My Running Mojo

I laced up my running shoes again sometime in mid-December. While I still wanted a break from running, I didn't want to lose all my running stamina.

I registered for the Moab 1/2 marathon in March.

I registered for the Ogden Marathon in May. I wasn't exactly motivated to run a marathon, but when I logged to look there were only 25 spots left. The marathon sold out hours later.

I knew I was running the Wasatch Back again in June.

I've since registered for another relay...Lake to Lake in St. George, in March as well.

I've been diligently putting in the miles. Not huge amounts, but decent. Twenty miles a week or so.

The problem is this. I can't run. I feel like such an old woman (not that there's anything wrong with that). When I first began again I thought I was just a bit rusty and it would take some time. I've given it almost six weeks. I have yet to hit my stride. Each time I run I feel like I have a 50 pound vest strapped to my back and legs. On a small run this morning...3 miles...I had to stop and walk...twice...in the first mile. I did complete the second half without stopping, but come on...3 miles??!!! I could do that effortlessly-- in my sleep-- a few months ago.

Part of me wonders if my body has suddenly awakened to the fact that it is in its 40s. It's tired. It doesn't want to run. Another part of me tells myself that it is mind over matter. If my legs feel like lead weights they'll be dragged along as such. But if I remember back to just a few months ago when I could pull many miles at a time with more ease, I'll be able to do it now.

It's just so hard. Matt tells me it's just the winter months. What body wants to run in 20 degree temps? I actually don't mind the weather. It used to make me want to run faster. Not anymore. I see people out strolling and I'm jealous. It looks so happy. I want to be there.

I hope I find my stride soon, or I suppose I'll be out lots of entrance fees.

Obsessed

We have a new obsession at our house.

And judging from the sold out nature at most local dispensers, it seems the rest of the neighborhood does too. Let's see if you can guess....

• They are sold out of the machines at WalMart.


• DelTaco used to have them, but they changed the size and type and apparently aren't quite as fun.


• We have found an obscure restaurant (which will remain nameless) to keep our kids in supply of these objects.


• Emma's teacher has made a class announcement that they are no longer welcome in her classroom.


• If by chance you do bring one to school it must stay perched on top of your pencil.


• You may not take them off and trade them at recess.


• My kids swear that the ones with no eyes are the "collectibles and very rare".


• I sometimes use them as bribes.


• We seem to purchase a few more every Saturday afternoon.


• Matt and I once spent hours (yes, hours) driving all over Orange County looking for a dispenser that sells them. However, I think they must be native to Utah. No luck.


• They only cost a quarter if you buy them at the secret restaurant. More expensive at WalMart and DelTaco.


• All three of my kids ranging in ages 3-10 are into these things.


• MOST IMPORTANTLY...ALL FOUR KIDS WILL PLAY FOR HOURS WITH THESE THINGS.

Give up??

They're SQUISHIES!

Around our house they are more popular than any form of currency.

Yes...it doesn't look like we actually need anymore!

They swear they can sell them for millions of dollars.

If so, let them pay for our retirement!

My Two Hamsters

I love that Caroline and Josh have such great imaginations. They've created a hamster game that they play every day. They build a fort to live in, and spend hours playing hamster house. Caroline is the mommy hamster and Josh her baby. Caroline is anxiously awaits for her "hamster" to return home from kindergarten each afternoon so that they can play.

I love that as they play together they are are learning to take care of each other. Caroline usually announces that she wants her hamster to help her say the prayer at evening meals. Josh will make his hamster's bed each morning. Caroline even buys treats at the grocery store for her hamster. I hope they're always such good "hamster" friends.

A First

This evening as I was sitting in Caroline's bed reading books with her Matt came running up to show me something. As far as I could tell it was a mess of something in a bowl. "What is it," I asked?

"A SALAD!!" he informed me.

"So??" I questioned.

To which he told me....it was the first salad he had ever made, and was so excited.

I made him take a picture of it. I must need to encourage more independence in the kitchen. Afterall...he is 40 years old now!

Randomness

It's Friday afternoon. It's a no homework day. My kids are all playing happily together. My house is clean. We have nowhere to go, other than a birthday party in an hour. My lesson is prepared for Sunday. When does this ever happen? NEVER! With nothing else to do I'd thought I'd write a random post.

1. I bought a new vacuum cleaner a few weeks ago. A Dyson. I gulped when I ran my debit card for $400 for a vacuum. But I figured after spending hundreds of $$ for crappy vacuums over the years I may as well buy one with a great warranty. I'm a little skeptical about the never losing suction schpeal, but so far so good. Josh was vacuuming the other day and accidently sucked up a thing of chapstick. It was no problem for this new machine. (I think it's things like chapstick that cause me to buy a new vaccuum every few years.)

2. I made Rice Krispie treats with Cocoa Krispies this afternoon. Why have I never done this before? Delish. Rice Krispie treats are my weakness. I could eat a whole pan without blinking or puking. My Dad hates them. He remembers in the 50's the first time the recipe was published. Everyone was making them. He'd rather eat almost anything but a R.K.T.

3. I feel so sad about the situation in Haiti. I wish I could go love, snuggle and reassure the children there. However, I don't know how I could possibly tell them that things will get better soon. It seems almost hopeless to me. I pray they find hope. I think of them everytime I pull the warm covers up in my bed for the night, everytime I eat, and when I drink a big glass of water. I don't like watching the TV coverage. Makes me too sad. I'm doing what I can for them, I just wish I could do more.

4. Caroline is at the age in which she wants me to entertain her all the time! It's hard. I am trying so hard to keep her busy. We run errands, go to the library, do crafts, have friends over to play, cook together, and read lots of books. I still feel like she's kind of bored. I don't know what to do for her. Anytime Emma has a friend over I ask if they can play here. Emma and her friends play so well with her...even though there is a five year difference. I'm wondering how long Emma will agree to this?!

5. I've been reading a ton this month. I'm on my fourth book. I go kind of crazy like that. I read a ton for months on end, then nothing for a little bit. I remember my sister making me read in the closet at night because she didn't want the light one. Fortunately Matt doesn't care. I have a stack I'm trying to get through before months end. Not sure it will happen though. I've really enjoyed almost everything I've read. Since Jan. 1 I've read: The Lost Symbol, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Hunger Games, and am currently reading The Lacuna. We've also read scriptures as a family almost every day.

6. I'm getting excited for Lost to begin again in a few weeks. I'm curious as to how it will end. I think it is one of the best written shows on television. I think it's amazing how the writers have integrated so many different parts of the plot. I'm ready for the "punchline" though. Hope it's a good one.

7. I printed out most of our family pics from 2009 to put in an album. The kids love looking at the albums. I probably should have ordered a photo book as now I actually have to work at getting the album put together. It will probably be 2011 before this gets done. Even though we have lots of pics, I actually wish that I would have taken more. We have a great camera that I really need to learn how to use. New goal for 2010.

8. I love listening to my kids play and laugh together. I think it's one of the happiest sounds in the whole entire world!

Food for the Ages

In high school my friends and I frequented the Bagel Nosh for fresh bagels.

In college we'd hit Hart's for Diet Cokes.
When the kids were small it was Cafe Rio on more days than not.
Yesterday it was a cupcake run to the Sweet Tooth Fairy.

It sure is great to have friends at any age that share my foodie delights!

The Budget

We need a new computer. We have been nursing a "sorry, five year old, PC" for the past few months. We've removed programs. Reinstalled. Started fresh. And it lasts for another month or so. But there is a leak. It's really time to say goodbye. Five years is a long time for a computer. We know. Here is the dilemma. We want a new iMac--a fun cool new toy. We also want to start finishing our basement--a fun cool new place for the kids to play. We need both a computer and extra space. However, we could make do with a much less expensive, less sexy PC. We could also delay the beginning of the basement project. We don't want to do either. As a result we're doing neither. We're at a standstill. It's sure no fun deciding between needs and wants. What to do? What to do?

The Middle Child Syndrome

Last Sunday Josh refused to eat his vegetables. Two little baby carrots. Even though there is a two bite rule he rarely eats most vegetables willingly. He began the protest by crawling under the table with one carrot covered in mashed potatoes stabbed on his fork. He then continued to assert his carrot disapproval by running through the house carrying the fork like a torch. His older brother and sister chased him to make sure he digested. When Matt put an end to the chase, he weeped, wailed, and hollered on the floor about the lousy carrot. He was carried kicking and screaming to his room with more punishments on his back.

As I listened to him cry in his room, the thought occured to me that this is about more than vegetables. It's about his independence. It's about how he is the 3rd of 4 children and he has a Mom, Dad, an older brother, and an older sister each telling him what to do, and each making sure he does it. I'm sure he feels bullied and bossed around and this was his way of letting us know that he's tired of it.

While I'm not sure how to completely remedy the situation (I can't change his birth order), I decided that he can be in charge of more things. As of Sunday night he has now become the family vegetable chef. Within reason, he can choose from a list of vegetables to serve at dinner. Last night we had two. He was the only one to eat green beans, while some kids had both beans and broccoli. He is also our new bathroom police. We've put him in charge of making sure the kid's bathroom stays clean. That doesn't mean he's the one to clean it, but he is to ensure that his older siblings, and Caroline pick up after themselves. He made sure to show Caroline how to rinse out the sink after brushing so that she could do it herself. He called Will back to the bathroom this morning to pick up a towel.

While I don't think there is an antidote to the middle child syndrome, I'm hoping that this new control helps. I hope he feels more in charge of things that are happening in his life, and that he doesn't feel like he's the only one to get bossed around. Now that I think about it, didn't Jan on the Brady Bunch have this problem too? Maybe my new motto should be, what would the Brady's do?

And Now Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Program

For me the New Year doesn't start on January 1. It's usually January 3, 4, or 5th. It's the day that kids go back to school and Matt goes back to work. As I lay in bed last night waiting for sleep I felt sort of melancholy. I was disappointed that our vacation together was already over. I love the lazy days of game playing, movies, sledding, skiing, no homework, no extra cirriculars for the kids, and eating out. The last week of December truly is among my favorite of the year.

But I also love the New Year and the excitment that it brings. A fresh start. Time to get back on track. (That's my very left brained personality speaking.) I love making resolutions. I crave organization.

So my New Year actually starts today. New goals. New challenges. A few of my resolutions:

1. As a family, we'd like to finish the Book of Mormon this year. Even though we've read, we've never read the entire thing together cover to cover. We finished 1 Nephi chapter 1 this morning.

2. I've been saying for three years now that I need to lose my 10 pounds of baby weight. It's now become 15. I know it's everyone's New Year's goal, but I need to just take care of it, and exercise some discipline. Running alone isn't working.

3. Run one marathon, and two halfs. I'm signed up for the Ogden marathon in May, and the Moab 1/2 in March.

4. Not to yell at my kids. I don't yell often, but when I do...WOW!! I've also been known to throw shoes in the process. (Just FYI...I don't throw things at anyone but the floor.) I've noticed that one or more of my kids has picked up on this habit, it's not a nice one.

5. Blog more. I like to write. I like keeping a family history. I just need to find more time.

6. Work on decorating my house. Those that know me know that it just paralyzes me. I have the hardest time making decorating decisions!

7. Teach my kids to put things away when they are finished using them! I know this sounds like a resolution that I've made FOR them, but I think I need to be better about teaching this because it just isn't happening. A place for everything and everything in its place. Is that too much to ask?

So those are a few of mine....now out there for all of blogosphere to see. Guess I'd better get busy! Man, I love January!

Care to share any of yours?

New Years Day 2010

After a really late night on New Year's Eve,(as is our tradition to celebrate with the Christensen's and friends), we got up EARLY and snowmobiled to the cabin to celebrate New Year's Day. We went with grandpa, and the Thomas cousins. We had a great time taking snowmobile rides, and sledding down the cabin driveway. I don't sled and actually hate watching my kids sled. I had a bad accident years ago, and sledding really freaks me out. The kids had a great time though, and Will announced that he'd like to become a mountain man and live at the cabin year round.

Caroline on her first snowmobile ride.

Emma resting in the snow.
Josh-Wipeout!

Will, Josh, Caroline, Gabe, Gavin and Emma
Isaac and Will

Will climbing the hill for one last run.