Finished. For Now.

My second half-marathon is complete. Hallelujah!!

 I went into this year not quite as confident as the last. I did the same training schedule, put in the time but I didn't think I would do as well as last year. So imagine my surprise when I was just about to cross the finish line and saw that I was 3 minutes faster than last year! That may not seem like a lot but in running time, every little millisecond counts. I was happy, exhausted and felt accomplished.

Now I think by body needs a little rest. :)

I Have A Six Year Old?!

This was Porter the day he turned a year old.
Fast forward five years....

Really?! Sigh. I love you, Porter!

A Stiff Upper Lip?

Have you ever left church feeling worse than when you went in? You were hoping to be uplifted but instead your just reminded of all the things your not doing right. Maybe it's just me? All I know is that I've been feeling that way for a few months.

I'm sick of John having to work Sundays. I had to hurry and compose myself during the opening song, as tears were rolling down my cheeks. And it had nothing to do with the spirit. I'm tired. In every way a person can be tired. And sometimes I wonder if any of the good things I want for our family are ever going to happen.

I know I'm not patient. This is going to be my on going test in life, the P word. I just know it.

Yellowstone Day 3

I forgot how big Yellowstone is. We drove a lot and stopped at different points in the park.

It really is beautiful....

Mammoth Falls

We stopped for a break and the boys cooled off with some ice cream.

 They're so stinkin' cute. Most of the time.

Next up, Bison. Lots of them. Around 200 head.

This guy was really that close. It made John nervous.

Sulfur hot pots. The stench was horrible. I definitely could have gone without seeing these.

Now, these did not smell. Beautiful blues and greens.

Outdoor Sauna. Seriously. Had it been cold, it would have felt wonderful.

Old Faithful. The boys called it jumping water.

And there you have it. Overall, we had a great time. It's always nice to get away and be with family.

Bears, Wolves and Fish. Vacation: Day 2

Wednesday we headed to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. The boys loved it.

This guy was 900 lbs!

I had an obsession with wolves when I was younger. For some reason, I just thought they were the coolest. While other girls my age where reading Seventeen, I was reading National Geographic.  

 Watching the Grizzlies

Me and Michelle

Next, we went to Fishing Bridge. Clearest, cleanest water I've ever seen.

And I love this picture.

Porter found some baby fish and was fascinated.

Cute boys!



Vacation: Day 1

So, we left Tuesday afternoon for our vacation. Cameron was having a little trouble with his asthma that day but nothing a little Albuterol couldn't handle. I thought he was doing fine....

We stopped in Rexburg for a quick bite to eat, then headed the rest of the way up. My dad is lucky enough to have a friend who has a cabin in Island Park. It was lovely.

It was around 7:30- 8:00 ish when we pulled in. We unpacked, talked and got a little silly.

I love my siblings. :) And Stayners are weird. Not that you couldn't see that.

Then  things got really bad with Cameron. He couldn't stop coughing. The breathing treatments weren't doing much. Around 10:00, John and my dad gave him a blessing. John slept with Cam on the couch 'till about midnight and then brought him to me. We were up all night with him. When asthma gets that bad, it's just scary. I curse it. I felt so bad for Cameron.

By morning, he was doing a little better but still having some trouble (it's always worse at night). Plans were changed a little but we were still able to go out Wednesday. And by that evening, Cam was totally fine.

I'm thankful for the priesthood and prayers. Thanks to all my friends who offered some for Cameron. I know they helped.

Vacation Teaser

Is this not how everyone feels after much sun, fun, walking and driving?

I know I do.

If you need me, I'll be buried in laundry....

And.... We're Off!

 See ya, friends! We are headed to Island Park and Yellowstone until Friday.

 Friday night and Saturday we will be at a family reunion in Shelly, ID. Oh, and I might just have to suck it up and stay in a tent Friday night. At least there's a real bathroom.....

Weekly Rundown

Monday: Feeding the kittens.....

....Picking zucchini.....

.....and watering the flowers at Grandma Stayner's.

Tuesday: Playgroup. One of these days I'll bring my camera....

Wednesday: Yep. This about sums it up.

Thursday: New table!!!

Friday: The new do. It's an A line, so it's shorter in back.

Saturday: Cameron hugging the Chick-fil-a cow.

Sunday: Planning my day today. LOTS to do before we leave for Island Park/Yellowstone!

Sweet!!

I admit it. I have sweet teeth. I think you should definitely treat yourself once in awhile.   I would like to pretend for a moment that candy isn't bad for you. OK?  Here are a few of my favorite treats.

Jujyfruits.

For some reason, they symbolize my childhood.  Did you ever see the Seinfeld episode where Elaine is going to see her boyfriend, who is in the hospital, and decides to stop at the movie theater for a box of Jujy's? Well, he didn't like that. At all. And I thought it was great!

Pretzel M&M's

Love the salty and sweet combo! Plus they're the only m&m's, besides plain, that the boys can have.

Red Vines

A movie theater staple. Oh, heck, There are two bags in my storage room.

Almond Joy

Because I always feel like a nut.

Jelly Belly's

I totally want to take a factory tour.

Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears

I like them plain, too. But chocolate makes them sooo much better!

And now I leave you with a virtual sugar rush. Your welcome!

Just Random

Sometimes, well, a lot of times, I have no idea what to do on this here blog. Don't know what to write about. Nothing interesting to say. Yeah. SO..................

I hate all the moles on my body.

I'm getting a haircut today. YAY!!

My dad made it through another layoff at work. WHEW!

When Cameron is trying to show me something, he points and says "Mom, look at me right there."

My house is ugly. I have no decorating sense.

I need to go to the dentist.

My glasses broke.

I hope I don't get mauled by a bear, while running in Island Park next week.

I hate playing games that last hours. Curse you, Settlers of Catan!

I wonder if this means I have a short attention span.....

If I hear anymore whining I'm going to buy duct tape. Kidding.

Motherly Woes

1.  I'm at a point where I don't know what to do about Cameron and his separation anxiety. This past Sunday, I was so fed up that I left church early. I love him but I don't want him in classes with me. The last time I decided not to give in, he cried himself to sleep in nursery. Then I felt terrible. Reassurances that I will come back,  don't help. I really don't know why he's so afraid. I can't pinpoint it to any one thing. I'm trying not to freak out but at this point I can't see him ever leaving me....Sigh.

2.  I look back at the lack of pictures and memories during the time of my PPD, and feel guilty. I know it wasn't my fault. I didn't ask to be absent from my life for so long. But, still, it bothers me. A lot.

3.  Porter will be six in a few short weeks and I'm reminded, once again, at how fast time really does go. And I need to cherish these years where my kids actually want me around.

Believe me, there are many more worries I have but I'll spare you. I guess you just do the best you can and hope and pray and cry and pray....... And pray some more.

August Rush

So, weekly rundown is MIA this week. I haven't taken any pictures. We've done fun stuff but, no pictures. Sigh.

I can't believe it's August! This month is packed with things to look forward to.
Book Club (Hallelujah!!)
Island Park and Yellowstone
Two family reunions
TOU half-marathon
Back to school shopping
Porter's sixth birthday
Porter starting kindergarten!  

P.S. In a total moment of weakness, I bought five containers of Tillamook ice cream (it was on sale). So, if your craving ice cream, you know where to come.