Run Like A Mother

After a gentle suggestion (from Jeff), he bought this book for me. At first glance, I thumbed through it with a lot of trepidation and some hope. I have never considered myself a runner. My last race was almost three years ago. At that time I felt like I still had some athletic mojo. Jeff has always had it. And in the past three years he has really taken to the road, and I have taken to the couch. I think he was wanting to do something for me to help get me inspired.

The pull to stay at home with the kids and do nothing is very strong. But I know that running makes me feel more powerful, competent, strong and optimistic. Being away from it for such a prolonged amount of time, has really pushed this into the shadows of my mind. I needed some motivation. Because, really, who wouldn't rather sit at home and hold a sweet little baby?

This book was just what I needed. These women are real and honest. Their training tips are great because they are rooted in an understanding of all the things moms use as excuses NOT to run. They somehow got me itching to start lacing up my shoes again.

Their gentle nagging and encouragement to make exercise time non-negotiable reminds me of the wise message I hear at the beginning of every airline flight, "Please secure your own oxygen mask first, then help your children put on theirs."

So I am determined to become a runner again. I will be starting out with a lot of walking and jogging. I am already one week into my couch to 5k running plan. It is helping me get off the couch and on the road again. I am trying to ease back into running gradually. I know that I can't start off too fast, or my body will rebel and I will wind up miserable. But I have a feeling that I am going to get impatient and be tempted to skip ahead in the program. I have two months to go. So, in the mean time, I will keep running like a mother.

My Number One

Happy father's day to my number one guy! I thought I would share just how great my husband is.

More often than not I take my husband for granted. There are SO many things that I appreciate about him. It can be easy to forget those things that make him so special to me and our children and to realize that not every father is willing to be the kind of man that he is to us. I want to honor Jeff by telling you what kind of man he is.


He provides for us. He takes care of us by working diligently and does the kind of work that goes above and beyond. He knows how to take the initiative and think out of the box. He is not just waiting around to be told what to do. He is amazingly smart and always has great ideas. And he is willing to work hard and sacrifice so that I have the opportunity to stay at home with our children. I feel honored that he has made that a priority in our lives.

He takes time each day to really spend indivudual time with the kids and play with them. He tickles and wrestles with Juliette and chases her around the house. He is willing to carve out time in his busy schedule to take her to the park or swimming or riding bikes. He is always willing to involve her in whatever he is doing. He is also active in the little things too, like changing diapers, getting someone dressed or brushing teeth.

He helps around the house. I am terribly spoiled with him cooking dinner every night. Did I mention that he is like my own personal gourmet? He is even willing to help out with cleaning and doing laundry. He also makes sure that things around the house are taken care of.

He knows how to set goals. And once he does, watch out, because he is one of the most determined people I know. He is also supportive of my goals and treats me like he's my biggest fan. I love that he takes care of me and will sacrific sleep so that I can.

He is the spiritual leader of our family. He places his trust in Heavenly Father. He honors his preisthood. I am extremely grateful for his faith and how he always exercises it.

I totally trust his judgement and always seek out his advice and counsel. He knows what is important in life and prioritizes the important stuff. He really is the best parenting partner I could ever ask for. He sees all the things I miss and instinctively knows how to fix them.

I love that he is the guy that made this family possible. That he was willing to become my partner and a father and make me a mother. I am so blessed that he gave me two beautiful babies.

I don't know how I got so lucky to have him as my best friend. And it doesn't hurt that he is pretty darn good looking too. I am glad that he is mine for forever. Happy Father's Day!

Keeping Secrets

It is no secret that I have a new boyfriend. He is easy going and loves to snuggle. He doesn't mind getting kissed every two minutes and smells as sweet as honey. He does have a receding hairline and dandruff, and has the occasional acne breakout. But I don't mind. I don't even mind that he likes to keep me awake at night to get some love.

But I have to tell him thank you for letting me get to bed a little earlier - because I think Jeff was starting to get jealous.



He has the most beautiful blue eyes that will melt your heart when he gazes lovingly at you and smiles. But he still gazes lovingly at lights, ceiling fans and trees too.

He tries to tell me all of his secrets, but unfortunately I think they will remain a secret. Too bad, because I think he knows some good ones.

I am not the only one who is in love. Juliette has a serious crush this little guy too. She has to constantly be kissing, touching or holding him. I often will ask her to give him some space, but she always tells me, "I can't, because I just can't stop kissing him!


Today as we were driving to church she informed me, "Mom, Josh has a booger that is playing peek-a-boo." She then proceeded to ask if her finger was too big to fit in his nose. Now that is some serious sisterly love.

We can't seem to get enough of this new man in town. And we are enjoying every minute of it.

Imperfection

So about a year ago I decided to start a blog. Partly out of peer pressure ("everyone's doing it!") and also as a motivator. I figure that I have so many goals that I want to achieve -both daily and life goals - that if I put some of them out there, I might be more accountable to attempting to reach them.

I love to start projects...I rarely finish projects. I have high standards for parenting...I rarely meet my own standards. Hopefully I will now be motivated to fulfill my own goals.

Let's see how long this will last!