Salt Lake Half Marathon '11

{ The group from my ward that ran the race}

A couple of weeks ago I ran in the Salt Lake Half Marathon. I wasn't planning on running any half marathons this year, but two weeks before the race I decided to sign up. My two friends that I run with during the week had been planning on running the race for months. I decided even though I wasn't planning on it, I would continue to run the miles they were running. When we started hitting 10-11 miles on our longer runs, I decided what the heck! I might as well run it too. Signing up two weeks before race day was the perfect way to go! No stress or nervousness during any of my training runs, and by the time I signed up it was already time to start tapering. It was fabulous!

{Jessica, Me, and Cozette at the starting line}

I was all nerves once race day came! I was having knee and ankle pain earlier in the week and it totally freaked me out! So, I said a lot of prayers and hoped for the best! I normally don't set too many goals for races, but this time was a little different. I knew that I had increased in speed over the year, so I was really hoping to beat my best time of 2:21:54. Deep down I was really hoping to finish in under 2:10. I didn't really think that I could finish that quickly but decided it was worth a shot! When the gun went off at the starting line, the adrenaline was insane! There were so many people and it was difficult to find our normal pace. We were weaving in and out of people for the first few miles, but finally found a comfortable stride around mile 5. I decided to look at where we were pace wise and just before mile 5 our average was 8:45. I couldn't believe it! We had never ran that fast before. We decided to slow it down a little bit. I continued to feel good up until mile 8. That's when I started feeing sluggish, so around mile 8 1/2 we took a break and had our energy gu's. Shortly after starting back up again, I stepped in a crack and rolled my ankle. Luckily, I've had this happen MANY times and was able to keep going.

We hit Liberty Park and I was really starting to doubt myself. I always hit a wall between miles 10 and 11 and was nervous it was going to happen again. Luckily, they had cameras taking pictures as you were leaving the park, so naturally you try to look all gung ho and happy. Right after that happened, my energy gu kicked in and I felt a little bit of energy come back. I was mentally trying to prepare for the State Street stretch. Everyone had warned me that it was miserable! There is a short hill at the end that isn't fun to run after you've already ran 12 miles. Once we turned on State, all I could think about was the hill. We stopped at a water station {around mile 11.5} for a quick drink. I really felt that I needed to slow down if I was going to make it up the hill. I told Jessica and Cozette to continue on if they felt they could go faster than me. I fell behind a little bit and was a little disappointed in myself, but knew I could finish strong. I ran up that hill like I owned it! Once I turned on South Temple, I could see the Gateway where the race ended. I finished the last of my water and took off! It was so fun to see the crowds of people get thicker as you got closer to the finish line. As I rounded the corner into the Gateway, I began seeing friends there cheering me on. Shortly after was Rob and the boys, then my sisters and their families. I always get so emotional at the end and they gave me the boost I needed to finish strong! I have the best family and friends in the world!

{Waving to Rob and the boys in passing}

I crossed the finish line and hit stop on my timer. It read 2:03:03! {My actual time ended up being 2:02:34} I couldn't believe it! That is the fastest pace I have ever maintained for that many miles. My body and my training didn't let me down. I had such a runner's high!

{Our little family}

{My whole cheering squad}

{My first {and favorite} running partner Jess. Who is amazing and ran the race with only 2 weeks of training!}

I am so glad I decided to run the half. It was a great experience and one I hope to have again in the future. A special thanks to Rob! He is so supportive of my running. Always willing to help with the boys while I go out on my long runs. Not to mention, he puts up with my ornery self when I am beat and tired from running so many miles. I love you babe! You are my rock!

Later that afternoon we met up with my siblings and their families to celebrate the April birthdays. What a way to celebrate! We chowed down on some delicious grub at Cafe Rio! I was starving to say the least :)

Where have we been?

I told myself that when my parents left on their mission that I would be better about blogging. I haven't really kept up with that goal, but they've almost been gone for 6 months so maybe I can be better during the last half of their mission. We haven't really been up to anything exciting. The weather has been crummy 90% of the time and we are all dying for it to warm up permanently. Honestly, I think my boys and I might kill each other we can't get back outside soon. I guess I can't complain too much. We did have a few days last week where it reached almost 70 degrees and we spent both of those days OUTSIDE! I even got sunburned. It was heavenly! To top off the weekend, it snowed 8 inches on Sunday. Boo!

Beckett enjoying the warm weather in his shades

He was obsessed with them and had to wear them inside and out!

Beckett with his friend Garrett at the park

He would live on the swings if I would push him longer than 5 minutes

Wesley loved playing bball in the front yard. He is a natural and has some mad skills!

Last Thursday, after spending most of the afternoon at the park and playing outside we discovered a leak in our house. I first noticed it that morning. I was in Wesley's room putting away some clothes when I discovered a soaking wet spot in the middle of the floor. I asked the boys if either of them had spilled anything and they said no. I didn't really believe them, but grabbed a towel and tried to soak it up. As I was stepping on the towel, I noticed the carpet pad was making a squishing noise all around the spot. I called Rob and we tried to figure where the water was coming from. We didn't come to a conclusion so I told him he would have to investigate when he got home. When the boys and I came in later that afternoon, the boys went downstairs to play. A little while later they came upstairs and I noticed they were leaving little wet footprints on the tile. I asked Wesley why his feet were wet and he answered back "because the carpet is wet downstairs!" My thoughts went back to that morning and I rushed downstairs. To my disappointment, I found soaking wet carpet and water dripping from the ceiling and down the walls. There were bubbles in the paint and cracks down the wall. I wanted to scream! Where was the water coming from?!?!

I called Rob and he got a hold of a plumber in our ward. He showed up rather quickly and discovered the water was coming from the water line to our refrigerator. He was able to quickly fix it and we called our insurance company, but they were closed for the day. The next morning we got a hold of them and they sent out a disaster clean up company to take care of the damage. For four days we've had huge fans and dehumidifiers running. They came back yesterday and it looks like they are going to remove part of Wesley's sub floor, as well a big chunk of the ceiling in our basement and part of the wall. Luckily, no damage was done in the kitchen. It's been quite the adventure! The boys are both sleeping in Beckett's room while Wesley's room is torn apart. The demolition and repairs begin tomorrow...can't wait. Here are some pictures of the damage:

Wesley's wet floor

{They cut holes in the wall to make sure there wasn't any moisture still in them}

Walls in the family room downstairs

The ceiling in the family room

The one and only thing I really wanted to get out of this whole ordeal was new carpet downstairs. It isn't going to happen :(

West Jordan Fire Station

Wesley's Preschool went on a field trip to the fire station a couple of weeks ago and Beckett and I were lucky enough to tag along. We had so much fun and the kids were so cute! You would think with a group of 3 and 4 year olds you wouldn't be able to keep them quiet, but once we entered the fire station, they were silent! It was quite humorous. Firefighter Wesley {Yep! His name was Wesley and my Wesley thought that was so cool!} showed us around the station and then we ended the tour with the Ambulance and Firetrucks. The boys had a blast! Here are some pictures from the trip. Sorry they aren't the best quality, they were all taken with my phone and I'm too lazy to edit them in photoshop.

Beckett Man turns 3!!!

Beckett turned 3 this past week. Where did the time go? I can't believe my baby is 3!!! I must admit that I was a little depressed about it. Not Beckett though, he's been looking forward to his birthday for 6+ months! He was so excited to be a big 3 yr old. I had a Relief Society activity the night of his birthday, so we decided to celebrate his birthday the Saturday before. Our nephew Jacob's bday is a few days before Beckett's, so we decided to have a combined shindig. We originally planned on going to see the movie Rango, but after hearing about some of the language in the film, we ended up going to Planet Play (previously known as Incredible Pizza). I think it turned out for the better. Every one seemed to have a blast!

Beckett was SO excited for his party!

The silly boys

The cake

Opening presents

Hobby

Blowing out the candle

The birthday boy and Tys

Brady and Jen

Say Cheese

Me and my Honey

Playing Games

Riding the go carts

What good sports!

Brady and Mindy {and Rob}

Bumper Cars

{These were one of my favorite things!}

My cute nieces

What a fun place! Our boys love going there and they especially had fun playing with all of their cousins. It was fun to spend time with my family. Now that I think about it, Beckett was actually pretty spoiled and we celebrated his birthday for 4 straight days! Sunday we had a little dinner party with Rob's family, Monday we had a combined bday lunch playdate for Beckett and his friend Brody, and then the boys and I went out to lunch on his actual bday. What a lucky boy!

I honestly can't imagine our lives without Beckett! He is such a special little guy. Here are some fun facts about Beckett:

* Favorite Food - Mac and Cheese and Licorice

* Favorite TV Shows - Super Why, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Avatar

* Favorite Toy{s} - Legos, blocks, or his new Marble Racers

* Beckett still sleeps in a crib. He has figured out how to climb into his bed, but still calls for me to get him out. No complaints here! He sleeps great and I'm not about to mess that up!

* Beckett is a cuddler! He loves to cuddle first thing in the morning or after he wakes up from his nap. It is one of my favorite things about him!

* He adores his big brother! He always wants to do what Wes is doing. They only get along 10% of the time, but they still love each other.

* Beckett has such a tender heart.

* His smile can brighten anyones day

* He has the craziest sense of humor and makes me laugh ALL day long!

I could go on and on! I can't believe it has been 3 years since Beckett joined our little family. But at the same time I can't remember our lives without him! What an amazing 3 years! We love you Beckett Man!

Barking Spiders

I videoed Beckett the other day because he lost his voice and I thought he sounded adorable! Watch for the little surprise at the end : )

Lovey Dovey Day

{Salt and Pepper Shakers from Chicago}

This Valentine's Day was definitely different than most. It felt like any other Monday. Rob had to work all day, then head straight to school that night. I tried to get a babysitter during the day so that I could surprise him and take him to lunch, but that didn't pan out. So we decided to have lunch anyways with the boys. It wasn't romantic, but at least we got to see each other that day. The boys had a great time. They usually don't get to see Rob at all on Mondays since he leaves before they get up and gets home after they go to bed. We all had a great time. The rest of the day went as usual...naps, dinner, and then off to the gym. When we got home, I noticed we had a package on our porch {not a huge surprise, my parents told me they had sent us something}. So we went inside and I told the boys to go look on the porch. When we opened the door we found a second surprise. Someone had heart attacked us while we were out. I later found out it was my cute niece and her friend. It made our day. The boys loved all the hearts and couldn't wait to open the package from my parents.

{This was my attempt at making my mom's cookies.

They weren't perfect, but they were delicious!}

Normally on V-day, we get a visit from the Cookie Cupid {aka my parents}. They drop off billions of my mom's famous sugar cookies and little presents for the boys and ring the doorbell and run. It is a fun tradition and one we look forward to every year. Since my parents are in Chicago this year, we were all a little sad that the Cookie Cupid wouldn't be making an appearance. To our surprise, the Cookie Cupid didn't let us down. My parents sent us a package full of Chicago treats...including Mom's famous sugar cookies! Do I have great parents or what? They are 1300 miles away and are still keeping our family traditions alive. Boy, do we love and miss them! The package also included Chicago shirts for the boys, Chicago toy cars for both boys, cute salt and pepper shakers {pictured above}, hand knitted washcloths, my mom's yummy caramel popcorn, a dvd of Chicago stuff, and lots of candy! Have I told you how amazing my parents are? I couldn't believe all the stuff they sent us. I thought missionaries were supposed to receive packages, not the other way around! The V-day package definitely brightened my day! We ended the night by facetiming with my parents.

Although I didn't get to spend the day with my sweetheart, I got to spend it with two little boys who I love more than anything! I feel so blessed to be surrounded by people who I love and who love me. I am grateful for a husband who loves me unconditionally! I need to follow his example. He is amazing and I love him dearly! Thanks again to Elder and Sister Beck for keeping up the Cookie Cupid tradition from 1300 miles away. We love you guys!

Longing for...

SPRING!

I can't stand this winter any longer! I honestly think I might have to check myself into the loony bin if I don't see some real sunshine and/or warmer weather soon. Is it just me or does this winter seem to be lasting FOREVER? I'm in a huge rut and I don't know how to get out. Normally I like to break up the late winter with a trip somewhere, but our lack of funds this year is preventing us for going anywhere. Well, until June anyways. We are trying to save every penny to take a trip to Chicago. Last year I took a girls trip to St. George in February and then ran the Canyonlands Half in Moab last March. It kept me from going stir crazy. I think another reason for my restlessness is that I'm not training for anything. No 5k, no 10k, no half. I'm still running on a regular basis and I've even bumped up my speed. But, I'm just not sure if I feel like running another half anytime soon. Running in these freezing temps is sure getting old!

Man, do I long for the warm days of spring spent watching my boys run endless laps around the backyard, or sliding down the slides at the park. I honestly can't wait for even hotter temps so we can spend many lazy days at the pool. Normally I am a bigger fan of winter than summer but as I've gotten older and now that I have kids, I'm becoming a huge fan of summer! There is NOTHING to do {with two energetic boys} in the freezing cold months of winter! Spring/Summer, please tell me you're out there! Until then, I am trying to stay positive and look for things to keep me motivated. Here are a few things in the next couple of months that I'm looking forward to:

1. Beckett's Birthday in March

2. Warmer running weather {Spring is my favorite time of year to run outside.}

3. General Conference

4. My Birthday in April

5. Possibly running the Salt Lake 5k with Rob in April

6. Easter {which brings Easter candy :) }

Here's to hoping that Spring will be here before we know it! If not, you'll probably find me at the Funny Farm!