10K Miracle

Literally, it was a miracle! Chad & I ran in our first 10K (just over 6 miles) ever this past Saturday. I originally was going to run it by myself, but about a week prior Chad decided that he wanted to go as well. I told him he would be pushing the kids in the double jogging stroller..crazy as it was, he still decided to go!! We made an open-ended bet that he would beat me, even pushing a stroller. Keep reading to find out!

I had no business running in this 10K. I had known about it since probably September when my friend Denise approached me about running the 1/2 with a bunch of our friends. I told her she was out of her mind, but I was going to shoot for the 10K. I thought I could handle it, plus I had what four months to train! BUT, did I train? NO! I secretly wondered if I was really going to go through with it :-) I never did officially register for the race, because a good friend of mine told me that I could just go out there and run in it. So being a cheapskate..that was the plan.
The night before the race, I cooked spaghetti & salad, and drank lots of water. Trying to get a lot of carbs loaded into my body for the race the next day. Also, my friend Kati told me it was a good thing to eat, so that you wouldn't have "bathroom issues" while running! I really wasn't too excited for the race (who would be right?), until there was a knock at my door. Two cute ladies from my ward dropped off 2 big bottles of gatorade with words of encouragement. That's when it hit me that I was going to be running 6 MILES the next day! Yikes! It was the first moment that I actually got excited about the race. So thank you Tiffany & Jenny for bringing my spirits up! Then it was on! After dinner, I told Chad I was nervous and my stomach started to get upset. He laughed and said, "don't worry, if we have to we'll walk the whole 6 miles!". But I didn't want to walk it!! I was determined to run as much as I could. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well that night and I had a dream that I forgot to wear my sportsbra! Thank goodness it was only a dream!

The next morning we packed up the kids, stroller, lots of water and headed off. We got out to Schnepf Farms about 7, but the race didn't start till 8 am. So we decided to hit up the grocery store for some donuts for the kids. Most people would be downing lots of water, bananas, etc..then there was us. Yes, Chad and I had a doughnut too! I thought what the heck, the extra sugars will carry me through the race! Sadly, I think it helped :-)

We arrived at the race and started to stretch. Then my guilty conscious started wearing on me. I didn't register either of us and all the money was going to families of those who had children with cancer, etc. It was for such a good cause and I didn't register and I felt horrible. Then I got nervous that they would call us out for not having a number bib on.

The race started and we took off in the crowd. Chad and I ran the first 2 miles together and by the 3rd mile he was getting a little winded pushing an extra 80 pounds. So he said, "keep on going and I'll catch up with you". Sweet boy! So I put my IPOD, turned it up loud, and kept on running. For those of you that know me, I am NOT a runner! But for some reason..I call it a miracle, I ran and ran and ran. I didn't get tired like I usually do after 5 mins. My side didn't hurt in pain like it usually does and I ran like forrest gump! I have to say there is something about being outdoors, enjoying nature and the farm scenery that kept me going. I would say I did what I wanted to accomplish and ran 4 1/2 to 5 miles of this race. The last mile I did slow down to a walk, but once I saw the end in sight I was off again. It was the best feeling in the world!
Disregard the red arrows, that was the 1/2 that my crazy awesome friends did. You go girls! Our 10K is in blue..it was just plenty for Chad and I!


We had to laugh, because a guy that was running the 1/2 marathon passed us when we were on our 3rd mile, it was his 8th mile. Then when I was on my 5th mile, he passed me AGAIN! You do the math, pathetic and slow as I was I still finished!

By the 6th mile, Chad was on my tail and he ran in ONE MINUTE after me! YES, you heard it, I BEAT HIM 78 minutes to 79 minutes! Very close, but I do have bragging rights! Funny story..as I was running in a guy asked me for my # bib. I kept running past him and told him that my husband had it in our stroller. Poor Chad always has to cover for me:-) Then I went off to hide in the crowd. I felt so guilty! When I found Chad I asked him what his response was to the man that was asking for his # bib. He said, "I told him I didn't have one!" Why couldn't I have just said that and saved myself so much embarrassment and guilt? Note to self..register always, that will never happen again!

Thanks honey for being supportive, giving your all, and pushing an extra 80 pounds. Heaven knows I couldn't have done it! I'm so proud of you and I'm proud of myself. This was something that I can now cross off of my life-list of things to do. Who knows, maybe it will be a 1/2 marthon next! Thanks to Denise for getting me going on this! It was one of the best feelings of my life!
After the race
Yes, I will take credit for all of the pain that I am now in. By the time we got home, which was 20 mins later. I got out of the car and my calves were locked in place! Chad laughed. But by yesterday we were both like 2 old people trying to walk around and every nook and cranny hurt...and then I laughed! Needless to say, we have been taking many baths and stretching often. Another lesson learned!

Happy Birthday Jaeden!

Jaeden turned the BIG 6 on January 24th. She had a great birthday, in fact it was actually more like a great birthday week!

Thursday evening: we went over to "old" grandmas house (this is my grandma, Jaeden gave her that name when she was 2. Thankfully old grandma doesn't mind!). Jaeden got showered with gifts from grandma and Aunt Esther. Not one, but two webkinz!, giftcard to build-a-bear, Hannah Montana socks, purse and a wallet! She was in heaven and I couldn't get her off of the computer that evening.

Friday: Her class made her a "birthday" book, each child drew a b-day picture for Jaeden and then Ms. Wagter had it binded into a book. Super cute idea! Thanks Ms. Wagter, we will treasure it forever! I brought in HSM cupcakes for the class to enjoy.
That evening we spoiled her with cheescake factory and took her to her favorite store, Build-a-bear, where so got a new bear from mom & dad!

Saturday (actual birthday):


We usually have a family/friend party for her, but since she's getting older and finances are tighter we decided to minimize it to just friends/cousins. We let her invite 10 friends (had to cut it off, otherwise we would have had her whole class!): Emma, Mariah, Anissa, Brianne, Mackenzie, Kristiana, Alyssa, Talia, and Rachel & Carly. We had pizza, played on the bounce house (which was free thanks to Crystal, thank you!), played limbo, and hit the unbreakable HSM pinata! The girls had a great time and Jaeden received so many nice gifts. She loved every gift and is still playing!
We ended the night at Jaeden's favorite restaurant, Serrano's with Grandpa, Grandma Kelly, Jordy and her Auntie Robin. She loved wearing the big sombrero hat and having the whole restaurant sing to her!


Sunday: At church, she got called to the front of primary where everyone sang her happy birthday and she was able to pick a prize out of the birthday jar! Her face got so red...just like her mom! But it made her feel so special.

Finally Monday: After a long day of school and soccer, she came home to a "Big" package from Grandma Naylor in Oregon. So many great presents all covered in kit-kat candy bars (another one of J's favorites). I wish I would have taken a picture! Jaeden thought it was the coolest ever...thanks mom!
My, if only all birthday lasted this long! Thanks for everyone who made her days so special! We love you Jaeden!

December Events

I thought I'd just make a slide show for most of our December events. Jaeden's holiday class party included making a gingerbread house among many other activities! She had a ball! I think my CLEAN daughter was the messiest..shocker I know!

We had all of Jaeden's friends over one day to decorate Christmas cookies. They are quite the artist's I must say. Then they played games and sang christmas songs. It was a great time and something I think we'll do every year.
I usually kind of dread putting up the Christmas tree, only because it's such a pain. But this year we ALL put it up and decorated it as a family. Talan thought he was so big putting ornaments at the top of the tree and Jaeden's always such a helper. It made this year so special! They even helped take it down!

Our ward had a Christmas breakfast and to the kids surprise Santa came! It was the most excited that I have EVER seen Talan. His face says it all! Jaeden was excited too, but did not quite yell as loud as Talan did when he saw Santa. She thinks that it wasn't the "real" santa, but it was one of his helpers. She said it didn't look like Santa. She's getting too smart for me!!

Happy Birthday buddy!

As for most of us December went by so fast, that now it's January and I have sooo much blogging to do! I'll try to catch up on all of it soon.

Well my little baby isn't a baby anymore :-( Talan turned 3 on Dec 7th and we had a family/friend party for him at the park. It was very simple, filled with Talan's love for tractor's and he had a great time! He received so many great toys, books, clothes, and more toys. Thank you!
This past year we can't believe how much Talan has grown up. He is such an active little guy and he keep's us going all the time. He has especially changed this past month couple of months. His speech is getting so much clearer (at least for us!), he has been better about sharing his toys, actually sitting when I put him in time-out, and being a kind sweet little boy. My favorite thing is when he tell us that he loves us. It's usually when we are driving somewhere and he will just out of the blue say "I love daddy, sissy, mommy, and bellzer's (our dog, Belle). Although I'm very sad he's growing up, this new year will be so fun to see him grow some more!

Jaeden's thoughts of me

I thought this was a fun idea from my friend Carol, so I asked Jaeden the same questions and here were her answers! Jaeden's thoughts of me at age five! Keep in mind these are her words directly, I didn't do any editing.

1. What is something mom always says to you? No (ouch!)
2. What makes mom happy? When me and Talan play nicely.
3. What makes mom sad? For us not to share.
4. How does your mom make you laugh? You tell me funny jokes.
5. What was your mom like as a child? You made cookies with your mom.
6. How old is your mom? 31 years old.
7. How tall is your mom? 6 feet.
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Cook.
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? Take care of kids.
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? A famous mom.
11. What is your mom really good at? Cooking.
12. What is your mom not very good at? Doing the monkey bars.
13. What does your mom do for her job? nothing, watch Zach.
14. What is your mom's favorite food? Mexican (she know's me!)
15. What makes you proud of your mom? Your a good mom
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? Dora, cause you have her same hair and skin. (Hmm..too funny)
17. What do you and your mom do together? Cook together
18. How are you and your mom the same? Cause Jesus made us (loved this answer).
19. How are you and your mom different? Cause we have different skin. Your's is dark brown and creamish. (Does she think I'm hispanic?)
20. How do you know your mom loves you? Cause you help clean up my toys.
21. What does your mom like most about your dad? Cause he kisses you.
22. Where is your moms favorite place to go? Serrano's (right on the money!)

My sweet daughter. I will cherish these answers forever.

Donuts with Dad

For some reason I forgot to post this and I just found it in my "edit posts" section. Anywho...this happened a couple of weeks ago, but is worth posting!

Chad got to attend Jaeden's school for "Donuts with Dads". For a couple of weeks now, Jaeden has been practicing these "special" dad songs that they have learned at school. She has been singing them constantly in her room, shower, car..and once she almost got caught as Chad heard her and asked what she was singing. She got so embarrassed and said, "never mind, dad!". So up to this point she has been very careful not to ruin the surprise for him!
Chad called me after he left the school and said it was really cute. She sang him songs, made him a tie to wear, and then they enjoyed donuts. After, they walked to the playground, where Jae showed him how she masters the monkey bars and he stayed for about 15 mins. When he told her he had to go, she turned to him and this was the conversation.

Jaeden: "my eyes keep watering"
Dad: "Are you sad that I have to leave for work?"
Jaeden: "no, my eyes just keep watering"
So he started to walk away and then he turned around and said that she had a 1/2 smile/grin on her face.(I'm picturing the one where she's about to break down into a full crying mode). Then she nodded for him to "just go" with her hands. How sad!!
Getting ready to leave...Talan of course had to be in the picture. Sorry Jae!

Happy Birthday Belle!!

Call me crazy...Actually call Jaeden crazy! I was driving Jaeden to school on Monday, and realized that our dog Belle should be having a birthday soon. Jaeden was so excited and insisted that we must have a party for her! So when she got home from school, we pulled out Belle's "dog info" and indeed Belle had turned one on Sunday. We were a day too late and I thought for sure we might be off the hook for a party...NOT!
Jaeden woke up on Tuesday and tried to get ME to call everyone. Yeah right, I wasn't about to take credit for a dog party! How silly would that be?! So she called her aunt Robin, who has 2 dogs; Tyson & Emie. Then she called Grandma Kelly, who has just one dog, Sissy. Jaeden didn't leave them anytime to get ready, since she insisted the party was taking place the SAME day. She advised them that the dogs needed to be dressed and no gifts. So, since Jaeden gets everything she wants...all the dogs came dressed and bearing gifts! The dogs enjoyed some freeze dried dog ice cream, or at least Belle did! I'm pretty sure she finished all of it off. Overall, I think the dogs had a great time sniffing each other and marking their territory all over the grass :-) The best part was seeing Jaeden so excited and so proud of herself for putting a party together. Thanks for coming and supporting Jaeden!

Jaeden's welcome sign on the front door. Mind you, this was all her idea!
Trying to get all the dogs to pose for a photo was quite challenging. This is as good as it gets!
Gift from Sissy: New dog bowls. Too cute!! Gift from Tyson & Emie: A new toy dog bone!!