Christmasy Fun

I saw this on a friend's blog, and just had to do one for our family. It gave my kids a good half hour of entertainment. To see us as jolly elves, Click Here . It takes awhile to load, but be patient, it is well worth it!!

Run, Emily, Run!!!

I did it! I did it! I really, really did it! I ran my first half marathon. It was tough, but I persevered, and am a stronger person because of it! If anyone doesn't know how long a half marathon is. . . it is exactly 13.1 miles. I know, not exactly 26.2, but it was enough for me. The race began at 7:30 a.m. We were a little cold, and scared, but so were 17,000+ people. The crowds were crazy. We started towards the end of the pack, and got a little frustrated because we couldn't go our normal pace with all the people. But, the crowds spread out, and we got into our zone. I felt really strong until the 3rd hill on mile 8, then I started to feel my legs and knee. I lost track of my trusty running buddies, but could still see them in the midst. Mile 10 comes along, I grab some water, and all of a sudden my calf seizes up into a cramp. Oh no! What can I do? I can barely move! So, I stopped to stretch it. I knew that stopping was a bad idea, because starting again was the hardest part. The last 3.1 miles were a blur. I kept waiting for downhill, and some relief from my agony. Finally, the finish line was in sight. I had a litte kick left thundering through the Memorial Stadium, and onto glory!! My official time was 1:57:31. Not great, but not too bad for a first timer!
Gosh, when is this thing gonna start? It's colder than I thought. Maybe I should stretch.

Just a glimpse of the big crowd.

"Jake, quit taking pictures of my bum!"

Our good friends, Tila and Lori Reynolds. My trusty running comrades, and main motivation behind this.

Jake and I bundled up before the race. I can't believe Jake wouldn't do it with us. What a big wimp!

The race started right by the Seattle Center, by the EMP. Always fun to get a picture with the famous Space Needle in the background.

So. . . who's up for running with me next year? Come on, Bring it on!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

We had a really nice Thanksgiving. It's good that we have Jake's family so close, and we love to get together. My family was all spread out this year. In fact, my parents spent their first Thanksgiving alone since they've had children. Sad, but we hope to see everyone at Christmas.

It started out with Jake playing in the annual "Turkey Bowl," which of course, he organized. They started at 7:00 a.m. It was a crisp 28 degrees outside, as you can see by the frost on the grass. Jake is actually catching the ball in this picture. I tried to zoom in, but couldn't figure out how. Anyways, he took a 3 hour nap after this, and I am still hearing about how sore he is. He isn't the young stud he once was, I guess. Although he would beg to differ.

I guess they had 25 people. So, a tournament of 4 teams of 6, with one team of 7. Jake's team didn't win one game. Poor guy. At least he is a good sport. He loves football!!

Jeremy and Monique brought the turkey, and most of the food. They had it smoked at a BBQ in Issaquah. It was yummy, and Jer is still talking about the turkey legs. As you can see, I never did get a good shot. With kids, all sitting together for a peaceful dinner is not easy. I always have to eat very last. That's what microwaves are for!

Smantha and Taylee chilling with Jake playing Nintendo DS after dinner. What's Thanksgiving without a little dress up? Sam was a witch, and Tay was a Flapper girl from the 20's.

As you can see, the kids weren't altogether thrilled about the dinner. They loved the Martinelli's sparkling cider though. Tay kept asking for a peanut butter sandwich.

We did put up the tree and the lights. But, still no ornaments. The garage is a little crowded, and they have yet to be located. But, all in all, we had a great time. The pie was scrumptious, and the leftovers are still divine! Hope you all had a wonderful time too.

The Race Is On... (and here comes pride in the backstretch)

So, just because I know all of you are dying to know. . . . . . The race is on. My knee isn't the greatest, but I actually ran 10 miles Saturday, and it didn't kill me. What's 3.1 more, huh? By the end of the run, I couldn't walk, but that was because my legs were too numb. So, thank goodness for going numb. The race is on Sunday, and I can't wait! I am going to try my hardest to keep up with my friends, and maybe I will get a good time after all.

The Sounds of Silence

Those of you with kids know that a silence can be deadly. Sadly, I must have forgotten that little bit today. I was joyfully cleaning the bathroom, while I thought the kids were playing peacefully together in their rooms. Granted, this was a good break for me because they have been fighting incessantly lately. I knew that Rohne had been rummaging around in the bathroom drawers earlier, but he does this often, and I thought I had cleaned most everything out that he couldn't have. Well, after quite some time, Taylee came in and asked me for a wipe. This, of course, means a mess, so I asked her why. She calmly answered it was because Rohne put makeup all over his cheeks, and she wanted to help him get it off so he wouldn't "get in trouble." Thoughtful big sis and all, but I went running to the room to see lipstick smeared all over his fingers and cheeks. Thank goodness it wasn't on the carpet or anything else. It was an old tube from college probably. I don't even wear lipstick now, and the color, as you can see, is not that desirable! Next time, I will be more quick to remember the Sound of Silence.

Gift Exchange

A friend of mine is doing this, and I thought it sounded fun. Those of you who know me, don't laugh, I might come up with something great!

I will send a homemade gift to the first 3 people who comment on my blog requesting to join the PIF exchange. You may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it in 365 days! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. (If you don't have a blog, just promise somehow). I can't wait to see who I will be giving to. To join, just cut and paste this to your blog, and comment away! So get posting!

My Thoughts, and some cute kids

Cowgirl Taylee riding her stick horse she named, of course, "Princess." This has become one of their favorite games.


Rohne also has a stick horse Tay named "Champion," but he prefers being a wizard (no, that's not a witch hat, it's a wizard hat), and rides the broom.

I think I have officially reached a blogging slump. There's not a whole lot going on in our lives right now. The kids were sick with bad fevers and colds over the weekend, but are getting better. I got the cold too, but it hasn't been a terrible one. Here are a few of my thoughts:

1. I soooo have to do laundry, and clean, but can't bring myself to do it. Guess that's why I'm on the computer right now, huh?

2. Rohne has to get his blood checked tomorrow. I kind of hope that his count is a little low, so they will let me give him one extra shot a week. I feel like with all the germs going around, and the holidays coming up, it would be a good idea. Am I crazy? Maybe the Dr. will just let me do it if I ask him. Doubt it.

3. My knee still hurts. I think I can do the race if I just take enough Ibuprofen, but I don't want to mess it up for good. I'm getting mixed feelings from everyone about this issue. I just need to decide, and do it!

4. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week! Where has the time gone? Because we are staying here for Thanksgiving, I hope we can make it to Ekalaka for Christmas. I want to see Natali, Ben and his kids, and Holly pregnant. Oh, and her boys and Mom and Dad too. We needs new tires on our Trailblazer. Anyone have an extra $500?

5. Jake has been working late this week. I know that it's good, because the harder he works, hopefully the more money in our pockets, but I wish he was here more. He has Young Men's tonight, and I didn't work out this morning, so there goes my run. I hate that it gets dark so early.

6. I finally threw away all the Halloween candy. I just kept eating it, and it wasn't doing anyone any good. Jake's been eating it out of the garbage. Don't say anything!!

7. I've talked to my sisters on the phone already like twice this week. But, I really like to talk to them. I wish I could call them without bugging them. Maybe I'll call Mom. Wait, I just talked to her too. I need some girl talk!

8. The library never has any of my books I want to read in stock. And, there's always a waiting list on them like 12 people long. Why don't they buy more than one copy?

9. All the shows I like to watch are getting so racey. I think I'm going to have to stop watching Grey's Anatomy, especially. It is turning into a Soap Opera, it's all about "you know what." Why do they have to do that? I love Dancing with the Stars, and don't want it to end. And, I am still mourning Gilmores.

10. My friend, Mindy, is scheduled for her C-Section tomorrow. And, my friend, Lisa's baby is due Saturday. I need to remember to keep them in my prayers. This is my visual reminder. It will be fun to have 2 new babies to hold. Good luck girls!

11. A 20 minute nap would feel really good right now. The kids are sleeping, and it's still hours until Jake gets home. But, I really should do other things. Hmmmmm. . .

I guess I've been Tagged!!!

Maggie said that if I don't list 7 things about myself in 7 days, I will be apparently be cursed. I watch a lot of "Supernatural", and I don't think I would want that stuff to happen to me, so here goes. . .

1. I'm a pretty emotional, high-stress person. There is always something on my mind that I'm worrying about, and it doesn't take much for me to freak out. I used to cry over everything, but becoming a mother has leveled me out somewhat. You have to deal with what you get, no matter if you do it good or bad. I'm getting better.

2. I love the city, but long for the country. Seattle tends to make me claustrophobic. You can never truly see the sky and stars, and I yearn for green pastures, and mountains without trees. But, I love the shopping, the hospital and Doctors minutes away, and the endless recreation. I worry about sending my kids to public school here. I told Jake that if we could afford it, we should send them to private school. Not like Mountain View High was perfect, but, once again, I'm a worrier.

3. I'm a big wimp, although I fancy myself to be in pretty good shape. I hate lifting weights, because I am afraid I will just bulk up. If anyone doubts this, just look at my High School prom photo. Yuck!!! My friends and I had sort of a competition going to see who could squat and bench press the most. I would never do that now. Pilates is the way to go. My right arm is pretty strong from carrying around my 34 pound son though.

4. I am not an outgoing person, but not necessarily shy either. In college, I decided to be outgoing, and it was fun, yet exhausting. It got me a lot of dates, but it wasn't easy for me. After I met my husband, he is talkative enough for both of us, so I don't have to be any more. I don't really know how to make new friends. They've just kind of always been there in the past. Some people might think I am stuck up, but I just don't know what to say, and don't want to feel stupid.

5. I am such a germ-o-phobe. Ya know those Lysol commercials that show the real germs on doorknobs, toothbrushes, toilets, etc. That is my worst nightmare. Chuck E Cheese, McDonald's Playplaces, and shopping mall play areas, are out of the question for my kids. Somehow I think that parks are safer because the outdoor air kills germs. Right? I always have hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes, and use them often. However, my kids still end up getting sick. I often wonder if I can stick them in a bubble, and they'll still have fun. Hey, it's possible.

6. I feel like I am losing my brain power. I know that you are supposed to exercise your brain or else you will go dumb. I think I am going dumb. I would love to go back to school someday, but I am afraid I will be too stupid. I used to get all A's in school. Oh, the wonderful glory days!!

7. I love my husband, my kids, my family, Gilmore Girls, chocolate, ice cream, peanut butter, popcorn with butter and salt, chips, mashed potatoes and gravy, 80's workout videos, steak, old country music, musicals, bubble baths, Little Women (the book and movie), chewy candy, blue jeans, new running shoes, taking naps, People magazine, and many more things.

Anyways, that's me!! I, in turn, tag Lisa and Holly because maybe it will give them a reason to actually work on their blogs. Come on people, blogging is fun!!

Celebrating 2 years of Rohne

November 6, 2005. Still a day I remember fresh in my mind. After 16 hours of labor, and one darn good epidural, our little baby boy was delivered. (With a little help from the doctor and very scarey looking forceps that is). He came out screaming, and seemed to never stop until he was about 3 months old. After already dealing with one colicky baby, I did not want to go through that again. In fact, through the haze of my postpartum mind, I tried to give him to my mom multiple times. Thank heavens she was smart enough to know I would regret that decision, and refused. Although, I know how much she misses him.

He was a huge eater, as you can tell. And after 2 breast infections, kidney stones, infection of my episitiomy, and his hospitalization for RSV, I gave up trying to breastfeed, and just fed him the bottle. I had pumped for 6 months with Taylee, and knew I didn't have the time or energy to do it again. This decision would come back to haunt me later when we found out that he had a terrible immune system.

Around 5 months, we had only really dealt with one major sickness, the RSV. But, then, he started getting sick more and more, with very high fevers. I am a paranoid mom who had a very understanding doctor. He trusted mother's intuition, so we spent a lot of time at his office. He did multiple blood tests, and found out that he always had a low white blood count. But, it could be a number of things, and told us not to worry about it too much.

However, by this age, he had been in and out of the hospital many times with infections. The doctors always reminded us that it could be cancer. Around this time, we went to Primary Childrens in Salt Lake and ruled that out. He has what they call "Chronic Benign Neutropenia," and they think he will grow out of it soon.

Halloween, 2006, Rohne was in isolation because it was too risky for him to catch something. We had a great time celebrating inside. And, he didn't know the difference. We still prayed for a miracle though, because it was getting to be very hard on all of us.

We decided to move back to Washington, and it was a prayer answered. They found out that his illness was treatable, and we started giving him shots to boost his immune system. Come to find out, he never would have grown out of it on his own. He will probably be on these shots for a very long time. And, it had nothing to do with genetics or breastfeeding. We found a wonderful specialist who posed the question: "Could he really be a normal boy?"

Yes. . . swings would never have been possible before. Way too many germs. But, he loves them, and we spend most of our days outside now when the weather is nice. It is me who needs the little push now and then to let him do it though.

He is definitely a 2 year old now. We have our fair share of tantrums, fighting, messes, and fits, but I would not trade a day. Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he entrusted Rohne's little spirit in my hands. I have grown so much as a person, and as a mother, just by raising him. It has been a trial, and sometimes I wondered how we would ever get through, but we have. And, there are so many more adventures yet to come. Thanks to all my family and friends who have helped me, and especially been there for my son during his Blessed 2 years.

Rohne's Birthday Party

We had a "Thomas the Train" birthday party for Rohne last night. It was just family, along with our good friends, Tila & Lori and their son, McKay. It turned out to be a great night. Rohne got some fun things, and seemed to enjoy the whole thing. I actually think we are done with Birthdays for awhile. Thank goodness!


While blowing out the candles, he slobbered on the cake, so I had to scrape off a whole wheel before anyone would touch it!

Yes, I did the cake. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Jake's attempt at a group photo.

He liked his new blanket, and had to try it out then and there.

His favorite gift was a new shiny, red vacuum. What can I say? The boy loves to clean.

Pretty Bummed

So, some of you know I have been training for a half marathon. I have been running since April, and I am so tired of running!! Anways, the race is actually in 22 days. But . . . I have the worst luck. I was running on the treadmill the other day because Jake didn't get home from work until late. 6 miles on the treadmill is like torture, so I was stupid, and just kept increasing the speed. Well, of course, while the incline was changing, I tweaked my knee just right, and hurt it. I can be kind of a wimp, but it is hard to run 9 miles (what I was supposed to do today) when you dont feel 100%. Plus, I am a sprinter, trying to become distance runner, and it's not that easy for me anyway. I am going to give it 3-4 days rest, and see if I can pick up again next week. It would absolutely stink if I would have put in all this work for nothing!!! Come on body, work for me!!

Happy Halloween

Last night turned out to be a pretty good Halloween. Taylee was Little Bo Peep, and Rohne was Batman. We ate pizza at home, then I bundled up the kids and we went Trick-or-Treating outside. Taylee had on 3 shirts, two pairs of pants, and "pantyloons," so she wouldn't have to wear a coat over her beautiful dress. Rohne was also bundled, but I put his coat on because he didn't really care. They loved getting treats from all the houses, and they ended up with tons of candy. I think I have already eaten more than they have. Not a good thing for my figure! Oh well, Halloween is only once a year. Bring on the Turkey and Pumpkin Pie!


All the cousins dressed up before Trick-or-Treating

Earlier that day Rohne was Spiderman. I found out that I couldn't fit any clothes underneath his outfit, so he settled for Batman because it was a bigger costume.

Candy, candy, candy!!

Mommy's little monsters