Everyday Miracles

Just when I think I can't possibly have another blessing in my life, I am surprised by yet another miracle.

I would feel ungrateful if I didn't recount the events of this past Friday October 9, 2009. I'll start by setting up the unusual things that happened for a typical Friday.

First of all, Brett drove in to work. While this may not sound unusual, it is for Brett. He typically rides in a carpool van, but on this day, he drove our van. You see, it was the plan for me to ride to Novell and have lunch with him. Since this was the plan, I sent a backpack full of clothing for me. I planned to leave in time to shower in time for lunch.

I did a few chores and got dressed for my ride. I left the house at 10:35 am. My legs were feeling great, and I expected a good ride.

7 1/2 minutes in to my ride, the unexpected happened. I was cruisin' at 26 miles an hour and down the road a car had come to a stop at a stop sign. I thought for sure they would look my way, see me, and wait for me to pass. Unfortunately, that is not what happened. I started yelling, hoping that the driver would hear me since I wasn't making eye contact with her, but that was to no avail. Just as I thought that my situation couldn't get any worse, the car came in to my lane. I had no place to go, so I slammed into the front fender of her car. My body flew up on to her windshield, and I landed in front of her car.

She immediately came around and knelt down beside me, apologizing for hitting me, and not seeing me.

I was awake, and alert. I started asking someone to please get my phone out of my back pocket and call 911. The driver didn't have a phone, and I knew I needed help.

I was unsure if I had injured my back, or neck. I was bleeding from somewhere, but I didn't know where. I have had enough first aid training to know that I shouldn't move. The people around me couldn't figure out how to get my phone out of my pocket, but a kind man stopped that had a cell phone. I asked him to call 911, and then to call Brett.

So many people stopped to help. A man stopped and said "I'm a doctor, I can help." I looked up, and saw that it was one of the pediatricians that I take the kids to. I was grateful to see a familiar face.

While I feel like I was concious, I'm sure there are moments that I just don't remember. Telling people my name over and over again became exhausting. I just wanted to close my eyes and go to sleep.

My knee was killing me. I couldn't straighten my leg and I just kept praying for the pain to just numb itself.

I was taken to the ER and Brett met me there (He was able to because he drove in to work).

I was taken for X-Rays, and seen by the doctor there. All of the staff treated me so kindly. I teased with them, and they must have thought I was crazy.

When it came down to results, here is the damage:

No Broken Bones
5 stitches across the bridge of my nose
Road rash on my left leg, and bruises the size of Dallas
Road rash on my right leg, multiple abrasions on my knee, and multiple bruises.
I could not bend my right knee, so I came home with a knee brace.
I could not put weight on my right leg, so I walk with crutches.
Broken Bike
and...

I'm ALIVE!!

I have had SO many miracles in my life. Here's to one more.

Day One

Day TWO


My BIKE, it makes me want to cry

Cone of Shame

Yesterday I took the kids shopping with me. On our way home, our conversation went something like this

Ryan: Mom, did you know that Josh's dog had a 'Cone of Shame'?

Me: Yes, I heard that.

Sydney: Why do they call it a 'Cone of Shame'?

Ryan: Because he got fixed

Sydney: What does it mean, he got fixed?

Me: It means that he can't get a girl dog pregnant

Sydney: He could get a girl dog pregnant?

Me: Well, not anymore

Ryan: Yeah, getting fixed just means that he can't have nudity.

*Uhh, good thing that it doesn't mean the same things for humans.

Good Friends

We were fortunate to have a couple of friends from Brett's high school days visit us over the weekend. I haven't laughed that long and hard in a long time. My heart was full of gratitude for these men. I loved hearing stories of their younger years. Thank you Kevin and Ben for helping Brett be who he is today.

When Upon Life's Billows

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to visit with some friends that we haven't seen in many years. It was wonderful to have them in our home. Our days and nights used to be spent with them in the early years of our marriage.

We reminisced about the good ol' days. We laughed, and our children played as if they were long lost friends. Life doesn't get much better, really.

During their visit, I was brought to the realization of my blessings. I often think that we are just an ordinary family, in an ordinary house. Nothing about my life has ever felt lavish, or over the top. We work hard, and we do the best we know how with what we are given.

I have since realized that I am a very blessed person.

Here are some of my blessings, my most prized possessions.

I have a husband who loves me.

I have amazing kids

I live in one of the most beautiful areas on earth. Who needs therapy when the mountains summon your name.

I am fortunate to experience peace in my home.

I Thank God today for all that I have.

The Measurement of Time

For quite some time I have been somewhat fascinated with the measurement of time. When I run, I want to be faster. When I bike, I don't so much as think of speed, but rather, can I be back in time for "X", whatever "X" is.

Then there is the measurement of time in a day, and can I possibly fit everything in.

Then time is measured by months, and years.

When the unthinkable happens (death), time stands still.

It is often thought that life would be better if you could turn back time. Perhaps, just a day. If only I could turn the clock back one day, I'm sure I would have no regrets. Right?

When someone you love dies, that day becomes a marker of time. Everything is measured in the time before and after death.

This fascination with time has turned my thoughts yet again to my sister, Azure. I now measure time in the before and after of her death. It is an interesting thing to do, I know, but it happens. I've wondered why everything is thought of as "before Azure died..." or "two weeks after Azure died..." etc.

Strange, I know.

I've come to the realization that the world's measurement of time is based on the life of Christ. Before the Savior of the world was born, time is measure in BC. After his birth, time is measured in AD. What an interesting concept to parallel the life and death of someone I knew personally, and love dearly.

It's the before and after in the measurement of time.

Chocolate

Tonight is a chocolate night. I only had three pieces left from the wonderful authentic chocolate from England.

Now I only have one piece left.

I will have to save it for a special day. It is strawberry filled, so I doubt that anyone will want it.

Fall is in the air here. The leaves on the trees are beginning to show their color. I can look out the window and see the mountain in its beauty.

I love this time of year. It takes me back to something that I seem to be doing a lot of lately.

Reflection.

It was this time of year two years ago that a dear friend took his life.

It was this time of year two years ago that my sister went to heaven. I often wonder how close their spirits are to me. They are close. I know that, but how often are they allowed the time to comfort, or perhaps protect?

Yesterday I was on my bike. I was just over a mile away from my house. The wind was ferocious. So much that I thought that maybe I should just turn around. I knew I had to get my mileage in though so I continued down the hill.

As I passed through the stop sign and on to the straight away, I thought of my sister, how I miss her so. I had a little prayer in my heart that she could accompany me on my ride.

The road to turn onto is not far from the hill that I had just descended and I had the thought that I should probably take it wide, just in case there was a car coming. I did just that, and as I looked up, there was a large Ford truck heading straight at me. There wasn't much I could do but swerve and say a quick prayer in my heart. With about 5 feet to spare, the man looked up from his cell phone, and swerved to miss me.

For the next 1/2 mile I cried. I wondered what exactly had happened there. Was my prayer heard? Did I have a guardian angel, perhaps my sister, along side me to protect me from the danger that I had just encountered?

Or

Was it just the grace of a loving God that had protected me? I surely would have died, or if not died, I would have been seriously injured. There was no way I could compete with the vehicle in my lane.

So, I shed tears of gratitude - Gratitude that I was still alive. Tears of hope, that maybe I was allowed a visit from someone I long to see. Maybe it is wishful thinking.

Maybe I just need more chocolate.

The Cool Kids Club

Last year Brett and I trained for the Salem Triathlon. They had changed the bike course back to the original bike course that took you up Payson Canyon to Kiwanis Park, and then back again into Salem to start the run.

We would ride out and back and I thought I was amazing, riding up those hills. I mentioned once to a neighbor that we had ridden up Payson Canyon and he asked me if we had ridden the switchbacks. I told him "No" and he kind or shrugged his shoulders. I remember thinking - What a jerk. I rode up Payson Canyon, I should be part of the Cool Kids Club.

Well, this week, I proved that I was not amazing last year. I needed to get 47 miles in for my long ride. It was my intention to ride 23 up and then come back and ride an easy mile back on the flats. Well, 2 hours and 15 minutes into my ride, I was 21 miles up, I had reached 7,000 feet and I was still climbing. I knew I had to be back at the house because it was "Grandparent's Day" at school and I thought Sydney was going to be checked out early so I needed to be home just in case. I was climbing at a mere 5MPH, and another 2 miles would take me forever. I was afraid that if I continued, I would be on the bike for 4 hours and miss my in-laws.

So, I turned around and flew down the mountain. My hands were killing me from gripping the handlebars and the breaks for 8 miles. What took me an hour and a half to climb, only took me 1/2 hour to descend. (I should have gone the extra 2 miles up).

I have now inducted myself into "The Cool Kid's Club". Thank you very much.

And just to put this all in to perspective, a few weeks ago, Brett and I had traveled up Payson Canyon, by car, to watch the Tour of Utah, a professional bicycle race. We misjudged the timing of these men and we missed them all. They rode 77 miles in just over 3 hours, and I only rode 42 in the same amount of time. Thus, my induction into the 'KID'S' club, not the 'MEN'S' club.

*Brett followed suit on Saturday. He rode a little farther than I did. I tease him that he was just trying to one-up me. He disagrees. Nevertheless, I'm proud of him.

Give 'Em 5

As many know, our son Ryan was born with a rare disease called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCIDS), otherwise known as the bubble-boy disease. This condition is often misdiagnosed, and many children aren't properly diagnosed until they are extremely sick, or as it is often the case, it is too late.

Well, a dear mother of a child born with this disease, has set up a foundation called SCID Angels for Life. Her first son passed away from SCIDS, and her second son, now 14 is doing well after an in-utero transplant. The money that is donated to this foundation goes towards research, newborn screening, and educational support for parents and families.

When Ryan was a baby, we were told many times that we could not be helped because he didn't have cancer. Well, the treatment for this disease is a Bone Marrow Transplant, and is the same as a cancer patient. We were told at one point that if we could get a doctor to say that Ryan had a form of cancer, our world would be opened up to much more support. Thankfully, we had amazing insurance at the time, and it was all covered.

So, what does this have to do with you, my blog reader?

Well, Tim Schwarz, a father of a little guy with SCIDS, has pledged to run the Chicago Marathon on October 11th. His goal is to raise $5,000 for the SCID Angels for Life foundation. You can help by pledging your $5, or more if you have it, at this link HERE Click on the Events Page on the left hand side and pledge what you can. If you have $5, it would be appreciated. If you have more to give, you will be helping families who have very few options. Every little bit helps.

Thank you, and God Bless you for your donation.

Ask a Stupid Question

I've been know to ask stupid questions in my lifetime.

My mom used to answer this "Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer."

Well, what do you know - there is an "Ask a Stupid Question" DAY!

and

It just so happens to be on my birthday - September 28th.

Therefore, I am entitled I say.

Becoming 'One' with the Bike

Since my quest has begun to ride 100 miles on my bike, I have really tried hard to learn as much as I can about my bike. I need to be able to fix it should I have a problem while I'm out on the road.

I've had a few experiences the past few days that have helped me realize that I still have a lot to learn.

First and foremost, don't ever clip your foot in the pedal and try to balance, showing your husband where your foot is when fully extended. Why, you ask? Well, it is extremely hard to clip back out, and you might just fall, while not moving, and bruise your knee, scuff up your arm, and hit your head on the nearest tree. Embarrassing.

Second, when you are getting multiple flat tires, have a second set of eyes look at your tires. Going through multiple tubes, and patching them all, only for them to go flat again during the next ride, is probably caused by a thorn that you don't see with your own eyes. (Don't worry, I now have new tires, and hopefully many miles will pass away flat free.)

Third, don't think that for a second, you will be able to leave the house as soon as the kids leave for school. It's great in theory, but anything that can go wrong will. This morning after two flat tires, a dropped chain, and I can't remember what else, I was finally able to get out of the house by 10am.

So, for now I am not 'One' with my bike.

However.

Each day is a new day, and thanks to the fact that I know people might be looking to see if I have ridden that day, I am getting out, and hopefully 8 weeks from now I will be stronger mentally and physically and a flat tire won't make me want to swear.

Accountability

Since I made the announcement that I am riding a Century bike ride in October, I have been keeping track of my rides - Mileage and Time - in a spreadsheet that Brett sent me.

I can tell which rides were harder. For example, last week I rode 34 miles in 2 hours and 18 minutes, and this week I rode 40 miles in 2 hours 29 minutes. Obviously the ride this week was easier, thus my better time. I didn't climb the mountain this week on my longer ride.

Anyway, back to the accountability....I have posted a link to the spreadsheet on the side of my blog. Feel free to check in from time to time and keep me honest.

Today has been laced with frustrations. Flat Tire - Second Flat Tire in ONE week I might add!

I've ordered new Puncture Resistant tires. I hope they come soon. Of course the tire patch kit is on the back of Brett's bike, and his bike is at work with him. So, I will have to go and buy a patch kit and maybe, just maybe I might get my ride in today.

Gratitude and More

Today I was brought to my knees in gratitude. I don't know if I will ever know why the Lord has blessed me so much, but He has.

I received an e-mail from a family who had a baby with SCIDS, the same disease that Ryan was born with. He lost his battle last week. Stacey, his mother shared a video with our small group of families that are experiencing, or have experienced this disease first hand.

As I watched the video, the memories flooded my mind. I remember Ryan looking like that. I remember his cries, his face looked the same as baby Liam's.

And then, I was brought to reality. I still have my son. He has been healed. Miracles have happened in my life, and I will forever be grateful.

I am trying to rise to the occasion and teach him. Whatever his purpose in life, I hope I am able to aid him in fulfilling it. This is one of my greatest wishes.

Gratitude and so much MORE

Tour de St George

Yesterday Brett sent me a text and asked me if I was up to riding a Century Ride in October. It is something we both have wanted to do for a while.

Last year we rode just over 50 miles while in AZ, so I'm pretty sure I can ride the course. I just hadn't ridden in a while. Well, I agreed, so that meant I needed to get back on the bike. I took to the road and rode just over 13 miles.

Today I went out and rode close to the same distance. I love that I can just get on the bike and go, and go, and go. The mental game isn't quite like it is when you are running. You can't really stop, unless you get off your bike, and that's embarrassing.

So, on October17th, I will ride the Tour de St. George. It will likely take me all day, but I will finish, and I can cross that off the bucket list, and maybe if I like it, I'll add it back to the list and cross it off again.

Love

Today after school, Sydney camped out on my bed with me.

She told me all about school, who she played with, what she learned.

She went with me to pick up some wheat.

She helped me make some bread.

She went to the grocery store with me.

We made up silly songs and sang at the top of our lungs.

Then, as I tucked her in to bed, she told me she didn't want to go to school tomorrow. She wanted to stay home and have lunch with me.

Warms my heart a little bit.

It's Love.

Open Mouth...Insert Foot?

Tonight I was at Albertson's shopping. I had my Vibram shoes on. I can't go anywhere without comments about them. Well, tonight was no different.

Here I am, at the checkout when a man wheels himself up behind me. He asked if my shoes were comfortable. I said, Yes, except for when I walk on them all day, then they're not so comfortable...as I look down and realize that I am talking to a man who can't walk.

Way to go Deni. Next time I will try to just say YES.

Freedom?

The kids started school today. I enjoyed the silence, but I missed them. My newfound "freedom" consisted of riding my bike (I think I might ride in a Century Bike ride this fall), Primary Presidency meeting, lunch with friends, and cleaning the kitchen and living room.

Ryan is in 4th Grade!! Where did all of the time go?

Sydney is in 1st Grade

They had a great 1st day. I hope they continue to have fun.

The Reunion

Tuesday Night the kids and I went to the airport in SLC to pick up Brett. Delta Airlines has a great web site that allows you to track flights, and we saw that it was coming in 1/2 hour earlier than it was scheduled to come in. We hurried and got in the van and off we went.

As I pulled into the parking garage, I felt butterflies in my stomach. I felt like a little kid who couldn't wait for my birthday gifts. We entered the airport and Brett called and said they had landed. He asked where we were and I told him we were on the way. I didn't want him to know that we were there already. (He said he figured we were there though because I didn't tell him 'exactly' where we were).

The kids had made signs to welcome him home. Ryan wanted his to be simple, so he drew a yellow jersey, and had me draw a bike. Stupid me, I didn't take pictures of the event.

Ryan spotted Brett far before I did. I'm not sure what I was looking for, but both kids were jumping up and down telling me that they saw Brett on the escalator. I finally caught his eye about two steps before it hit the ground.

Brett hugged the kids and then hugged me. I didn't want to let go. Two weeks is a long time. TOO LONG!

The time away has caused me to reflect a lot on a lot of things.

First of all, I am SO grateful for my relationship with my husband. He is my friend, my confidant, my everything. My nights are not the same without him here. We are a partnership, an equal partnership. Sure, we have disagreements, but they have never been so bad that we couldn't get through it together.

I thought a lot about my brother-in-law Brian. While, I don't want to discount the relationship he has with his wife Ginger, I know he loves her, I thought of how hard it must be not to be able to talk to Azure. I know that I want to talk to her, but she wasn't my wife.

I talked to Brett every day while he was away. I am forever grateful for my iPhone. It is one of the best purchases we have made. Not only did I not get lost in Phoenix because of the GPS on it (that's a huge deal...just ask Brett), I was able to talk to him for FREE EVERY day thanks to Skype, and Vonage. I feel so blessed.

I am grateful that my reunion was only based on a 2 week stay away from the man I love. My heart hurts for those who will have to wait many more weeks, and even years to see those they love. I can only imagine the joy we will feel when the reunion comes. It will be heaven.

Black Canyon Lake

As a kid, I enjoyed going to Black Canyon Lake. It is only 13 miles or so from my mom's house. I really can't believe I didn't bike there, but I didn't.

I thought it would be fun to take the kids, so we took off one afternoon and let them swim in the water. I hadn't been up there since the forest fire had come through several years ago. I was surprised at the devastation. All of the dead trees were once beautiful pines.

Arizona, Week TWO

On Sunday we traveled up the mountain to my mom's house. We were happy to get out of the heat and just relax in the beautiful mountains. I often forget how beautiful it is where I grew up. I don't want to live there full time, but I do enjoy the occasional visit that we are able to make.

One of the reasons I didn't go to Europe with Brett was because I wanted to spend time with my family, more specifically my Grandma Bowers. She is getting up there in age, and we don't know how much longer she'll be around. She has a special place in my heart. I am so glad I was able to spend time with her.


I was able to run while at my mom's. I learned that 7am isn't early enough to get started as the sun is right on top of you at that time and it is hot. So, I started a little earlier the next time around.

Growing up I knew everyone in that small little town, but I quickly realized while I was out running, that I no longer knew anyone that passed by. A lot changes when you are away.

A Day or Two at Jessica's

On Friday, we went to Jessica's house. Kamden, her new baby was just a week old, and he is SO sweet. We really enjoyed being at her house. Ryan enjoyed playing Guitar Hero, and some car game, that had terrible cars that didn't maneuver well. At least that's what he said :).

We met Kati and Boston at the mall on Saturday for lunch. It was nice to see them again. After lunch we went to the Farmer's Market. I wish we had prices on produce at home that they had there. I paid 33 cents a lb for cherries.

I took the kids to Texas Roadhouse on Saturday night. Jessica was having dinner brought in so I didn't want to be in the way. Plus, I was able to see my brother Ben one last time as he is a server there.

Since Sydney's birthday was just a few days before, Ben had her sit on the 'Birthday' Saddle.
We all have her a big Birthday 'Yee Haw'.

We also got balloon animals for the kids. The man doing them was amazing. All around you could see incredible creations. One man had a hat that had a woman holding a microphone. My brother called it a stripper. Maybe she was...don't know. Anyway, whatever she was, she was amazing.

Sydney chose a butterfly, and Ryan chose a praying mantis.

By the way, the food there was amazing.

Beatin' the Heat

Sorry - no pictures...

On Wednesday we went to Queen Creek to spend time with Lori and Jessica. The kids were so excited as Lori has a pool in her back yard.

Since it was late when we got to Lori's, and a storm was coming in, we didn't let them swim. Ryan could hardly stand himself. He slept in Tucker's room, and as Lori was helping him to bed, he asked if he could swim in the morning. She laughed and told him yes.

Thursday morning came and both of my kids were up by 7am. We got them breakfast, and they were in the pool. They stayed in the pool all day. I made sandwiches at noon, by the pool. Ryan was so hungry that he ate TWO. I was SUCH a good mom that day, that I didn't get them a drink ALL day. It didn't even cross my mind to have them drinking.

Sydney ended up in the house by late afternoon, and she had a fever and chills, and her eyes were bright red by night. I felt terrible.

Happy Birthday Syd

For Sydney's birthday we had all of the family over to Kati's house for dinner. My brother Ben wasn't able to come, so the kids and I met him for lunch. We also met my mom and dad there too. It was a nice lunch together.

Ben also came with us to several stores. I looked and looked for a pinata. I couldn't find one that was less than $15. I am cheap, so I did what cheap people do. I bought a $2 gift bag and filled it with candy. I then wrapped it in packing tape and secured the edges with duct tape.

I got laughed at for my invention, but you know - the kids loved beating the heck out of the bag, and I think it lasted longer than a regular pinata. Plus, I saved $13 in the process. Go me. I don't have pictures of it, just video, and I don't know how to upload that, so you will all just have to visualize.

Kati made Sydney's cake. It turned out very cute.

I had someone take pictures, and this is literally one of the best ones. In the pic - Tre', Boston, Kati, Taya and Sydney

Taya and Syd had matching pajamas...too fun.

I can't believe my baby is 6!

A few things I love about her:

- She loves to dance. When music comes on, she can't contain herself. Her little body just moves.
- She loves singing.
- She loves helping me in the kitchen.
- She is very tender, and is very considerate. (She gets that from me - he he)
- She loves babies. She's going to be a great mother.
- She is a great sister, even though she LOVES to tease her brother. (She gets that from her dad)

Happy Birthday Sydney. We sure love you.

Are we there yet?

Today Brett took flight in the friendly skies and landed in Bristol, England. He is there for 2 weeks, so I decided that I didn't need to stay home with the kids by myself all that time.

What's a girl to do you ask? Well, I went home.

Today was a VERY long day. We took Brett to Salt Lake City to the airport, then we traveled to Phoenix where we stayed with my baby sister Kati. We ended up leaving the house (after the airport) at 10:30 am, and let me tell you - I don't want to ever do that again. Sydney asked me a bazillion times how long it was going to take us, and Ryan kept asking if I would just set a timer. Well, if I knew exactly how long it was from my house to Phoenix, I would have brought a timer. But I didn't. The way I time things on road trips is like this -

Kids: Mom, how much longer?
Me: 2 more movies - pick some good ones.

Winds of Change

For several years now we have been given Lagoon tickets, courtesy of Novell. To be honest, I'm not sure how many years we have gone, but this I do know - my life is changing.

We started going to Lagoon with diaper bag in hand, pushing a stroller, having to work around nap time, etc.

Yesterday I took the kids and our stay was MUCH different. We got there shortly after they opened at 11am, and left at 10pm last night. The kids had a blast!



Since Brett is at scout camp, we had an extra ticket. We decided to take our friend Evan. I am always amazed at how well Evan and Ryan get along. When Ryan was in the hospital going through chemotherapy, Evan's parents, our friends, Ben and Emily, shaved his head since Ryan was going to lose his hair. I'm not sure if this is what started the bond between these two, but I hope it last for a lifetime. Since we shaved Ryan's hair into a Mohawk for the summer, Ben shaved Evan's hair for this trip. I think they both love their hair.



Thank heaven we had Evan. The kids aren't quite as daring as he is, so they went on several rides that they probably wouldn't have gone on otherwise.



Speaking of rides they wouldn't have gone on, this one makes me laugh so hard.


I wouldn't go on it because I didn't want to puke, so I let them all go together. Ryan's wasn't quite sure of the ride once he got to the front of the line, but I assured him it would be ok. Well, a few minutes into the ride I got a little closer and Sydney caught my eye. She immediately started crying and telling me that she wanted off. I just started to laugh because when I was a teenager, I was on a ride called the Octopus. We got a little way into the ride and my sister Lori said "What if they stop us and we can't get down." Well, just then they stopped the ride. I started screaming, and continued to scream asking to be let off all the while the man operating the thing, along with my mom and sister, were laughing their heads off. I knew that it would be a while before Sydney would be able to get off.

Ryan was officially scared to death and so was Sydney. Ryan wanted the guy to lock his thing into position so that he didn't spin.

Not spinning would have been fine if it was similar to the ferris wheel that was at California Adventure. It wasn' t the same though, and Ryan got stuck in this position:

UPSIDE DOWN - for about 5 minutes - NO LIE

I took a picture of Sydney when she got off the ride...I'm pretty sure this is what I looked like. I got a nice slap on the arm from her, and she landed herself in Time Out, but that's beside the point.



After the drama was over, we rode a few more rides and saw these little guys inside Lagoon A Beach. I'm just glad they waited to come out AFTER we spent 3 hours in there! Beautiful, yet creepy animals.

Not the Same

Yesterday Brett left for scout camp.

He will be gone all week.

Our lives are not the same without him.

Life's Stories

CBS has a program where one of their news men opens up a phone book and points to a person. He then calls that person and gets to know them and tells their story on the air.

I have been thinking a lot about how everyone has a story. Experiences that are had during your early years very often shape the person you become. Sometimes your experiences drive you to change and overcome challenges in your life. Other times you might just succumb to those challenges and your path becomes a long winding road.

I often wonder what it is that I am supposed to learn through the experiences I have. More than this, I wonder who it is that I am supposed to touch through the lessons I have learned in life. Am I doing the right things? Do I reach out to those around me who could benefit from my life? Am I actually learning something and applying these lessons to my life, and shaping my very own character?

I have a story. Many details remain inside my own thoughts and return through memories.

Good

and

Bad.


It is easier that way.

Less judgment.

More empathy.

Tour de Donut

This year Brett rode in the Tour de Donut in American Fork. The race is a 'roughly' 21 mile course, consisting of 3 - 7 mile loops. The idea is that you ride a loop, eat as many donuts as you can, ride another loop, eat again, then finish strong. For every donut you eat, you get 3 minutes taken off of your time. Brett ended up eating 2 and 3/4 donuts (the 3/4th donut had a hair in it...mmm).

Before the Race

First Lap

Out for the 3rd Lap - riding with a friend from work

The man who won, ate 28 donuts!! SICK!! I had to take a picture of him because I've never seen anything like it.

While it sounds disgusting, and it actually can be, this was a very fun event, and one the whole family can enjoy.

Stadium of Fire

After a great day relaxing at the Berger's house, we took the kids to BYU to watch the fireworks outside of the Stadium of Fire. The performers this year were SheDaisy, and the Jonas Brothers, among other local dancers, etc.

We loaded our bikes onto the van and parked by the law building at BYU. As we were taking the bikes off of the van 4 Air Force jets flew by. We thought they would fly by at 8pm so we hung out at Brett's parents for a while so we could see them, but they didn't come so we went ahead and went on to Provo.

We took our blanket, and backpack with snacks, and rode to the stadium to find a seat on the lawn. We weren't there 10 minutes and a couple of women walked in front of us handing out tickets. One of the women said she was looking for a group of 4. I raised my hand and she walked over and handed me 4 tickets to get inside.

The kids were THRILLED!

We didn't plan on going inside, so everything we had with us had to be taken back to the car. Brett took a ticket, and our stuff, and I took the kids inside to find our seats. It took us several minutes to find our seats as the man in orange hadn't a clue where we needed to be. I finally found another woman that knew the stadium better and we found our seats. Once we got settled the man next to me told me that I would have to move. I asked him why and he said that I was in someone's seat that had gone to the restroom. I told him that my ticket said that I was supposed to be there and he said - well, then I guess they will have to move. Shortly after, the young men came back and they were a little peeved that we had showed up.

We enjoyed the rest of the show listening to the Jonas Brothers, and then seeing a spectacular firework display. We didn't have our camera with us, so I'm going to steal pictures off of a friend's blog (Thanks Keith :)



After part of the fireworks were displayed, we were able to participate in a ceremony that retired this flag. It was a very emotional ceremony, and I am very proud to be an American. So many have fought for our freedoms and I am so grateful. We have a friend that serves in the Army and he was able to help carry the flag in.


Once the flag was brought into the stadium, it was laid in this cauldron and burned. Sydney was so concerned that the flag was being burned. She worried that if the flag was being burned, then we wouldn't live in America anymore. She shed a few tears, and it really made me think about how important it is to recognize all that we have.


I am grateful to the woman that gave us those tickets. It made the kids' night and we had an unforgettable experience.

One Mile and Counting.

Ryan ran his 1st One Mile race on Saturday. I was SO proud of him. He will be 9 in August and I was thrilled that he had the desire to run at such a young age.



The course was not marked well and there were people running all over the place. Towards the end I could tell that Ryan was getting tired so I joined him for a few minutes.


Ryan finished the race in 11 minutes 30 seconds. He says that this isn't his last race. I will be supporting him in his next one too.

Life Isn't Fair

Sydney is at the stage where everything has to be fair. If I spend 2 minutes with Ryan, I am supposed to spend 2 minutes with her. She is getting quite technical with all of this 'fair' stuff.

For example, the other night we were driving to eat and we came to a red light. She made the comment that it wasn't fair that birds could fly right through red lights and we had to stop.

Last night we were camping and it was raining. We were sitting in the van waiting for the rain to let up so we could put up our tent and she said "It's not fair, trees don't have heads, so it doesn't matter if they get wet."

True my little duckling, true.