Sara and Kids

Does Your January Feel Like My January?

2012-01-03T11:12:00.007-07:00

When it's mid-July and 120 degrees outside, I may ask myself who I live in the desert.

Then comes January, and I get to do this!

And, I was getting a tad toasty in those arm warmers.

Yes, Arizona winters are amazing!

Our Holiday Greetings

2011-12-21T16:05:00.001-07:00

Advent Calendar Days

2011-11-30T09:58:00.017-07:00

Sometimes I look at my kids and wonder where the time has gone.

I miss the little versions of them.

I miss rocking them to sleep and carting them around on my hip.

But, time moves on and my babies are growing up.

This past week, we have been busy opening our advent calendar each day.

We've watched Jim Carrey's The Grinch while drinking hot apple cider.

We painted wooden sleighs and filled them with candy and the kids gave them to a child in their class who needed a friend.

We've made yummy treats and created some really cute decorations.

Some of the other things we have planned this month are:

I love this time of year and all of the very talented and creative people out there who share their great ideas!

My Oldest

2011-11-27T11:21:00.004-07:00

Do you have a child that pushes you to your limits of parenthood?

I do.

His name is Max.

His name is spoken from my mouth more than any other word each day.

"Max, please..."

"Max, NO!"

"Max, why??"

He has more energy than his little body can contain.

He is too curious for his own good.

His creativity could challenge even the Greats.

And... he is as smart as a whip.

He is simply one of those kids who is hard to keep up with.

But, I know why God blessed me with this one.

He makes me a BETTER mom.

He pushes me to open my mind and accept that my child is special and unique.

He pushes me to change my perspective...

"Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

-Albert Einstein

Dumb Phrases Annoy Me!

2011-11-25T09:23:00.006-07:00

Are there words or phrases that just get under your skin?

I have several...

"I don't mean to be offensive, but..." (Uh, yes you do!)

"You can't afford not to..." (Actually, sometimes you really don't have the $ CAN'T afford to.)

"Everything happens for a reason." (...or by chance or accident or really crappy circumstances?)

"Whatever." (or, I cannot come up with a witty comeback.)

"Money can't buy happiness." (Then you've never been broke!)

"I could care less." (translation- You couldn't care more. Is that what you meant to say?)

"Better late than never." (Ugh, this is for the habitually tardy and it's FALSE!)

"It's better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all." (Come on! Really? It's better to have wasted time, money, your pride and have your heart broken into million pieces than to never have met that person?)

"110%." (100% is not good enough?)

"The Devil is in the details." (Isn't there another saying? "God is in the details." So, which is it?)

"Cross my heart and hope to die." (What the?)

"To be honest.." (So, you're usually lying to me?)

Some are unnecessary and some are just plain aggravating, but if you catch me saying any of the above, you have permission to slap me silly!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T22:37:00.002-07:00

What's With Trees & Little Boys?

2011-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Above the patient bed, hung this cute painting.

How appropriate was this?

Well, since we were there because MY little monkey decided to climb a tree of his own, it was VERY appropriate.

BINGO

2011-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

I made this Bingo game years ago when I taught school.

I recently found it when I was going through my old school tubs.

It has kept my kiddos busy, busy, busy.

I found some other cute versions here and here and here.

Halloween Mani

2011-10-20T09:18:00.002-07:00

Elle loved these candy corn nails we painted on yesterday!

They were surprisingly easy.

Go here for instructions.

Busy

2011-10-17T09:56:00.003-07:00

Our days are flying by.

Now that school is in full swing and the kids' activities are back up and running,

my head is spinning.

The boys are playing basketball again, so Saturdays are officially game days.

Calvin has now joined his brother as a Cub Scout and he loves it!

Elle is having a ball in gymnastics and I am waiting for another ER visit with her.

She is fearless and determined.

And, I finally got around to putting Elle and Calvin in tennis.

I'm pretty sure they are both going big places in this sport (at least that's my plan)!

Anniversary

2011-10-10T14:50:00.002-07:00

We made it through our first year together as man and wife.

I love this man more than I can express.

We celebrated our anniversary with dinner at Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale...

A perfect night with the man of my dreams.

It's Here...It's October

2011-10-01T19:02:00.002-07:00

I'm going to be making these for my kiddos...

From Glorious Treats

Happy October!!!!

Fall Baking

2011-09-27T20:35:00.009-07:00

Now that my favorite season has arrived,

I can get started on a few of these...

That Kind of Day

2011-09-20T15:49:00.001-07:00

There are those

gloomy days

when you just need

some pretty flowers

to make

you

smile.

In My Heart and On My Mind

2011-09-09T11:04:00.005-07:00

Yesterday marked one of those anniversaries

that you don't mark on your calendar,

but somehow insists on creeping in

and parking it front and center of your mind

year after year.

Yesterday marked four years since I said, "Goodbye" to my mom:

four years since I've seen her face,

four years since I've held her hand,

and four years since I've heard her voice.

The time has passed in an instant...

Another of God's little gifts to those of us who grieve.

50 Miles

2011-09-03T11:13:00.003-07:00

I am a runner.

I am not a cyclist.

But, when you are continuously being plagued by injuries, you realize maybe it's time to change up your workouts.

And, so I took up biking.

Biking is far more complicated than running.

A runner laces up her shoes, turns on the Ipod, and goes.

A cyclist must gear up: get into the spandex and shoes, put on the helmet and sunglasses (must be over helmet straps...some cycling unwritten rule?), and fill your jersey pockets with phone, tube, flat repair, gels, and bars.

You must check your bike, fill your tires, and load up your bottles.

Then, there is the application of chamois cream, but I'll spare you those details.

It's just a lot of prep work- not what I'm used to.

Then, there's the high.

Oh, the high.

Runners know all about it.

You know when you feel it and I've felt it on many runs.

I've yet to feel it on the bike, but I'm not giving up.

Today, I set out and accomplished 50 miles.

No high,

but I'm pretty darn proud of myself just the same.

Back to School

2011-08-10T11:00:00.005-07:00

Braces

2011-08-09T13:39:00.002-07:00

I could barely coax him out of bed this morning.

He DID NOT want today to come.

But, after I told him he looked like a teenager, he decided to embrace his new look.

Basketball Camp

2011-08-01T12:56:00.004-07:00

Max has been waiting for months to go to the Suns' Basketball Camp.

It was his dad's birthday gift for him back in February.

Well, we got him packed up and prepped him for 4 nights away from home.

We drove him up to Prescott and dropped him off with a lot of really rowdy little boys and VERY TALL grown men.

He was so excited!

Then, came the phone call in the middle of the night.

The stomach flu has really bad timing.

I jumped in the car to rescue my heaving boy.

There's always next summer.

Countdown

2011-07-29T11:06:00.004-07:00

"We spend the first twelve months on our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up."

-Phyllis Diller

I am relating to the above quote, which tells me that it is time for the kiddos to get back in school.

My three sweet angels have had a little too much together time and are ready for a much needed separation.

Only 11 more days.

We can make it.

Getting Me Through the Heat

2011-07-20T13:21:00.008-07:00

My favorite things for this summer...

My C.O. Bigelow Ginger Mint Mentha Lip Tint

My Sanuks.

Designed for comfort.

Enough said.

La Croix Sparkling water in all sorts of great flavors.

The ONLY thing that keeps me away from the soda!

My favorite Sunblock-

On my face everyday.

The yummiest, healthiest on-the-go protein drink...ORGAIN (it's at Hi-Health).

The Tour. I love watching with my man, even though I've been encouraged not to repeatedly ask stupid questions.

Gold nailpolish.

Thank You, Mr. President

2011-07-17T07:00:00.002-07:00

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month.

He also established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month, so that means today is

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY!

Hooray!

In its honor, here are a list of my all-time favorites...

Baskin Robbin's Peanut Butter & Chocolate

(so good there's even a facebook page dedicated to it☺)

Dolce Vita Gelato- Best Gelato in AZ and close to home!

The old standby...and perfectly all-natural.

Soynami (think Blizzard) from Green in Tempe.

I was skeptical that this vegan version couldn't hold up, but it is GOOD!

And...of course,

the hometown favorite, Nielsen's Frozen Custard.

Simple Vanilla is my choice.

Poolside

2011-07-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

Summer time

means

swim team,

diving,

and lessons.

This year, we hit some milestones...

Elle and Cal can finally swim well on their own

and

Max conquered the inverted dive (as ugly as it may be).

Olivia

2011-07-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Olivia.

She is our newest family member

and

I already love her.

She really is a sweet, sweet girl and our first female rat.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

Rats are great pets.

I've had them all- hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish.

But, when it comes to small animals, rats are my pick.

I mean...just look at that face.

Basketball Camp

2011-07-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Every summer, the kids play basketball at the nearby high school during their basketball camp.

Basketball is my kids' sport of choice, so they love the weeks they get to spend on the court.

A Birthday

2011-07-09T11:16:00.009-07:00

For Elle's 6th birthday, I took her to see Cinderella at the Broadway Palms Theater.

She was in heaven the whole time and couldn't wait to meet The Prince and Cinderella when it was over.

The next day, we celebrated with a few friends at the pool.

All that Elle wanted for her birthday was a matching set of pajamas for her and her American Girl doll.

Happy Birthday Elle

2011-07-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

You came into my life 6 years ago and, without saying a word, let me know that everything was going to be OK.

I am so happy you were born.

I love you, sweet girl.

Getting Our Chill On

2011-07-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

These days, we are frequently finding ourselves making pit stops on our way to wherever and consuming large amounts of frozen treats.

I've never been a huge ice cream fan-

but, the times...they are a-changin'.

This heat is going to make us one plump family.

Fabulous Fourth

2011-07-06T15:58:00.016-07:00

We headed up North for the Fourth of July weekend. Bri and I drove the kids while our husbands rode their bikes up to Payson.

Two days in the mountains were a much needed relief from this heat. The day we left, it had reached 118 degrees at home.

At the cabin, the kids had a blast on the quads (Elle received a small eye injury courteous of her reckless brothers' driving skills...*see below), while the women read and the men watched the Tour.

On Monday morning, the men jumped on their bikes again and rode from Happy Jack to Prescott. Bri and I, of course, chose a more relaxing mode of transportation.

We spent the day at the Prescott carnival. The kids played on the water slides, trampolines, and rock wall, ate italian ices, and snacked on kettle corn.

Elle and Sofia impressed everyone with their incredible climbing skills!

By fireworks time, the kids were well-worn out and ready to settle into some comfy chairs and enjoy the show.

Summer Day on the Light Rail

2011-06-17T17:05:00.006-07:00

We've had the light rail here in the valley for some time now and I've been meaning to try it out with the kids.

Today, I had to drop by the Dept. of Ed., so we decided to make a day of it.

We hopped on the train in Mesa, headed downtown, and spent the day in the city- walking, cooling off with ice cream, having lunch, and playing at the Children's Museum.

Pleasant Grove, Utah Crit

2011-06-13T16:17:00.002-07:00

Bringin' home the bacon!

We Got Punked

2011-06-04T08:38:00.005-07:00

While my sister and her husband are off playing Ma and Pa Pioneer on the Trek, my kids were thrilled to have their cousins over for a sleepover.

Sometime during the night, one of these marker bandits decided to exhibit some artistic expression on little soundly sleeping faces.

We haven't tried to wash it off yet.

Crossing my fingers it isn't permanent!

Summer Is Here

2011-06-03T11:43:00.003-07:00

The summer activities have begun-

swim lessons, swim team, and diving.

Cal is less than enthusiastic about his lessons.

Elle Graduates...phew

2011-05-24T11:30:00.005-07:00

There were more than a few incidents of chitchatting too much, which resulted in a bear being turned.

There was that day she was marched down to the 6th grade classroom to take a "timeout."

There was that time she refused to take her sunglasses off in the classroom during reading time.

Elle has definitely had her moments in kindergarten this year, but Mrs. O was kind enough to let her move onto first grade anyway.

Elle's Moment

2011-05-16T10:51:00.003-07:00

Elle had her first ever gymnastics recital on Saturday.

She was adorable and all smiles!

After a year in dance and a year in tumbling, she has decided she will stick with tumbling (yay).

Mother's Day

2011-05-13T10:28:00.004-07:00

On Mother's Day, the kids and I visited the cemetery to leave flowers for my mom. We talked about her and all the special times she shared with them.

I am determined to keep her in their memories forever.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, those here on earth and those patiently waiting for us above.

The Best Buttermilk Pancakes

2011-05-05T16:03:00.003-07:00

I recently came across this recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookbook. These are, hands-down, the best buttermilk pancakes I have ever made and I can't stop whipping up a batch every morning!!

You have to give them a try!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

3 T. granulated sugar

1 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more butter for cooking

3 organic large eggs

Up to 1/2 cup milk, as needed to thin batter

Real Vermont maple syrup, warmed, for serving

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk, butter, and eggs together in another bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking just enough to combine (small lumps are okay). Let the batter sit, covered, overnight (I haven't left it overnight, yet but, I bet this makes it even better).

The next morning, heat up your griddle or favorite nonstick pan and slick it with a little butter.
Add enough milk to the batter to thin it to the right consistency -- the thicker the batter, the thicker and heavier your pancakes; the thinner the batter, the more delicate your pancakes -- neither is wrong.

Cook the pancakes on the griddle, flipping them after bubbles appear on the surface of the uncooked side. Let cook 2-3 minutes more, then remove, and eat with lots of warm maple syrup.

Warrior Dash

2011-05-01T15:28:00.009-07:00

This sounded like such a great idea when I signed up months ago.

A short race with some fun obstacles along the way...fun, right.

Well, for me, the verdict is still out.

My sister and I decided to stay together. We wanted to work hard and get a fairly good time, so I would push her through the runs and she'd push me through the obstacles.

When the horn blew, we took off and hot puffs of air shot down at us as we crossed the start line.

We ran about a mile before we came to the first obstacle- climb over waist-high barrier, crawl under fence, repeat, repeat, repeat.

The next obstacle we came to was a series of steep hills of deep, loose dirt. This is where I took my first spill.

Then, we approached one of my favorite obstacles, the tires. We quick-stepped through several tires and then, climbed over of some old junkyard cars.

We ran on and by this time I was hot and really thirsty.

The course then took us through more obstacles requiring climbing, balancing, jumping, and ducking.

Finally, we rounded a corner and came to some obstacles that our friends and family could get a good view of- the hay wall and the net wall.

The remaining obstacles included a bungee maze, rope wall, and crawl across a net.

As we rounded the last corner the finish line was in view.

I was so hot at this point and the heat from the flames ahead were not helping. Bri and I took a giant leap over the fire and headed for the mud pit.

As we approached, I realized we were the only two racers around, nobody was in the mud pit, and all of the spectators were staring right at us.

Great. We had every one's attention. People were yelling, "Dive!"'

I stepped in and fell right to my knees. I immediately realized this was going to be a challenge. The mud was thick, deep, and mostly gravel. I tried to dig my feet in, but it wasn't working. Crawling on my hands and knees was the only option.

I moved my knee forward on the gravel and quickly learned my knees were not getting out of this looking pretty.

I continued as fast as I could. I just wanted out of the mud.

Bri and I finished together.

Today my knees are sore and scraped up and I can't decide if I'll do this again. I did get a great workout in and it was some awesome people watching. But, the part I thought would be the most fun- the mud, turned out to be less than enjoyable...

and I'm still finding mud in strange places.

Easter 2011

2011-04-29T09:31:00.008-07:00

This Easter was a particularly difficult one.

I missed my kids and my mom desperately.

My ex-husband got to spend the morning with the kids, so I anxiously and impatiently awaited them most of the day. I was feeling lonely and sad.

I made a visit to the cemetery to spend some quiet time with my mom. It helped.

By 3:00, I had my kids home again and our Easter finally began.

Saturday

2011-04-25T20:39:00.006-07:00

Saturday was a very PHYSICAL day for us.

After running my 16 miler in the early morning, I headed to the baseball fields to watch Max and Cal play their games...some great pitching and a beautiful triple from Max and 3 homeruns for the slugger, Cal.

Then, I finished the day in Gilbert watching Lance race in the Focus Crit Cat3 race. He placed an impressive second on a very windy day.

Lance and I finally got to relax at dinner. We met up with some friends from church and hit the yummy America's Taco Shop down by ASU.

-Great way to spend a Saturday.

Easter Pageant

2011-04-24T07:51:00.006-07:00

Ragnar SoCal 2011

2011-04-20T11:16:00.005-07:00

Ragnar SoCal Team "Running Is Risky Business"- 12 women, 2 vans, and 200 miles of concrete, asphalt, mountains, and shoreline.

This Ragnar was fun, but it kicked my butt.

I chose to take the long legs hoping to get some good training miles in. I didn't count on the heat exhaustion awaiting me.

I ran 3 legs totalling 26 miles, but only halfway through I knew I didn't feel right. The unexpected heat and harsh sun I ran through on the first day worked me over and I started my last leg on Saturday morning shaking, nauseous, and nearly in tears. Halfway through a beautiful run (which I was unable to enjoy) I took a quick detour, let my nausea get the best of me, and then pushed on to finish the leg. That last exchange didn't come soon enough and I was thrilled to be done!

Despite the challenges of this Ragnar, I had a blast. I got to know some great woman who I know will become close friends and I learned what my body is capable of and how much pain I can really push through.

But, the next time I'm in Southern California, I'm doing what I love even more than running

-relaxing on the beach.

Field Trip to the Farm

2011-04-07T13:53:00.006-07:00

Yesterday, I was able to join Elle on her field trip to the farm. Picking fresh veggies and petting stinky, dusty, too-cute-for words animals...my kind of fun! I've been lucky enough to substitute a couple of times in Elle's kindergarten class and they are an adorable group of kiddos- makes me kind of miss teaching...kind of.

San Tan Crit

2011-04-01T15:21:00.009-07:00

Last Saturday, Lance competed in the San Tan Crit. We love watching him race and cheering him on and this finish was one exciting, down-to-the-wire, sprint to win. Lance missed first place by only inches. Tomorrow, he will be racing in El Tour De Mesa. Go Team Web-OP/Focus!

Salute

2011-03-28T13:52:00.003-07:00

Saturday was Opening Day for baseball. Max had the honor of joining his scout troop to perform the flag ceremony on the field. For the entire pledge and then, Star Spangled Banner, the boys stood at attention in a perfectly still salute to the flag. I was a proud mom. Sometimes, I forget that a boy with such non-stop energy can actually slow down. He and the other scouts showed such respect to their country and flag. Nice job, boys.

Spring Break

2011-03-22T21:24:00.002-07:00

We spent a few days of spring break up at the cabin-our favorite vacation spot.

Nothing beats getting out of town and enjoying some family time.

Goodbye Hoops, Batter Up!

2011-03-10T15:34:00.003-07:00

Basketball season is over.

A little sad over here

because my boys' hearts belong to hoops.

But, a season of baseball awaits.

Springtime, warm weather, concession snacks, and sunsets at the baseball field...

I'm ready.

Ragnar Del Sol 2011

2011-03-02T13:46:00.004-07:00

Ragnar Del Sol 2011

2nd Place

The Real Housewives of AZ

Simply... a great group of sleep-deprived, energy bar eating, FAST, beautiful group of ladies!

Happy Birthday, Max!

2011-02-24T10:09:00.002-07:00

10 years.

I can't believe it was ten whole years ago that this boy came into my life

and there hasn't been a boring moment since!

Life is certainly entertaining with this spirited young man.

By the time he reaches adulthood, I will be able to write a book filled with all the crazy stories involving Max and I will certainly have a full head of gray hair!

He keeps me on my toes

and

I love him with all my heart.

Happy Birthday, my sweet Max.

Blue & Gold

2011-02-21T20:17:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow is our pack's Blue & Gold Banquet

and Lance's first go-around as the new Cub Master.

We (or I) had to put together a cake for the cake contest.

Hopefully, both our cake and Cub Master will be huge successes!

Birthday Invites

2011-02-16T09:36:00.002-07:00

I put together these invites for Max's upcoming 10th birthday.

Aren't they great?

Go to festisite.com to paste yourself in money from around the world!

RIP Remi

2011-02-13T12:55:00.010-07:00

For over three years we have loved and adored our Remi.

When we would introduce people to our pet rat, Remi, we'd often get puzzled looks.

"You have a rat...

for a pet?"

I'd tell them, "You just have to know him."

Remi was special and he loved us as much as we loved him.

From early on, Remi knew his name and would come when called. He'd scurry to the door of his cage and climb right onto your hand. Sometimes, he'd just wait at the door, hoping someone would notice him. He loved attention. I'd sometimes just find myself sitting in front of his cage talking to him because he acted as if he understood me.

I knew Remi's life would be ending soon.

He'd surpassed his life expectancy by a few months already and he was starting to look his age.

Remi's hair was falling out, his eyes looked tired.

When I got up this morning, I went to check on him. He was lying at the bottom of his cage with his eyes closed. When I said his name, he tried to get up, but couldn't. I knew it would be soon, so I brought the kids in. I told them he was dying. We talked about what was happening to his body and what was happening to his spirit. They petted him and kissed him and waited...

Then, he was gone.

We found a box. Calvin carefully placed Remi in it.

The kids wrote letters to Remi and put them in the box.

We buried him in the backyard under the orange tree, said a prayer, and said, "goodbye."

We will miss you, Remi.

A Change

2011-02-12T12:48:00.001-07:00

A haircut

and

a donation.

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-02-10T11:06:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday.

I turned 37.

I spent the entire day like this...in bed...with the flu.

Next year will be a better one.

Just Eat Cake

2011-02-08T17:04:00.004-07:00

"Take the guilt out of pleasure. Sometimes the thing you want most is just what you need."

-Whole Living Magazine

Ice in the Desert

2011-02-03T10:47:00.010-07:00

Some of you may ask, "Why all the pictures?"

Well, for those of us who live in the desert, this is RARE!

The kids and I got all excited as we drove up to the elementary school this morning and found this on the playground.

This just doesn't happen in the desert.

It was beautiful.

Hoops

2011-01-30T21:38:00.003-07:00

It's basketball season again

and

I love watching these boys play!

Day 100

2011-01-25T12:33:00.002-07:00

Today is the 100th day of school

and Elle was insistent that I put 100 pony tails in her hair.

My hands are tired.

Intervention, Please.

2011-01-19T19:21:00.004-07:00

I need help.

I eat really healthy food...

most of the time.

But, I also have a really addictive personality.

When I find something I like, watch out.

I will binge like there is no tomorrow.

About a week ago, I picked up a box of these at my neighborhood drug store.

When the register rang up $0.74 (on xmas clearance!), my heart began to race.

I returned the next day and bought 5 more packs.

Then, I returned the day after that and bought a few more.

I have a large stash tucked away underneath my underwear in the closet.

Time for an intervention.

Dr. Drew,

I need you.

My New Favorite!

2011-01-17T10:49:00.006-07:00

I have to tell you about something I recently found and LOVE!

Being an Arizona native, I have spent countless summer days basking in the brutal desert sun and my skin has the damage to prove it.

Up until now, the brown sun damage spots have gotten the best of me.

Not now.

I was recently introduced to Rodan + Fields (the creators of Proactive) and learned about their Reverse regimen.

I ordered and tried and after just a short time, I can see a difference.

I am in love with the way it is changing my skin! My skin is softer, smoother, and the spots are disappearing.

Here is what Rodan+Fields has to say about REVERSE,

“It’s not what you see…It’s what you don’t see. Exposure to the sun and the environment can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Erase the signs of premature aging, including brown spots, dullness, and sun damage. REVERSE Regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens, and protects your skin for a more even tone and texture.

Recognized on Allure Magazine’s A List, the REVERSE Regimen features 4 full-size products: Deep Exfoliating Wash 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Toner 125 mL/4.2 Fl.Oz.; Skin Lightening Treatment 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.; and UVA/UVB SPF 15 Sunscreen 50 mL/1.7 Fl.Oz.”

You can get the REVERSE Regimen through me. Just click the "contact me" button here and I'll tell you how to get it at Preferred Customer cost.

Grateful

2011-01-09T10:43:00.003-07:00

The news of yesterday's tragic events hit too close to home.

I thought of my kids, who spend many weekends in Tucson, and felt a moment of,"what if?"

I thought of the nine yr. old girl killed and prayed for her devastated parents.

I thought of the reality that at any time, everyone we love can be taken from us.

And so , I hugged them all a few more times yesterday.

Snow in the Desert

2011-01-06T13:57:00.003-07:00

Last week it snowed in our neighborhood.

Yes, snowed.

It only happens every 10 years or so and

I think I was excited as these three!

The Next Stage of Life

2011-01-05T11:07:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, I went back to yoga.

I was the most relaxing hour of calm and self-awareness I've had in a really long time.

Almost 10 years ago, I became a mother.

And, in that moment, I admit I sort of lost myself. I wasn't one of those balanced moms who could do it all gracefully.

I really just gave up everything else.

I have no regrets. I put my heart and soul, my every waking moment, into taking care of my baby. I rarely let him out of my arms that first year.

4 years and 2 more babies later and I still lived and breathed being a mother.

But, I couldn't define myself as anything else.

Living away from home, I felt alone. I rarely saw friends. Hardly ever saw my husband. I only left the house to get groceries and take my babies to the neighborhood park.

Luckily, I was so in love with the new little ones that had taken over my life, I didn't realize I had left myself somewhere in the dust of motherhood.

Fast forward 5 years, and I am learning to rediscover who I am. One of the reasons I took up running with such drive and dedication was because it was mine, mine, mine. I wasn't doing it for anyone else.

Now that my kids are a bit older and a little more independent, I look back at those early days of motherhood with nostalgia.

There is nothing like nursing a baby, her fingers wrapped around your pinky, while those helpless little eyes stare up at yours. I could have done that forever.

Since those days are over, I am enjoying trying new things and testing my capabilities. I feel like I am beginning the next wave of this life.

Don't get me wrong, though. If the day ever comes that I get to drop everything, start over, and sit in a quiet room holding my newborn again, I'll take it.

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T23:00:00.002-07:00

New Year's Eve remains one of my least favorite of all the holidays. I was in bed by 9.

Maybe it's the end of another year that leaves me sad and wondering, "Where did it go?"

I've never made a New Year's resolution and don't plan to.

But, in a matter of a couple of days into the new year, I realize I have already set up 2011 to be a year of some changes and new endeavours.

Tomorrow, I can start running again. Hallelujah.

I registered for an online class to renew my teaching certificate.

In a few weeks, I will start substituting at my kids' school.

And...I am jumping into a new business venture which I'm very excited about.

Finally, I am rededicating myself to blogging. The last several months have been very hectic and left my with little time to post.

I miss it and I am coming back.

Christmas Gun Fight

2011-01-01T10:48:00.002-07:00

Grandpa and Carol brought over a doozy of a Christmas gift this year.

All the grand kids were thrilled to open a marshmallow gun along with a bag of squishy ammo.

Immediately, they darted for the backyard, split into two teams, loaded their guns, and let loose in one intense battle.

The gun fight resulted in only a few tears (Elle shot at close range in the eye by big brother, Max, of course) and a mess that was easily cleaned up.

Marshmallow guns...always a hit!

2010-12-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

My Christmas sweetheart.

New Traditions

2010-12-26T21:53:00.003-07:00

Since my kids spent Christmas Eve with their dad,
I got to sleep in on Christmas morning (the one and only plus to this every-other-year bummer of a situation).

I enjoyed a long bike ride with my hubby before the kids arrived.

We stopped at the cemetery to leave some flowers for my mom and then I proceeded to get worked over on one of Lance's so-called short, easy rides.

We got home just in time to get showered and ready for the kids to get home.

It was our first Christmas as a new family.

We continued some old traditions and began some special new ones.

Lance even helped cook our Christmas dinner and may have made some of the best mashed potatoes I've ever tasted!

All in all, it was a good day...Lots of laughs, love, and good food.

What could be better?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T10:20:00.001-07:00

Elfie

2010-12-07T15:22:00.002-07:00

This is Mistletoe Elfie, our Elf on the Shelf.

Every night he leaves our house and heads to the North Pole to report to Santa all about the goings on in our home, but most importantly, the kids behavior for the day.

He shows back up in our home every morning in a different place.

He doesn't talk.

He can't be touched.

But, the kids can talk to him all they want.

Last night, I found Cal telling him all about his day.

The kids are totally enamoured with him and love searching for him every morning.

You can get your own Elf on the Shelf here.

Day 1

2010-12-02T15:48:00.005-07:00

The advent calendar is up.

I try to mix it up with the activities we do as a family.

Some are religious, some are of service, and some are just plain fun.

For day 1, we watched A Charlie Brown Christmas on video and put up our own Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

By Christmas, I am usually exhausted and have grown so tired of the daily activities.

But, I know we are creating some wonderful memories for the kids.

If you have any great ideas, let me know.
(I don't decide what we'll do until the night before ☺)

Disneyland

2010-12-01T11:19:00.011-07:00

The week before Thanksgiving, my sister and I packed up the kids and headed for Disneyland.

I've never seen Disney decorated for Christmas and it definitely was beautiful.

I did Disney in style~ in a wheelchair!

No waiting,

no lines,

no complaining.

Why???

2010-11-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

Last year I said that I wouldn't do it again.

But, there we were...at 11:00pm waiting outside for the midnight opening at Old Navy.

It was cold.

Really cold.

I was hungry

and my feet hurt.

An armful of clothes at the register and not one Christmas gift.

Ugh.

I am not going to be talked into this again next year.

Home Sweet Bike Shop

2010-11-26T08:00:00.001-07:00

This is what happens to a girl's living room when she marries a cyclist.

Happy Thanksgiving From Us to You

2010-11-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Eve

2010-11-24T20:36:00.001-07:00

All day long, I baked pies.

I was a happy girl.

Wedding Photos

2010-11-22T17:42:00.012-07:00

I am a lucky woman.

I have found one of the kindest, most humble, talented, thoughtful, and giving men around

and...he's mine forever.

* photos by Annie Randall

Almost there!

2010-11-15T17:56:00.002-07:00

The cast is off.

I'm stuck in this boot for the next three weeks

and then I'm free!

Reasons to be Thankful

2010-11-11T18:59:00.010-07:00

I love November-
because, inevitably, we are compelled to ponder the things in life we are thankful for.

Lucky me.
I've got...

a man who kisses me goodbye every morning,

three kids who wake up with smiles on their faces,

Grey's Anatomy,

a stranger who holds the door for me,

Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and granola,

renewed faith,

60 minutes on Sunday snuggling with my hubby,

Runner's World and RealSimple,

"You Got What I Need," by Joshua Radin,

mulling spices,

a really good biography,

and

today.

I am always thankful for today.

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T14:33:00.005-07:00

A Thursday free with the kids~

We spent it at the park having a picnic and enjoying this amazing Arizona weather.

Pumpkin Pie

2010-11-09T09:57:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving is not thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie. I've baked many, but I think I've found my favorite. Paula Dean's recipe is the best. I think it may be the added melted butter. Why add butter? No idea, but I like it☺.

Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups canned pumpkin, mashed
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
1 piece pre-made pie dough
Whipped cream, for topping

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place 1 piece of pre-made pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan and press down along the bottom and all sides. Pinch and crimp the edges together to make a pretty pattern. Put the pie shell back into the freezer for 1 hour to firm up. Fit a piece of aluminum foil to cover the inside of the shell completely. Fill the shell up to the edges with pie weights or dried beans (about 2 pounds) and place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is dried out and beginning to color.
For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the sugar and salt, and beat until combined. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, half-and-half, and melted butter, and beat until combined. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous amount of homemade whipped cream.

November 6

2010-11-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Mom.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T18:52:00.003-07:00

Mornings

2010-10-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Saturdays.

Soccer.

Love it.

Pumpkin Cupcakes

2010-10-28T10:37:00.004-07:00

In a cast and fumbling around on crutches has left me with few things I can do around the house. Baking in my little kitchen is one of those activities I can still manage, so I have been baking my heart out. Pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin, pumpkin, pumpkin... I think even my kiddos are tired of my treats.

My favorite has been this yummy recipe of Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. I usually don't eat much of what I bake, but I could keep my hands off of these...

Pumpkin Cupcakes With Maple-Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1/3 cup sugar

2 cups cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1/2 cup buttermilk mixed with 1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin

Frosting

Two (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

2 cups confectioners sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 350° (175°C).

Line a cupcake pan with 18 liners.
In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars on medium speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper into a medium bowl.

Add the eggs 1 at a time to the mixer, scraping down the sides after each addition.

Alternate adding the flour and milk mixtures, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat in the pumpkin until smooth.

Scoop the batter among the cupcake liners — you’re looking to get them 3/4 full. Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool the cupcakes on racks completely.

In a stand mixer beat all frosting ingredients on medium until fluffy. Refrigerate cupcakes to set frosting.

Enjoy.

In Recovery

2010-10-26T13:07:00.003-07:00

I've been in the cast for 1 week now.

To catch you up on my latest physical impairment, I'll remind you of my injury from last May. After weeks of running on a sore foot, I finally quit my training for Utah Valley, realizing some severe damage had been done and it was only getting worse.

I self-diagnosed myself with a possible stress-fracture or terrible tendonitis.

Surely, taking the summer off from running and wearing a boot would heal my foot (...and hopefully the occasional bike ride and stair climbing wouldn't hurt.)

August came and I was aching to get running again. The Tucson Marathon was in my sights and I was aching to run it.

I got on the treadmill for the first run. It wasn't too bad. I dismissed the slight ache as a figment of my imagination. Denial. Denial. Denial. (Denial got my into this situation in the first place.)

My second run left me in tears. The pain was back. Nothing had healed.

I broke down and went to a doctor. He ordered an MRI.

It came back with some clear answers.

It showed a definite stress fracture in my heal.

A cast was in order!

I was happy and relieved...an answer and a solution.

So, I'm in this cast for the next few weeks.

Laundry is a pain, vacuuming an- exhausting task, and grocery shopping- impossible.

Showering has proved to be a chore not worth the effort. So, I've resorted to baths (not my favorite).

But, all of it worth it in the end.

I am counting down the days until I can lace up my running shoes

and head down the road.

Wedding Day

2010-10-20T21:00:00.001-07:00

Wedding Day

2010-10-18T15:20:00.003-07:00

One of the best days of my life.

Since October ninth, I have been overcome with a sense of peace and calm, like all of the uncertainty of my future has been put to rest.

Everything was beautiful, sweet, and simply perfect.

Wedding Day

2010-10-14T19:16:00.001-07:00

"Hurry, kids. Mom's getting married."

*Thanks for the photo, Natalie.

Details

2010-09-22T10:58:00.002-07:00

I am counting down the days until the wedding.

From the beginning, I was attempting to avoid getting caught up in all of the plans, details, and unimportant minutia that inevitably overshadows the real meaning of a wedding.

But, of course I failed.

For the last couple of months I have been consumed with all of it. It has taken a lot of work, time, and money to put a family together.

And...that's what I really am looking forward to.

17 days left...

3rd Anniversary

2010-09-08T10:13:00.002-07:00

Three years ago today, we said "goodbye" to this amazing woman.

Miss you, Mom.

New Friends

2010-09-02T10:27:00.002-07:00

Say "hello" to our new friends, Justin, Rick, and James.

It's day two and all three rodents are still breathing.

Phew. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

7 years

2010-08-22T11:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to this handsome boy!

Feels So Good

2010-08-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

We couldn't get enough of yesterday afternoon's rainstorm!

Day One

2010-08-11T11:00:00.008-07:00

We made it.

The kids are off at school and not a tear was shed.

Max, of course, only cared about how his hair looked for his "girlfriend."

Calvin was as relaxed and cool as always. Nothing phases that boy.

Elle even decided kindergarten wouldn't be so bad and jumped right on the monkey bars.

Now, I'm off to start checking off the tasks on my to-do list...

Kindergarten Blues

2010-08-07T20:08:00.005-07:00

My baby is going to school.

All summer long, Elle has told me how excited she is to start kindergarten, to go to school with her brothers, and carry a lunch box and backpack.

I have been secretly excited, too.

Six hours a day to whatever I please, to get all of those things done that have seemed so impossible with a child attached to me. Freedom.

With only two days left until the school year begins, Elle and I both are having second thoughts.

She told me yesterday that she doesn't want to go. She doesn't know where to line up. She won't have any friends in her class. She's going to get lost. But, most importantly, she won't have Mom.

Twice, I've sent a child off to kindergarten without a tear or even a second look back.

Something is different.

Elle is my youngest. She's my little girl...my buddy. And, she'll probably be my last.

I'm not sure I'm ready for her to go.

From the time she was born, I was a single mom. She gave me something to wake up for everyday. Elle is my little rock and my security blanket.

It will be strange not to feel her tugging at me all day long, but I guess it's time for the both of us to spread our wings a little.

I know Elle. In no time, she will be in love...in love with her teacher, recess, the little boy who sits next to her. She will be fine.

And, I'm sure in time, the little ache deep inside me will go away.

Decor Unique Boutique

2010-08-04T23:01:00.002-07:00

I have to brag about my soon-to-be mother in law's online boutique. You have to go over there right now and check it out...

Teacher Gifts

2010-07-25T07:51:00.003-07:00

Back to school.

This is one of my favorite times of the year and something I really miss from teaching.

The stores have had school supplies on discount for weeks and I want to load up!

But, I'm waiting...waiting until right before the big day.

At the end of the year, I made these jars for the kids' teachers and I'm making them again for the first day of school.

I got the idea over at Ucreate and they are easy, inexpensive, and so cute!

To order the vinyls, go to http://ishowoffcrafts.blogspot.com/ .

Summer Vacation 2010

2010-07-18T20:46:00.004-07:00

There's no better way to escape the 115° heat than to head west and park it on the beach.

We spent the last several days relaxing in Carlsbad with my sister's famly.

No make-up, no blow drying... just flip flops, a swimsuit, and sunblock everyday-

my kind of living.

A Cold Day in July

2010-07-12T13:58:00.007-07:00

For Elle's birthday, we surprised her with a trip to the ice skating rink.

These first-timers did a great job and I am ready to pack up my things and live in that rink for the next two months...

2 hours of ice-cold heaven!

Happy Birthday, Elle

2010-07-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today my baby turns 5.

In these short years, Elle has blossomed into one smart, funny, brave, and sweet little girl.

She is as tough and strong as any boy her age,

she is fearless to a fault,

and she is one of the most nurturing and loving people I have ever known.

Happy Birthday, Elle.

I am so proud of the girl you have become.