a few, but I think it sums it up pretty nicely. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Because of him I have meaning in my life and something to live for. People always ask me what’s new and all I can talk about is him (and the boys). I don’t know why I feel like I need to tell everybody everything that he is doing at the moment? But I think it’s because I want to brag about the dedicated man I am married to. How did I get so lucky? I love him so much and I hope he had an enjoyable birthday amongst this crazy time in his life.  Happy 33^rd Birthday my dear!                          

Pink Series Half Marathon

I'm a tad bit late on making this post (the race was on 10/12/13). Mainly because I have been waiting for the race pictures to be posted online. And it has taken far too long to the point that I'm not going to worry about it. I got some of before and after. Who needs during pictures right?

 

I had been looking forward to this race for the past 10 weeks. Originally a friend of mine gave me a training schedule that I could do along with the GPP Fitness Training that I do everyday. A week or so into that I was talking to a friend of mine who is one of the trainers at GPP. I was telling her that I had signed up for my first half marathon. She started to tell me I needed to talk to Neil (who owns GPP), because he had been working on the Heart Rate Training. Her and another girl were actually doing it for a full marathon and were noticing huge improvements in their running.

 

So the next day I went to Neil about it, and he was very happy to put together a Half Marathon Heart Rate Protocol Schedule for me. It took him a few days, but once he did we got started on it.

 

The idea behind the heart rate training was to be able to run faster on a lower heart rate. Making you more efficient and have more endurance. So everyday in the training was different. Sometimes I would run keeping my heart rate below 70% of my max heart rate, other days at 75-80% or 80-85%. Distances varied. Saturdays were always my long runs.

 

I would take a picture of my GPS watch (that had my Time, Avg Pace, Distance and Avg Heart Rate) and text it to Neil who was tracking my progress. This was very helpful to me because it made get up early and do my runs. Some days were just running, some days had just my GPP workouts and others I would do both. On those days I was to only do 70% volume of the workout that day. Which made it doable with all the running I was doing.

 

 

My cousin Timalee was the one who invited me to do the Half Marathon. It was a girls only race in honor of Breast Cancer, in Park City. So we all drove up the night before to have a little girl time. Shopping, Dinner and Staying up way too late for having to run a race the next morning, laughing and enjoying being just the girls.

 

I was feeling a little apprehensive about the weather. Days before I was watching the forecast and that Saturday was saying it was going to be a high of 40 degrees with rain. ....But as it grew closer the rain came early and on race day it was sunny with the high of 57 degrees. PERFECT!!!!

 

Here is a picture of us all ready to head out to the shuttle buses. Left to right: Brooke, Alex, Sarah, Timalee and Me.

 



 On the shuttle bus, feeling unexpectedly calm about it. I thought I would be super nervous. But I wasn't. If anything I was feeling excited. On the ride up Sarah asked me if I was nervous? And I was happy to say that I wasn't. She asked me if I had a time I'd like to finish. Alot of people tell you for your first race you shouldn't give yourself a timed goal, and that you should just have a goal of finishing. But I felt like I knew I would finish so I needed to give myself something more challenging. So I told her that I wanted to finish under 2 hours.

To finish under 2 hours meant that I would have to keep a pace no slower than 9:00 min/mile. As the race started I knew the energy of everybody around me would give me an initial fast pace. But I just wanted to run at what I felt comfortable with and not push too hard. Especially to start out with.

During the race I wanted to make sure I looked around at the beautiful fall scenery. I wish so bad I could have pulled my phone and snapped some shots of the colorful leaves.

I was keeping a good pace around 8:20 and I was feeling awesome. At mile 9 I thought "Wow, that was fast, only 4 more to go". Then at mile 10 we had a hill to conquer. Oh man. I slowed down to a 9:00ish pace. But sped it back up once that mile long hill was over.

Around mile 11 my IT BAND on my right side was starting to feel tight. Which sucks. I had troubles with it all during training and was constantly stretching and rolling on it. So part of me wasn't surprised when it started to bother me during the race. I had hoped it wouldn't have happened. But it did. I just had to try and ignore it. The good pace I had kept up the whole time wasn't about to go to pot. So I pushed through during the next two miles.

Honestly those 2 miles, (especially the last one) felt worse than the first 9. Brooke actually caught up with me and helped me finish strong at the end. I was so grateful to her. She told me that I was the wind under her wings. During the race she said she tried not to let me out of her sight.

I crossed the finish line with a time of 1:53:39. With an average pace of 8:40. Putting me 11th place (101 girls) in my age division. 48th place (438 girls) overall. Not too shabby for my first half marathon right? And I beat my goal! YAY!

My cousin Timalee finished a little after Brooke and I did. So we got to cheer her on as she crossed the finish line with her husband and two girls. Timalee and I were both so sweaty, but SO happy to have finished!

 Alex and Sarah finished after Timalee and they all had their families there to cheer them on. The moment Sarah saw her family she became so emotional. Which in return made me emotional. It was such a tender moment I got to share with her. My next race I'll be able to have Jesse and the boys there and I'll get to have my own "Moment".

  I guess I could say that I had my "moment" on my drive home. I got to reflect on the race and think about my dedicated and hard working husband, my dear sweet boys, my supportive in-laws, family and my Father in Heaven for blessing me with health and strength. Can't express the gratitude I felt when thinking about all of that. I'll blame the tears on the adrenaline.

 I was aching to see the boys at that moment. Ryker has always, and I'm sure will always be, my biggest fan and cheerleader. When I made it to Mike and Heidi's (where the boys had stayed the night) Ryker was SOOO excited to see me as well. Gave me the biggest hug! I just love him!

I remember thinking that a half marathon seemed so hard and that I wouldn't ever be able to accomplish it. But I did it. It's a great feeling!  I owe it all to the love and support of my family! Can't wait to do the next one! Maybe I could get Jesse to do it with me?

Random-ness

Our lives have been kind of hectic lately. But what's new? haha. I thought I should give a few updates about the boys. Little things at this stage in life that I want to remember.

 

Cy has been really sweet lately. For awhile there he had this mean streak in him. Constantly pestering his brother and his cousin, Sterling. And I'm not sure what would trigger it, but at one point he had pulled two separate girls hair out... Eek. But thank goodness that phase has passed. He's now so kind to the point that he knows it and can almost get away with anything. Almost!

 

Cy's speech and words are improving everyday. But it's still so cute that it's not perfect. I love how he puts an "a" in between words. It almost makes him sound Italian.

 

His favorite show lately has been "Despicable Me". But the funniest part about it is the fact that he can't say Despicable. So whenever he wants to watch the show, he comes to me with his big brown eyes and asks with the softest voice "a watch a Mikkle Me's?" At times he has that down so good that it's hard to say no. I try to limit the boys on how much TV they watch (don't want their brains going to mush), but there are those days when you need them to be quiet (like when Jesse is studying or taking a nap).

 

Our favorite thing he says wrong is "LaLu". Which is "Love You" in Cy language. If I say LaLu to him first then he'll say back "LaLu Too". It's heart melting! 

 Ryker is just LOVING Kindergarten! I enjoy the fact that the mornings go really smooth (generally). I've given him 4 steps to complete every morning before we can leave for school. 1.eat breakfast 2. brush teeth 3. get dressed 4. make bed. And so far he just does it. I'm loving it!

Doing homework together has been fun and bonding for the two of us. He's really eager to learn. I'm amazed how quick he caught onto reading. It's unreal! We do have a few moments that certain words just stump him. But after a few minutes of sounding it out over and over again. He gets it.

Referring back to my post about his first day of Kindergarten. I mentioned that it wasn't my personality to cry by dropping him off. But I have to take that back. On his first full day of Kindergarten... I did cry. He got out of the car and said "Bye Mom I Love you!" Turned around and walked towards his class. All of a sudden a wave of emotion hit me. Completely catching me off guard. It's hard to describe because I wasn't feeling sad about it. I think it was more of a happy-spiritual cry. The whole drive home the tears just flowed. Even when I got home the thought about it would get me going again. I couldn't believe how emotional it made me.

Every morning that I drop him off to school he always tells me he loves me and that he'll miss me. It's just the sweetest thing. My heart swells every time.

 Can't wait for more of these moments (picture below) to happen. Jesse is near the end. But he's got one steep climb to get to the top before he can say he's done. I thought the past several months have been rough...the next few are going to be the worst. He still has to get his twenty 24 hour rides in for Paramedic school. He's going to have to schedule them on days that he isn't working. UGH! So if I thought I didn't see him that much recently, he's going to be gone even more.

When he's done with school, I wonder how he'll feel with all the free time he is going to have? Haha

 This past weekend I got to help this cute girl get ready for her first High School Dance.  She looked so pretty and was very excited to go!

I was 11 when she was born so it's been really fun to see grow up. Even though we are eleven years apart we have a really good relationship. Couldn't live without her. She helps me out SO MUCH! Especially lately! Living this single parenthood life has made me reach out to my family. And thank heavens for that. She has slept over on several occasions to be with the boys so I could go on a long run (I'm training for a half marathon at the moment). I couldn't do it without her. She's the best!

 Here's another Girl I couldn't live without! She was here for 10 days visiting and I loved it so much that it makes me wish she could be here permanently. Maybe someday?

She came with me last night to the Elementary Carnival! It was fun to let the cousins play together!

 Last Spring our bedroom flooded, which resulted in us taking the carpet out. And unfortunately we have been living without carpet until NOW! Living for a year and half with a concrete floor is really embarrassing to admit. But paying for Paramedic School became a priority.

So after we sold the old Toyota Pickup we purchased carpet for the bedroom. I decided it was time to give our bedroom a face lift. So here is the BEFORE>>>

 >>>>>AFTER. Ahh... So much better huh? I love it! I walk in and it feels like my Zen.

Labor Day Tri

Labor Day Morning I was able to go to one last Tri for the season. I was excited because this was the first race this summer that the entire Top Gear Team would be participating! From left to right...Jeff Lewis, Austin (Son of Timalee and Rolynn. This was his first Tri. He's not on the team, but he got to wear his dad's Iron Man Jersey so he looked pretty legit haha), Rolynn, Timalee, Sarah (she still needs to get a Top Gear Jersey), Ryan and myself. This group of people have brought me under their wing like I've been friends with them for years. I've really enjoyed being with them. They are all so cool and awesome! 

 Chicca picture! Getting our transition area all set up.

 I went into this race with one goal. To beat my time from May (which was 1 hour and 16 minutes)! I did this exact same course for my very first Tri (The Splash N Sprint) and all I wanted to do was go out there strong and create a new P.R. for myself. The whole race I was feeling strong but not exactly sure of my time because I got stopped to wait for a train! AHHH FOR THE LOVE! But when I found out they'd take the time I sat waiting for the train to pass off of my overall time, then I looked at it like a free break. haha. Comparing this race to the first one I did back in May, I felt stronger throughout the entire thing and was able to finish strong.

When the results were up I found my name in the age division on the paper. My time said 1:14:...Putting me in 1st place in my age division! Woot Woot! Every Tri I have done this summer I have placed either 2nd or 3rd. Which is fantastic. But that 1st place sure sounded good. What a great way to finish out the season!

 

I hung around to get my lunch box award. Haha. I think they were going with the "Labor" Day theme. Everybody got a finishing medal so they give out something for the people who placed in their age division. The funniest part is the men and women who placed overall received sledge hammers. Haha it makes me laugh!

 

Anyway, when I saw my time on the paper I thought that they had already adjusted my time being behind the train. But when they called my name and announced my  name and time they said 1:12:55. Ah! Even better.



Oh wait... it gets better. A few days later when I was looking online to see my results better. I found  my time to be even faster than they'd announced! Say What? I shaved off almost 5 minutes from my very first Tri. 

This is my dear friend Hillary who I  met in Hair School. Over the years we have stayed in contact by going to lunch once a month. After my first Tri I told her all about it and how much I loved it. She told me it inspired her to do one and so she signed up. I'm so proud of her! And I'm so glad I could be there to see her finish and cheer her on! 

This summer has been fantastic. I'm sad to see it come to an end.  I love that I have been blessed to be on this team. It's given me great opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to do. With all the craziness of Jesse's work and schooling, these opportunities couldn't have come at a better time. It's given me something to do for myself so I can stay strong for my Man and my two energetic boys!