running

Sadly, I've lost my running partner to the rigors of ASU's full-time MBA program. And so most days, you can find me shuffling through our neighborhood alone. Without Mike to push me, I am sure my pace has slowed considerably, but I like these slow, quiet (I never listen to music), solitary outings. After working all morning to get breakfast on the table and lunches packed and kids out the door, it feels good to take a little time by myself to get my heart pumping. I come home, exhausted mostly, but also ready to start my day. I am thankful that five years ago I decided to try running. It provides me with an opportunity to clear my head, seek inspiration, and build my endurance all at the same time. I can't tell you how many times I have received answers to prayers while I've been running. I am thankful that my knees haven't given out on me yet and that the weather has improved so that each morning I can lace up my running shoes and do it again.

happy weekend

Oliver built a pretty epic cup tower last night. Elliot was crazy about it. Literally crazy. Ha!

Hooray for the weekend! I feel like we are really earning our weekends these days. Friday gets here and we all sigh with relief. We did it! We made it through another week! Phew.

I'm going to put 37 down as the year my body gave up on me. I was running the other day and realized that it was more of a shuffle than a run and I honestly couldn't pick up the pace. That was as fast as I could go! And I wake up with sore hand joints every morning. Does this happen to you, too? I've heard fish oil helps, but haven't committed to it yet. I've never minded getting older, but now I'm not so sure. My friend, Sarah, posted about this book about aging. I think I need to check it out.

I made this baked oatmeal this week and replaced the sugar with two mashed ripe bananas and it was delicious. There is still a sprinkling of brown sugar on top, which gives it just the right amount of crunchy sweetness. Someday, if I keep trying, my kids won't leave a pile of raisins at the bottom of their bowls, right?

This article made me laugh.

And I've seen this one floating around Facebook. Mike once went to a meeting where a family therapist was speaking about pornography. He said that smart phones were the worst thing that had ever happened to his practice. Our daughter, Mabel, is 14 and every single one of her friends has a smart phone. She doesn't even have a phone yet! I tell her she'll thank us someday. That's totally what teenagers want to hear, I'm sure. Do you have thoughts on this?

I have halloween costumes to sew and halloween party lip sync moves to memorize today. What are you up to?

Have a fun weekend!

my marathoner x2

It was bright. And it was hot. And it was really long, but Mike did it! He finished his second (and hopefully last) marathon! I am so proud of him for persevering. A marathon is no joke. The route ran right through our neighborhood, so we cheered him on at the 17 mile mark, and then again at the finish line. Seeing him round the last bend was such a relief. He'd made it! He is strong. And a good example to our kids. And I just love him so much.

happy weekend

Great news. The Winter Sea has a sequel! It's called The Firebird, and it continues the story of Anna, Sophia's daughter. I'm about a third of the way into it and I am really liking it so far. The bad news is that all I want to do is sit under a warm blanket and read that book. My to-do list is really suffering.

On that note: Dear 2015, give me my motivation back! Please! I had some grand plans this new year to take another stab at minimalism, but I haven't seemed able to follow through yet. I know the urge will come, and with it the energy to get it done. Until then, I am biding my time. Sometimes it can be forced, but sometimes it's better to wait until it happens naturally. Also, what do minimalists do with teenaged daughters who really really love clothes? I don't know, but I'll tell you what this minimalist-wannabe is doing about it -- letting it go. I need to stop holding my daughter to the standard I've set for myself and let her have a million t-shirts, if that's what she wants. What's the big deal, anyway?

One resolution I have managed to keep so far is journaling while I read my scriptures. I'd never done it before, but I am loving what it adds to my study. I just write one line that stood out to me, or a thought that I had while reading. It only takes a minute, but it's made such a difference! What I am reading all of a sudden applies directly to my life, every single time. It's amazing.

In other news, Mike is neck deep in his marathon training, and for the most part, I've been training right along beside him. It feels good to stretch myself and run farther than I am used to. But I've drawn the line at 14 miles. After 14 miles, he's on his own.

This week, I found this pretty blog, wore these comfortable jeans (in petite -- life changing!), and drank this chocolate smoothie for breakfast.

Have a good weekend!

for running

I started running almost five years ago. When I started, I could hardly run one mile without stopping. I'm not going to be running a marathon anytime soon (or ever!), but I am happy to say that I can now run many miles continuously and still feel strong when I've finished. Running is hard, but it feels good to push myself physically. I like that I can step outside my front door and in 30 minutes complete a good, heart-pounding workout. Nothing else is more convenient. Running clears my mind and allows me to be more open to impressions and inspiration. It lifts my spirits and puts a smile on my (very sweaty and bright red) face. I am thankful for running, for the physical and emotional strength it has given me. And I am really thankful that my knees haven't given out on me yet.

If you would like to start running and aren't sure how to go about it, here are some tips:

Wear good shoes. It doesn't really matter what brand they are (you'll find your favorites eventually), so long as they are designed for running. When I first started, I just wore whatever old athletic shoes I had and oh man, was that a mistake! My knees and hips were so sore. I almost turned in the towel right then. But Mike convinced me to try some real running shoes and everything felt better.

Find a buddy (or a really good playlist). As soon as I started running with friends, I was hooked. It made such a difference! Being accountable to a running partner helped get me out of bed and out the door. And having someone to talk to while I ran made the miles speed by. Pretty soon my neighborhood group fell apart and Mike and I became running partners. I can honestly say that it is one of the best things we've ever done for our marriage. I think we are rather lucky that our running speed is compatible. And when one of us just isn't feeling it, the other helps push us along. The time we get to spend together is such an added bonus. (Mike started running a year or so before me with a local running club, which is another really good option for newbies.)

Finally, commit to it. I don't think the distance matters as much in the beginning as does the consistency. Even if you can only run for a few minutes at a time, don't give up. Keep going. Eventually your endurance will increase. Take it slow and steady, but stay with it. I remember the first time I was able to run three miles without stopping. It took me months, but it felt so good!

I am in no way an expert, so if you have some words of wisdom to add, please do.

early to rise

With the new school year comes an earlier wake up time for all of us. If I want to exercise in the coolest part of the day and get the kids ready for school on time, I need to be up and out the door by 5:00.

As Mike and I were running this morning, I took a mental stock of myself at that early hour. Yes, it had been hard to get out of bed, but after being up for just a few minutes, I felt full of energy and optimism. I was able to formulate a plan for my morning to make the getting-ready-for-school routine go smoothly. I had time to think about what I would make the kids for breakfast and what I would pack in their lunches. Mike and I were spending time together before he left all day for work. And as a bonus, I was able to see the pretty sunrise.

For this week's Conference Report, I am using an article from our church's magazine, the Ensign, entitled "Filled with Life and Energy". It is a good read, especially if you don't consider yourself a morning person.

The article starts with a story from the life of Elder Marion G. Romney, a previous General Authority. He was feeling quite inadequate in his new call and sought advice from good friend and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Harold B. Lee. Elder Lee told him, "If you are to be successful as a General Authority, you will need to be inspired. You will need to receive revelation. I will give you one piece of advice: Go to bed early and get up early. If you do, your body and mind will become rested and then in the quiet of those early morning hours, you will receive more flashes of inspiration and insight than at any other time of the day."

Elder Romney later recalled, "From that day on, I put that counsel into practice, and I know it works. Whenever I have a serious problem, or some assignment of a creative nature with which I hope to receive the influence of the Spirit, I always receive more assistance in the early morning hours than at any other time of the day."

I have seen this in my own life, too. Things seem clearer first thing in the morning. The solution to whatever I've been struggling with, or worried about, all of a sudden becomes obvious. I am more cheerful, more patient, and better able to handle the stresses of the day. When I wake up early, I feel like I am able to accomplish so much more.

I've noticed that having an earlier bedtime has helped keep the peace in our home. We are winding down and getting settled earlier, before anyone has a meltdown (and that includes me). It feels good to be following this wise advice.

As a final plug, Elder Russell M. Nelson said, "To those who feel defeated and downtrodden, look to the early hours of the day for your rescue."

It is these early hours that have provided mine.


You can read the whole article here.

hiking Camelback

On Saturday morning I joined a group of friends to hike Camelback Mountain. We hiked the Echo Canyon trail.

We started just as dawn was spreading over the valley. It had rained quite a bit the night before, so the air felt clean and new. To have such a chilly morning in May was incredible. Being on Camelback was the best place to be on a morning like that!

I was surprised by how green everything was. This is the desert, right? Every view of the valley below was green and lush. It was so beautiful and of course pictures don't do it justice.

This is what the "trail" looks like - just a sea of large boulders that you climb over and up. At some points it is so steep that there are metal hand rails to hoist yourself up with. It was a good challenge - both physically and mentally. But I made it! It felt really great to be on the top.

My favorite thing about the hike was the appreciation I gained for Arizona. I love living here, but I've never thought it was a very pretty place. Boy was I wrong! All of these years I was just looking at it from the wrong angle. :) From high up on the side of a mountain, it is stunning.

I can't wait to hike it again. . . next winter. We totally lucked out with the perfect weather this weekend.

happy weekend

Oliver retired from baseball this season, but luckily Elliot is old enough to play. Even though Elliot says he wishes he was playing "real baseball" (t-ball doesn't count, apparently), he still loves smashing that ball off the tee and he has a smile on his face almost the entire game.

After a two week hiatus from running because of my lousy cold/sinus infection, I am looking forward to a nice longish (and very slow) run with Mike tomorrow morning. But first, I hope he takes me to dinner tonight. Taking me out to eat food that I didn't have to prepare will always be the way to my heart. I look forward to it every weekend.

Do you have any plans? Our weather has been fantastic this week, so I am going to try to get outside and enjoy it while it lasts.

Have a good weekend!

for doing hard things

Mike and I ran a 10k race this morning. I am thankful that my legs didn't buckle during mile 5, when I was fairly certain that they would. I am thankful for a husband who ran with me and pushed me to go faster when I didn't think I could. It was hard, but I am thankful that I can do hard things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

for running

Mike and I still run together three or four times a week. I know I've said it before, but I never in a million years thought that I'd become a runner. I like that it gets me outside and gets my blood pumping. Pushing myself physically is rewarding (both for my physical and mental state). I am a happier and more balanced person because I run. But my favorite part about it is that Mike and I can do it together. It is easily one of the best things we've ever done for our relationship. I am thankful for these short legs of mine that have carried me many many miles over the past few years, and for the time I get to spend with Mike while I am doing it. And besides, I realized during this morning's run along the canal that the canals in our town look their best (and should probably only be viewed) in the half light of an early dawn. It was a beautiful morning.

a marathoner

He did it! Despite the IT band issues that plagued his training, he did it. Mike ran the Phoenix Marathon this weekend, and he finished fast and strong. I didn't expect to be so emotional, but there I was at the finish line, crying for him, and for everyone who participated, really. Marathons are intense, and to finish one is such an accomplishment. I am so proud of him.

It's how happy people live.

Mike and I were going to run the big, official Turkey Trot this morning. But then Mike injured his ankle a few weeks ago and our training schedule went out the window. So we ran a less competitive (but SO fun) neighborhood trot together instead. Thanks to Mike, I even shaved a minute from my best time (49:01 today!). The race was bright and early and we were home before it was even time to fry the turkey. While Mike gets his frying station rigged up, I am going to make my mom's sausage stuffing and bake the rolls.

All month long I've been talking about what I am thankful for, and this morning as I was working in the kitchen, all of those things and more washed over me and my heart was full. I have a happy life, and I am so thankful for it.

I saw this video a few days ago and wanted to share it with you. I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving!

for health

This morning I woke up at dawn and ran four miles, alternating sprinting and jogging. Then I met up with the walking group in our neighborhood and walked a brisk loop. After the kids went to school and Mike left for work, I used our new push mower to mow the lawn. These things were not easy. My lungs burned and my legs quickly tired while I was sprinting. Muscles that I haven't used in a while stretched while I walked. And my arms wanted to fall off a little bit while I was mowing a particularly dense patch of our winter grass.

But my body did it. It does all that I ask of it, every single time. Good health, for myself and especially for my family, is something that I am keenly grateful for.

(Now I'm going to go take a nap.)

for runs

I never thought I'd be a runner. When Mike started running a few years ago, I thought he was crazy. But then I could see the difference it made in his health. Elliot was a baby, and I was feeling puffy and so out of shape, so I decided to give it a try. Almost three years later, here I am on my third pair of running shoes, loathe to miss a run. When I started I could barely run a mile. Now I've gone 10. Running is hard, but it feels so good to push myself. Doing it with Mike makes it even better. I am so thankful for our runs together.

weekend plans

We've spent lots of time outside and at the park this week and that makes for happy, healthy kids. Until I snapped this picture yesterday, I had no idea how similar Stella and Elliot looked. Same eyes, same biting of lips. Same noses, too? They've been having so much fun together, it makes me so glad. But what on earth is Elliot going to do when Stella is away at kindergarten next year?

So. . . I haven't finished scraping off my linoleum yet. Blah. I wasn't kidding when I said it was the worst. It is taking me forever and completely ruining my hands. I have high hopes that I'll get it off this weekend, though. And then I am going to bask in the cool smoothness of the concrete for a minute before I start thinking about paint.

Anything fun planned at your house this weekend? I'm sort of hoping for a long run with Mike tonight. And by long I mean no more than five miles. That's about my limit. I'm not sure when running became my "fun", but I guess I'm glad it has.

Have a happy weekend!

for health and strength

I never in a million years thought that I could run. But this 33 year old body of mine just finished it's first race! 6.2 miles of pure misery. Just kidding. Sort of. Oh, it was hard! And so many times I wondered what the heck I was doing. But of course I am glad that I did it. Sometimes it feels good to do hard things, you know? I am thankful for my health. My body is able to do all that I require of it, which is such an incredible blessing, and I am just so grateful.

Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

my running partner

Last summer, Mike and I started running together. Let me tell you something: It is one of the best things we've ever done for ourselves. We've never been very good at having a regular date night, so our runs have become our time together. They are when Mike tells me about work, or when I vent about what's happening with the kids. We talk about our disappointments, our goals, and our dreams. Not only are we in better, faster shape, but we are so much closer, too. Running is really hard, but not with Mike by my side.

I am thankful for our runs, and I hope it's something we keep doing for a long, long time.

just some stuff

We have the late slot at church this year, which means that we make our way home after 4:30. The weather has been just right, so we leave the car with Mike (he always has to stay late) and walk into the lowering sun. Have I mentioned how much I love Arizona in the fall? I do! I love it!

Mike and I took our running shoes with us to Dallas last week. Sometimes I'm not sure I know who we are anymore. We are "training" for the Turkey Trot and didn't want to miss a run while we were out of town. Last night's run was a good one. It was the kind that felt almost effortless and easy and fast. It doesn't happen often, but I love when it does. And good news: my knees don't bother me much at all anymore! I was really worried there for a while.

Are you ready for Halloween? I'm ready to move on to Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to my month of thanksgiving posts. Do you want to play along? Just post something that you are thankful for on your blog (or you can leave a comment on my posts here, if you'd like) everyday for the month of November. You will end the month with a heart full of gratitude, I can promise you that. It is such a good exercise. I hope you will try it!

There was a big storm last night.

But you'd never know it. I'm always surprised when the world's loudest thunder and pouring rain wake me up in the middle of the night, and then in the morning the sky is a clear blue as far as the eye can see. Where did it all go? I love monsoon season. Even though it makes the air sticky, it is such a relief from the usual.

We're having a house full of guests this weekend and we are so excited. Lots of sheet washing and baseboard scrubbing happening around here. I'm even thinking about cleaning out our super scary who-knows-what-infested basement window wells for the occasion.

In other news, Elliot crafts and I have sore knees. Does that make me a real runner?

Mike and I have matching running shoes.

Isn't that cute?

Do you run? I started running in January. I had never been a runner before in my life. But you know what? I love it. I can't believe it, but I really do. I meet my running friends on the corner at 5:00, just as the sun is starting to light up the sky now. It is peaceful and cool and so invigorating. It has been good for my body and good for my soul. I could never do it alone, though. I need my running ladies. I love them. We have some excellent early morning discussions.

Do you want to come with us?