Conversations

The boys had a delicious and nutritious meal for lunch today which consisted of corndogs and ranch dressing.  I started to become interested in their conversation when I overheard Camden talking about baptizing his corndog in the ranch.  This is what my sacrilegious children were saying:

Jace: You are getting bigger so you can be baptized

Camden: I'm only gonna be 5, not 8, but I don't wanna be baptized

Jace: Well you have to be baptized

Camden: Nuh uh

Jace: Uh Huh

Camden:(yelling) I said I don't wanna

Jace: Well Daddy will put you in the water and you can't choose.  You will just be (growling voice) BAPTIZED!

Camden: (crying and running away scared out of his mind) NOOOOOO

26.2

My alarm went off at 5:15 this morning and I started getting ready for the race.  Normally my stomach can only handle half a banana, but today I felt extra hungry and knew the race wasn't for awhile so I ate the entire thing.  I did a little foam rolling, taped my knees, drank a glass of Gatorade with some ibuprofen, and practically forced my dad to take a picture before we headed to the race.

Normally I'm one for taking lots of pictures, but the cold wind coupled with my nerves kept me bottled up in order to spare everyone of some kind of explosion.  The start line was crowded, we sang the national anthem, they blew a horn, and off we went.  For the most part, the course ran along the Boise river greenbelt and had some pretty beautiful views.  I was soaking in the atmosphere and feeling great about finally getting to this point.

The first 13 miles were a breeze.  I remember thinking to myself I could totally do a half marathon and push myself to get a decent time.  But I was not naive to the fact that we were still just beginning the race at that point.  We knew Dan would be bringing the boys to the race but we weren't sure at what point we would see them.  As we came around the corner it was a nice surprise to see them just after the half marathoners broke off for their finish line.  We quickly ran past and that's when I remember things starting to get hard.

Around mile 15 my dad jokingly told one of the spectators he would pay them to drive us to the finish line, he replied with a loud, "get out of your own head and finish this race".  A few miles later we were caught walking by Dan and the boys along with Andrea and Helen.  It was nice to hold Jace while Camden and Helen walked with us until we started running again. After passing them I turned around and Jace was running after us crying for me to come back.  We started noticing several people running back toward us and thought for sure the turn around point was near, but it felt like an eternity until we hit it.   I'm pretty sure miles 16-20 were the hardest for me, that is when my legs started feeling like led, and my emotions were at the surface.  We pushed forward.  I took out one headphone so I could listen to what people were saying.  Everyone was so nice!  As runners passed, they said encouraging things.  At first I thought it was out of pity until I started doing it myself.  We were all in this together, not trying to beat each other, just seriously hoping to finish.

The volunteers and spectators we so great.  Clapping, smiling and cheering for everyone.  I tried  hard to thank them and smile back.  There were several runners wearing "Leukemia & Lymphoma Team in Training" shirts and had coaches running with them.  At one water station all the volunteers had those same shirts and one man held up a sign that said, "I'm alive because you run".

One marathon runner was doubled over in pain, whaling out while trying to rub his cramping muscles.  I remembered being miserable during one of my training runs and said a little prayer of gratitude for the way my body was holding up.  My dad had some hip pain and calf cramping that bothered him and I felt pretty helpless.  There were times I thought he was gonna fall over because the cramping comes on so quickly and severely but he pulled through.  When we were both feeling ready to be done he said, "you know this is your fault" but I quickly responded with, "actually I think it's your fault because I would have never kept going if you didn't train with me" and I was dead serious!

We made it to mile 26 and the last .2 miles were longer than we expected.  We rounded the corner and saw the finish line!

We made it across the finish pad in 5:20 and were greeted by Dan, Camden and Jace, Julie, Andrea and Helen.  It was so fun to see them at the finish line and extremely nice of them to spend their Saturday in the heat for us.

Trying to put my marathon experience into words is actually harder than I thought.  I'm convinced anyone can run a marathon.  It's not a matter of if you can, but if you will.

This marathon was never about winning to me, it was about pushing myself past limits I never knew possible.  It was about doing hard things.  When I started training I couldn't run to the end of my street without stopping, now I am a marathon runner!  I did it, and it feels good!

Marathon

This afternoon I went to the expo to pick up our race packet.  The energy was intense and I could feel the excitement in the air.  I tried not to stay long because I didn't want my nerves to get the best of me.  I attempted to go about the rest of my day as usual but the marathon was always in the back of my mind.  I had a few friends drop by with good luck treats and several people text and call. Any time I tried second guessing myself I was reminded of all the hard work we had done to get to this point.  Concentrating on everything I had done instead of everything else I shoulda, woulda, coulda, done to make it better.

One new pair of running shoes, approximately 470 training miles run, an incredible Under Armor sports bra, 1 stick of glide, 8oz of chamois butt'r, 3CD's of new songs added to my IPOD, running pants, 2 pair of Thor-lo socks, approximately 7 rolls of KT tape, lots of ice, 1 Costco size can of blue Gatorade powder, 6 months of Saturday mornings with my Dad, Orbit gum, tons of determination and dedication, sore knees, hurt achilles, scars, blisters, GI trouble, tears, and competition have all got me to this point.

So tonight as I painted my nails(gotta have something nice to look at for 5 hours tomorrow) I tried to differentiate between chest tightness from my hacking cough and chest tightness due to anxiety.  I'm sure it's a little of both; but either way it's on, tomorrow I will officially be a marathon runner!  And like my dad said, we will finish it together, or not at all!

Today...

Jace told me not to kiss him because it is so sick.
Camden told me he really wishes I would just leave him home and go far away.
Jace asked if my nether region was bigger or littler than his.
Camden told me he was too old to work.
Jace told me I always eat his treats and never share.
Camden told me I don't understand how to match his clothes.

I love how hilariously entertaining my children were today, and everyday!

Oregon

This past weekend we took a short trip to La Grande, Oregon to visit Dan's brother and his family.  A few years ago they moved from Utah to a small little town on a bunch of property.  They bought cows and chickens and joke about being "country bumpkins".  Lucky for us (not so much for them), the trip is only 3 hours away and a beautiful drive .  We had so much fun, we are already planning our next visit.

While we were there, Camden and Jace were taught the 5 important rules of guns.  After they understood and could recite all the rules, Uncle Bud helped them shoot for the very first time.  They started with a BB gun, and then a 22.

I'm not much of a gun person, but the way Bud addressed what we were doing calmed my nerves.  He told me kids are curious and guns are no exception to that curiosity.  So introducing kids(or adults) to guns safely, eases the curiosity and instills the appropriate amount of fear.

Let's see if I can remember the 5 rules:

1. Never put your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot.

2. Never point your gun at anything other than a target.

3. Everyone must be behind the line of fire.

4. Be aware of your back drop.

5. The gun is ALWAYS loaded to destroy.

Bud was positive the kids would enjoy shooting the "smaller" guns.  He said once they saw and heard Dan and I shoot the big guns, they would be too scared to shoot anything bigger.  I wasn't really convinced.  I thought Jace would never be too scared.  But sure enough after I shot the AR 15 even Jace was apprehensive.

After we finished shooting, we hopped on the four wheeler's and took a trip up the mountain to see their cabin.  It is a work in progress but gonna be such a treat for their family to enjoy.  The property it sits on is beyond beautiful!  It is close enough to home but it feels like you are so removed, what an escape.

We attempted to race boats in the pond, and watched the dog enjoy the freezing cold water.  Then we just hung out, enjoyed a snack and a soda before we headed back to go fishing in their Grandma Marie's pond.

My kids were in heaven being with their cousins for so long.  Brixtin and Brian were such good sports to constantly entertain them.

There were several rounds of badminton, some serious rounds of Monopoly Deal, lots of yummy food, the perfect company, and the most beautiful views.

While on my morning run I so much enjoyed the scenery.  I had to stop several times to take pictures.

The weather was perfect and you could see green farmland for miles.

I was loving all of the adorable barns, wishing my kids would sit still for 5 minutes so I could prop them up for a picture.  But obviously they were too busy having fun so I didn't make them agree to a photo shoot.

Although our trip was short, we had a blast and are so grateful we got to enjoy Oregon with our family.

Thanks for a beautifully fun weekend Bud and Kris.

Jace is "Free"

Last night as I kissed my 2 year old Jace goodnight I wanted time to freeze.  For some reason I have dreaded letting my baby turn 3.  I don't remember feeling that way with Camden.  Luckily I'm not the person in charge of deciding whether or not kids can have birthdays, so 3 he turned today.

He woke up to birthday blocks on the kitchen table and presents strategically placed over the Happy Birthday banner which hung on the fireplace.  He kept asking if it was a birthday for him.  He just couldn't believe it was finally his day!

He always begs to eat a "hambooger inside the store", so after story time at the library we did just that.  He was so glad Wendy's remembered his birthday and gave him "rock 'em, sock 'em" finger puppets with his lunch.

His friend Cole dropped off his first gift of the day while we were out to lunch.  A few minutes after that, Miss Memzelle stopped by with a gift because she heard it was his day.

We went for a walk to the park and when we got home all the Blodgett kids came over, each with their own present for Jace.  We sat out on the grass while he loved every second of his own impromptu surprise birthday party.

After we all enjoyed a dinner of "sticky mac and cheese"(homemade macaroni and cheese) with green beans covered in tomato sauce, it was finally time to open more gifts.  He was so excited to open the gifts he had to look at all day without touching, he wouldn't even allow his face to be washed.

This year, like always, he was spoiled with birthday love.  His big gift this year was a new bike and Astro Boy helmet.

And his birthday treat of choice was a box of superhero popsicles.  I love the simplicity of a child.

Jace is my sweaty snuggle bug who wants things his way.  He is loving and kind but packs a mean punch.  He is strong willed and passionate.  Astro Boy is his all time favorite.  Whenever he thinks he is in trouble, he will rub my face and pull me in for a hug.  He is wise beyond his years and doesn't have much fear.  He doesn't like the wind and loves to sleep in late.  He doesn't care for breakfast but eats dinner like a champ. He could watch golf on TV for days and thinks kids his age are "babies". He hates being buckled in his car seat and is particular about what he wears.  He is my sweetest surprise and adds a huge amount of love and laughter to our family.  Happy birthday shark bait, we are grateful to celebrate you today and everyday!

Easter

I was a little more prepared for Easter this year than I was last.  We started early and I tried talking to my kids about why we celebrate Easter.  I wanted them to appreciate the holiday with a greater respect for our Savior.  After explaining the Resurrection to Camden, I asked him to tell me what it meant in his own words.  "Oh ya, it's like when Mario dies and you use a star, he comes back to life".  Talk about a proud mommy moment; knowing he understood the gospel because I let him play Wii.  

So we switched gears a bit and did the egg thing.  But anytime I use vinegar in a recipe Camden turns his nose up.  So I was not looking forward to dodging complaints while trying to do something fun with my kids. When my mom found a magazine article about dyeing eggs using kool-aid, I knew we had to give it a shot.

It was cheap, made a ton, smelled great, and the colors were even better than the box kits.  We are definitely using this method next year.

Camden and Jace couldn't believe how a white crayon could make "magic eggs".  Maybe I should remember this trick for random days when my kids are bored and needing some entertainment.

And of course, Easter isn't complete without new church clothes and a visit from the Easter Bunny.  After church, we stopped by Dan's work for a visit and the Easter Bunny just happened to be there.  It was a beautiful day and nice to reflect on our Savior.