Keeping it Real

Out of Control:
In Control:

Christmas Topiaries

I saw these super cute topiaries at Gardner Village after Thanksgiving. I absolutely love them. However, they were $80 for the set. I'm going to make them. The bases are regular candle holders in 3 different sizes. Each tree is a styrofoam cone. From what I can tell, the fabric was dipped in liquid starch and scrunched and pinned with a metal staple.
I priced out some similar candle holders, I can get all three for under $25 (paying full price). I have gone to 2 different craft stores and no surprise....all sold out of cones!
The staples are metal and are "squiggly", not sure where to find those. I haven't gone to Home Depot yet to see what my options are. I also need some fabric. If anyone has some cute remnants of fabric, I am accepting donations. I want to use similar colors because they really look well together.
I'm hoping I can make them before Christmas, if not, I have a full year 'til next Christmas.

20 Years!

Today is Ed and I's 20, yes you hear right TWENTY year Anniversary. A couple years back, I started to save up for a big celebration of 20 years. I thought, we're gonna do this right....well then the economy tanked and Ed's income got cut by more than half, so my $$$ that was tucked away was used for things like groceries, clothing for growing boys and utilities. No fancy trips, cruises, weekend away to celebrate 20! Do I sound bitter? I am! I really was thinking ahead and had saved up a lot of dough, but oh well, we still got a roof over our heads!

Ok, on a more serious note, there was a time in the very recent past that we didn't think we would make it this far. We've had some extremely rough patches lately, lots of heartache and headache. Alot of facing our demons, being honest and confronting our fears. Two solid years of therapy so far, and here we still are. There are days when I'm not sure we have another year in us, but then there are days when I feel we have an eternity ahead of us. Not sure, where we'll end up, it's been a wild ride so far, but I'm glad to be on the ride and have Ed beside me. Our marriage is stronger than it has ever been, yet I am more aware of how fragile our relationships are. We have to care for them, nurture them, take risks, be vulnerable and nourish them daily. I have learned so much these past 2 years that I wish I would have known sooner, but at least I know it now and for this we must celebrate! Happy Anniversary to Ed and me!

Christmas Decorating - Phase III

Christmas Tree #3 is up this week as well. This is my favorite tree. It's colorful and bright. This year I put this one upstairs in a little corner. I still have visions of 2 more tree, but not this year. Maybe in years to come. I would like one in the kitchen and one in the basement (shhh, just don't tell Ed! He thinks I'm crazy).

The first thing to go up after Thanksgiving was the Nativity. Brennan set it up, which was good because we get a chance to talk about the true meaning of Christmas. All the decorations are up now, the garland, the mini trees and knick-knacks. There are a few things that still need a little tweaking, but I am relieved that the big stuff is done, now to enjoy it and look forward to taking it all down.

Christmas Decorating - Phase II

Tree #2 is up. I call this tree the Family Tree. There are ornaments on this tree that are close to 20 years old. It has a mish-mosh of ornaments that the boys have made over the years, we've received as gifts, we've bought because they were cute or had some significance. Last year I didn't put up this tree because by the time I got done with the 2 other trees I was tired. I really didn't think anyone noticed or cared until cute Ryan that is generally quiet pointed out after Christmas that he missed the 'family tree' and how it's his favorite. I felt so bad and guilty, but it made me happy that someone does notice and does care. So Ryan...... this one's for you! And thanks for putting it up and decorating it. You did an awesome job.

Christmas Decorating - Phase I

Tree #1 is up with the help of my little helper elves. I love this funky tree. Ryan calls it the Target tree, as in Target the store. Ed, thinks this tree is very 'modern", whatever that means? I think it's fun!

Thanksgiving Holiday

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. This year, Ed's brother John and his family were here from Tucson. We had such a great time. We really love those guys. I wish I would have taken more pics, but sometimes I get so wrapped up in the moment that I forget to take pics. Everyone was busy doing one thing or another or participating in something. Our long weekend included Zumba, movies (2012 and/or Old Dogs), football (lots of football on TV or participating), boomerangs, 'man massages' from Brennan, Temple, BYU Basketball, shopping at Gardner Village and University Mall, skiing/snowboarding at Brighton, Wii bowling tournament, money extortion from Brennan, visits from the tooth fairy, food....lots of food!

The Callahan brothers & Family

The Callahan cousins: Ryan, Simone, Chad, Brennan & Natalie

New Moon Hangover

New Moon hangover this morning. Round 2 tonite!

HaPpy BIrThDAy to ME!

The best thing about turning 39? Is that I'm closer to 40! I don't know why, but I'm kinda looking forward to 40. It seems like such an accomplishment. Maybe it's because my 30s have been so hellish? We'll see, but my 39th birthday was very fun. Ed took the morning off from work, which was very nice, I had sushi for lunch at Happy Sumo, a steak dinner with the boys and cake and ice-cream with friends. It was Rylan's 13th birthday as well, so our family's got together to celebrate. Good times! I'm still celebrating. Earlier this week, Cheryl (my Ragnar buddy), Merrilynne and Christine took me to lunch. On Saturday, Nissa is taking me to lunch. Yay for birthdays!

My 39 year old self.

The Gang: Alex, Kenzie, Merrilynne, Rylan, Jaidyn, Emmy, Christine & Scott
Not in pic, but there: Kiki, Ryan, Paxton, Brennan, Ky and Ed

Yummy birthday cake for the girls!

Birthday girls

I Rock !!!!!

So, in the last year I have discovered that I have a "bucket list". It's nothing that I have ever admitted or written down, but things that I have in my head about things that I want to do, pursue or try before I die. Most recently, I've been able to accomplish one of those items thanks to my new visiting teacher, Jessica. I mentioned to her on a visit that I really have been wanting to try rock climbing and what do you know? She is a rock climber! Score! She said they were going that Saturday and invited me to go with them. I readily said yes, but then got nervous because I wasn't sure I would be able to do it. I wasn't sure I was strong enough since I had been on hiatus from strength training due to concentrating on my running. Jessica didn't think it would be an issue because I practice power yoga regularly.
The following Saturday, Jessica picked me up and another gal, Judy and we went up to American Fork Canyon. Jessica is an amazing instructor. She really took the time to teach me the "ropes" (haha, I couldn't resist). She didn't do for me, she actually taught me about knots, terms, and answered all my questions. She made it look so easy, made me feel at ease and offered amazing encouragement. She praised my strength and abilities, which made me feel amazing. She said the yoga was definitely paying off. Pointed out that I had done a more advanced move, "a mantle" (look it up). I felt on top of the world, okay, on top of a big rock. I enjoyed it thoroughly and it is something I would really like to do more of. However, I did mention to her, that I may be a fair weather climber, because it was so cold!

Jessica, making it look so easy.

Spiderwoman, that's me!

Me again!

On my way down!

Annual San Felipe, BCN, Mexico Trip

Three days after getting back from the Ragnar Race, we headed for our annual trip to San Felipe with my my parents and brother, Luis. As always, we had so much fun. We were very excited that Ed took time from his busy schedule to go with us. He was due for a much needed rest from the stresses at work. It was a little difficult for him to be incommunicato for 3 days, but I think it was good for him.

This is a jellyfish Ed fished out of the ocean. We put it in a bucket with rocks, after we had a good look at it for a bit, we released it back into the ocean.

The boys

Brennan's favorite activity: Hunting for crabs

Ryan's favorite activity: Exploring and taking pictures

Ed's favorite activity: Going out to the sandbar when the tide was low.

We also captured this crab in our bucket and observed it for a while. He was not very happy with us. Check out his defensive posture....and it's kinda creepy when they look at you with their beady eyes.

My favorite activity: Waiting every morning for the sun to come up. I'd sneak away from our campsite before everyone was up to take in the beauty. The pictures don't capture how magnificent these sunrises are.

The picture above is my favorite. The sun was starting to come up, you could still see the moon and a bright star/planet?

My brother Luis' favorite activity: Having fun with his nephews.

Ragnar Victory

I have not had a chance to post about my Ragnar Relay adventure, because I have been crazy busy since I got home. I am still feeling a lot of excitement and energy about it 10 days later. It is such a mix of the most challenging thing I have ever done combined with the funnest thing ever (I must have a hole in my head). It is a very interesting feeling.
My top 12 memories about Ragnar Las Vegas:

1. The 11 friends for life that I have made through this whole experience: Cheryl, Melanie, Christine, Laura, Kellie, Tifany, Rachel, Libby, Jaime, Wendy and Lisa. I think you are all amazing! You are REAL women.
   
2. Boom Boom Pow


3. Laura and pumping. That is dedication.


4. Kellie hyped up on energy supplements, and a fractured femur! Amazing!!


5. My 3rd run, being 4.4 miles instead of 4 and wondering if I was lost and it taking me me over an hour because I had to wait through at least 8 traffic lights that took 2-3 minutes each.


6. Having to pee in a really nice neighborhood in Henderson and getting bit by something on my bum while doing so.


7. Melanie running her 3rd leg, just after spending a whole night throwing up. Way to go!


8. Christine and Cheryl's completely uphill runs!


9. At our 1st rest stop, just laughing, talking, everyone letting their guard down and being themselves.


10. The meltdown on Friday night. Not my most shining moment, I apologize for my less than civil behavior and language.


11. The confirmation that you can conquer your physical and mental limitations when you set your mind to it.


12. Cheering on and providing support for our other half of the team. I'm bummed we couldn't all be in the same vehicle.

Me, Laura, Melanie, Kellie, Christine & Cheryl at the start.

Me and Christine at the Finish!

Cute sign that Kenzie, Christine's daughter made and was waiting when we got home.

Celebratory cake that Ed made.

September Recap

Birthdays
September is birthday month for both boys. Ryan turned 14 and Brennan turned 7. Time flies, it doesn't seem that long ago that they were both little babes. I enjoy these boys so much. They bring me so much joy. I'm not going to lie that it's joyful all the time. It's getting harder as they get older, it's mentally and emotionally exhausting, but very rewarding.

Running like Crazy or Crazy Runner?
My September has also been filled with "pounding the pavement", or in my case, mostly "pounding the treadmill" which has resulted in a pounding of my poor body. I really had not let too many people know because then it would become too real and I was in denial about the craziness I had got myself into... I have been training to run in the Ragnar Relay Las Vegas in early October. The training mileage and time has really kicked up in September and I have been exhausted and a big complainer about how much pain I am in. These past 2 weeks have been really hard, with some serious doubts about my ability to do this physically and emotionally. I don't know what I was thinking?!? I am scared, excited, nervous, anxious....I am a jumble of nerves. My team is all women, mostly novice runners that I just met (except one person). I met some of them for the first time a couple weeks ago and will meet the rest the week of the race. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers, I'm gonna need them!

"Killer" Concert
In September we also got to go to The Killers concert with our friends Chad and Nissa. It was awesome. It was such a good show. I loved the energy of the crowd and that Brandon Flowers is a cutie. I think The Killers have made my Top 10 list of bands. Thanks Nissa for getting us the AWESOME seats, you ROCK!

Lunch, Dinner and Dessert w/Friends
I feel very fortunate to have made some wonderful friends over the past few years. In September, I either got to lunch, dine or dessert with each one of them. I always enjoy the time I spend with them and the opportunity to reconnect. I feel especially lucky because I feel like this past month I reached new levels of friendship with each of these women and I love how our friendships have evolved. Each one of them has been there for me in one way or another. I feel like I can come to them with anything. In many friendships, I have felt abandoned, and you gals have stuck with me, in both good times and extremely difficult times. Kiki, Nissa and Christine, thanks for taking care of me! I hope I can be as good a friend to you, as you are to me.

Bees Baseball
We started off our labor day weekend with a vist to the ballpark. I love baseball and there is nothing better than going to the ballpark on a warm summer's night, having a hot dog, spending time with the boys, letting them fill up on junk food and watching men in tight pants.
After the game, Brennan got to run the bases, which he was pretty excited about.
(check out Brennan in black shirt and cap smoke the other kids)

Soccer
Brennan finished off his soccer season. This was his first year that he played and it was way fun to see him in action. He started to lose interest towards the end of the season, we are having a tough time finding something that he will stick to. I hope he will want to play next year.

The Perfect Remedy

I had a 2 hour run yesterday and I was so sore. My neighbor Christine said I should take a bath and she brought me over some rum chocolate and an Apple Beer. Add an Epsom salt soak and a few Advil.....the perfect remedy. This is going to be my "go to cure" for what ails me.