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.

Festival of Trees 2013

Once again I helped Carina with a tree this years festival of trees. She did it for a woman in her wards mom who is suffering from cancer. I met her on decorating day but don't know much more about her. I really just helped this year to help Carina. Unfortunately we had Drew take pictures of us decorating so they didn't turn out very good. I've got one with the finished tree that will suffice. It's fun and stressful all at the same time, but well worth it for the children. 

First things first

This week was filled with a lot of firsts that are worthy enough to mention. 

My adorably sweet baby, Faith, slept through the night. She is 8 weeks tomorrow. She is such a rock star baby. 

Josh is at the stage where he just wants to drink all the time. This week he decided that he loves chocolate milk. I had to invest in some Hershey's syrup in order to make him happy. This is noteworthy because none of my other kids drank milk of the chocolate persuasion. 

Seth is having a hard time lately laying off the video games. It has required some adult intervention. I am creating a mandatory cooking class for him. So far, every Tuesday because that's what day it is today. We made Dutch soft pretzels. I thought I'd have to drag him kicking and screaming into the kitchen, but after he finished his level he came willingly. See the issue we have here?

Folding the pretzel shapes

Brushing with egg

Eating the finished product! Yummy!

Adam took on the task of mowing the lawn. He's only 8, and it seemed like a very hard job for him, but he did well.

He even found time to be funny. That's just his style:)

Noah has always struggled with reading. He can do it, and he's really quite good at it, but unfortunately he follows after the likes of his mother and doesn't enjoy it very much. He finally found a book that he enjoys, and has consistently been reading every day without having to pull any hair out or bribing or reading to him. Hopefully when he's finished it, not if, we can find another one he can enjoy.

Me, I've started running again. I can only stand to be the chubby wife for so long before I have to take action. Everyone says I've got a good excuse with the baby and all, but why would I use it? I'd rather lose it.

(Sorry no photo available)

Then there is Ben. You better ask him. He's not around enough for me to know if he's tried something new this week.

39+ weeks- only days to go

I am always on the picture taking side of all family trips, events, and life experiences. I think I have only a handful of pictures of myself in our family albums. There are a few more of me in a group setting, but not so many solo pictures. I have begged and pleaded with my family and friends to take pictures of me while I was pregnant. Because I feel that a flip screen shot off the mirror on my iphone didn't do it justice. 

Like this...

However, I never followed through with anyone and here I sit on the verge of delivery with no photos to document yet another pregnancy. Sigh. I did get Ben to take a couple on Sunday so here I am at 39 weeks and 2 days waiting to meet the new little one. We are all so excited to meet baby girl Horsley. (That is if she's really a girl)

I don't even know if its in focus...nice job Ben!

This ones upside down. Yet another fine job by my wonderful husband!

Was it worth it? I sure hope so. I hope u get a good laugh like I did.

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 Voice Baby, The Voice

I am a bit of a weirdo but I absolutely LOVE realtiy shows. My latest addiction is the Voice. Over the years I have predicted with great accuracy the winners of many reality shows. So accuratly that Ben says, "if I were a bettin' man I would bet on your predictions." So, just for fun I am going to predict who I think will take it all on "The Voice". I will follow my predicted contestant through the journey of the show and we will see how I/they do. Hopefully in the end coming up a winner. Here is the link to his audition clip for my guy, Javier. He is amazing and I think he will take it all.

http://youtu.be/tTUvxHf9g3U

Shout out to my peeps!

This week has gone by very slowly. It has been a long, and sometimes tough road physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I just want to say thanks to all my friends and family who called, stopped by, brought me food, gave me pills, offered future assistance, let me clean their house, took my baby, took me to the surgeon, said a prayer, thought about, or any and all of the above this week. I feel very blessed today that 1) the week is over, and 2) I have so many people who care about me. Thanks and here's to next week.