March 31

Well I guess I am in the same slump many of my fellow bloggers are in... it seems like a lot of people haven't been updating the past week or so. I guess we just got busy. I don't remember much about last week, but it was a good running week for me- it was light! I did 4 runs at 3 miles each and one 5 mile run. Not bad! I am feeling like my body is slowly getting back to where I was before my 2 week sickness, but it still scares me to look at my training schedule and see only 3 weeks left until the Half Marathon! I can't believe it. I wish the Provo Marathon (this is the inaugural year) wasn't April 12th because I MIGHT (let me stress MIGHT) consider doing it since 100% of the proceeds go to Primary Childrn's Hosp., as I just learned on the news, which is a great cause. However, I am not ready to do a full marathon, that is for sure. The only unfortunate thing is, I am starting to get a few little overuse type injuries- I have an achy feeling near my right hip, IT band or maybe hip flexor, not sure yet, and my inner calf on the right side also. I don't know if I am running lopsided or what. I am trying to do some yoga stretches for these things but I have to say it's really hard to stretch your inner calf. It's near the attachment at the knee. I need to do some research on the internet about that one. It's not too bad right now, I am just worried about 13 miles. Speaking of running, Jared went out with Austin on Saturday morning and got me this new running top. I love the color (I am obsessed with green) and it's got a half zip and a MP3 pocket. I love unexpected surprises!




Friday night we had a great dinner with friends Rich and Kaylyn. Kaylyn made homemade dough for calzones and we all did our own personal ones, choosing the toppings, sauces, etc. I thought mine was great- it had tomato sauce on the bottom (Prego), then some pesto sauce, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and artichokes. YUM. My kids loved them too. Austin did ham and pineapple and Olivia stayed simple with cheese. They were so good. We had salad and some delicious watermelon too. Jared ended up leaving early with Ashley, who wasn't feeling good, and I stayed with the kids. After dinner the girls went upstairs to scrapbook in Kaylyn's bonus room while the kids watched a movie. I actually got one layout done. Can't believe it. Little Ashley just might end up with a scrapbook after all! (Sadly, that is like the 4th layout for her book)

Saturday morning I did my 5 mile run on the treadmill since my dad told me the wind was like ice out there during his run. I watched Grey's season 2 which was enjoyable. We later got ready to go to my niece Bella's baptism, which was great. It was such a beautiful day and I just felt so emotional (not even my kid!) Bella is such a sweet, innocent, adorable girl. She played "Baptism" the Primary song, on her violin during the program and both her grandpas spoke. The feeling was just so powerful in the room when we all sang "I Am a Child of God" at the end. I looked around the room and saw everyone, young and old, singing the words. We all know that we are children of our Father in heaven and that He loves us so much. Such a simple concept, yet it's so huge.


Bella and Amy


Afterward, we all went back to Adam and Amy's house for a late lunch. The food was great. There was so much tasty fruit- my kids didn't want anything else. Oh, except Doritos. We had croissant sandwiches, apples with caramel dip, 7 layer dip, veggies and ranch, etc. It was yummy. The kids ran around and had a great time. Austin and Landon played guitar hero. Men watched basketball. Moms talked about food storage. Andrew watched Disney movies in the bedroom. We also got to sing Happy Birthday to Bella and have some cake and open presents since her birthday was on Monday.


Jared and Randy in background




Jill and Lori hanging out



Sunday we went to church and had a nice salmon dinner later. The kids are getting so much better about eating the dinners we make. I stopped making separate food for them a very long time ago, but it's been a long process getting them to understand that they aren't going to get away with eating 2 bites then having cereal for a 'snack' an hour later. Along with salmon, there was broccoli, mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes (my fav), and homemade rolls. It was funny b/c Austin doesn't like salmon, so that was his focus. He started negotiating with me saying, "Mom, if I eat sweet potatoes can I skip the salmon?" Yet, just 2 days earlier when we originally had the sweet potatoes, he acted like he was going to die. Now, he's begging for it. Apparently, with the salmon and sweet potatoes to distract him, he didn't even bother to complain about broccoli. I guess that's progress.


My funny girl, Ashley



Lastly, my worst news is that I have had yet another cold sore for the past week. It came on a week ago Saturday and it's killing me. This is my third one in 3 months. Nothing I do, nothing I take, nothing I apply helps. It is resistant to all forms of remedy. I am so tired of it. I feel like such a leper. I need serious drugs. I hope you people who don't get cold sores know how lucky you are! Ugh.