Burley, ID Spudman

Brett and I competed in the Burley, ID Spudman on Saturday. Both of us improved our times. My run time was the same as last year, but I didn't run the entire route. I very much enjoyed the race this year, and it only makes me want to improve for next year.

A man died in the swim this year, and it breaks my heart. My condolences to the family of Donald Morehouse of Provo, UT. I am sure it is a huge loss to his family and friends. I know it affects all of us who raced that day in one way or another.

Here I am before the swim. To the left of me is Denise Berger (Brett's cousin's wife) and to the right is a good friend Erin Gregerson)

Here I am after the swim. My swim time was 18:44 (much better than last year)

My bike time this year was 117:04

My run time was 1:07:36 - not my best run time, but I was pleased overall. I didn't play the mind game that well during this race. I hope to do even better next year.

My overall time was 2:49:55 - 8 Minutes faster than last year. Improvement is improvement.

Hill Air Force Museum

On Thursday (7/24/08) while most of Utah was celebrating Pioneer Day, we were at the Hill Air Force Museum. We have driven by it MANY times, so we decided we would stop this time. The place is fascinating. They have all types of different planes that have been used in combat, and restored. I felt very humbled to be among these planes. I know that many men and women have lost their lives for our freedoms. I don't know that we fully understand it all. At least many of us don't because we haven't been there. I could have stayed there another hour just reading about all of the artifacts there. When we first walked into the museum, there was a somewhat dark room that had the different uniforms that have been used over the years. I tried imagining actual people wearing these uniforms. I felt like I as walking on hallowed ground.

You can't really tell from the picture because of the dark nature of it, but I am standing in front of a plane similar to the one that my Grandpa Bowers most likely jumped out of. He was a paratrooper in WWII. He was a part of the 101st Airborne Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I have the utmost respect for him.

Here is a replica of the atomic bomb that was dropped at Hiroshima. It is huge for a bomb, yet small, and amazing that it could do so much damage.

Lagoon

Wednesday (7/23/08) our family went to Lagoon. Novell pays for us to go nearly every year and it is something the kids look forward to. I don't think we would actually pay the $39.99 per person to get into a park. It's amazing how much things have skyrocketed in price. We had a great time as a family. At the end of the night we rode a ride called the Odysea. It is a cute little kids ride that puts you in a sea creature of some sort and squirts water. You can move your sea creature up and down to try and get away from the water, so really you can choose to get wet, or stay dry if you figure out what my kids call the 'pattern'. Ryan and Brett made a deal that whoever came out of the ride dry won. Brett and I rode together and the kids rode together. We played Paper, Rock, Scissors to see who got to sit on the inside (the inside hardly gets wet). I LOST! With losing, Brett decided that his victory also included being able to steer the sea creature we were sitting in. Well, I LOST again! I ended up SOAKING wet. The kids were thrilled that they won, and I was laughing so hard I couldn't help it.

Here are some pictures from the day

While walking through the Pioneer Village, I came across this cabin. It belonged to Jacob Bigler - A 'great' something grandfather. Kinda cool.

And last, but not least, what is Lagoon without a Carousel Ride???

Life in abstract

I've got a lot of catching up to do.

First things first - Sydney managed to wreck on her scooter that she got on her birthday, pulling the muscle away from the bone on her left foot. Of course it had to happen just before her party, so she spent most of the party on a chair. Bless her heart, she tried to play, but it hurt too bad. So, after the party we ate dinner and then took her to the Dr for an X-Ray. We came home with a walking boot that she refused to try and walk on.

On Tuesday I went to my sister-in-law Teresa's house and helped put together some freezer meals. I got there later than everyone else because I wanted to let Sydney sleep in. I don't know that I did too much, but we put together over 30 meals to freeze for a later time. I think that will really help her.

Shortly after dinner we were outside working on the yard and Sydney was walking on her foot - WHOO HOO! She wanted to ride her scooter so we told her she could if she was careful. Well, Ryan had ridden it around the block earlier, and we couldn't find the scooter ANYWHERE. So, needless to say, we looked for a couple of hours for the scooter, and it is gone. I hate to blame someone for stealing it, but it is gone, and I'm not sure how it escaped other than the inevitable.

Happy Birthday Sydney

Today is one of those days that on one hand I'm thrilled, and on the other I could use another 5 years to get used to. My baby is 5!!! It's crazy to think Sydney has been with us for 5 years already. With Sydney, there is never a dull moment. She is sweet, and caring, yet stubborn and very independent. I'm pretty sure she takes after her father . Ok, so she is very little like her father, and very much like me. Here's to the past 5 years.

We love you Syd.

Sydney came into this world on July 21, 2003. During my pregnancy I think I worried more than any mom has ever worried before. When she got here I was so emotional. Here we had a beautiful baby girl, perfect in every way.

I don't think there has ever been a more proud Big Brother. Ryan was so thrilled to have Sydney come into our home. He had a little bit of adjusting to do, and at the time I didn't think it would ever end. Looking back though, his adjustments were very minimal.

This is what happens when you have a lot of sleepless nights

Sydney has brought us so much joy. Even as a baby she was always smiling and doing things to make us laugh.

And of course getting into mischief.

She also does random things that are definitely picture worthy. Luckily for me, I have a husband that takes his camera everywhere just like his dad.

Sydney also loves playing with her family

And what is a little girl without her Princess clothing

Happy Birthday Sydney - We sure love you

Crash

If you know us well enough, you know that the only sport that we are faithful about watching is the Tour de France. There is something about a professional bike race that can't be beat. These men are amazing. You know that they have worked their butts and they are extremely disciplined. Well, yesterday proved to be no different in the race. Check out this crash that happened with just 5.4 miles to go.



I think if I lost my bike like this it would break my heart

The things that come up on a bike ride

Today I took the kids on a bike ride. This was the first ride that I've taken pulling both kids this season. They are both getting heavy and I've been afraid of going too far because we have hills all around us and I am afraid that I can't pull them up any of the hills. So, I took them on a ride that was a bit flat. We only went 12 miles. By mile 10.5 they were ready to be home, but I wanted to make it to twelve.

Anyway, I'm always amused by the conversations that I have with my children when we are riding a bike. I guess it's because there is a lot of silence as they so patiently ride behind me. As we were riding today we passed some road kill. It was a cat, but the kids thought it was a dog. I didn't want to argue so I'm pretty sure they still think it is a dog. Ok, back to the story. Since they saw the 'dog' they were talking about a neighbor whose dog just had puppies. Sydney posed the question "Mom, how do mommy puppies have babies when they don't have a belly button?" I said "They come out their bum." That seemed to answer good enough.

Brett thinks that I have now ruined my daughter and that she may think she is going to have a baby out of her 'bum'. Well, I am going to let him tell her WHERE the babies actually come from. For now her curiosity has been satisfied.

Cub Scout Day Camp

Today was Ryan's first Cub Scout Day Camp. He won't officially be a cub until he turns 8, but they let him go to day camp today. He had a great time. I'm not sure that I have taught him too well. I'll explain.

A few months ago one of Ryan's friends asked him to go to a play with him. She said to bring some money for the concession. Ryan borrowed some money from Sydney $3 or $4 and I just knew that he would just get something small and call it that. Well, holy crap, he spent every penny. I didn't know how much the candy, etc would be so we sent a little extra with the instruction "Ryan, you don't have to spend all of this money. Just get a treat and call it good." Well, silly us. Ryan came home with a mother load of candy and he spent EVERY dime.

Well, today I thought I'd give him a chance to redeem himself. The scout leaders told us that we could send some cash with the kids to spend at the trading post. Brett told me to only send $2. Again, I didn't know how much he would need. The trading post at the scout camp that Brett went to last year pretty much robbed you, so I thought that the same might be true here. So, I sent $4, with the instruction "Ryan, you don't have to spend all of this money."

Ryan got home from scout camp at 1:30pm. I was on my way home from running errands so I just had him sit on the porch until I got home. I was only a couple of miles away when his leader called me. When I pulled into the drive way he showed me the MOTHER LOAD that he got from scout camp. I asked him how much money he spent and he smiled and said $4! Well, good for me. I have taught my son to spend everything he gets. Next time, he will take his own money to spend at the trading post. He is much more frugal with his own money. I think he gets that from his dad. :)

The Funny Things Kids Say

I rather enjoy reading others' blogs. I have a hard time thinking that what I post is amusing to others however. My kids have been entertaining the past few days though so I thought I would share.

A few days ago I was driving in Springville and talking to the kids. Every time I would end a sentence Sydney would sing at the top of her lungs, opera style, like the last two words that I would say. It was hilarious. So, of course I continued to talk just so I could hear her sing.

On Monday night we were at Sports Authority looking around at swim suits, etc. We have made it a tradition for now to go to Orem on Monday nights to swim. Brett gets off work earlier than the pool opens so we have to find something to do with our time. Anyway, back to the story. Sydney was walking with Brett and Ryan was with me. Ryan turned to me and said, "Mom, do you think when I start soccer I can buy a wienie protector?" I giggled a bit and asked him to explain, just to make sure I knew what he was talking about. He said, "You know, kind of like the one that the girl used to protect her nose on Funniest Home Videos." Then I really giggled, and of course let him know that it was called a 'cup'

There you have it - the happenings with the Berger Kids.

One Month - felt like a lifetime

It has definitely been a while since I've taken the time to update my blog. This past month can be summed up in one word STRESS! I wouldn't wish being the Primary President on anyone. Between trying to restore reverence in the Primary room, to filling the holes that are within the teachers, and making sure my presidency feels like they are being utilized, my stress levels have been on the rise. All I can hope is that one day soon everything levels out.

Now for a training update:

Training? What's training? That's kind of how I feel right now. I have run twice this week, and I am now seeing a physical therapist for my IT band. I had hoped that I could take care of it myself, but I still have a little trouble, so my family Dr recommended that I start PT as he is having the same grief with his IT band. You know, it is so frustrating! You try to do what you know to be right and exercise and it all slaps you in the face. Or the knee in my case. I'm determined to keep going though. I think I owe it to myself and my family to try and push through all of this.

The Spudman is coming up in 2 weeks. I had hoped to be much more in shape, but with injuries you kind of have to step back and take it easy. I haven't been on my bike since I took the 50 mile ride in AZ. Brett has been amazing and has been on the bike at least 3 times a week. On the flip side of that though, he isn't running right now, so we'll probably be even there. I just hope that when I race in ID I don't get passed by 500 people again. That doesn't do well for a person's psyche.