"See" a good day

I had a wonderful weekend.  I was able to attend a conference in Salt Lake City, entitled "Time out for Women".  This was a 2 day conference sponsored by Deseret Book with many motivational speakers.  The theme this year was "Infinite Hope".  I was able to attend with friends from my ward and it was an enriching experience.  There was beautiful music and varied talks that all lead back to the same message of hope.  I enjoyed the short escape and being rejuvenated once again.

I especially enjoyed a talked by Amanda Dickson about change and how most of the time it is the best thing for you.  I also loved hearing from Mariama Kallon, a African Woman from Sierra Leone.  She suffered a tragic life in a war torn country and eventually found the church and converted.  She shared her emotional story of how a simple hygiene kit that was given to her gave her hope and blessed the lives of over 20 woman.  Other speakers were Virginia Hinkley Pearce, Brad Wilcox, Linda Eyre, Shawni Eyre Pothier, and Heidi Swinton (the author of President Monson's Biography).  We also heard music from Hilary Weeks and Dallyn Vail Bayles.  There were many great messages.

The last speaker was named Emily Freeman and I really enjoyed her talk.  Her main theme was instead of achieving the common phrase of "have a good day" we should learn to "see a good day".  In other words, there are good things all around us and we don't always recognize them for how good they truly are.  I liked her perspective and I have decided to make that a goal.  That I will "see a good day".

This day was a "good" one.  I was enriched with good friends.  Alyssa won her indoor soccer game and she scored 2 goals.  Ryan played his first competitive basketball game and they also won.  Plus Ryan did well and liked it.  Brianna scored in her basketball game and had fun.  People stepped up to help me in the day so that I could get away.  Roger supported me in desire to attend this conference.  At the end of the day, we enjoyed a nice quiet evening together as a family.  I saw a good day.

A Girl and Her Doll

Doesn't Brianna look adorable in her new dress?  It came with a matching one for a doll and it fit Alyssa's American Girl Doll perfectly.  So cute!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Today is my sweetheart's birthday and it has been a wonderful day.  Roger took the day off, and could do whatever he wanted.  I was grateful because he chose to spend it with me and the kids.

We started out by going out to breakfast together and then doing some Christmas shopping.  After some other errands, we returned home and he put on super soft comfy pants (which he never gets to do) and went downstairs and played some x-box (also something he never gets to do).

He opted to eat in for his birthday dinner.  We collaborated and together made New York Strip Steak with a Marsala, mushroom cream sauce.  We had potatoes and homemade rolls and the special treat was Crab legs.  The kids went crazy with the crab.  I think we have created some monsters :) in regards to yummy home cooked food.  Alyssa announced that when she gets engaged she will never bring her fiance to dinner because then he would expect awesome cooking from her.  (She could just learn how to do it to but that would require to much effort).

The next day Brianna asked if we had any left over crab legs.  Silly girl, thinks we should have them all the time now.

Brianna also insisted that we had exactly the right number of candles for the cake.  So it was quite the ordeal to light and left a lot of smoke afterwards.  But we did it.

Anyway, we had a lovely dinner and followed it up with family Wii time.  It was so nice just to be together as a family and to Roger that was the perfect day.  I would have to agree.

I do have to write about his birthday present.  We have a new family member.  A lab puppy named Scarlet.  Now after Dakota died I really fought against getting a new dog.  It was too heart wrenching to lose a family member and also the sheer amount of work involved with a dog kept me from desiring another one.  Well I always struggle with what to get Roger for presents.  He already has what he needs and wants.  Plus, he truly has no time for hobbies at this time of his life (you know just fun silly things that bring you joy).  The only thing he has ever wanted or could want is a dog.  So I opened the door of possibility just a little bit to think about it and it didn't take long before it was shoved all the way open and we had a new pup in less than a week.

I would only do it for Roger.  He is so happy and I figured if there was something that could bring him a little joy and stress relief in his life then it is worth it. 

So we named her Scarlet (for Ohio State of course) Princess Buttercup (Brianna's contribution).  She is a sweet puppy and the kids absolutely adore her.  She has adjusted right into the family and is so fun.  I think it was a good thing for our family.

So another birthday has come and gone.  I must say that this past year has brought so much growth for Roger.  To see him embrace his calling as Bishop and allow the spirit to work in his life more than ever has been amazing.  There have been many hard things he has had to deal with and yet has done a fabulous job.  I am so proud of him and the man he has become.

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween.  It is my favorite holiday.  I enjoy the decorations and fall themed activities.  I like candy :).  I look forward to seeing the creativity of all the different costumes.  I love taking pictures with the bold colors set against neutral fall colors.  I enjoying experiencing the enthusiasm of my children and it takes me back to my childhood.  It is such a wonderful time of year.

This year it was difficult to get some decent pictures.  I was only able to snap just a few before it started to rain.  Plus,  I have a teenager that is often doing her "own thing" and often misses the photo shoot.  But, that is to be expected I guess and I will take what I can get.

 

Ryan decided to be a spy this year.  It was a relatively easy costume to create.  He could wear whatever he wanted.  All we had to do was add shades, handcuffs, a briefcase and an ear piece and he was ready to go.

 This year Ryan wanted to go trick or treating alone with his friends.  He prepared by printing out a map of the neighborhood, and had his route all planned out.  (Sounds like a good spy to me).  Here he is with Josh Jones and Dallin Stevens.  Once Tyler Millington arrived, they were off.  It didn't matter that the rain was coming down in sheets.  Nothing was going to stop them from getting their spoils.

 Brianna had a hard time deciding what to be this year.  She just loves everything.  She changed her mind several times before she settled on a lavender butterfly.  She loves butterflies.  We didn't fuss too much with her hair because within 5 minutes the rain would destroy it anyway.  She didn't care though, it was all about the Trick or Treating.  Her and daddy went out alone.  Daddy carried the umbrella over her head to protect his sweetie. 

It didn't take long for Brianna to realize that Trick or Treating with the Bishop was a good thing.  Most everyone insisted on giving the Bishop a treat as well.  Of course, the majority of the treats ended up in Brianna's bucket.  To say she "scored" is a major understatement.

I "happened" into a vampire costume so I dressed up as well.  (I am missing my neck piece in this picture which really makes the costume, but oh well).  It was fun answering the door for the kids and to be all dressed up.

Alyssa eventually made an appearance with her friend Amanda.  She was sort of dressed up as Cleopatra.  (She changed her mind so many times that I didn't even know what she was going to be in the end.)

They went to some select houses to get some treats, but mainly just hung out and watched a movie with their friend Kiersten.

The "haul".  The kids did great and even outlasted the rain. 

We got a ton of candy and fortunately with my kids it will last months.  Plus they are always willing to share with their mother.

Halloween Half Marathon

WOOOHOOO!!  I not only survived my first half marathon (and probably the last) but I also did well.  I not only finished but I put up a decent time of 2 hours and 8 minutes.  It was tough but fun and I am glad to say I did it.

Here are a few of the highlights:

- We had a group of ward members that also ran the race.  We traveled together and pumped each other up.  We could also commiserate after the race about how much we were in pain.

-We bussed up to Aspen Grove and our bus driver went rogue.  Instead of taking the quick 30 minute direct route, he took the scenic drive over the Alpine Loop.  It was a harrowing 1 1/2 hour drive over the mountain and navigating sharp switchbacks.  In spite of the craziness, it allowed us to sit in a warm location instead of standing for 2 hours in the cold.  It turned out alright.

-  Since it was a Halloween race, we dressed up in costumes.  Roger created, designed and executed our matching set.  We were King Arthur and his faithful servant Patsy from the infamous movie "The Holy Grail".  We were widely popular throughout the race and we ended up taking first place in the costume contest for duos.  We brought home a huge glass vase as our trophy.

-Roger clomped his coconuts together for the entire 13.1 miles which provided a rhythm and entertainment for all around us.

-I love the first 6 miles (all down hill) and the scenic fall views throughout the whole race.

-By mile 8 my left knee started to hurt but I kept going.  By mile 11 both my knees were in severe pain but I pushed through.  Other than that,  I felt great.

-There was a great cheering squad on mile 12 (our kids, my parents, Missy and her kids and some ward members).  It was great encouragement right at the end.

-I finished the race beating my average 10 minute per mile race time.  If only my knees hadn't slowed me down . . .

-Roger stayed by my side the entire time and encouraged me the whole way.  He carried my things, talked to me and cheered me on.  I couldn't have done it without him.

-I got a real cool medal and Halloween t-shirt.

-I also been blessed with great pain for days afterward to remind me that I did run 13 miles and how lucky I am to have a body that will allow me to do that.

A Few updates

Life seems to be hurdling by at an outrageous pace so I though I better just list a few noteworthy things from the past week or so.  Here goes:

-We survived another Primary Program.  This was our third one as this presidency and we should be pros by now.  Typically, we were nervous after a crazy practice on Saturday, but the kids came through as always and it was touching to be a part of it.

-Ryan tried out for a competitive basketball team and made it.  As exciting as that is, there will be travel involved and a big time commitment.  We will see how this plays out.

-Alyssa is starting indoor soccer with her team.  Games are in Lindon.

-Brianna also started basketball with the city.  She has an awesome coach and is super excited to play.

-I just got another calling as the "Athletic Director" for the Young Women in our ward.  We are starting our volleyball season this week and I will coach the girls.  I think we will all be living in the gym this winter.

-We had our annual Halloween Family Night/Dinner at the Millingtons house.  As always there was great themed food, fun games and good company.

-Just 3 days before Halloween, we have finally narrowed down Ryan's costume.  Now if we could just figure out what Alyssa wants to be . . .

-We had a game night with the Primary Presidency and their spouses.  It was crazy and fun and I realized how lucky I am to serve with such neat ladies.

-  I learned how to bottle tomatoes with Viv and Nan.

-  I went to a boutique with my mom and sisters for "Mothers Without Borders".  This was the group that my mom went to Africa with to do Humanitarian work.  I bought some neat African Jewelery and a bunch of other fun stuff.

-  I went to an Auction and Banquet for Eagle Condor Humanitarian.  This is the the group my dad is over that goes to Peru.  I was able to score tickets to the Hale Center Theatre for the Christmas Carol in the auction.  I was also able to sit 10 feet away from Jon Schmidt as he played the piano.  It was incredible.  ( I have followed him and loved his music for the last 18 years).  What a treat.

-There is snow on the ground today and I am trying not to be angry about it.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.   I can't recall all that we did or do.  I am just grateful that we have the health and means to do so much.   It is better than the alternative.

One Week to Go . . .

Only one short week until the Halloween Half Marathon.  I do not know if I am excited or relieved.

So in preparation for that I ran 10 miles today.  My longest run to date.  Most of it was in the dark and thankfully my hubby was at my side.  I felt pretty good for the most part.  My knee started hurting at about 9 1/2 miles.  I am hoping it will last for the whole race.

Either way about it, 10 miles wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be :)