What runs in Vegas, Ragnars in Vegas

Chad and I must be gluttons for punishment or we just needed to make our schedules more complicated. We just ran the Las Vegas Ragnar with our South Jordan Slackers team. After this summer's Wasatch Back, our team was lured into signing up for the Vegas Ragnar with the promise of a special "Saints and Sinners" medal. The temptation was too much and we all caved. It all seemed like a good idea....back in June. As the weekend of October 23 approached we found this time of year to be much busier to arrange family schedules. The distance also complicated the logistics of pulling it together. We all wondered what we had gotten ourselves into and if we could pull it off. However, once we were actually in the car, we quickly remembered why we did this and why we love our team so much. As was expected, we had an awesome weekend. Not expected, was the non-flatness of Nevada. You thought Vegas was flat, too, huh? Well, it's not. It's quite hilly actually. There seemed to be a disconnect between the printed elevation gains and losses given to us in our race manual and what really was really in front of us. We also found the overall crowd to be much younger (and more crass...to say there were some interesting team names and vans is an understatement) than the Wasatch Back. It was like a weekend fraternity race...we felt old! We may have been the "senior team", but we kicked some young booty. We came in 29th out of 276 teams in our category. We beat our projected time by over an hour. Our time was 28hrs and 38m. And yes, we got our "Saints and Sinners" medal! Go South Jordan Slackers!

It was exciting to finally make Josh's Eagle Scout status official. Although he did his Eagle project over a year ago, he still had a few merit badges to finish up...and then there is the board of review which takes awhile. He received his award back in July, but we were finally able to celebrate with his Court of Honor on October 16. We were able to share the night with two of Josh's friends that were receiving there Eagle's as well. I have to give huge kudos to our amazing scout leaders, without whom none of this would have been possible. Glen Thorne is khaki to the core and really knows how to get these boys to earn their awards.

September tradition

Each September brings our annual visit to the Utah State Fair with Grammy. The kids always look forward to a few rides that make mom worry if lunch will stay down or not. We always love seeing the animals and each year we are surprised by what we see and learn. This year we loved seeing all the chickens. I thought I'd never say a chicken could be beautiful, but there really was some pretty poultry! I had no idea there was such a variety in colors, sizes and feathers! No fair experience is complete without some food. Moochies meatball subs, shaved ice and kettle corn were on the menu for this year. Maybe next year we will try a fried twinki (or not).

Fun now...sleep later

I don't think I could be anymore pleased, excited and uplifted with how girls camp went! I will admit my stomach was in knots before camp. I was well aware that this would be a singular opportunity for the girls (and leaders) to bond and set the tone throughout the rest of the year in Young Women's. I have heard of many girls camps that have gone awry with pranks and drama. In our ward, we have a strong policy of "no drama...no pranks." I don't know why I thought this year would be any different. The girls were amazing! No pranks, no drama...just lots of togetherness and fun. Sure there were a few very minor complaints and some minor sickness, but nothing that was unreasonable. We had 18-24 girls at camp (depending on the day), with 10 being their very first time (and these "first years" did great). We even had a non-member join us! (Damiana had only moved into the neighborhood from CA 2wks prior and  she came...it was amazing!)

This year was stake camp and we went to the Heber Valley Camp. It has the reputation of being the "princess camp" and for good reason, too. Our pavilion included a walk-in pantry, hot/cold running water, two gas camp stoves and....a refrigerator!!! For real. Yes, I enjoyed a few cold diet cokes during the week. The large main pavilion had a kitchen where stake meals were prepared and...a water and ice station for the girls to fill-up water bottles. This camp was planned by President Hinckley and apparently, the water/ice machine was Sister Hinckley's touch. This camp also included great hiking trails (we say a baby owl...very cool), a lake for the girls to canoe on and challenging ropes courses. The entire camp has several campsites (we were Camp Sariah) and can accommodate up to 2400 girls at a time. There are service missionaries that run the camp and keep it secure. 

We had so much fun playing several "Minute to Win It" games. Eating Oreos off our faces by only using our facial muscles and picking up cotton balls with Vaseline on our noses were our favorites. We even got President LaMunyon to do it! The girls also loved making friendship bracelets...yes, just like the ones  we did when we were younger. However, the games and songs definitely are not like the ones we did when we were younger. They are much more physical (man, you get a workout) and more complicated. 

If there was one (and only one) thing I did not love about camp, it was sleeping on the wood bunk. I am too old and my double layer of foam pads did diddily squat. Air mattress next time for sure. That being said, the cabins are very nice and clean.  Throughout the week,  the weather was wonderful. We had one afternoon of rain and hail, but we were still able to complete all our scheduled activities. If you ask me, a bit of rain just makes things a bit more exciting and interesting. Only bummer about that was it was on the night Chad came so we didn't get to do much hanging out...we were in the cabins and he was in the priesthood tent. 

I came home with the biggest smile on my face. I was practically skipping down the halls at church the following Sunday. I could hardly wait to see the girl's parents to tell them how wonderful their girls are and how much fun we had. I truly feel so lucky to have this opportunity to be with the girls. I love them. 

A new beginning

For the last 5 years (time flies!), we have been attending Jordan Ridge Elementary. We really loved that school and had a great experience there. However, I felt it was time we returned to our neighborhood school. For my kids, I felt strongly that they needed to be among their ward/neighborhood friends. Not that my kids can't have friends outside of neighborhood and school boundaries, I just feel that once Jr.High and High School roll around, I want them to have good friendships that are easy for me to watch and be a part of. Not that education isn't important, I just feel strongly that friends can have a great impact on educational successes. As a parent we all try hard to make the best decision, but we never really know which way that choice will go. I hope the thought and prayer we've put into this move will serve my children well.

With that being said, there were a few extra butterflies on this first day of school. It's never easy being the "new kid" and Andrew and Sarah really had brave faces and positive attitudes today. I am proud of them for handling this change so well and I hope it continues to be a positive experience for them. I am thankful that there are some neighborhood children in their classes and I hope they will accept them into their circle of established school friends. After kindergarten testing, Jenna will have her "first day of school" next week (waahhhh...my baby!!!) There were so many things I loved about our previous school, but we are looking forward to becoming part this school's community.

By the way...pack an overnight bag

I knew Chad had made dinner reservations and arrangements for the kids to stay at my mom's on Friday night. I was looking forward to a quiet night at a clean home (it doesn't stay clean for more than 10 min at a time) after dinner and a movie. However, Chad had made different plans. As we were discussing the plans to get the kids to my mom's house, he casually said, "You might want to pack an overnight bag." Well okay! I was totally surprised and couldn't wait to hear about what he had planned.

We had dinner reservations at Tiburon in Sandy. It was delicious. I had the lamb and Chad had the roasted chicken. We will definitely go back sometime. Next we headed to the Grand America dowtown. Have you ever stayed here? This was my first time and wow, it is amazing. Our room was just beautiful. It had a sitting area, huge bathroom and a gorgeous view of the east side of Salt Lake. After check-in we headed to the Gateway for to see the movie, "Salt." After the movie, we enjoyed an evening walk throught some of the gardens at the hotel. When we returned to our room, we found our bed turned down with a robe, chocolates and music softly playing. In the morning, we had breakfast on the patio next to the beautiful grounds.  As if this wasn't enough, Chad made spa appointments for us at Sego Lily Spa. We both had 90 min treatments. What an indulgence! This was such a relaxing fun weekend with Chad. I can't thank him enough for going out of his way to surprise and pamper me.

16 years

You think we look a little young when we got married? Yea, I'm pretty sure they checked my birth certificate at the temple. Sheesh, I look like I'm 14! It is so fun to look at these photos and remember how we felt when we were dating and when we first got married. It was wonderful. But, you know what? I wouldn't trade it  for what we have now. Last week Chad sent me this email:

I was just looking at our blog. Sometimes I need to pinch myself that you chose me. I am proud to be best friends with you and can’t believe it has been 16 years. I feel like we have always been together and couldn’t picture myself with anyone else. We have beautiful children. I feel privileged that I get to be their father. Just wanted you to know that.

Love you! Have a great day!

And to think he wonders why I chose him...I can't believe he chose me. 

Don't you just love the old school posing on the photos and wow! what great '90's attire!

Time well spent...

Megan and Cameron asked to take Josh and Andrew camping with them. They don't have kids of their own yet so this is either good practice or good birth control. Well, actually, for the later, I need to give them one of my younger kids. I digress. After picking up some much needed supplies (Pop Tarts), they headed for the hills of Timpanogos and the waters of Cascade Springs. Megan and Cameron didn't take it easy on the boys...they backpacked in for about a mile. As you can see, they found a beautiful spot to set up camp. This was Andrew's first official camp-out and I know he a great time. Thank you Megan and Cameron!

Celebrating the Otterstrom in us

My mom had a strong feeling that she should pull together the "Otterstroms" for an impromptu reunion with her sisters and some of the cousins. In attendance were: my cousins Rick and Ron Otterstrom (My Uncle Tom died young of melanoma) along with their spouses and children, Marylin and Gary with Jen, Becky and Kenny, Aunt Sue, Pat Thiriot (G'ma Ruth's sister) and Carly Thiriot (mom's cousin).  We missed seeing Tom and his family as well as all the Williams cousins. It was wonderful to see them and see how their families have grown. I am so glad that my mom thought it important enough to bring many of us together to remember our Otterstrom roots.

Lost and Found

   Occasionally, our cat, Jewel, likes to go outside. I wish she would just stay inside, but it's hard to deny her of her natural instincts to explore the outdoors. She's wandered off a bit, but has always quickly returned...until last Sunday.
   By the time church started at 1:00 the kids were worried. Unprovoked, Sarah took the initiative to have it announced in primary. I really thought she'd be on our doorstep when we got home. When she wasn't, I was a little worried. We printed up a little flyer with her photo to take with us on our Sunday walk. As we approached the first person we saw, Sarah began telling her about our cat. She could barely get a few words out before she was overcome with tears. That night, we put food and water on the front and back porch just in case she came back in the middle of the night.
   When we woke up in the morning and there was still no Jewel, I knew something had happened. Either she was "gone" or someone had taken her in. It broke my heart when I found Sarah wrapped in her blanket on the front porch calling for Jewel (I snapped the picture from the window). I felt our best hope of getting her back was to take quick action. I posted an ad on KSL and we then printed up some signs and made small flyers. We posted the signs at each entrance of our neighborhood and few beyond. We then taped the flyers on the doors of our neighborhood. By the time we had gotten home, someone had called. They had Jewel! The morning before a family had found her meowing on the back porch and they let her in. The gal that found her said they weren't "cat people," but they thought Jewel was the sweetest cat...even her husband was smitten with her.She said they were going to walk the neighborhood to see if they could find her owners, but who knows if they would have found their way to us. I'm so glad we put out the flyers so we could have her home sooner than later.
   As soon as we got her home, we went straight out and bought her a tag with her name and phone number on it. Lesson learned. Later, we made cookies to take to the family who took such good care of her until we could get her back. We are so thankful to have her home and we are all keeping a closer eye on her...with a few extra loves of course!

It's always fun when...

...friends come to town! What a special treat to have Karen and Diane in town at the same time. We meet at Chili's for dinner where when enjoyed chips and salsa (of course!) and lots of laughing. After dinner, we did some quick shopping. By the time we were done shopping, we were ready for dessert, so where did we go for dessert?? Chili's, of course. It was great seeing our earlier waitress do a double take as we returned for molten lava cake! Even though it was quick, it was wonderful to have a night to reminisce and reconnect.

Been practicing...

Last Christmas, Chad got me a camera. He bought Heather's old Nikon D70. I've been having a lot of fun learning how to use it. However, the more I use it, it's clear there is a lot more I need to learn! There are a few things I've learned so far; good color is hard to get and group shots are much harder than individuals. I have also found (by way of Heather's much needed and wanted constructive criticism) that I tend to shoot really light. Clearly, I need to work on getting a better understanding of my settings. Heather will start spouting off some photog speak and much of it still sounds like a foreign language to me. I have had fun practicing on anyone that will let me. I've about used all the patience and smiles from my own kids and am now resorting to friends! Anyway, here are some fun shots I've gotten over the last two months. This has been a fun, new challenge and I'm looking forward to learning much more.

Happy 3rd(?!) of July

With the 4th falling on a Sunday this year, the celebrations for the fourth were scattered all throughout the weekend...what fun...a three day celebration! We enjoyed most of festitivites on the the 3rd. We headed up to Kaysville for the chuck wagon breakfast and parade. The breakfast is always a great place to see a few old friends. The jets doing a fly-by, the veterans and the firetrucks are always my favorite part of the parade. After the parade, we headed to Dan and JaNel's for swimming and BBQ. That evening, we headed to Sandy for the celebrations there. They have a great event with a parade, live music and booths. Sarah had a great time being front and center dancing in front of the stage. She got to meet the cute, up and coming country singer, Paisley. Sunday included a 3hr walk through neighborhood and we even saw a few fireworks at the end of that long walk (don't you just love summer when all the neighbors come out?) and on Monday, we enjoyed swimming in Provo with Chad's parents. What a fun weekend!

Something that needs to happen far more often that it does: getting all the neighbors out!! Thank you to the Means and Goodners for organizing this. It was so great to see so many of us out there. All were welcome...many came...maybe even more will come next year. Yay, for neighbors!

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.

What have I been doing

I think sometimes stress can manifest itself in different ways...like the previous post. ;) The last couple weeks have felt really busy. Giving two baby showers, decorating chairperson for the stake women's conference(decorating 30+ tables on a tight budget), birthdays, race training, scouting (Good job Andrew on your Arrow of Light), 3rd grade art show (Good job Sarah on having your work choosen for display), reupholstering my couch (with help I might add) and a "rockin" ward talent show (go Chad!). Here are just few pictures to illustrate.

Amazing

Yesterday morning, I had my recommend renewal appointment with a counselor in the stake presidency. After a little chatting, we began the formal interview with a prayer. After the prayer, he paused and said, "I have the impression to tell you that you are a great mom." Given my recent feelings (as noted in the last post), this was an amazing tender mercy from my Heavenly Father.  This was an incredible confirmation that He knows me personally and loves me. This unexpected affirmation of love is one I know I will heavily rely on in the coming months and for that I am so grateful.

A grand experience...

Grandma Chris wanted to do something special with Sarah for her 9th birthday. She made reservations for High Tea at the Grand America hotel. We were seated in a beautifully decorated lobby complete with crystal chandeliers and a harpist. The hors d'oeuvres and specialty hot chocolates were delicious. However, it was the "tea flower" that stole the show. Upon our arrival, our waitress placed a small bundle in a tall, stemmed glass. After a few minutes, we saw the hot water do it's magic. It opened up revealing a beautiful flower. It was so fun to watch. After our "tea" we wandered around the hotel enjoying the paintings, antiques and beautiful furniture. Sarah even got to watch a bride in the courtyard. What a special and indulegent afternoon indeed...thank you Grandma Chris!

Feeling incompetent. Feeling stressed. Feeling blessed.

So I haven't been blogging much lately...not sure that anyone has noticed. Sometimes my mind gets much too jumbled with all the things I have to do, all the things I should do and all the things I want to do. I hate feeling this way and when I do, my weaknesses really seem to look me right in the face. Lately, I've been feeling the pressures of motherhood wearing me down.

I worry that I my preschooler won't willingly tell me letters, let alone be reading by the time kindergarten starts. Why are so many other kids reading when they reach kindergarten?? I worry that I haven't found the perfect childhood hobby for my kids. Since when did our children need a childhood career? Seriously, sometimes I feel like if you haven't found your child's "chosen hobby" by the time they are eight, it's too late. Things are getting way too intense and competitive if you ask me. I worry that my older kids don't know all the Articles of Faith and that my youngest doesn't like to pray. I worry that my house isn't as clean and organized as it should be. I worry that I don't scrapbook anymore and my youngest one wonders where all her pictures are. I worry that I'm not enjoying motherhood enough and this time really is going to be over before I know it.

And then I take a deep breath.

I feel blessed.

I know everything will work itself out. It has to. I wasn't reading when I started kindergarten and somehow I managed to graduate from college. I trust that my kids will find something they are passionate about...even if they aren't on a competitive team or the most coordinated one in dance class. I know my kids are absorbing more of the gospel than I ever did at their age and I even passed off my Articles of Faith. Somedays I get my house clean and the laundry done...a lot of days I don't. I know my kids know I love them...regardless of the number of scrapbook pages each of them have (or don't have). I know this mothering part of life will be over before I know it, but I know that motherhood never ends. However, I am trying harder to hug them a little more, look into their eyes more deeply and listen more intently and get angry a little less. And I when I fail, I just try again.