OOOOUUCH!!! But we did it!!!

After two and a half years of running almost daily (never on Sunday of course and only on Saturdays when training for an event demanded it), I FINALLY fullfilled my goal of running a half marathon.

My good good good friend Nikki, signed up for Top of Utah and talked me into it. It was really challenging, especially with my kids' summer. After some insane moments and positive peer pressure I did it. Thanks Nikki, David, my kids and many others of you, without your help it would not have happen.

The best part of this race is that I NEVER HAVE TO DO ANOTHER HALF MARATHON AGAIN, if I don't want to. I can check this goal off my list.

The picture up and to the left is my sprint to the finish line. As I was running as fast as I could to the finish line, I heard a man say, "WOW!" That was the coolest and most gratifying thing I heard from all the spectators except my family of course.
This is Nikki and me after our race. Was that ever a sweet moment. So glad I did it and even gladder (OK so it may not be a word, I'm using it!) that it is over.

OOH, where is my Ben Gay?

You may have noticed that lately I have been a LOSER blogger. I have felt overwhelmed of late and have had to give up something. Since blogging is something that occupies much of my time and is more of a luxury than most things in my life; it has been blogging that is being given up.

I am sorry to all my beautiful and wonderful blogging family and friends. I hope to come around here and there but for now it is more missed than hit. Know that I think of you and hope life is truly grand for you.

A Peek Into Our Week!

Wow, what a concert and it was free! We are blessed.

My kids say that we worked them to the bones and here is the evidence!!! If only they knew how easy they have it.

LAGOON FUN!!!

Pierce is reading to Ross. Love this face!!! You may not see how Ross is resting his head on Pierce's shoulder and Pierce is letting him.

Ross is learning to ride his bike!

And he is off!!!!

I love the awe on Ross's face!

A Sunday Thought

This week as we were reading in Alma, we read when Alma talks to Corianton his son. These are beautiful passages of scriptures. They discuss the Lord's Plan of Salvation, the atonement, the resurrection and then some. What a comfort it is that the Lord has provided a way home for us. A means that we can find peace in this life. I am overwhelmed by his generosity to me.

We had many discussions through out these passages. One was of the forbidden fruit and the Tree of life. I had one child that thought some of the actions done at this time was foolish. David asked if this was building faith and this child was quickly humbled.

I, then said that God's ways are not our ways. His knowledge and understanding is beyond ours. That we can not even begin to understand what he knows. That we must learn to trust Him and have faith in Him. That everything he does is for our good and although it does not make sense to us or seem logical that we can know it is for the best.

There was such a sweet spirit there and it reminded me of who really is in charge. I feel that my trial are lighter just knowing who God is, what He does for me and that He loves me. One of my favorite quotes is something President Benson said,

"Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar His face is ..."

My love for my Heavenly Father has soared over the pass few years. To know that He is the greatest and most powerful being in the universe and yet He wants me to pray to Him is almost more than I can comprehend.

There really are no words that can express my deep feelings for Him. I love and cherish Him and am eternally grateful to Him. This will have to suffice.

Here he is!

Here is my newest nephew Grayson! Jenn is here with me and she is another faithful blogger. Her link is here on the side.

Too bad I am not near as cute as Grayson!!!

PS Do you see my 12 year old all over that baby? He is a baby whisperer! He loves loves loves them and they love him. His future woman-face is one lucky lady!

Something Funny!

My 12 year old just read the title of my blog "Desperately Resisting Chocolate." This is his comment, "You are not doing too great with that mom!"

Thanks Bryce! Way to make me come out of fantasy land!!!

Snyder Time

The Snyders are some of our very best friends from when we lived in Spokane. It so happen that in the same summer '05, they moved to Logan we also moved to Boise. Now that we live in Utah we go very regularly (maybe too regularly for them:)) to visit them.

They are the perfect family for our family. The kids are all best friends, Nikki and I are best of friends, and even Todd and David are great pals.

This last week, since David was off to some foreign land, we decided we NEEDED to see our pals. It is always good for our souls to see them and we come home better and stronger people.

Here are just a few photos of some of the fun we had with them. Thanks Snyder Family for welcoming us into your home and life!