sdot

Life is great

2012-02-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

Isaac has started the asking questions phase. Sometimes he asks so many questions so quickly, we can't even answer him.
Elijah is almost five going on fifteen. He is particular about his clothes and gets upset when he doesn't think he looks just right. He says things that are very teenager-ish and he prefers sleeping in.

Golds Gym

2012-01-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Golds Gym is an example of corporations not caring about the people they serve, they only care about getting their money.
I joined Golds Gym this winter. I don't like gyms but I decided to join because it is difficulty to run during the winter in Utah. We have horrible air quality and sometimes it is too cold to take my boys in the jogger. I decided to go with Golds Gym because their prices were reasonable and they have daycare included in the price of the membership. When I signed up the manager suggested I meet with a trainer to get a fitness evaluation. I decided to go for it just to see. I went to my appt. and the trainer no showed. The people at the front desk didn't give me a reason or offer me an apology.
A few weeks later as I was getting ready to workout a trainer offered me a free session. I did the workout with him and I really enjoyed it. I decided to sign up for four sessions with the trainer and just see if it helped my running and over all fitness. I paid $130 up front for the four sessions. I made an appt. to meet with the trainer again in a week.
I showed up a week later and the trainer wasn't there! The manager said he had no idea where he was and that someone would call me to reschedule. I waited over a week for someone to a call and no one ever did. At this point I decided the trainers at Golds Gym weren't doing their jobs and decided I wanted a refund. I called the corporate office and learned when I thought I was signed a contract for four sessions, I actually signed a contract for 12 months of training sessions. I also learned I could not get out of my contract without selling my contract to someone one else. So part of this is my fault, I know better and I signed a contract without reading all of the details. But I also feel like if a company sells you a contract and then doesn't meet their part of the deal why do I have to pay. I said as much to the customer service representative and I kept saying it. I made her very angry, so angry in fact she started yelling at me and telling me if I didn't pay Golds Gym would ruin my credit and then she hung up on me. I called back and asked for a supervisor to call me. I did some research on line and realized Golds Gym doesn't let people out of contracts and that if I didn't pay I would have my credit ruined. So I called the next day and asked to talk to the supervisor or the trainer's supervisor. No one ever called me back. I called everyday for a week and a half. I even left emails asking for help getting this resolved.
Finally on Wednesday I called and asked to talk to the person in charge of the supervisors. The receptionists at the corporate office was very nice and helped me get in touch with that person. Finally that evening she called me back! I explained my story to her and she did have the decency to seem shocked by the behavior of her staff. But she couldn't really help me get out of my contract. She set me up with a new trainer and she would call me in a week so see how things were going. If things weren't going very well we would work out another solution.
So this morning I got up, got me and my kids ready, dropped my boys off at daycare and went to the gym ready to work. The trainer wasn't there!

It is a New Year

2012-01-10T08:50:00.000-08:00

I have been terrible at blogging recently. December was a great month and christmas was amazing! Elijah was really into it this year and Isaac was into all his firefighter stuff he got.
2011 was a great year. I spent the year feeling really grateful for all the goodness in my life. I have a wonderful husband and amazing kids. I have a supportive family and food friends who keep me balanced.
2012 hopefully be just as amazing. I am once again going back to school. Elijah is enjoying school and becoming a kid. Isaac is the funniest most lovable toddler I know. Sam is getting use to his new job and new role. He might have some interesting job opportunities that may take us new places. Hopefully we have a baby in 2012, we have been trying for a while now without success. I have been to the doctor and she said she thinks she can help. Sam has the goal of doing a 50 or 100 mile bike race and I will continue to challenge myself with new races.
So we have a new computer and I can not figure out how to upload pictures. I will do a picture post soon.

Randomness

2011-11-16T19:13:00.001-08:00

Elijah wants to have his birthday party at the grocery store.I have decided I want to go to nursing school. Some of my prerequisites are too old, so I have to retake them. I need to take Biology in order to retake Anatomy. Today I learned I have to test into math 99 and english 99 in order to take Biology. I did well on the reading comprehension test but not so well on math. I have to start at math 95. I decided that isn't too bad considering I haven't taken Algebra since 1997. Isaac wants to be firefighter and dresses like on all the time. He has never been obsessed with anything so this is fun to see. I am thankful for winter running. I have done a big race every month since March and my legs are tired. Elijah loves to say "kick ass". Sam is getting his bikes in order. He has sold one frame. And he is getting his other bikes in working order. Today Elijah and Isaac were wrestling. Elijah threw Isaac into the highchair face first. I got upset that Isaac was hurt and Elijah wouldn't say he was sorry. Isaac got upset and started telling me "it was an accident!". Is it strange I am proud my boys stick up for each other? Isaac's now says "christ" when he drops something or he is frustrated. That is all my fault. Elijah and Isaac both had a crazy stomach virus over the weekend. I hope I don't have to clean up vomit again for a long while.Isaac won't let me take his picture any more. Elijah loves to pose for the camera.

October

2011-11-02T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wow October went by so quickly. We had a lot of fun and we were very busy!Sam started his new job at IMC. He only works 15 shifts a month, he is home in the evenings, and he seems to be really liking it. Elijah is really liking school. He has a lot of friends and he is learning a lot. He was a Dragon of the Night for halloween. He is way into ninjas and painting on his face with marker. Isaac is into firefighters. He introduces himself as a firefighter. He watches Barney Fire House every morning. He was a fireman for halloween and he wants a fire truck for christmas. I am getting ready to go back to school. SLCC South campus is next door to Elijah's school and they have daycare! I ran a half marathon with Lucas. Of course Lucas beat me by five minutes. It was his first one and I am so proud of him. It did sting a little having him beat me by so much. My camera/computer is being weird and won't download halloween pictures.

I believe.........

2011-09-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

that woman are strongthat all humans have the right to marry whomever they wantthat everyone deserves equal access to healthcare without going into debtthat disciplining my kids is very importantthat teaching my kids respect is even more importantthat comet cleanser, diflucan, central air and the magic eraser are some of the best inventions everthat reading books are good for my healthif something is important to you, you will make time for it without making excusesthat everyone should exercise that I need to finish collegethat Words with Friends makes me crazy but I am addictedthat marrying Sam is the best decision I ever madethat George Bush should be tried for war crimesthat buying new cars is a big waste of moneythat my kids should be told every day how much I love them and how proud I am to have themthat sometimes you have to let go of friendsand that you don't have to talk to your good friends everyday, they will still be there for youmy family is one of the best things about me that is okay if I read people magazine every week because I also read newsweeknever think someone else is going to make you happy, only you can do thatand that I have a lot to learn but I am getting better with age

Bean

2011-08-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

check out that smile
Bean is an amazing kid. He is smart, charming, loving, independent and loud. I never worry about anyone bossing this kid around. His favorite sayings are no, me me me, and I do it! He loves cars, his bikes, playing outside, pretty girls and carrots and hummus. His favorite drinks are sparkling water and ice tea. He has the most amazing vocabulary for a two year old. He tries to skateboard and scares the hell out of me. He isn't afraid to try anything, including climbing fences, riding his bike down the skate park ramps and jumping down a lot of stairs. He is very tender hearted, he gets very upset when he is put on timeout and gets even more upset when Elijah is put on timeout. The first thing he says in the morning is "where my daddy go" and "mommy come on get up". Did I mention he never sleeps past 7:30? He likes Mickey Mouse, Tow-mater, Elmo and Barney but never watches t.v for longer than 20 minutes. He loves coffee especially ice coffee. He looks so much like my Dad sometimes it still surprises me. He is only two and has already decided he wants to be fireman when he grows up. He really likes Triceratops and turtles.
I think he is amazing.

Elijah

2011-08-17T15:42:00.001-07:00

All of a sudden he is a kid. He is so skinny and getting tall. He asks all these big kid questions that I have a hard time answering. Thank goodness for google. He likes to do puzzles and read books. He has the best imagination, he can play for hours by himself. He makes these popping noises while he concentrates, I am not even sure he knows he is making them. He is the best big brother. He and Isaac will be playing and he tells him that Isaac is the best brother and he loves him. In a few short weeks he goes to school! I am a little sad, for his whole life he and I have been together almost everyday. This is one step away from me. I am proud of him though. He is so smart and charming, he will do good in school. He already has fashion sense, he tells me how he wants his hair cut. Sometimes he picks Indiana Jones haircut and then sometimes he wants a mohawk. He already has his outfits picked out for the first two days of school. He has a girlfriend named Bella. She is seven, he is going to marry her at Discovery Gateway and they are having kids together. He loves babies. He often asks me for a baby sister. He wants him, Isaac and his future baby sister to be a group called the 3 ninjas.
My life is better because of him.

2011-08-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Samuel Sloan is now board certified!

marathon

2011-08-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

at the start line

at the finish line

Elijah giving me flowers

I ran my first marathon last Saturday. It was an amazing course and an amazing experience. I had to hike from mile nine to fifteen but kept moving the whole time! I made a lot of new friends, who are even more crazy than me. I finished in 5:20 but the course was a hard/slow course so I was the 7th woman and 2nd in my age group. I had so much fun and I felt really good the whole time. I am looking forward to doing more trail runs/marathons!

Marathon here I come!

2011-07-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

In a few short hours I will be running my first marathon! I have been so nervous and worried that I would have an epic fail! Today I realized that all I have to do is finish. I am only racing myself. I picked a very hard race for my first marathon, for a moment I today I was having anxiety about this. I am not sure why I picked this race, I think I was having a bad-ass moment. Mile nine to fifteen has an average of 400 feet elevation gain per mile! I am planning on walking that part. Because of the elevation gain the race director told me to plan on taking at least five hours to finish!
Thank you Geno without your help I wouldn't have ever gotten this far.
Thank you Sam for understanding all the long hours I had to go running.
Thank you Elijah and Isaac for spending so many long miles in the jogger and only complaining sometimes.

summer fun

2011-07-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

summer evenings

this guy is learning how to chill again. I think he is enjoying himself.

We have been to Jordanelle twice to hang at the beach and go paddle boarding.

I have done two mud runs this month. Sam did one with me. It was his second race ever! Our camera ran out of batteries so we have no pictures to prove this.

They love finger painting. I love that it is easy to clean up.

Isaac is really good at climbing. He climbs everything he can and he freaks me out.

Elijah started T-ball this month. It is so fun to watch. Four year olds trying to bat and run like mad after the ball is hilarious. Elijah is good at batting not so good at paying attention while the other team is batting.

Summer

2011-07-07T16:08:00.001-07:00

I love summer. I love my boys playing outside and getting dirty. I love all the fun stuff we get to do. I love family coming to visit. I love summer nights. I love going to the lake and having a beach day. I love going swimming outside. I love all the races I get to run. My favorite part about this summer so far, Sam being home to enjoy all the goodness with us.

my rant

2011-06-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ladies what is our deal?! We spend so much time hating ourselves and each other. We spend so much time talking badly about ourselves telling the world we aren't good enough and guess what the world is starting to believe us. Why do we talk so mean about other woman? And why is talking mean about other woman so okay?
I refuse to say negative things about myself. I like to be healthy and focus on my positives. I won't talk mean about other woman, when woman talk mean about other woman it is a sign of a low self-esteem. When we do these things we are giving our power away! Next you see a woman and you think something mean about her. Take a minute and remind yourself she felt good when she left her house. Next time you think something mean about yourself remind yourself how you are destroying yourself. We are all beautiful and we should be proud we are different!

Ragnar 2011

2011-06-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ragnar kicks my ass! 12 people run 190 miles from Logan to Park City. We barely sleep, a few lucky people shower and we each ran three times in 31 hours. Yesterday I told Sam I was never racing again, today I am thinking of my marathon and wondering who will be on my Ragnar team next year.
My leg was a lot more challenging this year. My first run was an easy 3.3 mile run outside of Ogden, my second run was a 10 mile run around Echo Reservoir at 2 a.m (this was an amazing run), and my last leg was an epic 3.1 mile run up Guardsmen Pass. I gained 1600 feet elevation on my last leg, I wasn't able to run it all but I got myself to the top with a smile on my face.
Sam ran with me this year. It was his first running race ever. He did so good. He even traded a leg with our friend so she could have an easier run, he ended up adding two miles to his last leg.

Running

2011-06-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

I always run a lot but recently I have been running even more. Sometimes when I am out on my really long runs I wonder "why am I doing this?". I am literally running my ass off. Somedays my legs are so fatigued it is a workout to get up the stairs. I have the most ridiculous tan lines and my poor kids spend so much time in the jogger. The thing is I love to run. I love pushing myself harder than I thought I could go. I love the endorphin high. I love feeling strong and healthy. I love the side effects of running. I love when my mind lets go of all my stress, I stop thinking and my legs just move.
Humans were made to run. I believe a lot of us have the problems we do because we are not suppose to be solitary or sedentary. The biggest health problems in America heart disease, diabetes, and depression could be helped or even prevented by running.
In two weeks I am doing Ragnar again. This race is hard because of the lack of sleep. It is also so much fun. In July I am doing a two obstacle course 5k's. These are so much, nothing like running through the mud while running. Then at the end of July I am running my first marathon. I am a little nervous for this one, but I am going to take it one slow step at a time.
The happier I am the more I run and the more I run the happier I am.
Thank you Geno for introducing me to the fine art of running.

Vacation

2011-05-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sam and Elijah went on a small hike together while Isaac slept in the car.

Sam playing on the Sand Dunes

the Sand Dunes at Snow Canyon. Sam is good at getting pictures of me when I am goofing around with the boys.

it is so hard to get a family picture. Someone is always crying or mad.

Red Rock trail.

Sam beginning one of his mountain bike rides. It had rained the night before so there was a lot of mud. Mud makes Sam Sloan happy. He was able to go on a mountain bike ride almost every day we were there. About half-mile from our condo was a lot of single track but this trail is Gooseberry Mesa about an hour outside of St. George.

This picture doesn't do Zion's justice. It is such a beautiful, grand place. I want to go back when we can hike more.

this is outside the museum at Zion's. This might be my favorite picture of the boys.

we spent Saturday at the pool. It was awesome to get some sun.

our view from our condo

Sand Hollow State Park. This is Utah's newest state park and it is beautiful. The beaches are nice red sand and the water was already a nice temperature. Elijah and Isaac played hard, they ran around, tried to swim, and dug nice big holes by hand.

Us at Weeping Rock. This is the one hike we did at Zion's. There are a lot of steep cliffs there and my boys are wild. This hike is only a half mile and I told them to stand away from the edge of the mountain at least twenty times.

Navajo Lake in Dixie National Forest. Sam and I really want to go back when there isn't 6 feet of snow.

We had so much fun. It was nice to get away.

I really like these little guys

2011-05-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

I know all mama's love their kids but I am a lucky mama. I really really like my boys. I think they are the funniest, smartest, loudest boys around and they make me happy.
I like that....
we bought Isaac a five dollar basketball outfit yesterday and now he won't take it off
that Elijah's nickname for me is Chunky Love
that they both say damn it on a regular basis
that Elijah is constantly on the lookout for monsters
Isaac loves playing in the backyard, he can play by himself for hours
they think their daddy is the coolest guy to ever live
they both love bikes. We have three bikes in our backyard and still they fight over them
Elijah asks to get his haircut into a mohawk
Elijah will eat vegetables but not fruit
Isaac will eat fruit but not vegetables
Elijah is never shy
Isaac is shy
they wrestle so hard together
they always say please and thank you to eachother
Elijah is a very patient big brother until Isaac takes his bike
Isaac may be shy but he always sticks up for himself
Elijah never takes lets anyone boss him around, except pretty girls
they are both flirts
but most of all I like that they our mine and Sams

2011-05-15T10:58:00.001-07:00

Grandpa BG got Elijah a dinosaur hunting kit. Here he is opening a dinosaur egg.

I seriously love this outfit

the Dinosaur Museum. I finally gave in and bought us a year long pass.

always keeping us entertained

my baby bits his fingernails and his toenails!

We have been busy since Sam graduated. There has been lots of celebrating, work, studying, and playing. Sam hasn't had a break yet but we are going on vacation soon. Hopefully he can relax and get some good bike rides in then.
My running has been going good. I decided I am running a marathon. I signed up for the Wasatch Back Marathon. It is 2/3 trail and 3000 feet elevation gain in the the first 13 miles. I like to keep it real.

Birthday fun

2011-05-07T17:43:00.001-07:00

My baby is two! Isaac is getting so big. He is such a funny little boy. He can be so affectionate, asking for kisses and hugs. He is fine just playing in the backyard or his room all by himself. He loves wrestling with his friends and Elijah. He loves riding/pushing his bike around the yard. He has this amazing temper, one minute he is fine the next he is swearing and screaming "no, dang it". He talks so much. He calls Elijah "ya ya" or "brother". I am so grateful he is mine.

He did it!!

2011-05-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Sam has a Doctorate in Advanced Nursing Practice! which means he is a now a Nurse Practitioner. He was worked so hard for the last three years and I am so proud. When I saw him in his cap and gown I cried. We worked so hard for this day and it is here!
Sam wrote a little love note on his Stole of Gratitude and gave it to me. Super Cool!
oh and his mom, dad and brother and I got him a way cool present. AllCity Natureboy single speed bike. He also got lots of wine and beer, a new crank set and R.E.I gift card.

I can not believe it is already May

2011-05-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

April went very quickly! So many good things happened.
Sam passed his research defense.
I got pampered. I had a facial, a pedicure and a massage! I am a lucky woman.
Elijah, Isaac, my mom and I went to San Antonio to see my sister and her beautiful family. We had so much fun. I miss seeing my sister and I miss my kids hanging with her kids. My nephew Gabriel and Elijah were so awesome together. Elijah showed Gabriel how to get dirty and how to wrestle ninja style. Gabriel taught Elijah how to play video games and the art of being quiet! I am so glad my mom came with us, the boys were a lot of work in the airport and on the plane. Elijah mostly watched movies on the plane but Isaac was hard to contain. He would get bored and turn into the Incredible Hulk! San Antonio has a lot of history, it was cool to see the missions and even the Alamo was cool. It is too humid there for my taste though even though I ran super fast there.
It was still winter all April! We had two park day all month.
The boys and I went swimming at a really cool pool in Bountiful. I don't know if I can swim without another adult around again though. Elijah is pretty independent, he goes under the water and is trying very hard to swim. Isaac is crazy in the water. He has no fear! He goes head first down water slides, he jumps off the edge of the pool regardless of who is around or how deep the water is. Time for swim lessons.
Soccer is going really well for Elijah. Team sports are so good for him. His coach has to make him do push-ups to get him to focus on the game sometimes though!
I ran a half-marathon on Saturday. I woke up to a blizzard. The race went really well. There was a lot of hills, I am almost starting to like running uphill. I decided I need to challenge myself more. I am going to run a marathon in July. I picked this marathon because 2/3's of it is on trails.
May is going to be another busy month for us. I will work on keeping the blog updated.

things

2011-04-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

he can frequently be found coloring in a state of undress

my wild things

one of Bean's favorite activities

another ninja costume

yes those are underwear on his head with my hairclip to keep the "eye holes" open and socks on his hands. He was being a ninja

Thing are going well. I continue to heal well. I spent three days at the gym this week on the elliptical, one day of pilates and one day of the 550. This morning I went running with Lucas, Eric, and my dad. It was a snowy cold ten miles. I felt pretty good. My legs got a little tired at the end but I could have done a few more miles.
Isaac, Elijah and I are going to San Antonio in a week! My mom is also coming with us. I am glad she will be there, I am nervous to fly with these two wild things. I haven't seen my sister in nearly a year and her kids in even longer. I am excited to spend time with them. I am sure my boys are going to drive my nephew Gabriel crazy but it will be good for him.
It is still snowing in Utah! I don't mind so much but I like park days and I would really like to get my yard done. Every time my guy calls to tell he will be here it snows!
Sam passed his research defense yesterday! He did so good. This is a very big step in the process. He has to finish his paper up, graduate and then take boards.

Birthday weekend!

2011-03-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was one of those weekends where I sarcastically think to myself "my life really sucks"! Sam had the whole weekend off. I did a really awesome 25k trail run. I got to have a girls night and I had a lot of fun laughing with my girls. I had a massage. I got some nice gifts from my friends and family. Sam got me a gift card to get my VO2 max checked and I am excited about that. I had brunch with my family. I had a nap with Sam and Isaac. Sam made me lemon bars (my favorite). Sam also made me a wonderful dinner.
I am still a little tired from the race. I don't think I ate very good after the race, but eating after a big run is hard for me. My stomach gets all weird. The only thing I can handle is oranges and salad. So today I spent a lot of time chilling, a little bit of cleaning and hopefully tomorrow I will feel better. I might have a little bit of a bug also but it is hard to tell.
Pictures to come.

rambling

2011-03-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little rough here. Isaac was sick for about seven days with a crazy stomach bug and now Elijah has it. My poor boys. It is hard, they both want to keep doing things but it is hard to leave the house when you never know when an emergency bathroom break will be needed. Plus they are both so grumpy when they are sick. Really I can not blame them.
I have still been able to get my workouts in. I ran another ten miles on Friday with lots of hills. I felt good and was able to get the jogger up all those hills. I have a theory that if I can get the jogger up big hills and run ten miles pushing it I might be able to pull off this 25k. I went for a 5 mile run with Lucas yesterday, he has a pretty fast pace and I was able to keep up with him. He decided after the run we should go rock climbing. Off to the Front climbing gym we went. I really suck at rock climbing! I do like it though. It is good for me to try new things. My arms are really sore today.
Good news, I woke up today without any Achilles tendon pain. Now that I have been walking around I can barely notice it. So maybe I am slowly starting to heal.
In the last month or so Isaac has really started talking. He has conversations now. He also says some not very cool things. Like when he is frustrated with me or Elijah he says "go away". He has really started to turn into a boy, losing his baby weight, being interested in bikes, not wanting hugs and to do things all on his own. He even picks out his own pajamas and gets upset when I try and help him get them on.
Four year old Elijah is awesome. I think he is more aware of other peoples feelings and he cares when he upsets someone. He actually wants me to play games with him! He is doing ice skating lessons on Tuesdays and soccer games on Saturdays. He is good at ice skating, he can already shuffle across the ice. We will see what happens with soccer. He is insisting he is going to be the goalie and he can use his hands. They don't use goalies at this level so we will see what happens.
Sam is still really busy. But things are getting closer to being done. He presents his research project on April 8th. He will have until the end of April to finish his clinical hours and he graduates on May 5th! He then has to pass boards, but he will do so good. He is so tired. He has been going seven days a week for three years. I am lucky to have a man that is smart, good looking, funny and not afraid to work his ass off to make his family's life better!

I did it!

2011-03-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

I ran 10 miles today! My achilles tendon hurts now but didn't hurt the whole run. I didn't have any ankle or foot pain while running either. Andrea and I ran a lot of hills today, to get ready for my next two races. I was tired at the end of the run but I felt good. I figured out if I use a goo packet at least once on these long runs I do so much better. I gag every time I eat a goo, but it keeps me going. I pushed the boys the whole time today! They both stayed awake and played with their toys or fought each other. I don't think Elijah is going to let me push him on these long runs for too much longer, plus he is getting too big for me. I guess I will have to figure something else out soon. Good thing Sam is almost done with school.

Isaac's black eye

2011-03-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

it is more of a yellow eye but still a nice bruise

the day of the big fall

yesterday

notice the bruise on his forehead meeting the bruise on his eye.

Ice Skating

2011-03-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

Elijah started ice skating lessons yesterday. He has been super excited for this for a while. He could barely contain himself when he was waiting for his lessons to start. The first day the teacher taught the kids how to fall down, get up by themselves and to walk a little on the ice. Once he was on the ice he realized how hard it was going to be but he was brave. He stayed on the ice and kept trying even when he was scared!

Daddy helping him get his skates on

so excited!

watching the speed skaters practice

on the ice

watching brother do his thing

I ran six miles on monday. I felt good while running. My achilles tendon ached after but ibuprofen, icing and massage helped. Tuesday I did a tempo workout on the elliptical. It was one of those super hard workouts that feels so good. Today I did some pilates with Isaac sitting on me. I find it hard to concentrate on holding my stomach muscles in with a screaming toddler sitting on me.

2011-03-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

Elijah took this picture. He instructed us to be Power Rangers.

they make me laugh

The boys and I went to the park yesterday. We were there for 25 minutes. In that time both boys fell off the swing and Isaac gave himself a black eye! Elijah fell off the swing looking like a ninja and Isaac fell off and got right back up. Having two wild boys can sometimes be stressful. All these injuries they give themselves makes my heart race and my anxiety go up. I do not want to be a hovering mom though. I think when a parent hovers kids stop exploring, learning independence and tend to be narcissistic. I try to balance letting them do their thing with me keeping them safe. I guess that means they are going to end up with a few more bruises and bumps. I will post a picture of Isaac's black eye when it gets really good!

This last week was my third week of six days in a row of exercise. It felt so good. I have been doing four days of cardio, one of Pilates, and on of the 550. I even ran two days this week. I felt good, the achilles tendon is still sore after the run but icing and massage help a lot. I am going to try for a ten mile run this week, I have to be able to run 16 miles very soon!

I am getting old

2011-02-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

And I really don't mind. Everything is different my body, my thinking, my priorities, and my self-esteem. I think getting older is amazing and I am loving it. I don't want to go get drunk anymore, in fact I rarely drink. I made a lot of mistakes while drunk and created a lot of drama. I like being a sober responsible adult. I appreciate my body so much more, I try really hard not to say or think mean things about my body. My body has carried two babies and fed those two babies. My body has run countless miles and I have been able to push it to the limit and it has done so good. I don't go out at nine thirty at night, I go to bed. I don't go to sleep at six in the morning, I wake up at six in the morning so I can work out before my boys are up and moving. I want to finish college not because I feel like I have to but because I want to because I worth a good college education. I don't miss being in my 20's at all! I like being 31, I feel so much better. I am starting to get a few laugh lines. I don't mind, better to have laugh lines than drunk lady wrinkles or even frowning wrinkles. My relationships are better now. I am a better partner because of all the positive changes. Most of this is because a man as good as Sam loves me. But it is also because I think I have gotten better with age.

My Achilles tendon is still sore. I started to have ankle and foot pain also. I stopped running completely so it could heal. I have been going to the gym four days a week and doing the elliptical machine. Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike the gym, I don't like talking to strange men while I am working out! The elliptical is kicking my butt though so that is good. I am making sure I do pilates once a week and the 550 so I keep up my flexibility and strength. I am starting to feel much better so soon I will be running. I really need to run I have a 25k on March 26th I need to get into shape for!

Happy Birthday Elijah

2011-02-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

Elijah and his long lost soul mate Alex

Getting ready to blow out the candles for the second time

"I am fourrrrrr"

Power Ranger Elijah

Super Hero Elijah

I cannot believe Elijah is four! Four years has gone by so quickly. I do like four year old Elijah, three-year olds are very challenging. The closer Elijah got to four, the easier things got. He is so thoughtful, inquisitive, and smart. He will always be independent and a little defiant but I think those can be good things.
We had his birthday party at the Aquarium. It was so nice, I didn't have to do anything but bring the cake. The kids all ate Mac and Cheese. We had Power Ranger cake. Elijah opened a ton of presents, which was a little overwhelming with all the other kids being so curios. The kids went on a scavenger hunt through the aquarium. Then we just hung out till closing. When we got home Elijah was able to look at his presents and appreciate them more. He was really excited about everything he got and he got a ton of cool stuff.

My running is not going. I felt really good after being sick but my Achilles tendon started acting up. I tried resting but I did a 5k on it and then tried to do easy runs on it. It didn't work. I bought an a month long pass to the rec center and I will do the elliptical machine for a week, with pilates and the 55o workout. Hopefully after that I will feel better and I can get back to running. I have some big races coming up and I want to do good on them.

One of those days

2011-02-06T19:35:00.000-08:00

he knows he is awesome

the new mohawk

Today was one of those days. The morning went alright, we had breakfast and got ready for the day. Elijah got himself dressed and Isaac was singing all morning. Then we went to the grocery store. Elijah started throwing a fit as we were walking out the door. He kept throwing the fit until I was half way done grocery shopping. The fit was so intense people were giving us strange looks and one man actually stopped to laugh. As soon as Elijah calmed down, Isaac started throwing a fit. He decided to stop once we were out of the store. I decided to get the boys kids meal and they didn't give us french fries so I had to go back! Everything was fine for a while Isaac took a nap and Elijah decided to make himself some cereal. Then Elijah got into the pantry and I have no idea what he was doing but he broke a can of salsa all over him and all over everything in there. Thank goodness he didn't hurt himself. He was so upset and kept telling me he was going to buy me more salsa, so I couldn't get mad. Isaac woke up from his nap and fell half way down the stairs. While we were making our weekly scones Elijah put both of his hands on a hot burner. He has first degree burns but really not bad for what he did. I was feeling stressed until Elijah thanked me for doing his laundry and Isaac asked me for a hug. Those little things really make me happy.
I was sick last week so I only ran Thursday five miles, Friday four miles and Saturday I did eight. I did feel okay enough to go running on Wednesday but it was so cold outside I couldn't take my boys in the jogger. I ended up doing the 550 workout. I felt really good considering how sick I was.

Epic run

2011-01-22T14:02:00.000-08:00

He wears these pajamas a lot! I think I will have to buy another set.

Seriously it was epic. We started at Red Butte Gardens on the Shore Line trail to 11th ave, to the captial and then to my house. It was right under ten miles, so we had to run around the block. I felt pretty good until about mile eight, then I got really tired.
Last Saturday I was still recovering so I only ran six. By Monday I was back I did five miles. Tuesday was five miles and Wednesday was six miles with hill repeats. Thursday I did nothing. Friday I ran four miles, did walking push ups and star crunches.
Right now I need a nap but my boys don't so I am going to hang with them. They have colds so I think we will all sleep well tonight.

workouts and kids

2011-01-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

Tuesday and Wednesday I ran about 6 miles. Tuesday I felt pretty good but yesterday I was tired. This morning I woke up with a weird virus. My throat is sore and I am achy and tired. I am hoping the runs have been hard because this virus was coming. I am also hoping I feel better by Saturday so I can do my long run.
Elijah will be four in one month and Isaac will be two in four months. I love their ages. Elijah is getting to be so independent. He washes his own hands, gets his own snacks, and is starting to get his own cereal. He is so creative and imaginative. I love listening to him play. He often plays a combination of cars, superheroes, and dinosaurs. He is also into coloring a lot more. Isaac is such a smart toddler. He looks at himself in the mirror and says "me, Bean". (his nickname is Bean). He loves to sit on the couch and read books. He has the most amazing vocabulary. He also loves to copy anything his brother does! They are to the point they play together but I think it is more Elijah playing and bossing Isaac around. They really do amaze me.

Best anniversary ever!

2011-01-10T17:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our four year anniversary. We started out the morning with family pictures. We did them outside so it was good that it had snowed the night before. We had blue skies! It was cold and the boys got a little irritated with the cold. I think the pictures are going to be really cute. I will post them when we get them back.
We went home to get warm, eat some breakfast and take little naps. After my parents came over to watch the boys, Sam and I went for a couples massage. It was much needed! That massage therapist hurt me. He worked out all the knots in my neck, back and legs from running. We then went for tea and hot chocolate at the Coffee Garden. It is one of my favorite places for coffee but I don't go there very often, it is a small space and my kids are very loud.
We had dinner at The Bayou. Their beer menu is huge. It took Sam at least ten minutes to pick out a beer. We had a good dinner, good beer and good conversation.
It really was a good day. Sam started school today so it was nice to spend a day just us.

Saturday I ran 12.50 miles. We had to run in Heber because of the air quality in Salt Lake. It was suppose to be a ten mile run but I got us lost. I am not sure everyone listened to me, I don't know Heber!
Today I went for a 5 mile run and it hurt. It was a very hard run. I am not sure if it was Saturday run or the massage that did me in. I think I will be skipping my speed workout for the week.

Snowshoe Date

2011-01-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Big Cottonwood Canyon

Yesterday my brother Lucas was nice enough to offer to babysit so Sam and I could go on a date. We decided to snowshoe to Lake Blanche. It was a perfect snowy winter day. The hike is hard in the summer and even harder in the winter with snowshoes. We were out there almost all alone, we did see a few backcountry skiers and even a few fat birds.
I traded in the hike for a running day and I needed it.
Sunday I ran eight miles,
Tuesday I did a tempo workout,
Wednesday I snowshoed
and tonight I am going to do the 550 rep workout. I feel pretty good, my hamstrings are tight from the hike but nothing a good stretch won't help.

2011-01-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

the beginning of 2010

the end of 2010

Getting ready to go for a ride on super dog.

Isaac and Elijah have changed so much over the last year! Elijah is full on boy, no baby left. He likes to ride his bike, watch cartoons, he likes superheroes, powerrangers, and pokemon's. He likes to read comic books. He is very particular about his clothes. Isaac is toddler. He speaks so well. He likes to watch Barney and Toy Story. He loves cars and Buzz light year. It is amazing watching them grow. Sometimes I look at them and my heart breaks a little, they are getting so big and independent.
2010 has been an amazing year!

Christmas

2010-12-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

why wouldn't you wear a t-shirt with snow boots? Why wouldn't you climb onto the kitchen counter and drink your moms cold coffee?

the coolest pajamas ever!

present opening is serious business to these boys

We gave eachother blazers!!

the birds nest that Elijah pick for me.

As a parent christmas is exhausting! The shopping, the gift wrapping, the planning, and staying up until the kids go to sleep to put the presents out. Oh and the clean up is crazy. I enjoy christmas more now that Elijah knows what is going on and Isaac is just excited because there are toys for him.
We had a good christmas holiday. We saw christmas lights at Temple Square, rode the Polar Express in Heber, and had a lot of quality family time.
Christmas eve morning Sarah and Kelvin took the boys to breakfast and a movie. Sam and I were able to get presents wrapped and the house cleaned while they were gone. Christmas eve night we had our traditional taco dinner. Christmas morning was awesome! Isaac is still too little but Elijah was so excited. He stumbled out of bed his eyes barely open, yelling for us to turn the lights on so he could see what santa brought. My parents and Sam's mom and Kelvin came over to see the boys open their presents. We spent the morning with Sarah and Kelvin and did brunch. We then went to my sister's house for christmas dinner and even more presents. It was a busy day but so much fun.
I swear yesterday the boys had a christmas hang over. They kept acting out and they both were exhausted all day.
Sam is on break until January 10th. We are going to enjoy him being gone three days a week.
I am planning on posting more about my workouts. I tend to feel really good or I feel as if I am running with heavy legs and I can barely move. I want to be able to see my trends and maybe figure out why I am periodically struggling.

2010-12-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

I have been attempting this workout. I can do all the exercises but not all the reps. I do not want to be as buff as this lady but I want to be as bad ass. Really I am hoping if I add this to running four days a week I will get a good overall work out for the week. I think running six miles is easier than this and I haven't even thought about timing myself I take too many breaks.

my boys sleep in awkward positions

2010-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

2010-11-26T09:20:00.000-08:00

This last weekend I tried to paint my living room. I got no where with two small kids causing trouble. So my parents, Eric and Juanita came over and painted for me! I have such an amazing family. I love my living room. Next is the family room. I hope my family isn't busy.

This is the living room before, without furniture.

Our living room now. So pretty!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving. I say it every year but I really love Thanksgiving.

We wake up early to go run a crazy cold race.

We hang out in the afternoon, eating a little bit and watching some Hulu.

We then go to dinner at Laura and Larry's.

We eat the same food every year and we love it.

We hang out, talk and maybe drink a little. We take pictures. We eat my Aunt Marilyn's pie's and pumpkin bread. Like I said it is awesome.

Elijah's gymnastics meet

2010-11-19T09:25:00.001-08:00

he is really good at the bars

being a little tired and bored

he was so proud
Elijah's first gymnastics meet was on Saturday. It was so cute! They broke the kids up into four groups and had them go through their routines one at a time. The coaches were there to help every child remember how do everything. Elijah loved it. A lot of our family came to support him. At the end every child got to go up one at a time to receive a reward and a medal.
I almost cried every time it was Elijah's turn. I am so proud of him.

2010-11-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

Okay so no more feeling badly for myself. A friend pointed out what a great support system I have here and she is right! I have so much to be thankful for. I have a hard working husband, who loves us so much. I have two beautiful boys. I have a good relationship with my parents. I know they are always here for me. I have a wonderful family that keeps me going and babysits anytime I need it. I have friends who are smart and beautiful and make my life better. I have a cute little house. I have running. I have two funny looking dogs. My brother lives with me and makes my life a little easier. I get to work a little bit and stay home with my boys.
Thank you Lauren simple words I needed to hear.

2010-11-11T22:08:00.001-08:00

It has been so long since I posted! So much has happened it is almost impossible to write everything down.
My boys are getting so big. They make me laugh everyday.
Elijah is swearing a lot. I keep telling him it isn't nice and I have even threatened to wash his mouth out with soap. The thing is, if he hears a word one time he knows how to use it. If he gets a reaction he is going to keep using the word. It is hard not to react when your three year old calls his little brother a stinky bitch. He is so smart. He is so funny. He is so stubborn. He is so loud.
Isaac is no longer a baby (sad). He is a toddler. He has tantrums and he talks in three or four word sentences! He is so cute. He loves to give kisses and hugs. He can keep himself entertained for a whole 20 minutes. He loves his bike and books. He is starting to copy everything Elijah does, especially if I react to something Elijah has done.
Being their mom is the best thing in my world. I get bummed out sometimes because Sam is so busy and I am lonely. I know this situation won't last forever and then it will be my turn to go to school. I know Sam is doing all this hard work for us, so we can have a better life. I have to remind myself of that so I don't have too many freak outs. I love winter but it is easier to be a stay at home mom in the summer. We are so busy playing outside I don't realize how lonely I am. This is my last winter with Sam in school though and then he will only have to work. He really will have no reason to EVER go back to school considering he will have a Doctorate.
Oh Isaac had is 18 months well baby check up. He weighs 25.6 lbs, and is 30 inches tall. His head has not grown at all in the last three months! The doctor said he is developmentally ahead.
Elijah has his first gymnastics meet on Saturday. It isn't anything serious. All the kids get a medal and I think he will be excited.
Like I said Sam is way busy! He is going 7 days a week. He has one and a half semesters left and then he is done! He is working on a research project, doing clincals, school and work. So he has a lot to juggle. I know he misses his bike and spending time with his family but like I already mentioned this is all worth it.
My running is going really well. I did a half marathon in October. I was under-trained for but I felt good doing it and I did it faster than my first one! I was able to sing songs to my dad at about mile nine and pick up the pace at mile 12. I want to do another half in the spring and do some sprint work plus some longer runs. My boys get tired of being in the jogger all the time but running is the one thing I do for me. I think it makes me a better person and mom.
I am going to blog more often so be prepared for some cheesey emotional stuff.

Dance off

2010-09-03T10:58:00.001-07:00

Elijah has added flips and other crazy moves to his dancing routine. He has watched a lot of Michael Jackson and Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.
There are no sheets on my bed because we were in the middle of changing out sheets when the show started!

Mama time

2010-09-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

chunk

my beautiful wild boys

Sam is such a good man. I had a lot of me time this week and he really encouraged me to go out and enjoy myself.
On Tuesday I worked from 3:00 to 7:00, the easiest shift ever! I worked with people I really enjoy being around and had a lot of grown up conversation. On Wednesday I went out with some of my girls for drinks and dinner. It was amazing to sit, eat and have good conversation for two hours. I even got all dressed up to go. Yesterday I went for a mountain bike ride with another girlfriend. I haven't been mountain biking since before I had Elijah so this was a lot of work. I really am not good at biking. I have the cardio but I do not have the muscles for biking three miles uphill. I had to walk my bike up part of the mountain. I did make it to the top though and had a ton of fun getting back down the mountain.
I missed all three of my boys but it was so nice to do things that didn't center on being a mama. I am refreshed and ready to get back to my mama duties.

Man job

2010-08-20T06:21:00.001-07:00

Sam finished his break by replacing the trim and blinds in our bedroom. A year ago we got new windows, well the new windows took up a lot more space than the old 1970 single pane windows did. Our old blinds didn't fit in the windows, for a quick fix we hung the old blinds above the windows. We left if there for a long time. The only way to fix the problem was to replace the trim. Sam did just that! It looks so much better, the trim he used has a lot more character and fits our house. It was his first time doing something like this. Good job doing a man job Sam.

Old blinds. Because they were not hung properly they fell off the wall a lot. Ghetto!!

Our new trim and blinds so much better.

more park city

2010-08-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Near-cation

2010-08-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ahhh a much needed vacation in Park City. It was just the four of us enjoying a free condo. Sam rode his bike every day and I did trail runs all three days. We took the boys on little adventures, let them watch too much t.v and eat junk. We all were a little sick and took lots of naps.
Oh and Elijah now wants to be an olympic ski jumper.

School's Over. Vacation in 2 Days. Sam's Got a Man Cold.

2010-08-08T16:09:00.001-07:00

more summer fun

2010-07-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sam's new bike.

Wheeler Farm bike ride

he climbs everything!

Sam is heading into finals week!! He is busy but I am excited for him to be on break. We are going to take a mini-vacation just the four of us. We have never been anywhere just us. I think we are going to spend time hiking, running, biking, swimming and eating good food. It won't be much different from what we do now but it won't be at home.
Summer is keeping us busy. Most nights we all crash because we play so hard during the day. In the last week we have already been to a party, saw fireworks, went for a family bike ride, had a park day, cleaned the house, went to a friends house for a swim date, went to the zoo and I have been running four to five days a week. My boys are spending a lot of time outside getting dirty and playing in the hose. It has been a good summer so far.

I love summer

2010-07-11T09:25:00.000-07:00

I love spending the day at the pool. I love going to the park early, before the slides get too hot. I love hanging outside right before it gets dark. I love how my boys are so tired at the end of the day from playing so hard. I love the dirty swimming pool in the backyard. I love when my boys stink like sweat, dirt and sunscreen at the end of a long day. I love when Elijah plays in the mud. I love bbq's and fireworks. I love fruit salads and salads. I love spending the day at a lake. I love doing yard work and summer projects. I love that Sam will have breaks and we will get a mini-family vacation. I love that the T.V is hardly ever on. I love wearing summer dresses or shorts. I love running early in the morning. I love that my boys knees are always dirty and scratched. I love that I don't have to dress Isaac and it perfectly acceptable at this time of year. I love sitting on my parents deck. I love hanging out at the zoo. I love going to the library and museums to get away from the heat. I love Bee's games. I love tan lines.
I do not like that my boys fight a lot now. I do not like that Isaac has turned into a mischievous toddler, he use to be so sweet.

Ragnar 2010

2010-06-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

This race was one of the hardest physical, emotional, and mental things I have ever done. The race starts in Logan and ends 188 miles later in Park City. I was in Van 1 and leg 5. We started our first runner at 5:45 am. My first run was 7.6 miles up Avon pass. It was a beautiful hard run and I felt good. My second run was suppose to be a moderate 4 miles but I was starting to feel the sleep deprivation and I had a hard time. I was half way through my run when I realized I had no idea where I was! I mean I knew I was in Utah but I was running through some farming community and I had no I idea where it was. After our second leg we actually got a decent 3.5 hour break. I was so ready for a nap. I ended up sleeping on Coalville's high school lawn. I wasn't able to sleep though! I was too worked up and was making sure our wonderful volunteers made it to their exchange points. At 2 am we got up to meet Van 2 for the next exchange. I did take another nap at about 4 am. When I woke up it was my turn for my last leg and I was ready to go! I ran 3.6 miles through Heber and it was by far my most awesome run. I think I was going on adrenaline and the knowledge that the sooner I got done the sooner I was done with my portion of Ragnar.
My team rocked! Thank you Geno, Eric, Lucas, Josh, Andrea, Trevan, Liena, Caroline, Molly, Larry and Lindy! I had a lot of fun. I said only a few things I shouldn't have. I laughed a lot. I am really proud of Larry this was his very first race! He killed it. Andrea is my hero. I mean really she is amazing. She has been through so much the last eight months but she wanted to do Ragnar. I offered to run her last leg with her and she refused. She wanted to do it alone just like the rest of us. Then when Lucas was running the worst portion of the race she got out of the car and walked the last mile with him! And of course Geno. He has a lot to be proud of! He ran Ragnar with his kids and put us to shame. He came across the finish line moving fast and looking good. I hope when I am his age I am running and looking as good as him. I think my only complaint is I missed Sam a lot. I hope next year he is there with me.
My team was awesome. We finished in 31 hours! We came in 130th place!
I am already looking forward to doing this again next year.

oh no

2010-06-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

Well Sam is out of the big race. A few weeks ago he crashed his bike, he unknowingly slipped his SI joint. He then continued to run on it for three weeks until his hip was in so much pain he could barely walk. Poor Sam. He has worked so hard for this. I am sad because I was excited to spend that much time with him. He is going to stay home and hang out with the boys while I run and try and not say anything vulgar in my sleep deprived delirium.

2010-06-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying the beginning of summer. Going to baseball games, the park and the zoo. Doing lots of running and a few bike rides.

Training and more training

2010-05-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

Very soon Sam, Eric, Lucas, Larry, Geno, some friends and I will be running the Ragnar relay together. It is a 180 mile relay from Logan to Park City. Today Sam and I started running twice a day to get ready for it. We are only running three and a half miles at a time but let me tell you, it is hard work!

Elijah is going to be annoyed very quickly. He tolerates being in the jogger once a day, so twice a day will be a challenge for him. Isaac likes seeing the world from the jogger. I think we will have to think of a different route to do.

I might feel differently later but I am thinking this whole relay thing is crazy!!

A Normal Day

2010-05-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today was just a normal day for us. We wok up early to have breakfast with our friend Andrea and some of her family. In the middle of breakfast Elijah told everyone he didn't want to watch the dragon movie he wants to watch KickAss. When Andrea told him he couldn't do something he asked if he could do it for just two minutes. Ahh my cute three year old. After breakfast we went to the library. Elijah was very well behaved and played nicely with the other children. Isaac on the other hand ran around like a crazy toddler, throwing books off the shelves as fast as he could. Every time I tried to hold him he would scream so loud. So I decided going home for some chill time was a good idea. When we got home Isaac fell right asleep, Elijah decided jumping on my head and doing face plants on the bed was a good idea until I told him I would put him in Isaac's crib to sleep. After a nice long nap I changed Isaac's diaper and just let him play around in his diaper. I was washing the dishes and he came in holding his diaper and laughing. I of coursed laughed also. He walked away for a minute and then walked back into the kitchen I then realized he had caca on his hands and all over his legs. He had made caca on the floor! We were not laughing anymore. While I was trying to clean him up, Elijah was kind enough to let me know Buckley was eating the caca! Both the boys got their night time bath at five and Buckley has been banished to the backyard. Now I have lost my phone, I am being forced to read Spider-man comics and play cars. Isaac is climbing the kitchen chair and I am not sure I want to cook dinner. I would say it was a good day.

It has been too long

2010-05-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

We have a visitor coming tomorrow. It has been too long Grandpa BG and Grandma Sharon! I am excited for the boys to meet you and hang out with you. I am excited to talk with you guys and eat good food. Here are some pictures until I have more to show.

Isaac turned one!

2010-05-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

trying to get the cake and ice cream off!

Elijah had to have a turn in the kitchen sink. I believe he is getting a little big for it.

I can not believe my baby is one. This year has gone by so quickly. He has turned into such a cute toddler. I love his little personality he can be so sweet or so grumpy and independent. He likes to sing and dance, he can already do baby sign, he climbs anything including the kitchen table, he likes to ride his bike, help me in the garden, play cars, drink chocolate milk and just be the cutest one year old this mama has ever seen. He wasn't too interested in his presents but he sure did love his cake.

Happy Birthday Mom

2010-05-02T08:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my mom turned 60. We had an open house for her, with friends and family. It was such a nice day.We were suppose to have the party outside but we live in Utah and it was raining and cold most of the day. We brought the party indoors and things turned out great. My mom has a lot to be proud of! She has six kids that love her and love each other. She has a lot of friends that appreciate her. She has a husband who thinks the world of her and nine grandkids that think she is the best Nana ever. I forgot my camera, so I stole these pictures from Juanita's blog.

got this off Facebook

2010-04-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

YOU WANT TO GET MAD? We had eight years of Bush and Cheney, but now you get mad! You didn’t get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and appointed a President. You didn’t get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate energy policy. You didn’t get mad when a covert CIA operative got ousted. You didn’t get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.. You didn’t get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us. You didn’t get mad when we spent over 600 billion(and counting) on said illegal war. You didn’t get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq. You didn’t get mad when you found out we were torturing people. You didn’t get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans. You didn’t get mad when we didn’t catch Bin Laden. You didn’t get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed. You didn’t get mad when we let a major US city drown. You didn’t get mad when we gave a 900 billion tax break to the rich. You didn’t get mad when, using reconciliation; a trillion dollars of our tax dollars were redirected to insurance companies for Medicare Advantage which cost over 20 percent more for basically the same services that Medicare provides. You didn’t get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark, and our debt hit the thirteen trillion dollar mark. You finally got mad when the government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, are all okay with you, but helping other Americans… oh hell no. AND NOW YOU’RE MAD !
By: Christian Struzan

1st stitches and 3rd ER visit

2010-04-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Oh Elijah. Right as we were getting ready to go to bed last night Elijah leaned off our bed onto my dresser. He slipped and as he went his nose connected with the dresser. There was instant blood and screaming. At first I thought it was just another bloody nose but with closer examination we realized part of his nostril was not connected to his face anymore and his septum was cut. Off he and Sam went to the ER. They gave him nasal Versed, wrapped him up in a sheet, three adults held him down and they gave him three stitches in his nose. He came home at one thirty in the morning wearing sunglasses so high he was hallucinating. He was seeing holes in the wall and bugs were coming out and every once in a while a fish would come by.
This morning he is back to being Elijah. His nose his swollen and ugly looking but I don't think it should scar too badly.
The picture is from the ER after the stitches when he was high as a kite.

The Good and Not so Good

2010-04-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

The day before Easter I had a sudden onset of feeling like ass. I started having lower back pain and I felt feverish. After a few hours I called my parents to come watch the boys and I headed to Urgent Care. I was diagnosed with a kidney infection. It was good I went when I did, I had a fever of 104.5! I was started on IV antibiotics and told to come back the next day. In my fever induced delirium I didn't realize how sick I really was and how stressed my family and Sam were. Sorry guys, I guess the dramatics just seem to find me. I am finally feeling less like ass and more like good old Katie.
Thanks to all our family our boys were able to still have an awesome Easter. The boys dyed eggs with my parents, and we had an Easter egg hunt at my parents house. Of course there was too much candy and a lot of food.
Isaac is full on walking and climbing. He has the bruises to show for all his bravery. He is already 11 months old. I can not believe he will be one soon! I get stopped all the time telling me how cute he is, I always think "yes I know" but that isn't polite so I just say thanks. He started to lose his chunk but that is what happens when you walk, climb and ride a tricycle! That is right he is already riding a bike. It is something in the genetics.
Elijah is at the Why phase. He asks so many damn questions, I love it. I am having to be creative with my answers. He is also full of interesting comments.
Here is a conversation he had with a friend
Friend: You look like your dad"
Elijah: Nope
F: Do you look like your mom?
E: Nope
F: Who do you look like?
E: Michael Jack!
Yes he is funny. He loves Michael Jackson, cars, and Spider-Man. He has names for his special cars, watches Spider-Man and wears Spider-Man shoes, and of course our lives are full of Michael Jackson music. We listen to little Michael Jack and big Michael Jack. He has also started asking questions about baby bellies and gender. Oh I don't think I am ready for it. I try to be as general as possible but he is a boy and he does very boy things. For instants he put a stethascope around his hips and told me to look at his big pennie! I keep thinking he is doing and saying things he should be doing when he is a teenager.
Sam is still very busy. He is doing clinicals, working and school. He is even more busy! As weird as it sounds though I think he seems happier. Clinicals are good for him, he is thriving there and putting all his knowledge to use. He is almost done with his fifth semester! Only four more semesters until he can go back to riding his bike and racing cross.
Life is good. My boys are happy and entertaining. My husband is awesome and working hard for us. I am feeling better and maybe just maybe I will be back to running soon.
I just realized I take a lot of pictures at the dinner table and while the boys are bathing. I swear we do more than bathe and eat.

Conversation with a three year old

2010-04-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

Elijah: "Mama did I come out of an egg?"
Me: "No you came out of my belly."
E: "Did I come out of an egg in your belly?"
M: "No just out of my belly"
E: " I came out like baby Eli"
M: "Yes"
E: "Did I eat dinner in your belly?"
M: "Yes"
E: "Did Isaac come out of your belly?"
M: "Yes you are both my babies"
E: "So Isaac ate baby food in your belly and I ate quesadilla's in your belly!"
and then me laughing inside because he is so damn cute.

Moab

2010-03-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

We took a much needed mini-vacation to Moab this last weekend. I was suppose to run the half-marathon but my foot hasn't healed enough to start running. Sam, Juanita and I got to be the support crew/babysitters. It was hard to watch all the half marathon runners come across the finish line and know I had trained so hard to be there with them but I am hopeful I will be there next year. Since I didn't run I think Sam and I got more of a vacation. We did two small hikes and one big hike. After all the fun Elijah was worn out! Isaac was tired of being in the back pack and his car seat. Sam and I were dirty. So I would say it was a good weekend. I posted a few pictures here and I will post a few more on Facebook.

us

sitting in a "cave" Elijah found

He crawled part of the hike. I couldn't tell if he was tired or just enjoying getting extra dirty.

Moab scenery

Isaac chilling and eating some Moab dirt

yo my name is Geno!

Elijah worked so hard at the beginning of the hike he had to catch a ride on the way out

Isaac loving the ride

It was a hard weekend for some of us

This is always the last stop on our Moab trips. Rays has the best burgers and beer in all of Green River.

Mr. O'Atencio

2010-03-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

My dad's birthday was March 17th. We had a little party for him, he made Irish Stew and I made Corned Beef and Cabbage and brownies. We all sang ugly happy birthday for him, I believe he loved it.
My dad is an awesome dad. He didn't have a lot of guidance on how to be a dad but he is one of the best dad's I know of. He is always there when we need him, he would do ANYTHING for his kids and grandkids. My mom never has to grocery shop because my dad does it. My dad cooks every night so my mom doesn't have too. Anytime I don't feel like cooking I know if I call my dad he would take us to dinner or cook for us. If I am happy or sad one of the first people I call is my dad, he listens when I need him to and he gives good advice (even if it isn't what I want to hear). My dad introduced me to running when I was only six years old, his passion has become my passion. I am so proud of him and so glad he is mine.
Happy Birthday Papa Geno.

When Daddy is home.......

2010-03-10T12:56:00.001-08:00

There are naps to be had

Skittle pancakes and cereal to eat

mint oreo's to eat

And air to catch

2010-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Can you see the car?
Elijah is such a good artist. He draws cars, racetrack and people.

2010-03-02T19:14:00.000-08:00

Babies grow up so damn fast. Isaac took his first steps today! He is already all over the place, crawling like a mad man and now he is trying to walk. My mom bought him one of those baby walkers and he is loving it. Soon he will be playing outside with his brother.

Nana and Papa Date

2010-02-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

I went to work yesterday. It was the first time since december! Since Sam was also at work my parents came over to watch our boys. When they come over to babysit Elijah calls it a Nana banana and Papa date. Before Sam left in the morning Elijah asked if Papa would go to the grocery store and get bubble water and if Nana would watch Michael Jack with him.

After I got off work I hurried home. Thinking Isaac had been crying all day. That is what he normally does when I am gone. Turns out instead of dealing with crying the four of them had a fun filled day. Both of the boys were dirty from playing outside. Papa took them running and they both took naps on the run. Nana took them for a walk in the wagon. They colored, played cars, took the books off the bookshelf (fun for only Isaac) and just had one of those nice early spring days.

To make my day even better Nana cleaned up my house for me and Papa did yard work! Seriously who needs daycare when you have babysitters like this. Later I noticed my mom had taken these cute pictures of the boys. I do not want to work full-time right now but that was a nice break made even better by the happy little boys I cam home to.

2010-02-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Elijah

Isaac

Sam.

So the Atencio genes are strong! All us of us look alike. I just assumed I would give birth to Sloans that looked like Atencio's. Turns out I may have been wrong. Elijah looks like a Sloan and Isaac is both Atencio and Sloan. I can not believe I do all that work and I don't even get a look-alike.

2010-02-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

Poor Isaac getting his breathing treatment.

Elijah gave me all these special rocks. He was so proud of himself.

Kids are funny. They do funny things and they say funny things.
Last night Elijah looked at me very seriously and said "are you my fat mom?". I said no and he then said "are you just regular?". I suppose it was a valid question, he is trying to figure the world out.
Swim lessons are going okay. Elijah has to be told he is learning to swim like a stingray before he will get in the pool. Once in the pool he has to periodically wander off to play cars. The best part of swim lessons is he is getting comfortable in the water and he is tired at the end of lessons.
Isaac is crawling everywhere! He doesn't do the normal crawl, he does this one hand track start looking things (it is hard to describe). He is pulling himself up and trying so hard to walk. He is signing!!! He signs more. He also waves now and is starting to give high fives.
This last week started off with a lot of fun. On Sunday afternoon my Mom and Dad were nice enough to come babysit the boys so Sam and I could go on a date. After the movie Sam and I took the boys to Wheeler Farm. It is the perfect place for Elijah to ride his bike and look at animals. Late Sunday night the boys both starting acting very sick. By Monday morning Isaac was having a hard to breathing. I took him up to Primary Children's Hospital. They said he had RSV and reactive asthma. He got a breathing treatment and seemed to feel better. By Wednesday they both were back to being wild things.
My running is not going so well. My foot started bothering my last week. I thought it was my new shoes, so I got new ones. It felt better for a few days but the pain has come back and it is worse. I am worried I won't be able to run my half marathon next month!

Birthday pictures and then some

2010-02-14T08:59:00.001-08:00

Well Baby check up and Birthdays

2010-02-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Isaac and Elijah had their check-ups on Friday. They are both healthy (of course). Elijah weighs 25lbs. 11oz, he is 36 & 1/4 inches tall and his head is 51 cm. His weight is on the growth chart for the first time in two years! Isaac is 27 inches, 19lbs 14 oz and his head is 48 cm. Yes he has a Sloan head. Isaac only gained one pound in three months.
Today is Elijah's third birthday! It is so crazy. Three years has gone by so fast. He is not even a toddler any more, he is a wild little boy. He says the funniest things and he is so independent. We got into the car yesterday and he says " I want to hear Beat it beat it and you guys know that!" I laughed even though I shouldn't have. We are having his party at the indoor pool. He is so excited. He keeps asking when we get to go.
Next week Elijah starts swim lessons, he goes four days a week for two weeks. In March he starts soccer. I think he needs a constructive energy outlet and to hang out with other kids his age.
I will post pictures of the birthday party tomorrow.

9 month and 3 year pictures

2010-02-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

It was not easy. They would not sit still. Elijah would either smile with his eyes closed or with his eyes wide open. Isaac kept crawling off. I think we got some cute ones and some very funny ones.

2010-01-27T19:35:00.001-08:00

WARNING! THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL END UP LOOKING LIKE IF YOU DECIDE TO BE OUR ROOMMATE.

Wild Things

2010-01-27T19:15:00.001-08:00

My boys are wild things! I took an eight minute shower yesterday. In eight minutes they managed to empty the diaper bag, empty the silverware drawer, their clean pj's were decorating the crib and every toy was out of the toy box. When I walked out of the bathroom they both looked at me with such mischievous grins!
Isaac is crawling and pulling himself up. He really wants to be running around with Elijah and I think very soon he might be able to. He really likes dancing! He does this little bounce that is so cute.
Elijah is turning three in a couple of weeks. CRAZY! He is already excited for his new years (birthday party). We are going to have his party at the local indoor swimming pool. He told me only Jackson, the fireman and tractor driver are invited. So sorry everyone who thought they were coming. Our newest conversation is
Me or Sam "Elijah what are you doing?"
Elijah " I am not doing any something!"

I have been tagged

2010-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

My friend Lauren Hart tagged me. I am suppose to write ten random facts about myself. There is a lot about me that is random so here is just a few.
1. Up until three years ago I would never cook. I believe it is mans work. I cook now but only because I have been forced to.
2. I am addicted to coffee and chapstick. I have no intention of ever recovering from my addiction.
3. I believe children should get dirty, play outside a lot and be around germs. It is healthy for them.
4. Listening to Brother Ali and Kayne West makes me run faster.
5. I can not sleep with the closet door open EVER. I think the boogie man will come out of it and get me while I sleep. This is completely illogical and I know it.
6. If I could have my dream job I would open up a woman's health and fitness center. It would be a gym, daycare, coffee shop, nutrition center, and running/biking club all rolled into one.
7. I lived in Hawaii for a short while when I was 19. I still miss the sound and smell of the ocean.
8. As a little girl I was obsessed with the color purple and I think I might still be. Purple just makes me happy.
9. My mom is from England. My dad's ancestors were spanish jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition, they settled in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Growing up I assumed everyones parents were two different colors and different religions.
10. I love wearing heels. I feel silly wearing sneakers, like I am not all the way dressed.

I am going to tag some of my friends and family...
Geno
Juanita
Eric
Dana
Destiny

Anniversary

2010-01-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

The big day and the big bride.

Our ceremony

Last week Sam and I celebrated our three year anniversary. Wow! It seems like it has been longer and at the same time it feels like we just started dating.
On March 27th 2006 Sam asked me to marry him. It was such a Sam moment full of sarcasm and charm all at the same time. Of course I said yes, I had been ready for him to ask a few months after we started dating. On June 11th 2006 we found out I was pregnant, we were surprised but so excited. As my pregnancy progressed we decided to get married at the court house and later we would do a ceremony with our family. That way were we married but still got to celebrate the way we feel about each other. On January 9th 2007 we walked into the court house together (I actually wobbled) and became husband and wife. I was excited but at the same time it felt so normal. One year later we finally had our ceremony! It was a beautiful snowy day and perfect.
We are looking forward to our next sixty years together, getting old and gray together maybe doing some traveling and enjoying our family.

Hello 2010

2010-01-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

I will miss 2009. It was a great year. Sam finished three semesters of grad school. Elijah turned into a little boy, learned to say funny things, ride a two wheeler and became a big brother. Isaac was born and is such a cute chunky baby who is on his way to crawling. I went back to school and I am training for a half marathon. We bought a house and Sam got a new bike. Lucas is our roommate and is almost done with nursing school. Zack is in a rockin band. Laura got to be my helper while out of work, she got a new job and a new house. Eric and Juanita got married and bought a house. Dana rejoined the military and moved to Texas. Patrick moved closer to us. Papa Geno got into crazy running shape and Nana Banana is looking younger every day. Sarah and Kelvin are looking for a house so they can move to Utah. Andrea got married! Here is to 2010 and more of the same goodness.

this is us snowshoeing.

2009-12-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

He takes after Sam. It doesn't matter what the weather is like sometimes you just have to ride.

Elijah had is first dentist appointment today. I was expecting a lot of screaming. Instead he growled like a lion and let the dentist look at his lion teeth. His teeth look good, Sam and I just have to do more brushing.
Isaac growls when he wants something. Usually he is growling for more food. We are going to start baby sign language with him. That way he doesn't have to always growl and yell to get his wants/needs across.

2009-12-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

Looks like Isaac is going to be our next drummer.

Christmas

2009-12-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

We had a good Christmas. Sam's mom and Kelvin came into town on Christmas eve, this is our first christmas with them. Christmas eve was the usual taco's at my mom and dad's house. Sam drank a lot of beer and the taco's were so good. On Christmas morning we had to wake Elijah up at eight! Santa was very nice to Isaac and Elijah. Elijah was so excited, he would open a present say "oh cool" and ask for another one. Isaac was into watching the action and eating the wrapping paper.
We hung out Christmas afternoon. Then went to Sam's family house and then over to my sister's house for dinner. Sam and I got pans! Elijah and Isaac have more new toys than they know what to do with. I have even more toys to pick up.
I have plenty of biscotti and truffles to eat that I will not be sharing.

2009-12-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

This is what you get when you have a sticker book, a baby, two tired parents and a wild thing named Elijah.

Temple Square.

2009-12-20T08:12:00.000-08:00

Jackson and Elijah enjoying the train ride home.

Jackson, Elijah, Molly and Ezra.

Isaac and Sam keeping warm.

Elijah enjoying his hot chocolate and posing by a tree.

Yes we went to Temple Square to see the lights. Elijah loves christmas lights and the mormons do a good job.

Christmas Tree

2009-12-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

We set up our little christmas tree tonight. Elijah was so into it! He was giving his dad high fives and jumping up and down. All the christmas decorations are on the right side of the tree and there are about a dozen stuffed animals sleeping under the tree. I think the tree looks perfect. I loved watching Isaac watch the whole thing. He was so interested in what is dad and brother were doing. I love Christmas all over again. I love Elijah's look of amazement when I explain Christmas to him. I love watching him play with baby jesus and santa claus. I guess that is one of the perks of parenthood, enjoying childhood all over again.

2009-12-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Notice his two teeth!

I love my house

2009-12-09T08:52:00.001-08:00

I really do. I love that this is our home and we get to do whatever we want to it. I think the room sizes are perfect, I love having two bathrooms, I love my living room, and I love having a family room. BUT there are a few things that I don't think I will ever like. The back yard is an okay size but when both the boys are able to play outside it won't be big enough. I want to get them a swing set but it wouldn't fit. My other big thing is the kitchen is way too small. We had two friends over for dinner last night and we just didn't have room. I want to be able to cook and entertain in my kitchen. I do not like making company feel like they are in the way. Elijah ate his dinner in the pantry!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays. I always start the day with a race up City Creek Canyon, this year I felt pretty good and the weather wasn't too bad. Sam rode his bike out to my sister's house, which has become tradition. We had our usual big dinner with lots of food and lots of family.

Picture post

2009-11-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

picture post

2009-11-26T18:50:00.000-08:00

2009-10-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

It has been so long since I blogged! One of the problems is our computer memory is full so I can not download pictures. We are working on fixing that problem until then the photo booth pictures will have to do.
We are awesome. Back into our routine and loving it. Elijah is looking forward to Halloween even though he doesn't quite understand what it is about. On Friday I am taking him to see the new Michael Jackson movie. He is excited for that. He is my wild thing and I love him for it. Isaac is getting so big! he is such a happy smiling beautiful baby. He makes me so amazed at life.

Elijah hit up shoreline today!

2009-10-02T15:29:00.001-07:00

What do you do when mom has meeting at work? Hit up shoreline with your dad and brother.

2009-10-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is the conversation I listened to at ten o'clock last night. It was between Elijah and Elijah.
"I a gecko o o, I a gecko o o."
"You got a car?"
"I fix the car"
"I a gecko o o, I a gecko o o"
"my car got wheels"
"my car got two wheels"
"I a gecko o o, I a gecko o o"

Keeping Busy

2009-09-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends Andrea got married on 9/6/09. I was in her line. It was such a beautiful day and I am so honored to have been a part of it.
Sam is of course keeping busy with school and work. He is riding his bike up to the U four days a week now and I think it helps with the stress. When he is home in the morning Elijah always wants him to make him pancakes and of course Sam does.
Elijah is my wild thing. He says the funniest things and does even more amusing things. He put me on timeout yesterday, it didn't go well for him but I was laughing inside. He is full of bruises and scrapes just like he should be.
Isaac is such a beautiful baby. He is working on sitting up and he is eating rice cereal. He loves to eat solids, the minute I stop feeding me he gets so mad. He is 16lbs 5oz!
I am running four days a week and doing pilates one day a week. I am still trying to finish putting our house together but it will come in time. I have to hang the pictures up still and I keep thinking I will do it but the park or the zoo always sounds like more fun.

2009-09-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

There are certain moments through out my day that make all the hard work so worth it. Sometimes they are as small as Elijah telling me he loves me so much or Isaac just laughing that cute baby laugh. It can be Elijah's new serious face, it is so grown up. Or Isaac holding my finger with his chubby hand while he feeds. But yesterday was awesome I woke up from a nap and the boys were cuddling. Elijah had his arms wrapped around Isaac and Isaac had his head nestled into Elijah's shoulder. I thought about taking a picture but instead decided to enjoy the moment. It is nice to know they will always have each other. No matter how much change has happened in Elijah's life he has loved having his baby Isaac around. He loves him so much and Isaac already loves him. Isaac watches Elijah when he is playing and laughs at him. Aaahh it makes me so happy.

my family

2009-09-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

my great grandfather

my nina

2009-08-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just sitting in my kitchen watching one of my boys dance around and the other one is asleep in my arms. It is a good mama moment.

We have arrived

2009-08-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

We have moved into our house. We spent one week cleaning (it needed it badly), painting, Sam put new flooring in the basement with the help of Zack and Lucas, we got sod in the backyard and installed central air. In six to eight weeks we are getting new windows, we didn't check the windows well enough before we made an offer or we would have realized some of the windows don't shut all the way and some of them are broken. We will get the tax credit for putting in the window so that helps with the money.
I am a little nostalgic for the old house. A lot our life together happened there. It was the first home Sam and I lived in together, we got engaged there, and we brought both of our boys home from the hospital there. I am loving being a homeowner. We got to pick our own paint colors and it is our home.
Elijah has been having a hard time with all the changes recently. He is acting out but I think he is starting to feel better. Isaac can now roll over but tends to only do it when he is mad that I put him down. Sam started school today, he won't have a day off until October! Lucas is our new roommate!
I am grateful for all the help we have had from our friends and family! We couldn't have done this without them. Zack, Lucas, Laura, Larry, Teresa, Gabrielle, Eric, Dani, Val ,Andrea, Jen and Jacqui thank you! I am really grateful for my parents they have done so much to help us. They have put a lot of time, money and energy into making our house nice. Thank you mom and dad.