Becca, I'm sorry.

YEARS AGO. I mean years ago. Like at least 3 kids ago, my sister told me about this idea that she wanted to get in on. It was a conversation with both sisters and well the oldest and I, gave the little sister an EXTREMELY hard time. We teased her relentlessly about this "idea", that we were sure was going no where. It was a company called Wall Words. I mean who would stick up words and phrases in vinyl all over their house? I mean dumb idea. Fast forward like ten years and a multi bazillion dollar business in vinyl lettering has boomed all over the place. And guess which sister has vinyl lettering? Yours Truly.

So Bec, I'm sorry. You were right.

And when I shared with you my idea, you know the next bazillion dollar idea, you didn't hesitate, you didn't shutter, you said, Great Idea, and here's how I can help. (Remember, I can only afford 3 minutes).

So, if you're interested in needing logos, or business cards, or web junk, or anything digital, just click on Becca to the right there, and help her out. I owe are at least a bazillion referrals.

Love ya.

Lucy

Hide and Seek.

Sometimes I hide in my own house. When I emerge from my silent abyss, I almost ALWAYS find a mess. And then I'm mad at myself for ignoring the obvious. Quiet. So then I crabbily pick up the mess, only to return to the place of hiding. Why don't I learn to stop this cycle?

P.S. I'm on the verge of emerging. Wish me luck!

Green Drink

This lady in my ward taught me this great recipe to get veggies in your diet. I do it at least 3 times a week. Kinda Good, Kinda Weird.

1 C Milk
1/2 C O.J.
2 LARGE handfuls of Spinach
1 Scoop of Ice

Puree. Drink with a straw.

Enjoy.

Balls and Homework

Grateful for Charlie's love of all balls. She's hilarious with the round object.

Grateful for Laila and her sweet desire. "I do homework, too!" (as she patters away with a pencil and a piece of paper)

Thanks and Giving

(Image from Bakerella)
No, I didn't win that darn dress, but it was oh so cute, don't you think?

Anyway, after chatting it up with my dad last week, he told me I needed to start a grateful journal - or at least a list on the fridge or something.(he must sense I'm a little selfish at times)

But, why not use my blog, I already have, that never use.

So today I give thanks for my Faith. Whenever I'm down, or feeling lost, or feeling yucky, sad, depressed, lonely, confused... etc. I search here, where I know I can always find an answer.

And the Giving part, today - I'll share what I found today. Enjoy.

Wanna help me win this cute dress?

Click this link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=481611262791&set=a.360123487791.188477.56291792791

Scroll down until you see my comment - comment number 62 - And LIKE my comment! I love ya for helpin!

Get Ready, Get Set

Seriously, I am so far behind on this blog, it's sad. And then to think, I will be doing another one! It's TRUE! I'm hoping to post six days a week, and it's all about my journey to running a marathon. Included will be the honest truth of icing feet, stepping on the scale, running hills, and fartleks... Not to mention, the fundraising I'm doing for RAINN. So go ahead, I know what you're thinking, I can't see her successfully do a blog about nothing, let alone something specific... It's true, I tend to start and not finish... But at least I got off the couch! :) Stay Tuned, it's coming soon, October 1st, to be exact. So Grab Your Shoes, Ipod, and Vasoline (I'll explain later) and let's do a run together!

Decluttering, life is good!

Fun Projects:

Armoire - TOTAL disaster - Cleaned, sorted, organized. Lovin it!

Book Shelf - Collection of junk thrown together - Emptied, Dusted, Style added!

Kitchen Shelf - Seriously overrun with appliances, books, and an easy place to put things out of reach - Tossed the junk, reorganized the shelf, looks great!

I love the feeling of tackling the HOT SPOTS in the house - It's almost like I'm nesting... is this like preparation for back to school? Either way, I'll take it!

One Step Closer.

I've been on a journey this year. I entered into a valley - a yucky lonely place. And slowly together with my rockin' husband holding my hand, have been climbing out. (sometimes I feel like I'm wearing a boot in this climb) But I found this article accidentally (yeah right) and really loved it.

And today, I got rid of some baggage. I was holding on to a few little things, reminders of this old me. I didn't want to fully let go. I just wanted to hang on to a little piece of the past. You know like 'just a little'... When I realized, that wasn't me, and I let it go. I tossed it happily in the trash, and did a fist pump in the air, with a HUGE smile on my face, and I could feel myself, climb one step higher.

You know, I'm not the only one having a hard time letting go of this 'one thing' you know you need to change about yourself. Why do we let it drag on? I don't have the answers, except to take it one step at a time. Hopefully, I can inspire you to toss some old part of you in the trash, that is holding you back from even greater blessings. Get going. Those blessings are waiting for you, from a loving Father in Heaven.

Looks like a good read.

Tids and Bits

I volunteered to be the PTO President at the kids school. Yes I did. I must have been under the influence. Ha! No, I'm really excited, it's going to be F.U.N.

I only have a week left in the boot.

Charlotte and Laila are hysterical together. Except for the times when they discover body butter, popcorn, or shampoo.

Hallie and Colson are a nightmare together. Fighting ALL the time! Please help.

Made some great new friends in the ward at church, so nice!

Josh and I are doing better than ever.

I'm reading the Book of Mormon again, but this time super quick with a specific topic in mind. It's changing my life. Seriously.

That's it for now!

Pictures to come soon!

Summer Vacation

Instead of going on vacation, we're here, at home. enjoying things like our play set, our gym membership, local events, and friends close by.

My summers usually consist of trips to the orchard, or zoo, or water park, or even a trek home to Indiana. But this year, we haven't done those things. We've spent time at home.

We've worked on our house: painted shudders, doors, the basement, replaced the damaged carpet, spread mulch (26 Cubic feet of mulch to be exact), painted an accent wall in the living room (RED of course), hung pictures, replaced hardware, finished the bathroom project.

We've also worked on our marriage. Talking, time together, dating, not to mention all the previous projects we've worked on together, and instead of watching TV at night, we've gone back to the beginning when we didn't have TV and read in bed at night. Our marriage has never been typical, and never on the top of our priority list, finances, kids, jobs, and moves took up a lot of our time. For the first time, we are making it a priority. Things have changed. We've changed. It's kind of crazy to see where we have come all of these years. We both were so unsure and yet attempted to navigate ourselves through this life of ours. It's been an incredible journey, of ups, downs, joys, sorrows, laughs and tears.

Sometimes I wonder why I write about the things I write about. Why do I sometimes share TOO much? I think because we are on this journey together. I don't have my life together, and I'm d*mn sure you don't either. So as I continue to "Find" joy in my journey, sometimes it gets a little ugly before it's pretty. It's not always rainbows and lollipops - that's for you Collette!

However, I know one thing for sure. Never would I amount to anything if I didn't know what I know. I know there is a purpose in this life. I know there is a Savior. I know that some things don't make sense, some trials seem too difficult to bear, that our hearts ache for peace. How do we ever make it through?

We have to TRUST the purpose. Have faith that His plan is better than our plan. We must forgive. We have to let go. We have to "give more than we get". (Michael Buble ;)) We have to serve, love, and press on.

Changing our hearts isn't easy. In fact, its down right impossible on your own. But I believe in miracles. I hope you do, too.

Happy Summer.

A new hobby.

Thanks to this:


I've been doing this:

My dad told me so.

Earlier in the day on the 4th, I called my dad to wish him a Happy Birthday. I enjoyed a fun chat, usually we celebrate back home in Indiana, but not this year.

I decide to throw my own party instead of the traditional trip home. I bought candles, fireworks, glow bracelets, bottled beverages, stuff for s'mores, and the list goes on.

Activities for the party included sidewalk chalk, croquet, a new playset, and a bonfire. I know it's hot, but really, I had a pile of crap I was tired of looking at, from the snow storms this year. Josh and I have seriously had no fewer than 5 bonfires. We do it regularly. NEVER, have we had a problem. EVER.

UNTIL we had twenty witnesses.

Back up to the phone conversation, I told my dad all about the party, including the bonfire. He says to me and I quote: "You need to have not one, BUT THREE, buckets of water, you know, just in case." "ok, dad". We only did ONE.

Imagine now, dry grass, huge fire... now to grown adults using buckets, coolers, lids, etc. to get this fire put out. Seriously, TOTAL mayhem. Thanks to some people with quick thinking we were able to put it out without any major damage.

But the lesson learned?

Dad ALWAYS knows best.

and P.S. Heath parties are always rockin'. Sorry you missed it.

Number Three Turns Three - Happy Birthday Laila!

Today's the day! She arrived in a hurry, I went to the hospital at 6pm she came at 9:30pm... My only entirely drug free birth, I guess I had a tylenol for a headache...

Her name came from Laila Ali - who was on Dancing with the Stars the season before she was born. I thought for sure she was a boy, my biggest surprise!

And Laila has definitely thrown us for a loop! She's the kid we have tried hard to figure out. We still have no idea what's going on with that girl. But she's so fun, and lovable, and beautiful. She has a way with showing love to EVERYONE. Sometimes I wish I could help her more, and wonder if I'm doing enough... but somehow we muddle through.

Laila, today is your day!

Happy Birthday!

An awakening.

Joy in my Journey today:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ
My Main Squeeze
My Posterity
A Body that can Move

WHERE IS MY DARN CAMERA CHARGER??

Pictures to come one day...

Our 3rd Home.

Finally, one we don't have to mortgage.

Good Things to Come

Good Things to Come

Running Now because I Couldn't Then.

As a few of you know, I am a Survivor.

And One in Six women are.

I once had a counselor that said Victims of Abuse often choose running as a way to heal. They choose it because it was something they wish they could have done, but couldn't. There are many reasons why I picked up the habit, but I'm sure this is one of them.

Anyway, I did some research and found a perfect organization, RAINN.

My Goal: $2620 - $100 dollars per mile.

Please Help by Going Here.

Also, I would like to dedicate each mile of my marathon, to a survivor. If you, or someone you know, were a victim, I'd love to run for you. Send me an email, let me know. The only person that will know is me. I want to think about that person during their mile.

* Update * 2 Miles Reserved *

Thanks a million times over for your help with this, please spread the word, any amount will help.

With Love,

Lucy

Hotel Booked

It's even more official... I booked the hotel for my Marine Corps Marathon.

I also did my two minute time trial in the rain at 6:00 a.m.

There was some debate, my time was 16:16 or 16:17 FOR TWO MILES.

Freaking Awesome.

Marathon Training Day 1

Three cheers for my "Running Coach". He's a volunteer, you could say... Not getting paid, I think I might be his 'experiment'. He really believes in me. Something that might just come in handy on mile 24. Just a hunch. But he's set a plan for me... a really thorough plan. So I plugged away at my 3 mile tempo run today, and I felt entirely out of shape?!? But it still felt great!

I'm sorry if you're not a fan of running. I think my blog has shifted to this focus, because hey, it's my focus these days! I will try to post pictures of my kiddos as soon as possible. It seems that's all anybody really wants to see!

Hopefully, I will pop in a little more frequently, but you never know, summer is just around the corner...

Half-Way There.

So I didn't win. I did finish. I felt awesome (other than absolutely needing a bathroom...). Had to take two detours, easily lost 15 minutes off my time. But I RAN all 13.1 miles.

I even overslept and ALMOST skipped the race, but I got up, flew out the door, and made it with ten minutes to spare. I'm so up for the Marathon. The crazy thing is, I'm thinking about some wild time goals... I have to figure out what exactly I'm up for...

Anyway, another medal added to my growing collection! (finisher medal of course)

One of those weird days.

Early Early this morning I got a text from Josh telling me he was headed to bed, but made it out of Afghanistan, into Kuwait. He's beginning his trek home, and I see a break in my future... Good news, right?

My sweet visiting teacher invited me for lunch today. I showed up along with several ladies and realized she was hosting a luncheon... Good news, right?

Came home the weather looked great, decided my VERY LONG grass needed mowed. Used whatever gas I had left, oops in went the oil/gas mix... Not good news, right?

Lawnmower started up, seemed to be fine, hit a root of a tree, and the blade went all wonkie on me... Not good news, right?

Finally planted the tomato plants I've had for a week... Good news, right?

Hallie and Laila were watching a cake decorating show, when Hallie told me it smelled like smoke, o.k., ignored her. Hallie came to get me again, it really smells like smoke, mom. Ok, fine go check, and it stinks like burning plastic, with a ton of smoke... Not good news, right?

Apparently she had turned on the heater and it was too close to the couch, you can figure out what happened there...

Some days are not great, other days awesome, and then there are those days, where you are all over the place... Today was an all over the place kind of day.

Lucky 13.

I'm hoping that my 3rd root canal, on the same tooth, will be my last. Fun day for me.

Dinner and An outdoor adventure...

A SUPER EASY recipe for a yummy dinner to go: Asparagus Gruyere Tart

And after an entire afternoon of shoveling mulch, I'm off with the kids to a 'new' park to play.

Have a great Monday!

This thing we call life.

Finding Joy Today:

1. My super amazing gym. I enjoyed my first run since the race, I took it easy, my calf muscles are still pissed, but it felt great to get moving. 3 miles is easy.

2. Adventure Central. A day for Hallie to play, use the computer, learn to cook, play outside, just enjoy a day of her spring break!

3. Photography. I taught a class last minute for the young women, and I think it went well! I looked up some old photographs, isn't it great to document our lives through pictures?

4. Sisters. I can count on my sisters anytime. (except for when they are together shopping at Aldi's, WITHOUT ME...)

5. Beautiful Days. I can't seem to get outside enough, these days. Even in the heat, I love being outside. I'm anxiously awaiting Josh to come home so that I can enjoy several runs outside... in preparation for my newest adventure.

6. Marine Corps Marathon. I absolutely love setting goals and achieving them. I dated this guy who told me I could never run the Indianapolis Half Marathon. I hated his arrogance. I ran a half about five years ago, just fine, so there! And now, for me, a goal I've wanted to accomplish for years is on the Horizon. I'm looking forward to having this focus.

And for kicks, I am not thankful for stinky gym guy sitting next to me while I blog.

Enjoy your day!

77 Degrees

I'm outta here.

Top Ten Joys On a Random Wednesday

1. This Book. It includes dirty little secrets from anonymous moms. Like "I do my son's homework just so we can get it out of the way faster. I just grab the pencil and he looks at me like I'm crazy."

2. Beautiful Weather. It was so pretty outside when I was playing with the kids. Never mind the scent radiating from Laila as she ran around...

3. Service from the Relief Society.

4. All day kindergarten. (there's my dirty little secret)

5. Messy kid faces. I'm horrible at keeping my kids faces clean. It can be kind of gross. But today, looking at Miss Laila roaring at me outside with her VERY messy face. I loved it so much I kissed it.

6. Sign Language. Without it, Life with Laila would be even tougher. She signed mama while saying it a few days ago... while looking at my blog with me. That was a long time to wait for her to say mama.

7. This Recipe. I haven't been feeling good today, but this dinner was so yummy.



8. Time alone. I like to pray alone, think alone, be alone. And yet I hate being lonely.

9. Sisters. I have the best sistahs ever. Today we were both miserable, or should I say irritable, everything was irritating. Then all of a sudden I said what the hell, Becca, the only reason I talk to you is to laugh, I haven't laughed the entire time. I told her i was irritated with her irritability. We just laughed, and totally changed our attitudes.



10. Love Letters. One of my best night outs involved a steamed milk, a cozy chair, and this great book. Looking forward to another night out. One day.

From the Archives

Paying it Forward (September 14, 2007)

The Wal-Mart. The Grocery. The kids. Yikes, never a positive experience. I dread going to the grocery for many reasons, in particular it's always a lot of money, the kids aren't always on their best behavior, it's mundane. I don't know. Just in general not fun. So today I embarked on the dreaded experience and with a list and coupons in tow, I set forth to just get it done. I went through the process and collected my items one by one, it took awhile but I did it. I went to check out, and the lines were long and to be honest I am on WIC - and it's quite embarassing and I hate taking up people's time, I went to write a check(a familiar commercial come to mind?) so I was just taking awhile and there was this nice gentlemen (maybe late 30's) behind me, patiently waiting, and I kept thinking he must be so annoyed with me. When he said "go ahead and put my things on the bill". I was confused, I said "Pardon me?". He said, "I'd like to take care of this for you today." In my mind I wasn't comprehending what he was saying. He said "I'd like to take care of this for you today, I do one good deed everyday, and today you get to be the lucky person." I MEAN WHAT?? I told him "Sir, I can't let you do this it's going to be $100 bucks!" He said "It's o.k. I've been blessed in my life financially I'd like to do this for you." In my mind I thought I can't even accept this, but in my heart something was saying let this man do this for you. So I said "I don't even know what to say, as tears welled up in my eyes, I said thank you so much, you don't even know, my husband is deployed, this is so generous". It was just a special moment for the two of us standing there in the Wal-Mart. Afterward my friend came up to me, and I said "this gentlemen just paid for my groceries". I went to put my groceries in my cart as tears were rolling down my face. My friend went back and asked him about his good deeds, and he explained his son died in February and in his honor he does a good deed for someone every day. What a legacy! It was such a touching moment, a moment I won't ever forget. Generousity for a complete stranger, and through his grief, I believe many people are being touched by this. So today, I ask "Pay it Forward", do a good deed for someone, someone you DON'T KNOW. I wish I had gotten his name or shook his hand, or something I was a mess, I couldn't even think. What I am going to do is send a letter to the editor of our local paper, I just couldn't believe it. I had to share this amazing story with you. No longer will grocery shopping be a mundane chore, I can think of September 14, 2007 and the sweet man who made a sacrifice for me. I, too, will pay it forward. Hope you have a surprising day, too! :)


Those of you that have been following the blog might remember this story.

Finally, after 2 1/2 years I had the opportunity this evening to return the favor.

It felt awesome.

Laila

Well Laila is the 4th and final entry in my recent kid updates. She tends to get a lot of blog time because of all that goes on with her. She recently had a speech and language evaluation and she tested very well cognitively, and on receptive language. Her oral expressive language is almost 2 years behind where she should be. Which is a little painful to hear as a mom. However, the sign language has proved to be quite critical in her communication. I have a hard time with her constant whimperings for things, but we love her still the same. She should begin speech therapy at Colson and Hallie's school, I'm not sure when that will begin, but hopefully it will be good for her, I suppose it couldn't hurt.

She is such a friendly girl and insists on waving to people until they wave back. Meaning we eventually get waved at or smiled at from even the grumpiest looking people. She makes everyone feel loved and is very playful. She causes us the most worry, but has such a fun personality that we just love. My sweet Laila, I can't believe how quickly time is flying by.

While the boys are away the girls will play.

I took Hallie to get her ears pierced... and she was so brave. She had to be talked into the 2nd earring, but she definitely didn't want to look silly, so she managed.

I wish you could see the picture better, she was so excited!

I would like to say she's more vigilant about cleaning her ears than her teeth. Why is that?

And since I'm on a roll...

I have told you the drama with the top and the bottom kid, why not move on to the middle two...

Today will be Hallie. Hallie is a believer. She still believes I have eyes in the back of my head. Seriously.

She also believes that Leprechauns invaded her Kindergarten classroom yesterday. Evidence being part of the ceiling missing, an upside down table, and the treasure box missing.

She is also a fashion goddess. Yesterday in TJMaxx the girl says: "Mom, I have got to have this." In her teenage voice while all the ladies around me look at her... She is going to be one seriously intense teenager.

Hallie is tough. She is not an overly bubbly personality. She's a little pessimistic, and a little snotty. I wish I knew where she got that. It's so painful to see your worst qualities blatant and in abundance in your children. Sigh.

However, you catch her in the right mood, and she can be incredibly thoughtful, helpful, and concerned. She prays for Colson every day that he will be comfortable. I love that.

Other than this the main problems she has is leaving her make up out, which is regularly found by Laila.

A mother always knows.

I didn't know what was wrong, but I knew it was something. That Dr. yesterday made me so mad. It took all that I had not to wring her little neck. She wasn't listening. I tried to tell her, this wasn't my daughter, something was wrong. I told her I had 4 children, and never had I seen this. She let me go, with a coupon for over the counter probiotics (for the runs), and wished me luck, that she's sorry she couldn't do anything for her. I wasn't able to hide my irritation. She called later with a prescription for diaper rash ointment.

I had hoped for a better night, armed and ready for an early bedtime. After 45 minutes of sleep, Charlie was up, for the night. She fell asleep for about an hour from 3 - 4 a.m. But by 5 a.m. I called the neighbor and said I had to take her to the E.R. So in about 55 hours I had only had about 5 hours of sleep.

Arriving to the E.R. Charlie was completely normal. She wasn't screaming just looking around. I explained to the doctor what had been going on. Some young guy, who took the time to LISTEN. After awhile, Charlie came through for me with one of her episodes of screaming and thrashing. He said it was definitely not normal behavior for a 13 month old. And was on a mission to find out what was wrong.

She had an x-ray that indicated a possible appendix issue, and so they ordered an ultrasound. Here is where I knew something was up. They spent a lot of time on the ultrasound, and called in a series of doctors... 3 of them. I said they were making me nervous, and gave me a little chuckle, and didn't say anything. Making me more nervous! After awhile they diagnosed her with a blocked up bottom(a pretty bad one). Ironically NOT the runs like the Dr. yesterday, had thought. Thankfully, with some work, we can treat the problem in time. Avoiding a larger disaster... Can I just say a mother always knows. No, I'm not an all knowing doctor. I'm better than that, I'm an all knowing mother. Sigh.

What a day. I got some sleep this afternoon, and am typing this from my front porch, enjoying the most gorgeous afternoon. Looking forward to one awesome run this Saturday. I only have 2 weeks until my 10 miler, and seven weeks for my half-marathon. Do you think I could avoid any more emergencies? Let's keep our fingers crossed...

Charlie

I'm heading to bed, but wanted to post about my sweet little Charlie. She has had a rough couple days so not feeling well, and last night was up until 2:30 a.m. screaming, crying, couldn't console her. It was awful! Didn't know what to do. But morning comes, as it always does for us moms, and I did manage to get Hallie off to school on time. However, she still didn't seem to be doing any better so I finally took her in to the Doctor, with a fever of 103, she was so sick. The Dr. did nothing, prescribed nothing. I wanted to scream, HELP ME!! How do I take care of these babies on 3.5 hours of sleep?? So irritating!

Anyway, I'm hoping Charlie and I can sleep, we both need it desparately! Even sick, she is so precious to me... my baby, baby. Wish us luck.

Sometimes the right thing is the hard thing.

As a mother we regularly make decisions. What's for dinner, when is it time for new shoes, FHE or early bedtime? It's exhausting being the decision maker.

Sometimes the decisions are easy. But, other times, decisions are tough, even when you know they are the right ones.

This weekend I sent my baby boy off to Nana's house. She just happens to be a 3rd grade teacher back in Indiana. (Cherri if you're reading this don't tell dad! Colson wants to surprise him this weekend) Colson is my only boy, he's the oldest, and the only one to suffer through all of the long deployments. This one has been the toughest on the family, as so many of you have figured out by my craziness. However, when Josh presented me with the idea of Colson finishing the school year in Nana's class, I thought he had gone crazy, too.

With a lot of thought, and discussion, we left the decision up to Colson. He chose Nana. Although it was excruciating to let my son go, I know it really will be a great opportunity for all of us. He sure could use the extra attention, and especially a break from a mom that hasn't been herself.

So today is Colson's first day of school with Nana as his teacher. I can't stop thinking about him!

Colson hope it goes well! We love you and miss you, (even Hallie, who's moping around everywhere, but won't admit it's because her brubba isn't home).

Remember, the frogs you catch out in the yard do NOT go in the teacher's desk!!

My Blog: Renovated.

Thanks to my awesome sister, and her graphic design talents, I have a great new header!

Sometimes you just need a change. I needed a change!

We tried to get owl(bec and I's inside joke) poop to drip down the sign, I thought that would be more accurate to the 'joys' in my journey, but nevertheless, an optimistic outlook never hurt anyone!

Over the next few days I'm hoping to change things up a bit, freshen up, and make your visit more pleasant!

Cheers!

Before there was THIS TALK my blog was about 'finding' the joy. Some days I have to look hard, other days not at all. But thought I would share a better version of the idea with you.

Easter Pictures

Say what? It's not Easter yet, Lucy, you crazy woman! Colson won't be with us for Easter, and I had ordered the cutest little dresses and tie, so I wanted to take a picture! But you know me, and photos of the kids... usually total mayhem.

The kids didn't disappoint. Still mayhem. However, cute mayhem.






And then we lost Laila:

From Wolf to Bear

Somehow Colson was able to finish all of his wolf requirements along with 5 arrows in time for his birthday... I still feel like I'm speaking a foreign language with all this scouts stuff. But he loves it! We have such a great program in this area, and one of the reasons we bought a house in this ward! We really liked some locations in the other ward, but after seeing the youth in this ward, we knew this was where we wanted our kids to be!

Great Job Colson!

P.S. I'm getting so OLD!! Colson was measured at the doctor this week. 4' 7". He's about as big as his Aunt Suzanne. And less than a foot from being taller than his mother. Seriously, I'm freaking out...

Guess who finally found the cord for the camera?

You'll never guess where I found it... in the camera box. So weird.

I will start the update with Colson and Hallie's birthday party at the local gym/playground. I paid for convenience in a BIG way. SO nice, plus the kids had a great time. Every single parent left. I seriously thought someone would stay!! Nope. I had 15 kids total... that's a lot to keep track of! Anyway, they had fun, cake, and pizza. We brought the presents home for them to open here, and Josh was bummed all morning. I think he's a little tired of missing everything. And to be honest, I'm a little tired of doing it all!

I'm thinking Spring.

Finally, a warm day, the kids and I went for a hike, we felt great, and enjoyed the warmth... Hope it's getting to be spring where you are!

Why I love running: Trail Run Edition

Remember why I love running?

Well here's why running a trail makes me feel good.

1. It's never the same run twice. Ever. Nature has its way of changing things up on you... weather, ground, temperature, seasons, always different. I've been running on a treadmill, where everything is ALWAYS the same, it was a great run.

2. Electronics are optional. I can listen to music if I want, but don't have to. I don't even need electricity to run... Today was an electronic free run.

3. Running a trail is a different kind of challenge: crossing streams, (seriously with a cord strung above to hang on to as I climbed across the rocks), climbing fallen trees (thanks to the recent snow there were quite a few of these), dodging rocks and roots, hills, valleys, meadows, all on the run today. It was a hard run, it had been a week, but felt awesome. I have the worst ankles, so I'm always nervous I will bite the dust, its a matter of when not if... but today it was a clean smooth run.

4. Alone with my thoughts, I didn't see a single person on my run today. At the gym, I'm surrounded by people. But today, I was alone. I thought about so many things, cleared my head, and found joy in being alone today.

5. Scars from trail running are cool. I have a great one on my knee for my tumble down Pike's Peak. Today, I scored a few lacerations across my leg, thanks to some wayward thorny vines. Through my pants!! Nicely done. Blood is much more common on the trails.

6. Trail running requires different shoes. I love shoes. ;)

So there you have it. If you listened to me last time and picked up your dusty running shoes, now is your chance to change it up, hit a trail... don't hike it. Run it.

Happy Trails!

Pucker Up.

Dear Mr. Drew.

I know you mean well. I know you are trying to help. But I'm sore only hours after meeting with you. With a huge smile on your face you say things like, "and if that's too easy, let's try this...".

Tomorrow is my kids birthday party. I'm going to have 15 kids running around me, and I'm not going to be able to move. Thanks so much. I owe you one.

I suppose it's for the best.

Thanks,

Your sore, pansy client.

What brings me Joy today.

1. Bath Bombs.

2. Colson's incessant passion for legos, knights, and life. What a kid! He so deserves a better mom.

3. Hallie's Homework, a worksheet for the 100th day of school that required her to fill in the blank:

I wish I had 100 _______________ (magic wands).
I never would want 100 _________________ (brothers).

4. Laila signing friend.

5. Charlotte signing come here.

6. Running, I miss it already.

7. Scriptures.

8. Instant Messaging on my phone, it makes talking to Josh so much easier.

Josh Does Love Me.

I had totally forgotten about Lush. We fell in love with their homemade, naturally, super fizzy bath bombs, and other fun stuff, a couple years ago. They are kind of pricey.

But for the V-day. You know where you celebrate L.O.V.E.? He sent me such a fun kit from a place I Love, but had forgotten about. Thanks Bunches. (I won't mention that it arrived over a week after the holiday)

I can't help but share, It would make "Lucy's Favorite Things" list every year.

I made a new friend.

I L.O.V.E. making new friends.

I think because I lack a mothering mother, Heavenly Father has blessed me with some amazing friends. Friends that I've prayed, cried, laughed, cursed with, you know who you are, pray tell, have I been a good friend to you?!?

For some reason, probably lots of them, I haven't been entirely myself here in C-ville. So I took some good counsel and have started reaching out. Sigh. Tough when I'm a single mom to four kids. I mean who would want to have me over???

So for two weeks running, I've had some families over for dinner. What fun! Both evenings were a great success. But one, in particular, seemed almost an answer to a prayer. I think she needed me and I needed her. Today, I saw that she had made it to the gym, and on the sign in sheet, made a HUGE deal about her making it. It's dang hard as a mom to make it! When I left, there was a cute little note that said "You Rock" next to where I signed in my kids. I've been having a hard time, feeling a little alone, and so that little note, made my day.

Maybe this advice would help you: Reach out.

You could bless others, and they could bless you.

Sunday Mornings.

An extra pair of hands would be so nice.

4 kids dressed.

4 kids fed (twice)

1 mom dressed and fed.

2 girls hair done.

10 shoes to find and put on.

Scriptures, talks, lessons, diapers, snacks collected.

1 husband to chat with on the phone.

Yeah, well good thing church starts after Noon.

Adios, I got more to do.

TWO Hot Dates in one weekend.

Last night our church had a live band perform, it was SO FUN!! The kids had a great time playing and dancing. Colson would NOT dance with me, he was still a cute date. It felt good to be moving, not to mention have something to do on a Friday night. And Charlie was the best dancing partner.

The 2nd Hot Date -

My Treadmill. Me and that guy have become VERY close. Today its 7 miles. Wish me luck. He better be good to me. I'm going to finally take the time to make a running playlist, that should help.

ALSO, I have committed to run the Marine Corps Marathon. (Thanks, Jared) Really.

I have a 10-miler on April 3rd, and a Half (a hilly one, eeks!) on May 1st. Wowsers. What have I gotten myself into??

Anyway, I better get going. Big Plans for the Saturday.

Come Home.

I found myself a new favorite song. Come Home by OneRepublic.

Josh and I have been going through a rough time. Mostly induced by my selfishness, and it has been a hard few months. I am grateful for this struggle and what I've experienced and learned along the way. I regret the hurt and turmoil I've put my family through, but I wouldn't change anything.

I needed to learn these lessons. I needed to learn that I need to put my family above what I want. I needed to learn that marriage is about commitment, and I made some serious covenants. I needed to learn that life without Josh isn't all that pleasant.

I needed to learn some new ways to love.

Perhaps, I'm sharing too much. Josh, forgive me! But if you know me, I hate the idea of putting on a happy face and pretending life is good. I'm a real person with real problems. I'm so not perfect. I've made some mistakes, but don't you think this life is about what we're made of? What kind of person am I? Well, I'm working on being a better one.

The song I mentioned earlier is for Josh. I've missed you, Come Home.

Happy Happy Birthday Lindsay Dear...

Seriously, one of the greatest women I know. She is classy, sweet, pleasant, patient, tenderhearted, spiritual, forgiving, thoughtful, organized, and downright the best friend a girl could ask for.

Lindsay and I have known each other for years, and we became friends when we were made visiting teaching companions six years ago. We've been there for each other on some of our most dark and difficult days, but also some of the most joyous.

I SO WISH I was with you to celebrate today with you! Steve better take care of you!

Have a Happy Birthday!

Love you like a sister!

Lucy

6 years in the making.

For six years, on the same weekend, there's a group of women that get together and all have one thing in common: a duty station.

We spent the weekend chatting, eating, dancing, (I even managed to get a trail run in), watching football (Go COLTS), crafting, playing games, beautifying, and just catching up on our lives from the past year.

Did I mention we got hit on at the 'local' (and I mean local) bar??? But who couldn't resist a gorgeous group of 10 women?

The women came from Washington, Utah, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, even HUNGARY... it is a weekend that can't be missed.

This is the first year that we took the time to start the documentation of previous years, where we have been, who was there, and the stuff that happened each year. One day someone will take these notes and turn it into a fictional novel that will make us rich and famous. One day.

I couldn't stop smiling. What a weekend. Grateful for good friends, and definitely missed some of you regulars! Until Next Year!

Kitchen Dreaming

My kitchen is awful. I mean awful.

I hate the counters, cabinets, oven, floors, everything!

I miss my old (but small) kitchen, nice new fresh... So, to keep myself busy, I've taken it upon myself to start researching my kitchen dreams.

If you could do something different in your kitchen what would it be? I want those fun ideas... Please share!