39 and holding....

Chad just celebrated his 39th birthday and he handeled it like a pro. One more year until.....well, until he's not quite as young as this year. Aren't we both still 25? Weird how time flies...we are all headed in the same direction and fast, too! He had a nice quiet celebration this year. Chad's parents took us to Flemings for a very delicious (and pricey) steak dinner. After dinner, we enjoyed some decadant cupcakes with the kids. There is no one else in the world I'd rather have next to me to grow old with. Love you, Chap!

Sun Valley 2010...a quick trip

 

Youth Conference

Talk about a fast start to a calling! Being put it at the beginning of the summer (ie. the most busy time for youth activities!) was a bit overwhelming. However, I know it was also an invaluable opportunity for me and the other new leaders to get to know the youth quickly. Another challenge was coming in when things were already partially planned. In spite of my worries, everything went well and the kids had a great time. I think I've just experienced a quick baptism into the calling. No easing in for me!

It just keeps getting better...

Chad and I just did our second Wasatch Back and it was pretty awesome! We had a great time with our team...no surprise there...we pretty much have the coolest team! ;) It was so great watching Chad run this year...injury free. His last run was a killer and he pushed through like a pro. As for me, I was a bit faster this year which always feels good. I felt like a rockstar on my 2nd run...the best I've felt on a run. It was really nice for a change. Lest you think I'm getting cocky, dont worry, my level of rockstar is still far below most. This year we were in van 1. This means we get a better sleeping time, which consisted of  3 1/2 hours in a church parking lot in who-knows-where. The sprinklers went off and Chad didn't wake up...he got soaked. Good times. I think I am already looking forward to next year. However, I'd better not get too happy about it or our team captain just might up grade my runs. I am perfectly happy with having the easiest legs in each van! :)

A day for DAD!

A simple breakfast in bed, 3 handmade cards and one totally rockin' dad playing a licorice guitar (made by Sarah), and lots of love for the one we call the best dad in the whole world. We are blessed to be family. We are blessed to have Chad as the head of our little family. He loves us, he takes care of us, he honors his priesthood. Yes, he really is the best dad in the world.

Puffs of miracle and Wasatch Back year 2

I can't believe it's been a whole year since last year's Wasatch Back race. I can remember the sleepless induced nausea like it was yesterday. Other than the lack of sleep part, I'm actually looking forward to it. Did I just say that?? Don't worry, you won't be seeing me run any marathons, but my love (ok, love is much too strong of a word here) of running has increased ever so slightly. What might you asked has changed? THIS.....

Let's just call this miracle puffs in a tiny little can. Did you know I had asthma? Yea, I know...I didn't either. When I posted about my 1/2 marathon I did not fully convey how miserable that was for me. I didn't want to sound like a baby. I cried when I got home. It really sucked. After all my training, I was so disappointed with my performance and it felt really awful (just ask Alison). I thought the way I felt physically when I ran was due to a) I'm just not a natural runner and b) the air this winter was really, really bad. Both are true, but there was more to it. In the weeks following the race, I expected to feel better when I was indoors at the gym. Nothing improved. After talking with the doctor, we concluded I had developed EIA (exercise induced asthma). I didn't know there was such a thing, I didn't know it was so common and I certainly didn't know I had it. From the first time I used the inhaler, I couldn't believe the difference. I can still remember my first run using this...I actually had a smile (a smile!!!) on my face. Who knew how good air in your lungs could feel. Go figure. Would you believe my pace has improved well over a minute from my 1/2 marathon pace?? Believe me, I am still considered a slow runner, but can I tell you how good it feels to see some improvement. It was so frustrating last year to be working so hard with no improvement...and even decline. Now, I can feel so much better about my (slow) pace....because it feels better and it is better than it was before. So, if you ask me if I am excited for the Ragnar, Wasatch Back this weekend I'd have to say yes. I'm looking forward to the crazy misery that comes with this type of race...all while breathing a little easier. 

Just coming right out and saying it

I got a new calling. I was initially stunned and it took a couple of weeks for my eyes to return to normal from the deer in the headlights look. I thought I was going in for one calling and was shocked to receive another. I have been called to serve as the Young Women's president.

I've served as a counselor a couple different times...just enough to know I'm always glad I'm not the one in charge. We all take turns being stretched in one calling or another and apparently it is my time to stretch. I am accustomed to taking on my assigned responsibilities; not giving out the responsibilities, knowing all the answers, making the decisions and doing my own assigned responsibilities all while meeting the needs of 30 young women. Luckily, I have wonderful counselors and advisors in which I have confidence and trust (and gratitude, lots of gratitude).

This should be interesting! I am taking consolation in the fact that I can take it one day at a time. However, I will also have to accept that I won't always have the answers, I won't always meet every need and not everyone will love me.

It's a good thing I had a couple of weeks to accept this. I was torn between running for the hills and wishing the Second Coming would happen. When I knew neither would happen and it was not appropriate for me to even wish they would, I decided I had no choice but to suck it up and dig in.

I survived my first activity night and my first presidency meeting...I haven't been fired yet! Here's to a new adventure and lots of prayers that I will accomplish what my Heavenly Father wants me to. I will also be offering prayers of patience and love and support from the girls and ward.
Deep breaths...deep breaths.