Look Who's 3!!!

(Sorry this is the most recent photo by herself that is uploaded to our laptop.)

We welcomed this beautiful little girl into our family three years ago and she has blessed our lives ever since! I love my Katie Bug so much that I can hardly believe it! Every single day she makes us laugh. She is always giving hugs and kisses and says the most random, funny things that I can't help but smile. She loves her baby dolls and Barbie dolls, but doesn't mind picking up a toy car or ball every now and then. She changes her clothes at least 5 times a day and keeps me busy with laundry! She loves anything that involves princesses and getting all dolled up. Thank goodness it's never a fuss to get her ready for church. She loves going to nursery and adores her teachers, Brother and Sister Barr. She was able to talk to a few people on the phone today and she would say, "Hi _____, it's my birthday!" The girls and I went to the movies this morning and then spent the lunch hour at the park. We'll be celebrating with a "white castle cake" and ice cream per Katie's request later this week. I love you so, so much, my little Katie Bug! I'm so blessed to be your mommy and I'm glad you were born. You'll always be my baby and I hope you stay a mama's girl forever! Happy Birthday!!!

I'm Ba-ack!

I'm back in a couple of ways... I got home from girls camp last week and had an absolute BLAST! I am so thrilled that I was able to go and spend the whole week with such amazing girls. I LOVE my calling!!! I'll talk on that more later.

For now I wanted to say that I'm back to running! I have officially started my training for my full marathon. I'm a little behind in my own schedule but ahead of the schedule on www.marathonrookie.com so we'll see how I do. I have run on the track a few times and then started running on the roads this week. The best part is I have found a new running buddy!!! Angela had to skip out on running due to medical reasons. It really put a cramp in my style. :) But a few weeks ago Alysa was at the track and I suckered her into running with me. We had a great time and now she's training for a half marathon and has agreed to run 3 times a week with me! Yahoo!!! I'm so glad and now we'll just have to see how the bum knee holds up. Thanks for sucking it up, Alysa!!!

I'm annoyed!

Okay, first I have to say that we love our neighborhood and we've had zero problems in the past. Everyone seems to get along and are very pleasant. With that said I have to mention something that really annoyed me.

I'm sitting here trying to do some work while watching You've Got Mail... minding my own business... very late at night. When all of a sudden I got a tap on my door. It was midnight for crying out loud! My first thought was, "Should I go wake up Andy?" My second thought was, "Maybe it's Brandon or Brigetta... no, they would've called first." So I peeked out my front window. (This has happened before and it turned out to be teenagers being immature and they ran off.) Peeking out the window was practically useless. My porch light is burned out and I could barely see a silhouette. My heart was racing and I stood there for a second and thought, "Well, they already know I'm here. I've looked out the blinds and the light is on." I didn't really know what to do and then I saw a woman standing at the edge of the lawn. (This next part I realize was absolutely STUPID on my part.) I opened the door! Thank goodness it was our next door neighbor... but he wanted to tell me that our backyard sprinklers were causing a flood. What?!!! You scared the poop out of me to tell me that you want me to turn off my sprinklers? That really couldn't have waited till morning? And here is the dumb part--- I turned off our sprinklers and our neighbor behind us has his going and there is a run off from his, too. So really I don't think it's just ours, if any that's causing his flood. Maybe they are just watering too much!

Am I crazy for thinking that common courtesy is even if a light is on--- you just DO NOT knock on someones door late at night? They could have called first! I'm sorry, but I'm totally annoyed!

Goin' down memory lane...

Tonight Andy and I were watching a movie on television and one of the lines made me laugh and think of something that happened about 12 years ago. The line was, "Thunder Cats a go!"

When my little sister was about 2 we rented a movie and she loved it!!! She would yell, "Funder, funder, funder cats a hooooo!" It was so cute! Remembering that now I might have to give her a call and tease her about it later.

I need input!

I'm thinking of going private with my blog, but I can't quite decide. I like that when I visit a friend's blog and see someone else I haven't seen in years, then being able to catch up if they are public... and vice versa. I've found lots of friends that way and I am now able to keep in touch and read about new jobs, weddings, babies and lots more. Plus, it's another source of putting my business out there since it's linked on the right.

However, the other day I happen to see a Criminal Minds episode that freaked me out. I know it's creepy I like that show, but this particular one was really freaky. It started out that the unsub was able to find his victims through public facebook pages. And the second part that had my heart racing was that it was happening in a City not too far from here. I know we all secretly hope our parts of town are safe... but deep down I think we all know they are just the same as any other city.

And here is the one that is a kicker... literally the day before I watched that episode I received a comment on my blog that was totally normal and encouraging, but I had no idea who it was from. When I clicked on the name, it linked me to a public website (not a blog) that I didn't recognize. That has happened before but then usually the next comment is something along the lines of, "Hey it's Jane, btw... I was on my sister's blog."

I try not to give specific details of where I live, but do you think I'm being way too paranoid by going private? Lend me your thoughts, please!

SURPRISE! It took longer than we expected, but...

We are finally done with these!!! Yahoo!!!
I think it's safe to say that Katie is officially potty trained!!! It took a heck of a lot longer than the other two... maybe longer than any child. It literally took her 8 months. I know there are moms out there thinking, "You're insane!" They're probably right. At times I was so tempted to give up and put her back in those awful diapers, but then I remembered how expensive they are. Katie knew how to do it the whole time but she would have at least one accident nearly every day. I don't know if she would just get distracted or if she was lazy and didn't care. She went a whole week without accidents, including nights, so I took her to do this... Waiting so patiently, and maybe a bit nervous...


She only cried for a minute....

She picked out the pretty pink ones...
That's right! We got her ears pierced. Andy was the one who said she could do it when she was all potty trained. And when Katie met the agreement Andy was the one who got her all ready to go. After the lady gave her a sucker and a "Certificate of Bravery" she calmed down and was ready to show anyone and call everyone to tell them all about it!

I know it seems silly to say this but I am so proud of her for finally getting it down. She does it all by herself and it makes me so happy!

Oh, and if you are wondering about the headband... it's her favorite and she wears it even though St. Patrick's Day is long gone!

I've been busy

Life has been so busy around here that I haven't had a chance to post anything new. I've been doing shows like crazy for work... but it's my own fault. About a month or so back I went to a booking class and participated in a competition with my manager and her down line. She said whoever got the most shows booked before noon the following day got $100 in free jewelry credit. There is a part of me that said, "I am going to win, dang it!" I started making phone calls like crazy and by noon I had 12 shows booked (10 of which were in the next 2 months). My competitive side pulled through and I got a few new items that I "had to have"... Now I'm in the process of doing all the shows. In addition to those ones I've had about 5 or 6 other girls book parties, all of which before July. I quite literally only have 2 days even available to do any more shows. Thanks to all you wonderful hostesses that keep me busy with my business.

I'm down to my last few sessions of physical therapy and I've been given the okay to test run on Saturday. We'll see how that goes and then I'll add training for a marathon in the mix of my busy schedule. I'm thinking I might have to start doing morning runs just so I don't have to skip days of running. But before I do that I have an appointment on Tuesday to see what the orthopedic doctor says.

Now I have to tell you as quick as possible about a few crazy days of last week. After returning from physical therapy and lunch with some girlfriends, I picked up my girls and Brandon dropped off Porter and Mikayla. (Brigetta and Brandon went on a motorcycle ride that ended up being a bit longer than I expected.) Not long after we got home Sammy and Sophia, the neighbor friend, got off the bus. I immediately noticed Sophia's arm was very swollen. When I asked her what happened she basically told me she hyper extended it the night before, but assured me it was fine. I was not about to believe her with the size of her arm and being pretty warm to the touch. I called her mom she came to pick her up. She left her other two kids with me and then around 8:15 she returned with Sophia's arm in a splint... it was broken! (If you're trying to count that's 7 kids ages 6 and under.)

The next day I had already committed to watching a friend's baby. Brayli was dropped off around 7:30 in the morning (I know Emily is gasping somewhere that I was even conscience that early). Well, a little later Ginger needed to take Sophia to the doctor to get her arm casted. She dropped off her two kids and the two kids she watches every day. Life was a bit hectic, but relatively calm considering how many kids were here. (If you're doing the math again that's 8 kids ages 6 and under and then when Sam left for school it was 7 kids ages 4 and under.) It turned out that Brayli's grandma picked her up early and then Ginger returned shortly after. It allowed me just enough time to clean up and get ready for work. It was all worth it when I was lucky enough to be the first person to sign Sophia's bright pink cast!

Oh, and did I mention young women's? Between lessons, girls camp stuff, and Wednesday night activities, I've been just a tad busy. I'm hoping life will start to settle down... but who am I kidding? I've been thinking that for about 6 years!!! Maybe in my next life I'll get to rest.

Jumping for joy!!!

A few months ago I posted about a full marathon idea that Emily planted in my brain. So Emily, Amy, and I registered for the St. George marathon as a team. It's a lottery and the deadline to register was May 1st. We found out yesterday that WE GOT IN!!! I know there are lots of people out there that think I am totally insane... or as I've been told, "Off the record, but what the hell are you thinking?" I don't care because right now I am jumping for joy! I still can't believe we got in. There were 11,000 applicants this year that they said was a record high. Go team runningrocks262!!!

2:22:12

I was quite nervous about my knee before I left for Utah with only days before my race. I felt I had done everything I could and that it was time for the Lord's help. I asked Andy to give me a blessing Wednesday morning before he left for work and put my faith in Him. I know that Heavenly Father was watching over me without a doubt in my mind. I was able to run the whole race with Cindy and stay side by side. My knee did not cause me any pain during the race and we finished in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 12 seconds! I am so proud of Cindy for this huge accomplishment! She did such a great job and has amazing determination. The girl is so focused during her race she hardly talks or even smiles. ;)

We bought matching shirts the day before and I had to show it off! (Yes, I realize I look like I'm flashing my brother.) After coming home from Kohl's we noticed the security tag was still attached and we had to pry it off with pliers. The green had to show in at least one of the pictures. Great security they have there, right?

Last year I ran this race in 30 degree weather while it was snowing... This year wasn't any better even though it was a month later. It was slightly warmer, but it snowed... rained... and hailed! That's right, it hailed!!! We were absolutely drenched by the time we were done. Cindy didn't have any gloves so I let her borrow mine every now and then. They were wet, but at least they added some warmth. We didn't even stick around for any of the after party (and they were serving HOT breakfast) because we wanted to get out of our wet clothes. Adam was worried we were going to get hypothermia if we stayed in them much longer. By the time we got back home and started shedding clothes we realized how wet we were. All three of my layers were soaked except a tiny part of my shirt where my arms covered it. Wow it was cold!

I'm so proud of Cindy and it was so fun to run this race with her despite the yucky weather! I love you tons, Cindy! I can't wait till I can run another race with you... whenever that will be.

A side note: I thought my knee was back to normal since I felt great and I even wore heels to church today. Later this evening it hurt so bad Andy was carrying me around. We all laughed, but really I'm looking at my stairs now wondering how I'm going to get up them without Andy's help. Yikes!!!

This is how I know that the Lord was watching over me during my race.

Couple funnies!

As I've mentioned before I love to sleep so often I might be considered a "lazy mom." Well, I was mentioned on The Lazy Mom blog! I submitted a tip for being able to sleep just a little longer than your kids. Why is it that the days you have to get up earlier than usual your kids sleep in? I just have to say that drives me CRAZY! Anyway, it's confirmed, I'm a lazy mom!

The other funny thing occurred this morning. While doing the girls' hair I had to get after Katie. I told her that if I ask her to do something she needs to do it immediately. Sammy said, "That sounds like something a queen would say." I replied, "Yeah, and who is the queen of this house?" Sammy said, "You are, and daddy is the king of this house." Ashley had to chime in, "Yeah, and me, Katie, and Sammy are the princesses of this house." I had a hard time controlling my laughter when Sammy said, "Mm, no... I'm the servant!" Such a hard life to be a six year old and only have to unload the dishwasher every other day to earn your keep! It was pretty funny!

Shot through the knee...

... and plica's to blame! You give running a bad name! (Sorry, that was lame.)

After going in for physical therapy yesterday I was told it's time for the cortisone shot (too much "crunchy" scar tissue). Yikes!!! I am such a pansy when it comes to needles. It really is one of my biggest fears and I was not looking forward to the shot, even knowing it will help. So this morning I covered my eyes, tried to control my shaking nerves, and got the shot in my knee!

The shot wasn't that bad. There was a big pinch and some burning and then it was gone. Right now it just feels swollen and full of fluid. Hopefully things will be better in a couple days and I'm back to normal. We'll see... wish me luck!

Running Yet?

I saw the physical therapist this morning and she gave me the "okay" to start running tonight. She said, "Just a jog! Short... only 2 miles... 3 if you are feeling really good." I was also given instruction to run with a patella band for support. I went right out and bought what I needed and called Angela. I was so excited to get back to running and I thought I might have to be forced to stop after 3 miles.




Wrong! I only made it half a mile and said, "Okay, I have to walk!" We walked for about a mile and then I was able to run the last mile. My knee is feeling pretty tight and sore so we'll have to see what tomorrow brings. Wish me luck that I can continue to run! I really, really want to do my races coming up!

The Verdict

After protest-- but too much pain in my knee-- I saw an orthopedic doctor Tuesday. I'll have you know I was up with all 4 of us girls cleaned up, ready to go, and out the door by 7:45! (New comers to this blog that almost never happens!) And the verdict is knee plica syndrome! (If you want to find out more information click here. If you're a runner this would be a great thing to read.) So much better than I was expecting. I was afraid they would have to do an MRI to rule out damage to my ACL or meniscus. The doctor prescribed a strong anti-inflammatory that I take twice a day and if it's not feeling better in a week I have to go back in and get a shot of cortisone. Yuck! The thought of a needle going into my knee makes me cringe so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't have to do that. In addition I have to go to physical therapy twice a week for six weeks. I went to my first session this morning. The therapist agreed that I had plica but she also thought I had a bit of tendinitis and scar tissue built up. She scraped my knee and the area around it and then the fun part, ultrasound. (This is not the fun ultrasound that you get to see what's inside... it kind of burns. If you want to know more about it click here.) Not only does my knee look like there's a balloon inside it, it feels like it too. There are a few bruises and where the patch was placed for the ultrasound I have a white circle, and where the stabilizer was placed it's still a bit red and tender. It's not fun, but if it's what I have to do to get back out on the road then I can handle it.

Shut the front door, that hurt!

Today as Angela and I were heading out for our 17 mile run my knee started to give me problems before we even went half a mile. In Ashley's words, "What the?!" I was so frustrated but thought I would work through the pain. Well, we only made it about 2 and a half miles before my knee popped... hard... and I almost fell over. I tried to walk it off and said, "Let's make it to the mail box and I'll try running again." Angela said, "Are you sure?" I was determined. The mail box came and I only made it a few feet running before I couldn't even walk. Ouch! So Angela tried calling Bryce to come get us... no answer! I tried calling Andy... no answer! Luckily I was able to walk the rest of the way home, but it still hurts enough that I nearly fall putting any weight on it while it's straight. Going up the stairs is the worst! I know I should get it checked out by a doctor but I am also hoping the pain will go away with ice, a brace, and rest. Wish me luck with my half marathon only weeks away! I want to at least make it to that point and then think about the full marathon.

I need to learn to relax...

... my shoulder that is. Lately the muscle in my right shoulder has been sore. I find that I tend to tuck it up a little in several activities but mostly running. It seems to be fine for about the first 13 miles. However, when I run more than that it feels really tight when I'm done running. I know that I just need to relax but I'm not sure what to do in order to relax it. My left one doesn't give me any problems and I don't know what I do differently.

So my question to you fellow runners, what can I do? Are there any stretches I can try before, during, or after to help? Are there any techniques I can try to loosen or relax my shoulder? Any advice would be great! After 16 miles I'll try anything!