Busy Monday

The day started out with our son John, also affectionately called Booba, had his two year old well baby checkup. He is fit as a fiddle and progressing right on track. It is hard to believe that two years ago he was born prematurely and had to spend the first two weeks of his life in the NICU at LDS Hospital. He is a joy in our family and just tonight Meg said, "Mom, I'm glad you had him because he is so cute and fun." We will celebrate his birthday when John gets home from The Netherlands, his most recent work place. He is working for Abbott Labs and helping them with their software. He travels quite a bit and it sure is hard for all of us. But I digress. We left the doctor's office and went to Jenny Martin's to help Ellie and Dru practice their talent for the Primary Talent Show. More on that tomorrow. After we came home and had lunch, we all took naps which surprised me very much. Ellie must have been really tired and Phoebe took a nap because everyone else was. Then after school I took Jacob and Meg to the dentist. Not fun but necessary. Then came home, fixed dinner, practiced some more for the talent show, then went to bed. I am just so busy.

RS Broadcast

I got really busy with Saturday errands and chores that I didn't think I would make it to the dinner and the broadcast. I probably thought of a few excuses too. But I made it in time for the dinner and a little socializing and the watching. I am so glad I went because I left with a desire to be better and I didn't feel any guilt! I was impressed with Sister Beck's and Elder Uchtdorf's talks. They were full of the Spirit last night and I felt it. Now I look forward to general conference next weekend.

Wednesday Night's Dinner

I signed up with myfoodstoragedeals.com and tried out one of their recipes. It's called Tortilla White Bean Soup. All the kids loved it and it was pretty easy. Haley even asked for it again on Friday. I changed the recipe a little bit to my liking and I think I'll make it again soon.
Tortilla White Bean Soup
3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
2 15oz. cans Great Northern Beans, drained
8 oz. Pace Picante Salsa, chunky
2 cups shredded Colby cheese
1 tsp. Cumin
3 cans chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn

Throw all this into your slow cooker and simmer for at least 1 hour. Add just before you serve
1/4 cup fresh diced cilantro
1/2 fresh lime, squeezed

Garnish with:
corn chips
sour cream
guacamole or diced avocados

No more training wheels!

Ellie learned to ride her bike all by herself this week! She borrowed Emma Shumway's little bike and started to balance on it for a few feet then she would go further and further until she learned to ride. It only took a few minutes and I think she did it because she really wanted to learn. It's amazing how she learned because she had the desire. Way to go Ellie!

My First Marathon-Top of Utah in Logan

Starting last spring my friend Jenny Martin asked me if wanted to do a marathon with her. At first I said no because it really never entered my mind as something that I would want to do. But then I thought about it more and then talked to another friend, Lisa Adams, and then next thing I knew the three of us started to train for it. We originally tried to get into the St. George, Utah marathon but we didn't get in. Then we decided to do the Top of Utah Marathon in Logan. We trained spring and summer and finally ran the race yesterday, September 20, 2008. It was a beautiful setting and great weather and I had a great experience. I am grateful that I decided to do it. I wouldn't have done it without my training buddies to help me along the way. My time was 5:13. I think I would like to beat that time if I do it again- maybe the St. George next year. It was nice to have Haley, Jacob and Meg there along with Jenny's family and Paul Adams to support us along the road. They yelled and screamed words of encouragement. They were there at the bottom of the canyon and at four or five stops and then finally at the finish line. It helped me a lot. For the most part I felt good and I never hit "the wall". But at about mile 19 I started to feel tired and I wondered if I would be able to finish the race. I thought of Sister Elaine Dalton, the Young Women General President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She gave a talk about how she ran the Boston Marathon and wore a shirt that said "Utah" on it. Somewhere in the race she hit the wall and did not feel she could go on. She heard so many spectators say, "Go Utah" or "It's okay Utah" or "Don't cry Utah". Then she said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father for help. In answer to her prayer, the words of a hymn came to her mind and helped her to go on. They were, "Fear not, I am with thee; Oh ,be not dismayed, For I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll strengthen thee, Help thee and Cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand." I thought of that talk before and during the race but I could never remember the words of that song. But then when I struggled at mile 19, I said a silent prayer and then all of a sudden the words of the song came to me in my mind and I began to cry because I felt that Heavenly Father was with me and would help me finish the race. When I got close to the finish line Haley, Jacob and Meg ran in with me. After we got accross, I started to cry. I had this feeling of joy after having accomplished so much. I am grateful for that experience. It has taught me a lot.