Dear Sharon

I hope you are well, and helping out when needed. I think of you often, and wonder what you are doing. Are you teaching people to ride a bike or how to ski? Have you had the chance to talk with Pop and finally hear all his stories? Knowing you, you are being very helpful with the work that needs to be done.Your boys are doing better and both of them remind me of you and your love for life. I have started running races, your brother wishes it was bike races, but one step at a time I tell him. I am trying to be more active and adventurous like you, but I don't think I will ever be as brave. Have you picked out a plot for your mansion and is there another one close by?

Well, I better let you get back to work. I will talk to you again soon. I love you and miss you. You truly are the best.

Gail

p.s. the kids say hello



**for those of you that don't know, my sister-in-law passed away 2 years ago today form Brain Cancer.**

Act of Kindness

It is good to know that in these trying times, that strangers will still be kind to each other. Yesterday while I was leaving Costco, J decided to throw a fit and wouldn't get in the cart and wanted to go back into the store to get a hot dog. I picked him up, and tried to steer the cart at the same time. When a young man coming towards me asked if he could push my cart to my car for me. I was glad to have the help. Then when I was done loading the car, J was still screaming in the car and I went to return my cart, and a lady passing by said she would take it for me. Now these people did not work for Costco, they just acted on their own. So to them I say THANK YOU.

So remember that kindness is still important in the world today.

Camping pictures

Moab Camping Trip

So I took my kids and one of S's friends to Moab last weekend to camp out, during K1's 24 hour bike race. K1 left on Tuesday, to visit with clients and pre-ride the course. I left Friday, after K2 got out of school, around 1pm. Everyone was fed before we left and J even got an enema, because he was so over clogged. J was feeling better and fell asleep pretty quick. There was a movie on and everything seemed to be going well. K2 even fell asleep and then the girls needed a pit stop. I stopped in Price, to let them go and I topped off the gas tank. K2 woke up and started saying his stomach hurt. I asked if he needed to use the bathroom and he said no. Then he leaned over the seat next to him and...yep you guessed it, he puked. I spent the next half hour, making sure the kids didn't run away and cleaning his car seat, the car floor and the chairs. K2 has a pillow that his Grandma made him and that he truly loves, it was drenched with.. well you know and I wanted to throw it away, but he was throwing a fit, so I put it in a bag and it went in the back of the car. I explained to him that by the time I was able to wash it, it may not come clean. He didn't care at that point, he just wanted to keep it. Once we started going again, K2 started complaining that he was hungry, well of course you are, but I am not feeding you anything right now. So for the next hour he whined, but J fell back asleep. I stopped again, just off of I-70, before we turned for Moab. Everyone used the bathroom, I got some crackers and gogurt out to snack on, the kids loved to view and then we got back in the car to finish off our drive. We did make it to the campsite and the kids loved the camper we had to camp in and K2 was not sick again the rest of the trip.
We did have a ceremonial burning of the pillow on Saturday night. K2 agreed that we needed to get rid of it and he would ask grandma if she would make a new one for him.
J did come down with a fever on Saturday and still has not recovered and even has added a cough and runny nose.
Overall though we all had fun. The kids ran around and played from the time they got up (7:30) to the time they went to bed (9pm). No one got hurt, the weather was great and the kids got to ride on a four wheeler, which made there day. I am looking forward to going back next year, but maybe on my own.

Happy Birthday Sweetie

41 years ago today, this man was born. I am forever grateful for him and his dedication to his family. I hope he has at least 41 years in him. Happy Birthday.

Oops I did it again

So, I completed another half marathon, last Saturday. I beat my time from my first half, but ended up running with a stomach bug. Overall I was glad I did it and enjoyed the 2 days of leg pains afterward. Thanks to Shelley and Tammy for doing it with me and Mariah for training with us. It is great to have friends to push you to do positive things. I think I am done with races for this year, but will keep training for next year.

I can not believe he is already 3 years old. He is getting ready to start preschool, it seems like yesterday I was complaining that I was too hot and looked like I swallowed a pumpkin. J is a great kid and we love that he is in our family. He loves to snuggle, he enjoys emptying trash cans and dusting. He is a real joy and knows how to melt your heart. So Happy Birthday big J.

Update

Well, it has been awhile since I posted last and not much has changed. I turned 39 last month, and realized I am going to be 40 next year. I am still running and have another 1/2 marathon coming up this month. I survived a week of no hubby or kids, dust, heat, ice cold showers, my cot, and 13 teenage girls, that didn't have their phones or ipods. (I am in charge of girls camp at my church.) So July came and went without any trouble, August, means back to school Sierra, starting school for Kohl, starting preschool for Jansen and some free time for me. (yipee)

We have a couple of weddings this month and a trip to California to visit my parents. Jansen turns 3 on the 14th and he has his party all planned, thanks to his older brother and sister.

Here is a recent picture of the kids. Enjoy

Father's

I have been lucky enough to be blessed with 4 men that have helped me get to where I am today. One gave me life, one showed me how to live my life, one gave another life and one shares my life with me. I am grateful for all of them and for what they have taught me and for what they are teaching my children. I want to wish a very Happy Fathers Day to all of them and to all fathers out there.

Summer Break

The only thing my family has a break from is school. Sickness has hit my family hard since right before school let out. All but, K1 got the stomach flu, then K1 got sick with another type of flu, (pretty sure it was swine flu). He is still coughing, but overall feels better. Then K2 and J started with the cough, got fevers, J said his ear hurt, doctor confirmed double ear infection, got him on antibiotics but the cough will not go away. K2 has had a high fever, lots of coughing, headache, very irritable and mean, then today complained of his chest hurt (he thinks). So of to the doctor again, on the way there S tells me her throat hurts when she coughs. So the doctor looks at her and doesn't see anything but a could and she gets a cough medicine to help her sleep at night. In the meantime, K2 is given a mask and the doctor examines him. He has an ear infection and the doctor thinks borderline swine flu. So he is not allowed to have any contact with his friends or people outside the home. His lungs sound good and so we have to watch and listen to him. We will try to keep him in his room and away from the others. but at this point, I think it is too late. I have sanitized everything and have threatened the kids with there lives, if they don't wash their hands.

So need less to say, I do enjoy the fact that we are not rushing to and from preschool and school and I am not having to drag kids out of bed. But would really like to start enjoying a BREAK from being sick.

Catch up

It seems that the last month has gone by so quickly. With all the end of the school year programs and preschool graduations, it is already June. Today is the first day of summer break, and what am I doing? Well, I am trying to get my strength back from being sick and helping another child find the bucket when he needs it, clean house, get rid of any germs, air out the house, catch up on meetings missed and follow through on items for my church calling. Yes, it is only Monday and the 1st day of June.

Our family doesn't have any big summer plans. We will try to keep up with our reading and daily worksheets, maybe do a craft once a week, hang out with friends and family. Go to some bike races and running races. Most of all we will try to survive the summer and each other. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT FIRST WEEK OF SUMMER BREAK>

Mothers

A very Happy Mother's Day to all my mother's. Weather it is my own other, or my mother-in-law, or my step mother. These women have made me the mother I am today. So thank you to them and to all the other mother's that have helped me along the way. I hope you all have a great day.

Keith and his mom


My mom and me and 2 of my sisters. (Robin and Renee)


My step-mom Ginnie and Jansen

LITTLE DRUMER BOY

Big J keeps us laughing all the time. He loves to play the drums and he is a one man band. I think the movie "Drum line" has nothing on this little guy.

I did it

With a pained look on my face and tears in my eyes, I completed my first half marathon. I had prerace jitters that didn't go away until after the race began. I tried to keep a 10 minute mile pace with friends, but was surprised when I had to back off from them before mile 1. Once I hit mile 1 I looked at my watch and saw that I did it in 8 mins and 58 seconds. Well that explained why I couldn't keep up with them, they were just too fast for me. I stopped for 30 to 40 seconds at each water station to drink and stretch,then kept running. I was glad to see hubby, kids and friends in between mile 5 and 6. Once I hit mile 7, I was happy to see that I had made it past the half way point. I saw the family again between mile 9 and 10 and got high fives from the kids. It really does something to your self esteem, when you have someone cheering you on. I got a little worried around mile 10, when you are going down and then up again for at least 1/2 a mile. My body started to rebel and I started to doubt myself. I didn't give up though and started to bounce my head in time with the music on the Ipod. I called the hubby at mile 12 to make sure they were at the finish, because I was almost done. He told me to step up my pace and I told him I couldn't. As I rounded the corner and saw the finish line and my family, I gave it all I had left and crossed the finish line. I then went to stretch and started to cry. I don't know really why I was crying, but it felt good. I didn't hit my goal time, (wasn't that far off) but considering the weather I think I did really well. Here are a few photos for your enjoyment.

The day has come

So tomorrow is the big day. Race day that is. I have been training for this specific event for over a month now and my only down fall is extreme cold and hills. My body doesn't respond well to running uphill. As much as I try, my body rebel's. I did some light training runs this week and then gave my body a rest the past two days. I have done alot of stretching and always have water in my hand to drink. With all this preperation you would think I am ready, but I am extremely nervous. The weather here is going to be cold, with rain and snow mix. I think once the race starts I will feel a little better. Of course when I finish I will feel alot better. I still have my goal time to finish in, but may have to adjust it due to weather. Did I mention I hate running when it is really windy out? K1 has been out of town for a couple of days and is due back tonight. So being a single parent has enough stress, but I have added to it with this race. Well, that is enough complaining for today. Toon in tomorrow for the exciting results of my first half marathon. Thanks to everyone who has offered me advise and training tips.

It has begun

Ever since S started bringing lunch to school this year, I have written her little notes on her napkin. She enjoyed it so much she would leave me notes on my napkin to find at home. She even commented on how her friends would ask "what did your mom write today?" I loved doing this and would imagine her opening her lunch and reading the note and smiling and enjoying her food so much more.

Well, my time has passed. S asked me to stop writing her notes on her napkins. I asked her why and she said "no reason i just don't want them anymore". My heart sank, I thought I had at least until the middle of second grade to write her notes. Then as if that wasn't enough, I kissed her goodbye and she turned her cheek to me and said "stop please". What else should I expect? It is only Monday and I am so depressed. My little girl is growing up to fast and doesn't want the cute things I have to offer her. Oh, well I guess she is preparing me for her teenage years.

Not again

I spent all day yesterday changing diapers and airing out the house. Jansen has Rotavirus and my house smelt like a sewage dump. I went through a whole pack of wipes and half a sleeve of diapers. The doctor told me that he knew it was Rotavirus right away by how jansen stunk up the office. I wasn't impressed with the oncall doctor and was glad Jansen left a foul smell there. Jansen refuses to eat or drink, so we are on dehydration alert. We had finally gotten him off bottles and then he got sick last week with Croup and wouldn't drink, so the doctor suggested trying the bottle again, to see if he would drink. Well that didn't help than and it hasn't helped now. We can get some gatorade in him one teaspoon at a time, by putting it in a medicine cup and telling him it is time for his medicine. He has never had a problem taking medicine. The boy is so tired, but can not sleep because he keeeps going potty and has to be changed. This can last 2 - 3 days, poor kid. Meanwhile he will catch a nap where ever and whenever he can. Hopefully the luck of the Irish will be with our family this week and everyone will be healthy.

Dress Sale

Where: Amy & Eric Barzeele's house
343 West 40 South, Lindon

Date: Thursday, March 26th
Time: 12:30 - 2:30pm

Sizes: 2T - 14 (infant also)
Girls: 2pc, shirtsets & dresses
Boys suits, shirts & pants at discount prices
Also 30% off Flutterbye products


This is my sister's neighbor. I love their Flutterbye hair accessories, they also have the cutiest flip flops ever. Any questions you can ask me.

I am so proud

S kept telling me she needed to writ and essay for school. I was a little confused, because she is in 1st grade and I hadn't heard anything about it. So I talked to her teacher and found out that the school was having a contest during Freedom week and you could write an essay on "What the Flag means to me". So with that knowledge K1 and I decided to let S write her first essay. So one night as I put the boys to bed, S and K1 started on the essay. Within 1/2 S had her rough draft done, K1 told me that she came up with everything and he helped with spelling. So here is her essay:

What the flag means to me. by S Payne

When I see our flag, it reminds me of my grandpa. He served in the Navy for 38 years. I also think about the freedoms we have. We are lucky we have a free Country. Freedom means you have a choice to do what you want to do. I read a story that talked about the first flag made, it flew at Fort McHenry. It was made with 400 yards of material. Our flag is the symbol of our Country and our Freedom.

She turned this in, and then one day when she came home from school she told us she got her essay back. She then hands me a folder, that has a gold medal attached to it, which I assume they just give to everyone who enters, but I was wrong. I opened the folder and found her essay and a certificate that said "Essay Contest Wiiner" Freedom Week "What the Flag means to me" 1st Grade awared to S Payne. Apparently she won the overall award for 1st grade. I was so happy for her, she showed everyone and even called her grandparents to tell them about it. I am glad she got her dads ability to write stories and even make up song on the fly.

THE RIGHT SHOES

I recently purchased a pair of running shoes. I have put this off for a year, I wanted to make sure I was going to stick with running. It was a painless task and who knew I could really enjoy running with the right support. My feet don't get hot and they don't ache for hours after a good run. Thanks to some gift cards K1 earned at work, I didn't even have to pay the shoes myself. My running has improved and so has my attitude. So if any of you are wondering if it is worth getting running shoes, I say yes do it and your feet will thank.

On another note, I am 4 weeks away from the big 1/2 marathon I am training for. I have increased my running time and speed and lowered my heart rate. I am still behind my running mate by about 1/2 a mile. I do need some tips though. If any of you reading this know how I should train the week of the event and what I should eat, please let me know. I am up to 7.5 miles, without stopping in 1 hr 15minutes. Not bad for a rookie. Only 5.5 miles away from my goal.

Getting serious

So after taking some time off from the normal gym routine, it is time to get serious again. With some nudging from a friend, I have signed up to do a half marathon on April 4th. This gives me about a month to remind my body how to run and not die in the process. As you may remember, I just started running last year and have done a 10k and a 4mile race. While my time is still slow, I am very nervous about jumping upto a 13mile race. I have to remind myself, that I will not come in first, but encourage myself to at least improve my own personal time and have fun. I know there will be food at the end and parametics, so that should be comforting. The kids will be their to cheer me on, so I can not disapoint. So here's to doing someting I have never done before and hopefully accomplishing it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

S is 7 today. In honor of her birthday, I would like to share 7 things about her,

1. She is very helpful
2. She loves to draw and do crafts
3. She is very kind
4. She always helps others at school
5. She is a great reader
6. She races on her dad's bike team
7. Has always been a good sleeper

I am very glad that she is in our family. So S I hope you have a wonderful day.

How did you do it?

Someone asked me recently what my secret to loosing weight ways. I thought I would share it with everyone. So brace yourself for the "secret" to my weightloss.

1. get mouth surgery
2. have nothing but liquids for 3 days
3. drink nothing but Ensure for 1 week
4. eat soft foods for 3 weeks
5. drink a lot of carnation instant breakfast for 3 weeks

Side effects: always hungry, frequent bathroom stops, sore mouth, stitches falling out, not being able to remove the acrylic plate on the roof of your mouth and others.

So there you have it, my new secret diet. I don't recommend taking such drastic measures but it does work.

Sisters

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day,

drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As

they talked about life, about marriage, about the

responsibilities of life and the obligations of

adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her

glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance

upon her daughter


'Don't forget your Sisters,' she advised, swirling

the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. 'They'll

be more important as you get older. No matter how

much you love your husband, no matter how much you

love the children you may have, you are still going

to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now

and then; do things with them.'


'Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women...

your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other

women relatives too. 'You'll need other women. Women

always do.'


What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman

thought. Haven't I just gotten married?

Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a

married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely

my husband and the family we may start will be all I

need to make my life worthwhile!'


But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact

with her Sisters and made more women friends each

year. As the years tumbled by, one after another,

she gradually came to understand that her Mom really

knew what she was talking about. As time and nature

work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman,

Sisters are the mainstays of her life.


After more than 38 years of living in this world,

here is what I've learned:


THIS SAYS IT ALL:

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men sometimes don't do what they're supposed to.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

BUT.........


Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how

many miles are

between you. A girl friend is never farther away

than needing her can reach.



When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you

have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life

will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,

praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on

your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the

valley's end.


Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk

beside you...Or come in and carry you out.


Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,

daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,

Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended

family, all bless our life!


The world wouldn't be the same without women, and

neither would I. When we began this adventure called

womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or

sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we

would need each other.


I am very grateful for all the sisters (woman) in my life. If your reading this you are one of them. So thank you for helping me become who I am today.

BIRTHDAY BOY

The BIG 5

I am a day late, with this post. Yesterday was K2's birthday, he is 5 years old. The day started at 7:15am (as usual) with K2 coming in and waking me up and saying he is hungry. I made him breakfast, but a movie on an headed back to bed. Around 8:30am K2 came in and asked if today was his real birthday? I told him yes,this was the day he was born. He then asked "how did the day happen?" I have told him the story before, but he likes to hear it. So this is how it went;

The morning of January 25th 2004, started like any other morning. Sierra slept in, K1went to Sundance to teach snowboarding, I was finally of bed rest restriction (after 6weeks) my mother-in-law was in town helping and I felt ok. After lunch time I decided to take a nap, K1 came home early and I started contracting. After about 1/2 hour of painful contractions, we decided to go to the hospital to get checked out. Mind you I had been on bed rest and medication to stop my labor for 6 weeks. I was already at 4cm and 90%, so on the way to the hospital I couldn't stop crying from the pain. (a good sign when your pregnant) When they checked me at the hospital the nurse said "yep you are going to have this baby today, and she told the other nurse to call the doctor". I was 6cm and still 90%. The on call doctor was not one I cared for so K1 called mine and he was just getting out of church (only in Utah) and would head over as soon as he changed. He got to there in about 1/2 hour, I already had my epidural, but it wasn't working so well. The doctor broke my water and within 1/2 hour I was ready to go. 7 mins. later you were out. Jan 25th 5:52pm 7pounds 4ounces and 20inches long, you weighed more then the doctor thought you would. My epidural didn't work well for some reason and I felt more than I had with S. It was a rather quick delivery, we checked in the hospital at 1:15om and he was out at 5:52pm. I have heard of much worse but hope never to experience worse.

K2 has been a joy in our family. We have never set an alarm clock since he was born. He is an early bird and always ready to go, and doesn't stop. He keeps us alert and laughing. He is quite the comedian. He is looking forward to kindergarten in the fall and is already practicing his reading. He knows his address and phone number and is already requesting the same kindergarten teacher his sister had. He says "that way it is easier for me, because I already know her name and she knows me". Good thinking. He also has his first crush, yes it is on his babysitter. She is a great girl that lives in our neighborhood. Although I don't get much down time, I love having K2.

So here's to you K2, hope you had a great birthday and a great year.

All is well

My surgery went well and I am recovery well. My face is bruised and swollen. It is hard to talk sometimes and I have alot of prescriptions to take. I have a retainer on the roof of my mouth to protect where they took the gum graph from and that is very annoying. I have to eat soft foods for 3 weeks, hey I might loose those last 6 pounds I have been working on.

I would post pictures but they are not very pretty and may grose some of you out. K1 says I look like the elephant man, but it is not that bad. the rightside of my face is sagging and doesn't move, it is very weird.

Thanks to you all for your concerns and well wishes. I may call some of you soon to help.

Yes, I am having surgery

But, no I am not having my stomach cut. K2 has told a couple people that his mom his having her stomach cut for surgery. I thought I should clear up the rumors. On friday the 16th I am going in to have tissue graph surgery in my MOUTH. This is wear they take gum from the roof of my mouth and graph it to (in this case) 2 of my teeth that have no gum left on them to cover the root of my tooth and hopefully save me from having any permament damage to the tooth. It will be painful and take a couple moths to fully recover from. K1 is taking the day off work to get me to and from the surgery, then I am flying to California to spend the weekend with my family and an Uncle that is visiting from Boston.

So if you think my stomach looks flatter it is because I have been working really hard at it in the gym. Not that I would be aposed to having surgery done on it, but this time it is not the case. I told K2 that I am not having my stomach cut and he said "you said you are having surgery and that means you are getting your stomach cut" I don't know where he gets these things.

Good news though is that no one else has been sick in our family and thanks to Trixy's miracle cream J's bum is back to normal color. Thanks Trixy!

Sick and Tired

It is amazing how those two words go together so often. Our family has dodged the flu until last night. S said her stomach hurt at dinner, I wasn't sure if it was because she was hungry or getting sick. We have been trying to avoid everyone we know is sick, but sometimes you just get sick. My kids always wait until mom and dad are in bed for the night, to get sick. So S wanted mommy to snuggle her, well as you know it is hard to snuggle someone on a twin bed that is tossing and turning. So S and me spent the night on the sofa bed. It was a restless night, with very little sleep. That is were the tired part comes into play. So, S and I have had very little sleep and my back hurts from the sofa bed. S is home from school and K2 is at preschool, this helps with the noise level at our house. On top of all that, J has been very loose the past couple of days (you know what I mean) so his poor little bum is so red. He hates to be changed or have medicine put on. So we have to fight him and he screams and is very strong. Any suggestions on how to soothe his little bum?

On a positive note, we had put S to bed with a bucket, just in case. So at least I don't have laundry to do. Well at least not from last nights adventures.