Bolder Boulder

This memorial day will always live as one of the most memorable for me.

Here's my running crew.



Here's my pitiful attempt at a self group shot.




We ran this 10K through one of the most INTERESTING towns in America. Along the course were the Blue's Brothers, Barely-dressed Belly dancers, even people handing out free Bacon of all things. Running the race with us were over 50,000 people, including two that hula hooped and a team of 6 that did lead frog for the entire course. Gorilla costumes, a "Where's Waldo" team and a house with a giant slip'n slide were some highlights.

Afterward, we all met in the stadium for the memorial program and to cheer on the elite runners. The men smoked the course setting a record of 27 minutes due to the perfect weather.












Speaking of weather. Notice the ominous clouds in the background. Just as it ended, the big drops started falling. Since we had a long walk back to the cars, we just resigned ourselves to our fate and enjoyed a family walk through town.













It took us about 45 minutes. Still, we were all in good spirits. It will always live on as one of my favorite family memories. Thanks to the grandparents who made this day possible!

Miss Madeline

Madeline and I have always had a great relationship. Still, I am having some serious "mom-guilt" over my inability to be more patient with her transition through this awkward time. She's not a baby and not a tween. I'm not even sure what you call this stage. Leaving the first grade, no front teeth, still obedient, yet growing in independence and exploring her boundaries. One minute she is responsibly doing her chores, the next she is talking like a baby and picking her nose.

When she rebels a bit I am shocked. When she whines and pouts I am cold and irritated. I want so much for her to be graceful, poised and demeure. She wants to be funny, silly and a bit over-the-top. I know deep down that she will mature out of this and that I will miss this toothless grin and getting the stains out of her clothes. Still, I feel myself panic that others will see her as obnoxious, so I correct her too much and in the wrong tone. "Madeline lower your voice" "Eat like a lady please!" "Stop scratching" "Madeline get a tissue" "Sit up, legs together" I can't decide if I need to always be correcting her to get her to the next phase or if I should step back and let her be.

The hardest part for me is that fact that she forgives me so quickly. She takes my comments and tries. My goal is to more quick to compliment and slower to point out what she needs to fix. Her teacher told me she doesn't have a lot of confidence and it stung me. Whatever my role in her lacking any confidence in herself, I feel just sick. I love you Miss Moo. Seven years old, fun, bruised, messy hair and dirt included!

BLURRY CATCH UP

As evidenced by these photos, we did celebrate Easter, but after that seems like a hazy jumble of sicknesses, hard work and lots of furniture moving. Why you may ask....
well, as evidenced by this Easter pic,



Elijah was not feeling well. This started a chain reaction where our whole family passed around several, morphing viruses. Poor Autumn got hit really hard and for about 2 months, we were pretty pitiful.

From there we started project "sell my mom's house" It has been a huge undertaking, including moving her in with us. We are finally nearing the end and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Also in this time, I have started teaching again and (thanks to those stinkin' mormons) I have somehow become a choreographer for our Stakes' 50 YEAR Jubilee Celebration. (What is up with Latter-day Saints and musical numbers anyway?) With all of these changes, I felt it was time for one more.



Whacked and Stacked for some pizazz and to help launch me out of those post-pardom BLAHS!!! Spring is in the air and I getting ready!!!

Six Months Have Passed

Tomorrow our little Auty Girl will be six months. It just blows my mind how fast time can go once they are out of your belly. To mark the event, she decided to start sitting up. Jaxen takes credit for teaching her. She is still our smallest baby, in the 75th percentile across the board. She still wakes up at 4:30AM for a snack, but goes back to sleep easily. She is a happy, happy baby and just makes us all smile.






If only I could pause her growth. Right here, she is perfect. She is 100% mine. With each day, she gets stronger, smarter and is more determined to become independent. I really would keep her, just like this forever if I could. She's just an angel.