Showing up!

I started a new exercise program at the end of December. Crossfit. It has been the hardest exercise I have ever done. Every single day is hard and totally out of my comfort zone. I am often the oldest in the class. We often do a workout that is timed in some way. I am usually last. We have recommended weights to RX( as prescribed) the workout- or the goal. My weights are always lower. RX is rarely behind my name when I finish.
It is now almost October. I am the only one of the group left that started together. I am still often last, my weights are still usually not RX and I still can't do a pullup without an assistance band. However, I still go. I am faster than I started out. I can now do some double under jump roping( it took nine months). I am on a blue band instead of a green for pullups. I improved my deadlift weight by 95 pounds. I finish every single workout. I have lost no weight yet dropped 2 pants sizes.

I found this graphic today and I really liked it- It describes me. I hope I can remember it.

Happy 15th Birthday! Mitch!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!

Happy 15th Birthday Mitch!!

Mitch was so excited when he came upstairs and saw a new wake board! The he realized that he couldn't use it because of his arm!! He also got a family present-of an xbox. For him and everyone else!

Hard to believe that this big kid is my little man!

Remembering 9-11 10 years later

Remembering 9-11

The Elementary School did an amazing program in commemoration of 9-11. The songs were very patriotic and written specifically in honor of those lost. I was right at tears the entire program.

I look at this sweet little angel man and he wasn't even born when this tragedy happened. Emily was eighteen months old. I will always remember answering the phone in our hall and Dave telling me to turn on the t.v. Planes were hitting buildings in New York City. I remember asking if this was the end of the world? I turned on the t.v. and then called my own Mom. She hadn't seen it yet.

Ten years have passed before us. Ten years since innocence was lost. In truth I know that I live in more fear than I did before. I know that the problems our economy has been facing is a result of this act ten years ago. I am not as trusting as I once was.

However, I am trying to not live my life in fear. I am trying to not let those evil men take the goodness out of my life. I am trying to stay patriotic and proud to be an American. I want my children to know that I am proud of being an American.

Our roads all shifted that day. We will never again be able to go back to the road we were on. However, it is the goal of myself and others to keep making this road a great place to be.

Flaming Gorge- Labor Day weekend 2011(Sept)

This is the sixteenth year we have gone to Flaming Gorge for Labor Day Weekend. The first time we went I was due with Mitchell in fifteen days! It has become a huge tradition for our family.

We have always gone with Wayne and Annette Peterson. They have had others that have come off and on. We have often had Dave's parents with us. In the last few years Paul and Paulette Barnes have started coming with us. Now some of their children are coming.

It is something that our children look forward to all summer. This year was a bit different without Ashley. With no Ashley and Mitch out of commission with his arm it was a different experience, no wakeboarding or skiing. Not sure why Em didn't go out?

We had planned to go over to Manila to church on Sunday. Well, we all totally forgot our church clothes! So, we all went to Sacrament meeting in our regular clothes! Never have I gone to church in my shorts before! Better we are there than not there!!

On our last day Mitch decided that if we double bagged his arm he would go off the cliff. So Dustin Barnes stayed with him to make sure he got up there alright. Mitch then took one leap!

He tucked his arm tight and all was well, however, the pressure popped the outside bag so he was holding up his arm so his cast didn't get wet. He did great, only a little water got inside. He stuck the tube pump in the cast and turned it on to help dry it.

Not too exciting going through Horseshoe canyon!

Emily got on the tube with Dave going through Horseshoe canyon. Just an easy SLOW ride.

Justin is getting so brave! He got on the lower ledge with Emily and didn't even hesitate!

His little face in this picture just makes me smile! Holding his breath and closing his eyes tight. I also love the little Indian crossed legs!!

Em always loves the water!

Real- right now

Every single morning after all my babies head out the door I walk around picking up the pieces that are strewn about the house.

Every single day I find this in the middle bathroom! Justin's toothbrush and paste and Emily's brush and hairspray.

It doesn't matter that every day they pull them out of the drawer- they never go back in!!

Real

Where have I been?

I just realized I haven't changed my children's school pictures on the wall for FIVE years!

Reality!!!

If I eat the cookie dough I must be able to handle the effects on the scale the next day!!

Cookie Dough

Sometimes I just have to eat the cookie dough!

Just wondering

I often wonder why I buy bananas! They often end up just like this! Brown and spotty- maybe I will have to make some banana bread!

Fading bits of summer

As I looked out my kitchen window today I noticed my hollyhocks. They are beginning to fade. They have been glorious! They are such a happy, happy flower.
I am not ready for fall. Fall is not the problem, it is just the beginning of the short, dark days of winter.
Hold on a little longer, my lovely hollyhocks!

Ordinary Day

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in search of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while i may, for it may not always be so. One day i shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all in the world, your return.

{Mary Jean Iron}