The Training begins

  I've decided to run the Red Rock Relay this year. It's a relay race held here in Southern Utah. The race begins in Brian Head and will finish 187 miles later in Springdale, Utah. The team consists of 12 people, each runner, running 3 legs of the 36 legs throughout the relay. Each leg consisting of 5-8 mile stretches.
  I have never been one of those people who finds running long distances, fun, but I felt inspired to do this. I know it will be a challenge but it's a challenge I want to defeat. This may not be a challenge for some (a.k.a.-my idol- Kelly Snodgress) but it is for me and that is why I feel the need to record my progress and I've chosen my blog to do that. So, hopefully the next six months blog posts won't bore you entirely but this race and my training for it will be a big part of my life until September.
  My first day of training was yesterday. I started out slow because I played in an intense volleyball tournament this last weekend and did something to my right knee, but it's already feeling much better and I hope with the right care it will continue to get better instead of hinder my progress.
  I've read up on some different programs online so that I could do this training the right way. I have absolutely no idea how to train to run long distances so it was helpful to read up on it. I wanted to do it the right, healthy way. I had a head start on the healthy part of it and started drinking more water throughout my day a few weeks prior to my training. I've also gotten some great advice from my runner friends and I'm excited to put those good tips into play.
  My first run went really well. I ran to the elementary school in Diamond Valley and run the track while my kids played at the park with Rick. Just when I was thinking to myself that I was done for the day, I saw Lizzie running the track from across the field. Her little legs scampering as fast as she could get them and her long hair blowing back away from her face. She put a smile on my face and some motivation in my legs. I was motivated to push myself only to catch up to her and love on her beautiful face. I'm taking that image with me when I'm running the relay! It was a great start to my training, now if I could just get Rick to run with me.


My notes:
35 second run/45 second walks-30 minute Run
Elementary School and track
Almost a straight jog home

First Snow of the year!

We woke this morning to see this outside!

 Lizzie gasped at the sight and said, "Mom, It's so Beautiful!"

Then she continued to stare out the kitchen window for a good 20 minutes before turning to me and saying, " I really want to go outside". So, that is exactly what we did.

First, we made snow angels. Unfortunately , for me there was a price to pay- Hidden horse crap.

There was Nothing but Happy Faces...

And a lot of Snow balls. Let's play a game!? It's called spot the snow ball in the picture

We also made a little visit to the horses

and Lincoln kept a close eye on the Rooster

Lizzie, on the other hand continued to throw snow balls at anything that moved, including the rooster.
 We took full advantage of the first little bit of snow of the Year in St. George and had a blast while doing it (horse crap included).

I Love this man!

My Handy Man!! Isn't he cute...

And to add to that...A Fabulous Father!

It's late...but what the heck

Our home-made presents this year!

1) Lizzie got a princess canopy made from a lamp shade and scraps of fabric I've had sitting around for years. What I love most about it is that it's held on by buttons, therefore it's removable so it can be cleaned! That and it cost dirt cheap! 2) Her daddy spoiled her with his talent of craftsmanship and made her her very own drawing table with the top that opens up and stores all her drawing supplies. And then the simple little things like bedding for her dolls- also dirt cheap made from leftover scraps.

These are just the things we got pictures of, I managed to make an afghan for my brother and his new wife. A skirt for Lizzie made from one of my old church skirts as well as a Tutu shown in our Christmas family photos. We made all sorts of Christmas crafts this year, me and the kids. A variety of ornaments that were given to family and I made our Christmas ornaments for this year.

YAY! For saving Money! And having So much fun in the process!

More Pictures

My pride and joys, my Life...my kids.

P.S. These pictures are not staged.

Christmas Tree Pictures!

Happy Holidays!

First of all, Happy Holidays!! I love and hate this time of year. I love the music, the traditions, baking and crafting with the kids, celebrating the birth of Christ and having the continual feeling of gratitude and service, but I hate what the media has done to it. Christmas is not about the presents but it is centered around Christ.

  I love what Thomas S. Monson had to say, "Our Heavenly Father's plan contains the ultimate expressions of true love. All that we hold dear-even our families, our friends, our joy, our knowledge, our testimonies-would vanish were it not for our Father and His son, the Lord Jesus Christ....the world has witnessed no greater gift, nor has it known more lasting love"
   
My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ gave me the greatest gift of all. His atoning sacrifice is what gives me Life ...and gives me a reason to celebrate this beautiful Holiday. All my Love to all of you on this very merry Christmas.