We Did it Sis

I had an amazing experience these last couple of weeks. My sister Ashleigh passed away from colon cancer a few months ago and since then I have been trying to find a way to commemorate and honor her. I did that by choosing a goal that I have been trying to reach and sticking with that goal because thats what Ashleigh would do. Ashliegh was the kind of person that could accomplish anything she put her mind to, thats just who she was, she was a go-getter, and I wanted to be just like her! So this year I set a new years resolution and I made it. Actually, circumstanced permitted me to reach my goal much earlier than anticipated because I was going to allow myself a little more time to train but I am so glad I did it!

Now let me backtrack a bit...

Race day was today. It was 8:09 in the morning. I for some strange reason thought I had 20 more minuets to prepare myself for this race but as I was walking to the starting line, I was a couple yards off when I heard the announcer say "And the 10k starts, NOW". Wait, now? Crap! I scrambled to get my race number, my "champion chip", my water bottle, shades, car key, and my Ipod situated as I stumbled through the starting line...the last one through. Who really wants to be the last one through...

As I continued running I continuously passed people on the right and the left, through the mud and bumpy terrain. I was feeling good as I ran faster than most but still in the back of the pack. Every person was just another stepping stone towards the finish line for me and I was feeling great...

Then as I started slowing down and I realized I was only 2 miles into the run. In a disgruntled voice I murmured, "I have 4+ more miles to go?" I realized then that I needed to better pace myself...so I did. I started running a little slower and just as I did, I felt goosebumps, not from being cold, but from a source of strength within me that pushed me to continue my pace as before, not slowing down.

This happened various times during my run and I know these were the times that Ashleigh was with me, pushing me along, telling me its ok to run and not be weary. As I thought of her I drew strength to press forward and just when I felt ready to slow down again, I saw the finish line. At this point I pushed myself harder than I had the entire race and I didnt even feel tired.

FINISH! I had crossed the finish line! Immediately I began to feel affects of a poor prerace day diet, and a lack of nutritious prerace morning breakfast, but that didnt matter. I had finished, Ashleigh was with me, and I DID IT!

-I saw a couple running together, just ahead of me, right before the finish line. The husband had his hand on his wifes back, gently pressing her forward, pushing her. I felt that is what Ashleigh was doing for me.

I LOVE YOU SIS, thanks for running with me!

I don't have the rights to copy my picture so if you want to see me, go to londonsrun.org and look through the pics. my number is...

09.10_20100130091014_0782
09.10_20100130091016_2717

Potty Training

So, my little girl would probably kill me if she knew I put this on here (Brian probably would too) but Ryah is getting so big and growing up so fast. She has shown signs of being interested in potty training and seems to be interested in going in the potty but every time I put her on the pot to go, she just sits there, hangs out, and doesnt go, and then I put her diaper back on and she goes in it instead. I got a few good suggestions from friends to give her candy when she goes, get a singing toilet so it sings when she goes, make a big deal when she goes, but those are all "after she goes" tips, I need tips on getting her to go in the first place. One friend of mine mentioned to get a potty watch that goes off every 30 mins and when it goes off, its time to go sit on the potty. I will try that and see how that goes and if it works, Steve, you are a genius! Anyway, wish me luck, I don't know if an 18 month old can be potty trained but its worth a try. However, does anyone know if it is bad to start too soon, if that would cause them to rebel or anything that would cause them to not be trained as well/soon/young/fast/ effectively?

Tiny Mouths and Helpless Victims

This is what happens when you let your curious ambitious one year old alone for a few seconds. She pushes a chair to the table, climbs on the chair, gets on the table, and takes tiny bites out of every piece of fruit in the fruit bowl. Orange peels, apple peels, banana peels galore on the floor but a happy belly and a smiling face looks up as a victorious feet has been accomplished after pushing a chair to the table, climbing on the chair, getting on the tables, and taking tiny bites out of every piece of fruit in the fruit bowl! Gotta love them kiddos!

My Little Angel

I have the sweetest angel baby in the world. I went to FHE with my family and I left Ryah home with Brian because she wasn't feeling well. She had thrown up just before we were supposed to leave so Brian got everything cleaned up and hung out at home with her while I went to family home evening with my family. I had a really good time but couldn't help but to continuously think about my poor, sick little girl, so I decided to come home and put her to bed myself. As I walked in the front door, she was standing in front of the TV and she turned around to see me come in the door. I bent down as she ran herself into my arms and gave her a big hug. After I gave her a shower I got her dressed and ready for bed. As I did this, she grabbed my head, just above my ears, with both hands, and bent my head down so she could kiss me on the forehead. If thats not cute enough, get this...I rocked her to sleep while singing "I am a Child of God", one of our favorite night time songs and during my singing to her, she looks up at me and says, "I yuh yoo". Do I not have the sweetest angel baby in the world or what?

Here is a slideshow I did

http://www.picnik.com/show/id/6427130380_HmrL4/t/christmas-time

Enjoy

Challenge

NEW YEARS RESOLUTION CHALLENGE!

Starting January 4th going for 8 weekly weigh ins

1st and 2nd place $$ only

$20 to join for the pot or you can play for free (not for the pot)

Weigh ins MUST be every Monday, if you miss more than 1 weigh in, you're out!

No diet pills or surgeries...haha...but for real, keep it honest weight loss

To join, just send me an e mail and I'll add you to the list...

then post your starting weigh on Jan. 4th!

chickybumlooka@yahoo.com

Girls, if you want to do it...please post this on your blog or facebook and let friends in real life know so we can get another good group! Can't wait!!!!

This is my Grown Up Christmas List

World Peace
Fight World Hunger

Ok, lets get real, I am going to be selfish for a few mins and tell you all what I really want to own at some point in my life...

A really nice bed, with a frame, and a bedroom set to match.
Treadmill
Kitchenaid Mixer
Nice Pots and Pans
Knives that cut like they are supposed to
Food Storage to last a lifetime
A pool and Hot tub
My back yard to be landscaped
A sewing machine, and the knowledge of how to use it
A Taho (not the lake, the car)
My Degree
Um...that pretty much sums it up.

There is plenty of other things I want my kids and husband to have but for me...selfish me...I want these things...

Can you say SELFISH!

Well Done Ashleigh

Thank you Emily for this beautiful button. If you would like one click on the button on the right and copy and paste the URL.



We love and miss you Ashleigh!

Our new ADDITION!

...

Share!

I want my kid to learn to be nice and share. Kiddie play date anyone?

Kyra and Ryah at the Park

I got to watch my cute little niece and she was a peach. Ryah had so much fun playing with her at the park. If you don't believe me, just look at the pictures!
Look at those silly faces

She kisses everything
Peek-a-boo



Yee-haw!




She thinks she is so big and can climb up all by herself

Plane!Kyra thought she would work out like her Uncle Brian

My Website Pictures

I teach gymnastics out of my house and will create a website with pictures of my gymnastics class on my site. Would anyone be willing to take some pictures of the kids in my class in exchange for advertisement of your photography on my site? Let me know and we can discuss details and times. Maybe we can put a link to your website on my website in order to do some free advertisement for you as well. This would be a great opportunity to get your name known and you can put the pictures of my class on your site, in your gallery as well (which would also help me!)
These are the most recent pics we have. Blurry and not very good. As you can see, we desperately need someone! =)

Happy Birthday Kyra!

We went to Desert Ridge Park (I think that is what it is called) for Kyra's party and we had SUCH a blast. Ryah was ALL over the place and POOPED when we got home. Here are a couple of pics of the CUTE, sweet birthday girl on her FUN birthday!
Kyra opening presents with momma and daddy.
The cute little birthday girl. I can't believe she is ONE already!!!
Going in for the kill.

Clapping for herself because she ate some cake!


Ryah is OBSESSED with pushing any strollers around. This entertained her the WHOLE time we were there. Pace was nice enough to let her, and Kyra was big enough to keep up. She is such a big girl!
Ryah and Kyra eating pizza

And getting it all over her face! =) Of course!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYRA!

Bath time

It was bath time at my house and Ryah had some company. We LOVE bath time at our house, and bath guests are the best guests for Ryah.

And then there were three

Do you love how the title of my posts have nothing to do with the content therein? This title means "Woah, three posts in one week!?!?"

Here are a few random pics I forgot to add in my last blog posts

This is how poor little Ryah looks when she has a 104 degree temperature. She was like this for a full day, just so cuddly and lovable. It almost makes me miss when she is sick but I am SO glad she is better.
This is what happens when you feed frozen blueberries a teething 1 year old! Haha, it was awesome! This picture doesn't even begin to capture the amount of MESS that was ALL OVER her
And THIS is my FAVORITE! Ryah LOVES baths and this captured how big of a FISH she really is!

Yet another update!

You are so lucky because I am updating my blog twice in one week! Wahoo! Ok, so I am a little over zealous and you probably could care less whether I updated or not, but I have some time and a computer so I figure why not! =)

Ryah has had some interesting things happen the last few days...
If you didnt see my facebook status...it said something like this..."

A trip to the Urgent Care, a sapository, a shot, and a 75 dollar co-pay later and she is finally asleep."

And all that has nothing to do with these cute pics.
Ryah is holding an ice pack to keep her burns cold. The glove is also part of this story
And so is the sock on her hand.
You intrigued yet? Here is the story...

Sunday Ryah decided to climb up on the stove by putting one foot on the drawer under the oven and both hands on the oven door handle and she pulled herself up so her head popped up just above the stove top. I was cooking on the stove top so it was bright orange. That seemed to intrigue her to the point where she felt she needed to touch the bright orange-ness. Everytime I tell her, "hot" she usually listens and stays away, but this time she put her hand right on top of it and she felt the "hot" that I was referring to. So,

She has A&D ointment on all four fingers, a band aid on each finger to keep the ointment on, a little mit to keep her from pulling the band aids off, and a wet sock to keep it cold. Is there a better remedy for burning fingertips on a bright orange burner, as hot as hot can be?

And that has nothing to do with the visit to urgent care...104 degree temperature is no good temp for a baby. She is much better now though, hand and head are doing fine!

I am here

Well, I am sort of begrudgingly updating my blog. I have somewhat avoided doing this partially because the last few months have been extremely busy and I just haven't had the chance, and partially because my sister Ashleigh is usually the only one, or one of the only ones that ever really reads and comments on it and she is not here to do that anymore, and that makes me sad. I probably still wouldn't be updating my blog if it weren't for my little girl. She was taken to the urgent care last night with a 104 degree temperature and is still feeling the effects of whatever is plaguing her body. She is crying, not wanting to be held, not wanting to be rocked, not wanting to do anything but fuss, cry, and be alone, so that is what she is doing; fussing, crying, and being alone. This doesn't permit much sleep on my part, hence the long overdue blog update...finally. There has been much going on in the last few months, from out of state visits to Utah, funerals, visiting with family, in state but hours from the valley visits to Brians moms and from Brians mom, more out of state visits to Disneyland for Halloween, working from home, working at the gym, sick baby, to sick momma, to baking, cooking, cleaning and much, much more. You name it, I have probably done it in the last few months. Some of it was fun, some of it was not, but still, some of it was very time consuming and tiring and I am ready for the holidays to come, because I love the season, I love the feeling of closeness, I love the feeling of everybody is happy, just for a little bit, all at the same time, whether they really want to be or not, this season doesn't really give them a choice but to be happy. I love watching the Christmas movies with my hubby, cuddling up with him, eating our dinner, drinking hot chocolate, and talking about how these movies make us closer everytime we watch them. I don't know why but I am missing Ashleigh today for some reason, more than usual, and just wanted to post a little thought about her so we can all think of her. I love you Ashleigh and really wish you were here to help me know how to help my sick, sleepless, baby because you were always there for those little times when I needed a little extra help or advice from someone who has gone through it herself, not only once, but four times. I love you sis.
Anyway, I don't really know what got me started on my pointless rambling but I guess that is what happens whey I dont update my blog for so long. Anyway, thanks for reading, sorry I jumped from subject to subject with no real destination, but that is kind of how my brain works at night...well always actually. It is a wonder I ever got any homework done.

Here's a few pics of Disneyland. I don't have many good ones because all the good ones were taken on a different camera. Beth, Janae, Carrie, I need to steal all your pics!

Ryahs first Disneyland ride. She had so much fun pulling the bar towards her to go "Up"
Wilma Flintstone and Pebbles dancing in the streets
Fred and Wilma
Max
Wild Thing
Dancing with Kyra, Beth the Witch, and Pace (Max from Where the Wild Things Are) and half the people at California Adventure.

Mickey Mouse (You know you just sang the song)


Don't let their unhappy expression fool you, I caught them off guard. They had a BLAST!
The Castle
Being stuck in a stroller all day would probably make you have a similar face!
Tried to get a good pic of both of us smiling, but Ryah happened to look away just at the right time! Crazy girl!
Ryah LOVED this ride. She would shoot the gun at the targets, and that "Spin" joystick you see there spun us in circles if you pulled it one way or the other, and Ryah sure did pull it every possible way!
Buz

"Hold You"

Let Me Hold You Longer

Written by Best-Selling Author (and mother of 6 children)

Karen Kingsbury

Illustrated by

Mary Collier

Long ago you came to me,

a miracle of firsts:

First smiles and teeth and baby steps,

a sunbeam on the burst.

But one day you will move away

and leave to me your past,

And I will be left thinking of

a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time that I held a bottle

to your baby lips.

The last time that I lifted you

and held you on my hip.

The last night when you woke up crying,

needing to be walked,

When last you crawled up with you blanket,

wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,

still small enough to hold.

The last time that you said you’d marry

me when you grew old.

Precious, simple moments and

bright flashes from your past-

Would I have held on longer if

I’d known they were you last?

Our last adventure to the park,

your final midday nap,

The last time when you wore your favorite

faded baseball cap.

Your last few hours of kindergarten,

those last days of first grade,

Your last at bat in Little League,

last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all

your yesterdays long passed.

So what about tomorrow-

will I recognize your lasts?

The last time that you catch a frog

in that old backyard pond.

The last time that you run barefoot

across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images

will represent your past.

I keep on taking pictures,

never quite sure of your lasts…

The last time that I comb your hair

or stop a pillow fight.

The last time that I pray with you

and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle

with a book, just me and you.

The last time you jump in our bed

and sleep between us two.

The last piano lesson,

last vacation to the lake.

Your last few weeks of middle school,

last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days

that haven’t come to pass.

But as I do, I sometimes miss

today’s sweet, precious lasts…

The last time that I help you with

a math or spelling test.

The last time when I shout that yes,

your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for

a ride from here to there.

The last time that you spend the night

with your old tattered bear.

My life keeps moving faster,

stealing precious days that pass.

I want to hold on longer-

want to recognize your lasts…

The last time that you need my help

with details of a dance.

The last time that you ask me for

advice about romance.

The last time that you talk to me

about your hopes and dreams.

The last time that you wear a jersey

for your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed

seasons as they pass.

If I could freeze the hands of time,

I’d hold on your lasts.

For come some bright fall morning,

you’ll be going far away.

College life will beckon

in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, on last good-bye,

one quick and hurried kiss.

One last time to understand

just how much you’ll be missed.

I’ll watch you leave and think how fast

our time together passed.

Let me hold on longer, God,

to every precious last.

With recent happenings in my life and in my family I realize the lasts are just as important if not more so than the firsts and we can never take anything for granted. Please please PLEASE remember how precious, short, and miraculous this life, and every given day, is. I can't imagine not having my little angel to hold one more time, or to kiss me, or to say sorry for throwing tantrums, or to bark like a dog when she hears a dog, or to help me move the chairs out of the kitchen so I can sweep, or to grab my finger to help her walk across the beam and jump on the trampoline, or to throw food on the floor so she can say "uh oh" and make me pick it up, just to do it again, or to dance with Pooh, who is bigger than she is, because she knows how it makes her feel when momma and daddy dance with her, or to make messes, or to help clean the appliances with a rag because she sees momma do it, or to walk around the house jabbering on her phone, laughing as though she is having a conversation with someone and they just said something funny, or to only cuddle with you when she is sick, which makes her being sick so much more bearable, or any of the other lasts that will happen in her life, along with all of her firsts.

I love you so much little Ryah and I hope that your daddy can see why I don't get everything in the house clean, dinner made, and laundry done somedays because I would rather take that time to spend playing, reading, dancing, laughing, with you, chasing you around the house, and cleaning up your messes, because that is what really makes me happy.

Thanks Stephanie for introducing this book to me. Everyone should have this book.

thirtyhandmadedays.blogspot.com

Amazing, adorable, awesome, modest, modern, stylish, cute dresses.

Go check it out!

From this...
To THIS...I need to find a happy medium.

Am I a horrible Mom?

Ryah has given us a few scares in the last couple of months, I just wanted to share a few with you...

That is just a sneak peak. Don't worry, she is ok! Haha! Brian was watching her while I was at work and she was just hanging out in her room playing. Well, Brian heard her fuss, just a little, not a cry, more like a, "Hey, I am stuck" fuss. Well, she was, but he didn't know. He thought she just wanted Brian to come get her, so he called out to her "come out here Ryah". She didn't say anything for a min or two, then a little louder she did the same sound. "Come out here Ryah" Brian said. When she didnt show up or make any other sounds, he got up and went to go find out what that silly little girl was doing...


Don't ask how she did this. She didn't start crying till she saw Brian. Poor girl just wanted a little help getting out of a sticky predicament! I LOVE THIS GIRL!!! HAHA

Some real scary things she has done though is she lOVES blueberries and grapes. Every once in a while she would get too many in her mouth and choke, not cough and gurgle, but get some lodged in her throat and not be able to breath in or out or cough. The only way I knew is because I was sitting right next to her and felt a little hand on my leg and looked over to see this look of TERROR on her poor pretty little face and it took 0.01 seconds for me to figure out she was choking and I stuck my finger down her throat and pushed it down further till she swallowed it all on her own. A little scary but we both survived!

Another time I went swimming with some friends in my friends back yard and Ryah was walking around the pool on the pool deck. She loves walking anywhere and everywhere. My friends little four year old boy dropped his floaty in the pool and was trying to reach it. I was in the pool and didn't want him to fall in so I pushed it over to him. I was watching little ryah walk around the pool and the second I took my eyes off her to push the noodle over to the boy (a process that took less than 1 second) she had slipped and fallen in and was face down in the pool. WATCH YOUR KIDS AROUND WATER!!! Luckilly I was anticipating her getting too close (and was originally planning on being right there if she DID decide to jump/fall in) but the second I took my eyes off her was the second she fell in. I was only about 2 seconds away from her and she was only under water for those two seconds, and I grabbed her, brought her above water, and gave her a hug, wiped the water from her face and nose, and she hugged me again and was just fine...walking around the pool on the pool deck once again. (Dont worry, this time I was right by her side).

Ryah has fallen on her face a few times, bled a few times, smashed her poor little pinkey till her nail died and fell off, and fallen off her share of high objects, but the one that probably scared us the mose is when she fell off the table. She is not a sit-still-er. A still sitter. A person that sits very still...at all...ever...and I had her on top of the table in the living room, (I moved the dining room table and chairs so I could sweep and mop the kitchen) and she was sitting in her little chair eating some lunch...cheese, grapes, something of that sort. Well, as I was sweeping, she had scooted herself backwards by pushing on her heels until she moved back, and further back, and further back, and right off the edge of the table. I promptly knew exactly what had happened and I dropped the broom and ran over to her. She cried of course but as soon as I picked her up, we danced and sang and I rubbed her poor back, (which later had a bruise from where it hit the back of the chair she was sitting in) and she was just fine after that.

Here are a few other fun Ryah moments...I LOVE YOU GIRL!

She loves playing Peek-a-boo, except I dont say peek-a-boo, I say...
"wheres Ryah..."

"THERE SHE IS"

This girl loves to put on cloethes and shoes...

She picked out these outfits all on her own

I told her to say cheese...she did! =) Love it!

Oops...

She loves jumping on the trampoline and playing on the beam (in the background) I have for my classes. She will be quite the gymnast

There is a video on facebook of her dancing with Pooh...she LOVES Pooh. I bought her this little Pooh, we lost it two days later. RIP Pooh! =(

I LOVE YOU GIRL!