The latest on the kids

Maya has totally developed her own style and attitude. She is one of a kind, and if you don't believe me, I'll let you take her off my hands for a day. She is sure a lot of fun, but boy am I tired at the end of the day.

One thing she does love is getting her hair done! She loves to climb trees and get dirty and she refuses to wear shoes, but she will let me do her hair in cute styles, and I love it! Below is a picture of her hair after I put sponge curlers in it. The do lasted only about an hour, but it was so cute! She kept saying, "Pretty, Pretty" and touching her hair.
She also has her own style with the clothes she wears. We got her dressed for church and ten minutes later she came out wearing halloween sweat pants under the skirt. That's hot, Maya!

We've been enjoying many days at Lagoon and Lagoon-a-beach. My kids love it and it tuckers them right out! Not many activities have that effect on my children, so I love it!




And, summer wouldn't be summer without the sprinklers in the backyard. This is a weekly occurrence at our house. Maya doesn't love the cold water spraying everywhere, but she does love her swimsuit, so it works out. Hayden on the other hand is all over the water! He even runs in front of the hose while I'm watering the garden.


That's what we've been up to. This week we will be going to Bear Lake and celebrating Maya's 2nd birthday! Gotta love the summer.

Motivation for me!

Mistaken Identity!

The other day I ran in the house to get my wallet and heard a strange sound that I could have sworn was a rooster's crow. I told Eric and we ran in the back to check on the chickens. I thought, "Oh, a rooster must have gotten in or something." (no, really I'm not that dumb, but the thought did cross my mind.) As soon as we got to the backyard, we both heard the crow and knew that one of our hens was not a hen, but a rooster!

This is really surprising because all of our chicken were "sexed". (identified as male or female--which is really hard to determine, believe it or not!) So, we had to find out which one is the rooster because, well, first off I don't really want baby chicks, and second--It's against the city ordinances to own a rooster. I guess there aren't a lot of people who want a 5AM wake up call every morning.

So, yesterday I got out my lawn chair and observed the chickens to see which one was the rooster, and after about 10 minutes, I felt really stupid that I hadn't seen it before!! First off, roosters are prettier than hens, they grow faster than hens, and they are a little more aggressive than hens. This one chicken (Betty) has always scared me. It sometimes charges at me and constantly fights with the other chickens. It also has moved it's way up the pecking order pretty fast and is now almost at the top; and it was the prettiest one! Well, after observing this, we had our rooster! (I am now completely positive because I've seen him being a "rooster"-if you know what I mean) I have now posted him on KSL and have a potential taker for him.

You can tell which one is the rooster! He's the one in the middle--the colorful one.

And for those of you that have followed me on this chicken adventure--I am still loving it! They are so EASY! A neighbor down the street is going to get some chickens after seeing mine. I should be getting eggs in about 2 weeks or so, which is so exciting. I check the coop every day to see if any of the girls have laid one yet. The question I get asked the most is do they stink, and honestly, they don't! I clean out their coop every week to keep it smelling nice, but that's it! For us it's an ideal pet and my kids (and all the neighbor kids) love them! I know a lot of people think we are weird, but to them I would ask them to try it. It is really more enjoyable and rewarding than you would think!

But, if you do get chickens, make sure you don't have a rooster!

The Love of my Life

Tomorrow we will be celebrating SIX wonderful years of marriage. These past years have been a whirlwind of changes and I feel like it has only made us a stronger couple. Eric has definitely seen me at my worst (and worst looking) and he still loves me! Often times I find myself thinking how amazing it is that we fit together so well. I really did not know when I married him how perfect he would be for me. From the moment we started dating we were always laughing, and that's how I think a marriage should be. We've even laughed in many situations just so we wouldn't cry.

Eric has supported me through every ambition, silly idea or decision that I've made--good and bad. He is such a good example to our son of how to treat me. Hayden definitely is respectful and loving because that's how he sees Eric care for me. I could not think of a better example for our son!

Thank you for these 6 amazing years, Eric. I have loved going through this journey with you! Thank you for choosing me to be your wife. (and I know you had choices!!) You really are the best, and I am the luckiest!

You mean we'll have a harvest?

This afternoon I found a couple of little surprises for me in the garden. I was so excited, I rushed in the house and told everyone to come and see. We had 2 pea pods ready to pick! Hayden was so excited because I've been telling him how and where the pods would grow. He picked it right off and we ate both pods right there. What a treat! I had forgotten how wonderful peas right from the garden taste.

All of my vegetables are growing! Except my tomatoes...But, my giant pumpkin plant is growing, and you can actually see the broccoli! The corn is about 6 inches high now and the beans are coming right along. This garden has been a lot of work this year, but I am finally reaping the benefits!

Why the @$#&% did I sign up for this?

This is Eric writing giving Brandi a little break. When I told her part of getting certified to be a Cop was getting tased she made me promise to record it. The instructors claimed this was voluntary but then spent about 30 minutes telling us why we needed to experience the taser. This was by far, hands down the most unpleasant 5 seconds of my life. I really can't explain what it felt like except for pure agony and pain that makes you want to cry. I also had a more painful experience then most because I had the probes the furthest away from each other (one on the shoulder and one on the foot) which affects all muscles in your body. Most had the probes about 1 foot apart. (lucky Me) it was so funny to watch all the others getting hit because everyone reacted differently. Some would unleash words that would make a sailor blush and some just took it like a man... like me :-) I loved the sound this other guy made so I had Brandi include him on the Post. I hope you enjoy watching me get tortured as I come closer and closer to becoming a full fledged Officer. It sure has been fun these past weeks (other than this) learning and going on ride-alongs with other officers. I have seen some crazy people. I go into the academy on July 7th and will get the good foundation. I only wish I would have started this about 5 years ago. Oh well, I'm here now and loving it. I'm so thankful for my wife that has let me pursue this dream. This hasn't been easy for her as I have been gone much more and am bringing in less $$ . She has been there for me and I love her for it. I'll keep you updated as to any other crazy shenanigans I get myself into.

To Waste Wisely My Days

To waken in the morning with a smile brightening my face;
To greet the day with reverence for the opportunities it contains;
To approach my work with a clear mind;
To hold ever before me, even in the doing of little things, the ultimate purpose toward which I am working;
To meet men and women with laughter on my lips and love in my heart;
To be gentle and kind and courteous through all the hours;
To approach the night with the weariness that ever woos sleep and the joy that comes from work well done,
This is how I desire to waste wisely my days.
-anonymous

Party in My Tummy!

Maya's birthday is soon approaching, and I found the perfect cake for her. Yo Gabba Gabba! It's the only thing she is really passionate about. She knows all their names, sings their songs, and basically has the lines memorized.

Here is a link to the cake ideas:
Click HERE

If you have never had the privilege of watching this highly entertaining show, allow me the pleasure of introducing you to: YO GABBA GABBA! CLICK HERE TO SEE!

A Good Day

Well, I did it. I got through 9 miles today. I even felt like I could go another mile and I'm kicking myself that I didn't, but...I've gotta stick to the running schedule. Thank you for the little motivators that you gave me in the last post. They helped!

I was talking to my uncle this week. He's a hard-core cycler who just goes out on any given day and rides 100+ miles. Saturdays he usually rides for 7 hours!! I was asking him what he thinks about when he's riding up the hard hills or when it starts to get rough. He said that he thinks about the finish. He thinks about the high that comes with feeling like he accomplished something big and about how good he'll feel when he's done. That's what drives him.

After my rough week last week, I realized that I had been too hard on myself. In my mind I was thinking to myself, "I shouldn't be able to do this!" But in reality, I know that I can. So today my mantra as I was running was simply this: "I am a RUNNER!" And I really am! I ran 9 miles today without stopping. Only runners do that. What I say to myself mentally made all the difference. I was also thinking about how good I would feel when I was done, just like my uncle said. I was also thinking about how good I would feel when I finished my half marathon and I pictured a crowd of family and friends cheering for me at the end.

I feel like I have accomplished something great today! It's been a good day.

I Need Motivation!!

After my 8 mile run on Saturday, I totally psyched myself out. I started asking myself why I am putting myself through this. Running is HARD!! Since then I have lost my focus. I have lost sight of my goal. Part of the problem is that after my 8 mile run (which is, like, 800 calories burned) I came home and weighed myself and I had GAINED 2 pounds. HUH? How does that happen? Anyway, I have totally hit my plateau and have not lost any weight since that Saturday.

So, I am posing this question to you other runners/ exercisers/ bikers/ swimmers--I know you're all out there-- What do you say to yourself to keep going? Maybe your motivation will help strengthen mine somehow. I really need it right now!!

Mini-Graduation

Hayden graduated from his first year of Pre-School! He is such the goofy kid and was pulling faces the whole time. Even when I tried to get a good picture of him he could not smile a normal smile. I guess we have a class clown on our hands.







His teacher has been great! He has learned so much, I feel like he's ready for Kindergarten already. He still has another year of pre-school, unfortunately. Can you tell he's sick of the pictures? Sorry, bud.

I thought I'd share a little bit about why I love this boy. From the start he has been a joy. Honestly, he is so kind hearted and caring about others and especially me. There have been a few times when I have cried if I'm frustrated or sad and he makes sure to comfort me. He always tells me that I'm the best mom and that I'm good at everything I do. He compliments my cooking, even though I can see on his face that he doesn't love it sometimes. He tells me that I'm pretty and that he's happy we're friends. He gives good hugs and tells great jokes and he has the most infectious laugh! I could go on. I'm thankful to have him for a son and I'm thankful that my other children will have him for an older brother. He is a leader and he always tries to do what is best. He's my little bud during the day! I just love him, and it makes me so happy to watch him grow and try new things. Congratulations, little graduate! It's all gonna get better from here!!

Felt Like I should Brag...

I have been running 12 minute miles now for quite awhile. Today I finished 5 miles in 50 minutes!! Feeling pretty proud.

Random Thoughts by Brandi

I keep thinking of this experience that happened when I was in the 6th grade. Growing up, my parents always told me that I could do anything if I worked hard enough. At the beginning of the year I decided to put that to the test. Our elementary school was participating in the Presidential Fitness program. There were certain physical exercises for each age group such as a timed mile, push ups, etc. Then, based on how well you did at each activity, you would get an award (a piece of paper saying congratulations) for Presidential, National, or just Participant. I wanted the Presidential! The requirements for my age group were: 45 curl ups in 1 minute, shuttle run in 10 seconds, 20 push ups, 2 pull ups, some sort of flexibility test, and run a mile in 8 1/2 minutes.

To prepare for the testing our teacher had us practice some things during gym, but the rest was up to us. I was determined, so being the nerd that I am, I ran the mile during my recess. I eventually had 2 or 3 others ask to run with me, too, so I guess I wasn't that uncool. I practiced any chance I got. Eventually I could do most of the requirements, no problem.

When it came time to test, I passed everything with flying colors. I was the only girl in the whole school who would be getting the Presidential award. The last test was the sit ups. Sadly, I missed the requirement by 2 sit ups. I asked the teacher if I could test again, but she wouldn't let me. I didn't qualify for the award.

I was completely heart broken. I thought that if I wanted something and worked hard enough for it that I would reach my goal. I think I even said to myself that I'd never get my hopes up like that again. That was hard on my 12 year old ego.

Anyway, the reason this has been on my mind is that it has affected the way I think about myself throughout my life. I had more disappointments in High School, and my thoughts always went back to this time in 6th grade. In my mind, I couldn't accomplish any goal that I set my mind to, so why try?

This curse of mine has followed me into my adult life and I am still plagued by that thinking. There are many things that I've worked hard at, but that haven't worked in my favor. The reason I'm sharing this is because I've realized something. You can reach any goal you set for yourself if you work hard enough. That experience in 6th grade led me to believe that I had worked as hard as I could to get that award, but I didn't reach it. Looking back, I don't think that I ever practiced the curl ups. I just thought that I'd be able to do that one easily. There was still more work that I could have done.

Looking back at the award--what a silly thing! All I would have received is a piece of paper saying that I reached the Presidential fitness requirements. I probably wouldn't even have the paper still. It did teach me to set goals, to follow through, and that exercise can be fun. My goals now are much loftier, and I know that I will have to stretch myself every day to become the person that I want to be, but my rewards will be so much better than a piece of paper.

Stick To Your Task Part 2

Well, it's all memorized! Here's how he did.

Stick To Your Task...

When I was in Young Women's as a youth, I remember having a lesson on "learning". One of the leaders told a story of a woman she knew that would post quotes on her children's mirrors and even laminate them and stick them in the shower. She wanted them to have uplifting messages to help them through the day and throughout their life. Her children saw them so frequently that they memorized them. The children said that as they grew up, the poems and sayings had helped them in their life because their messages pertained to so many circumstances.

Eric's parents and his grandparents have had their children memorize many different poems over the course of their childhood. Yesterday I had one of the poems that I had heard them recite running through my head. I kept thinking, "Stick To Your Task..." but that's all I could remember. I went and found the poem online and Hayden and I started to memorize it. He gets a sticker for every 2 lines he memorizes, and when he gets 4 stickers he gets a candy bar! (Bribery...it's my downfall) He's doing very well. Here's half the poem. He should have the whole thing memorized by Wednesday! Then, it's on to the next poem.

The cutest thing last night--He was swinging on the swings in the backyard and he's been working really hard on being able to pump his legs to get higher in the swing. He was practicing this and yelling at the top of his lungs, "STICK TO YOUR TASK TIL IT STICKS TO YOU!"