Long or Short?

Okay...  I need help deciding:  Should I cut my hair short again, or grow it long?  Which looks fits me better?

Yikes...I look heavy in that last one.  It's those wretched double Ds.

Anyway...on to the short hair...

 The problem with short hair is that without volume, it doesn't look like, like the one below...

 Again, no volume equals poopie hair.

 More a-line...

And Halloween where Devin looks so creepy as a Carnie!

So, be honest!  Long or short?

The Big 25

So I turned 25 this week.  I can't mark the "18-24" age group for surveys and anonymous statistical information forms.  It's a big deal, I know.

For some reason birthdays always make me think back to the things I have and haven't done in my life. I haven't done much anyone will remember in my life, but here's a few of the things I am proud of...

I got married for all eternity to the most amazing man
I graduated college (Associate degree, but still, it's a degree I am proud of)
I became a mommy
I bought a house (and since then have sold it)
I became a mommy all over again, but this time without the assistance of an epidural (purposely)
I bought a minivan
I completed a sprint triathlon
I raced in a half-marathon
I raced in a marathon and achieve my goal time of under 4 hours
I became much more confident in my home canning abilities
After some scares and blessings, I became a mommy for a third time (again without an epidural)

What things am I currently doing?

Trying to train for some more races.  Definitely a half marathon and possibly another full.
Trying daily to be a better mother to my 3 boys (includes trying to keep my sanity in the process).
Trying to be supportive of a husband working 2 jobs and getting his masters degree (again, here's where my sanity is at risk).
Trying to serve the Lord and show my love for him through my obedience to the small and seemingly big things he wants me to do.
Hoping I keep my figure!

Life is so wonderful.  It is stressful, fulfilling, sad, exciting, hard, fun, and so much more.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  I am happy, healthy, have an amazing family, and food in my pantry.  I can only pray my next 25 years will be as good as the last.

Here's how the week went:

10th
Today I had a few favorite moments.  One was when I went to the Verizon store to get a new phone.  Mine has been in serious danger of completely dying and I have been putting off getting a new one.  So, I finally went to get one and my brother came along.  I was set on getting one without a data plan and sticking to the cheapest options, but then I started playing with the iPhone.  We have a few apple products and love them all.  I knew I would want an iPhone if I really knew all it could do.  It was really fun to sit and listen to my brother explain tons of advantages, options, and features of the iPhone.  So, I gave in and I am so glad I did!  I love it!  But, the best part about getting my new amazing phone, was the fun my brother and I had in the store together.  We don't have many moments like that so I really enjoyed it.

Then...after getting my awesome new phone, my brother dropped me off to have dinner with Devin.  It was a birthday date dinner at The Deli.  We love that place and this time was no different.  Devin told me about work and we talked about some of our future plans.  Every time I get a date with Devin, I am reminded how amazing he is and how much we belong together.  Date nights are the best!

11th

Today is my birthday!  I had lots of favorite moments.  The first was when I went out to the kitchen to get breakfast and saw the bowl of cream of wheat Devin had made for me.  It's one of my favorites!

Later, Devin came home for lunch and made sure the boys' meals were all taken care of - including dishes!  Then, my mom took me, the boys, Jeni, and Joshua all out for ice cream.  We got Thrifty ice cream, which was super yummy!  Poor Ollie was jealous he couldn't have any yet!  He just got Cheerios!

After coming back from ice cream, I got ready and took the boys to spend the night at Nana's so I could go to my Relief Society meeting since Devin wouldn't be home to leave them with.  I opened my present from the family of a nail salon gift card (for a pedi), a movie theater gift card, and dinner gift card to my favorite, Buca de Beppo, plus free babysitting!  Another date night!

So off to Relief Society I went, happy to know I would have the day to myself (and Ollie) until Devin got home from work when we would go out for another date together!

And...between there sometime my mom and dad brought me a cupcake with a candle so I could make a wish.  It was sweet.

That night, Nana had to call because Jaxon was upset that he forgot to give me my birthday card.  What a sweet little boy!  He told me he did not want me to be sad and think he forgot about my birthday.  I told him I knew he did not forget because he gave me super big birthday hugs earlier and it would be okay for him to make a card tomorrow.  He feet better after we talked for a little bit.  That boy has such a tender little heart.  I hope he stays sweet and kindhearted.  I am so blessed.

12th

Today was great because I got some nice time to myself.  I love my boys more than anything in the world, but it is really nice to have some time for myself too.  Ollie didn't stay with Nana and Papa since he is still nursing.  He woke up at 6:00, which was kind of a bummer, but, after playing for about an hour, he went back to sleep until 9:30.  So...so did I!  It was so great!  I n.e.v.e.r get to sleep in so it was really, really, really nice!  Every once in a while Devin will get up with the boys on the weekend and let me stay in bed, (and even then my sleep is interrupted with noises from the boys playing) but pretty much since Ollie was born, I'm up early to feed him every day.  So, anyway, I really enjoyed the peace and quiet that allowed me to sleep in.  After a nice workout and playing with Ollie, I put him back down for his nap and was able to do some playing with my new phone to get it set up and synced with my desktop.  Uninterrupted computer time is also something I don't enjoy much of, so that was really nice too.

After Devin got off, we dropped Ollie off with Nana and Papa and headed out for date number two for the week.  Multiple birthday celebrations are so great.  I don't think I've celebrated my own this many times in one year before, but I think I want this to happen every year!  It was once again so wonderful to spend the time with Devin.  Having him gone Monday through Thursday nights (and every other Saturday) is really hard for me.  I love when we get time together.  Our date was amazing, then we picked up the kids and headed home just in time to watch an episode of Smallville, only one of the best shows ever!

We still have our movie gift card (none of the times worked for our schedule today) and my pedi gift card for next weekend.

13th

Today my favorite moment was during our cheese party.  Yep, it was actually at Elisha and Josh's.  They got 9 cheeses from around the world for us to taste.  It was so fun!  We got a few ideas and plan on doing it again too!  It was so fun to visit with Josh, Devin, and Aaron about the creepy expired food store and joke about how weird, yet awesome it is.  Adult time is nice.  Laughing is even better.

14th

Today was my birthday Sunday dinner.  Devin's family came over and made me a beef roast, veggies, noodles, gravy, and fruit.  Devin made a (frosting-less) chocolate cake from scratch and mocha ice cream (coffee free).  It was all a.mazing!  The food was fabulous and the company was even better.  It was such a fun week of alone time, Devin date time, and family time.  So far, it feels good to be 25!

My mom got me a Road ID bracelet for when I go running.  It's awesome!  If you are a runner, get one.  Find them here.


PS...I did post all about our summer.  I cheated and backdated so they posts look like they were done on time:)

Sewing Stockings

I decided to make stockings this year.  

Daddy, Mommy, Jaxon, Henry, and Oliver!

I have one more sewing project to finish before the baby comes.  I started all of these because I wanted some projects to keep me busy during these last months of pregnancy.  It worked!

Car Seat Cover

Oliver isn't going to own very many new things since he's got 2 older brothers.  But, I wanted to make the car seat look new for him.  So, I decided to recover it.  I found a tutorial online that helped a little, but basically I had to make my own pattern and figure it out myself.  It was a serious project!  But, I love the way it came out!  The fabric is so cute with turquoise and brown paisleys.  

 I didn't really think these covers were necessary, but then I heard someone talking about how the greeter at Walmart tried touching their newborn in the car seat and that convinced me having a cover was a good idea.  

Good Enough Nie Nie

I read NieNie's blog daily.  She is so inspiring and amazing.

Her post today especially got to me.  It reminded me of a lot of things I have forgotten lately.  It seems like when things are hard it's hard to be thankful (at least for me).

Read it here or below:

Tonight Lucy came over with Betsy. Andrew is out of town and so she needed a warm home to take Betsy to bide her time until he returned late that evening.

She came up to my house and we had Cafe Rio (of course) for dinner and then she planned on putting Betsy into the hot tub with my kids (Don't worry Mom, with our watchful eyes- of course). The water felt so good and Betsy repeatedly asked her mommy to get in. She caved.

I saw Lucy's darling pregnant-due-any-day-belly up close as she changed into a little make-shift swimming suit I produced for the moment (A sports bra and some old trunks) to get into the hot tub with Betsy and my herd.

In despair after the accident, I looked at my thin, burned, frail body in disgust. I would never ever look the same, or good enough to be in a swimming suit and with that, I threw them all away. All of them. Even the cute polka dotted one-piece I got that was (if I do say so myself) pretty hot on.

I longed for beautiful and healthy skin, but more than that a baby in MY tummy.

After the troop came inside, we put jammies on the children and sat and watched them dance to Christmas music in my living room. They are so innocent and I thought to myself, just how badly I wanted to protect them from anything and everything wrong and bad in the world.

Then I remembered how hard I was (and am) on myself sometimes. I wish I had this and that-mostly physical. But WOW, look at what I have!! I have a body! That is good enough for me. I have skin! That is good enough for me. I don't care the shape its in- I have it, and I am so blessed.

And that is what I want my children to remember about their mother.
That I was always grateful for everything and anything I had.
Even if it is old, worn out, sad, ugly or burned.

I have it- and that is good enough.

You Look...

I went to a friend's craft night after watching kids all day.  Upon my arrival, one of my friends said, "You look frazzled."

I told her, "I look like this everyday."

I wasn't offended or anything, but I thought, "Well, I've been up since 5 am, and I've been watching 6 kids all day.  Plus, I'm 8 months pregnant.  Yep, I'm sure I look frazzled.  Oh, and why would you tell someone that?  Do you think they like to hear it?  There are other ways to let people know you are concerned besides telling them how they don't look good."

It reminded me of something I read on Facebook the other day, "My coworker said "you look...tired today..." ya, well I am.  And you look fat today.  In fact you look fat everyday."

It made me laugh.

Tired

I'm too tired to really think straight.  We had a busy weekend, which I want to document, but I still need to recover.

It's hard to get a good night's sleep with Jeni getting up to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes, sometimes 5.  Really, I'm not exaggerating.  Devin and I timed the intervals.  Seriously, how can anyone need to go to the bathroom that often?!  She can't really be going to the bathroom.  She just goes in there, turns the light on, and closes the door (loudly) then goes back in her room.  Devin has come to the conclusion that Jeni doesn't really sleep.  She just lays in bed and gets bored so she gets up a lot.  Maybe.  He's probably right because this morning when I came out of my bedroom to wait for the daycare kids to arrive (at 6 am), I went to close her door and she was just sitting up on the bed in the dark.  It freaked me out.  I don't know what goes on with her at night.  I don't know but I wish she would just sleep so I could sleep!!!

Since I'm getting towards the end of my pregnancy (hallelujah!) I am feeling more tired again.  I was tired at the beginning, had a good stretch in the middle, and now realize the good stretch is dwindling down.  On Friday night, I went to bed at 11 pm and woke up at 9 am.  That's 10 hours of sleep.  Then Saturday night, I was exhausted by 9 pm!  After getting that much sleep the night before, I thought I'd be able to stay up a little later.  Having to wake up at 5:30 during the week really wears me out!  I feel like I never get caught up on the sleep I need.  I can't wait to exercise again.  I know that will help with my energy level.

Maybe there will come a day in my life when I don't have to take care of anyone besides my own kids.  No daycare kids, and no Jeni.  That would be so nice.  Devin and I are working on it, but change is rarely immediate.  It takes time.  Unlucky for me, I'm not very patient!  I want things to be different now.  But, I'm learning to wait.  Some days aren't so bad, but I am not really happy doing it.  I don't think my kids are always happy about it either.  They do like playing with other kids, but all day every day is a little too much for them and me.  Like I said, we're working on a change.

I don't know if it is because of the pregnancy, but my ability to deal with everything has not been up to the usual standard.  One specific thing is that I have no tolerance for whining.  With 6 kids and Jeni around, there tends to be a lot of whining I have to listen to.  Lets just say I'm thrilled when each weekend rolls around.  It means I get a (short) break and it's one week closer to the baby coming.

Despite the hard times, I am very blessed.  When I am having a hard day, I know it helps to focus on the blessings I have been given.  It also helps to serve others.  My goals:  be more grateful, serve more.  Oh, and get more sleep!

Finished

(Spoilers)

I finished Mockingjay last night.  I did love it, but it was so sad!  (But, not sad enough to make me cry.   Surprising, huh?)  It finally got happy on the last 2 pages.  Really.  Like 398 pages of sadness and 2 pages of happiness.  Well, there are some happy things throughout the book, but I can't even think of any except the end...

There is so much to say!  I think I'll break it down by character...

Katniss
I feel so bad for everything she has gone through.  She was brave and didn't give up, but she wouldn't let herself love and it drove me crazy!  She loved Gale and Peeta, but it took forever for her to allow herself to really love.  I loved when Peeta would sleep with Katniss and she always felt safe and didn't have nightmares...that's maybe more 2nd book, but still...  Also, in the second book, I loved when Katniss hung the dummy with the ex-gamemakers name on it.  That was a fabulous moment for her.

Peeta

I misread a blog and thought Peeta was going to die so I kept expecting it to happen.  I'm so glad he didn't!  It was so hard to read about how crazy the Capital made him.  I just felt so bad for him.  It would be terrible not knowing what's real and what's not and not knowing who to believe when they try to help you.  I did almost cry when they brought out the wedding cake he decorated because it meant there was hope that he really might recover.  I wanted him to get better and be able to love Katniss again.  

After all Peeta and Katniss had been through, they were the ones who could comfort and understand each other.  They needed each other.  

The end was so sweet... 

"You love me.  Real or not real?"  

"Real."  

:)

Gale
I wasn't a big fan from the beginning.  I like that they are friends and he always had her back, but that was all she needed.  It seemed like in the end, that was all he could give anyway.  He totally abandoned Katniss after it was all over.  I think he did love her, but he didn't really fight for her.  I thought he seemed more into fighting and the rebellion than into being there for Katniss.

Haymitch

I love Haymitch.  He's funny and has an attitude!  I don't love that he's always drunk, but he is always there for Katniss and he's always right when he gives her advise.  I loved how he would tell Katniss things without saying them straight out and she always understood.  They had a special relationship.  He was alway honest with Katniss and told her things the way they really were.  She didn't always like it, but I think she appreciated it because she knew she could trust him.  Haymitch had no one before Katniss and Peeta.  They gave him someone to care about again and they cared about him.  

Finnick
I thought he was great.  He was always there for Katniss.  They understood each other when no one else could.  It was sweet how he was so in love with Annie.  I felt so bad for all he'd been through.  I wasn't even sure if he really died when he did because there wasn't much to his death.  For such a strong character, I thought there should have been more said about his death.  I don't think he should have died. He was finally with Annie again!

Cinna

I was so sad he died!  I love Cinna!  He was so smart and brave in his defiance of the Capital.  He took care of Kaniss as long as he could and even after he died!  

Boggs
He's so great too.  Funny and always there for Katniss.  He always trusted her and was very loyal to her.  He gave Katniss a heads up that Coin shouldn't be trusted.  It's sad he didn't make it.

Delly
She had a small part, but I loved how she stood up to Peeta for Katniss.  Delly just seems like a sweet girl and I liked her character.

Coin
Yeah, I knew she was trouble.  Didn't see her death coming, though.  I'm glad she wasn't the new leader because it seemed like she ran things just like President Snow.  I kept thinking that the revolution wasn't going to change anyone's lives except hers because she would be the new leader.  I couldn't believe she wanted to have another Hunger Games.  She is just as bad as Snow!  Maybe worse because she lied to people.  At least Snow never lied to Katniss.

Oh, one thing that drove me crazy was that like every 5 minutes, Katniss was being knocked out or passing out.  It was like the author didn't want to finish the scene, so she just had Katniss blackout and wake up at the next scene.  I get it happening a few times, but it seemed like it kept happening over and over!

Hunger Games II

I finished the first book and really liked it.  I also finished the second book and I think I like it even more.  On to the third...  I've heard it's totally sad and with my emotions, I'll probably be bawling every couple pages.

PS
Gale reminds me of Edward and Peeta reminds me of Jacob.  It's probably lame that I'm comparing them, but it just seems like Katniss has always loved Gale, but Peeta makes her so happy and totally loves her too!  But what's weird is that I like Edward, not Jacob, but I like Peeta, not Gale.  Does anyone know what I mean?

DejaVu

Lately when I drive down a road I would run down for my marathon training, I think of all the hours spent running there and it makes me really crave exercise.  I loved going on my long runs where it was just me doing what I love to do.  Even though I know now is not the time for it, I want to exercise so bad!  I miss it terribly!

Hunger Games

Everyone is doing it, so I thought I'd give it a try.

So far, I don't love it.  I don't like the idea of sending away children to battle to the death.  But, I have heard from a few people that this series is better than the Twilight series.  That's the only thing making me read on.  I don't believe them yet.

What A Load

Tell me if this is not so hypocritical...

For daycare, I am sponsored by a food program.  They reimburse a portion of my grocery expenses.  I went to the annual training this past weekend where we are informed about new changes, paperwork, etc.  To be reimbursed, they have STATE REGULATED guidelines I have to follow.  I like the guidelines.  They insure the kids get balanced, healthy meals.  There are certain foods the care providers are prohibited from serving the kids...chicken nuggets, Ramen noodles (This one is newly added and people couldn't believe it.  Really?  You think Ramen is healthy?  Of course it's a junk food!), french fries, pop tarts, sausage, corn dogs, hot dogs, flavored milk, muffins, brownies, etc.  I agree that those are not healthy foods.

But, then why in the heck does the STATE serve those foods in public school lunches???!!!

That is what makes me mad.  I am totally all for prohibiting feeding kids garbage.  I don't want my kids eating that junk.  Occasionally, yes, but not often.  So, why isn't the state prohibited from serving those foods as well?!  They are the ones who made the guidelines I have to follow, yet they serve kids in public school the worst foods every day!  They should not be serving junk either!  You should hear what Devin says about the school lunches he sees...it's no wonder so many Americans are so unhealthy!  They start young!

Ug, it makes me dread the day my kids are in school and don't want to take a lunch from home anymore.  I won't be giving them lunch money for that garbage though!

Did anyone watch the Jaime Oliver Food Revolution?  I loved it and hope it happens in all of the US.

New Love

At one time, I had a relationship with my Dyson.  But, then it got old and wore out.  With having to clean up daily after 2 dogs, what do you expect?  We bought it used and the lady honestly let us know it was refurbished, so it wasn't bound to last for years anyway.  

Especially since we have dogs, I am a crazy person about having my floors vacuumed daily.  So when our Dyson started making funny noises and not sucking as well as it used to I knew we'd have to invest in another vacuum soon.  When the day came, it was bittersweet.  I didn't want to spend the money, but we did need one and it is a household tool that I definitely can not live with one that does not work super well.  So, the Craig's List search began.  I found one right away, still in the box!  And almost half price!  I was so excited!


I picked it up that day and brought it home to use.  I love, love, love it!  

Guilty Pleasure

Earlier in this pregnancy when I was put on bed rest for a little while I borrowed some DVD's from my sister in law.  One of them was the first season of the OC.  The first episode didn't have me hooked, and I didn't love the second either, but by the third, I couldn't stop watching!  I have finished through season 2, but she doesn't have season 3, so I'll have to Netflix it.  I know it's a trashy show, but I think the drama is great and it's so NOT my life, so I enjoy watching it.

And, popsicles are my new favorite treat.  Oh yum they are such a good summer treat!  So, eating popsicles while watching the OC is my current guilty pleasure:)  (I only indulge while the kids are napping of course.)

Anyone else love the OC?  The only other person I know who was into this show is my friend Michael.  I don't know why I remember that, but anyway, he's the only one I know of.

Full

of it.  I am full of it.

I had to go buy milk this afternoon.  I didn't have the kids with me so I was able to make it quick.  As I was walking out of the grocery store with a gallon of milk in one hand and my keys in the other, I let out a big sigh.  As soon as it came out of my mouth I had a thought, "Why did I do that?"  The rest of my thought process went something like this:  "I'm not even worn out or tired.  I'm actually in a pretty good mood.  Why didn't I smile at the cashier as I took my change and said thank you?  Why am I not walking out here with a smile on my face right now?"  It was as if I was playing the role of "sleep deprived, mother of two, pregnant lady" rather than just being myself, who at that time, was feeling great!

What's with myself acting one way and actually feeling another?  Do I just act tired because other people think I am since I have 2 little kids and a growing pregnant belly?  Last week when I had to buy milk (and take the kids with me) the first thing the cashier asked me if any of the groceries were WIC.  I told her they weren't, but thanked her for checking.  Then as I paid and finished the transaction, she said to me, "Go home and get some rest."  Was I really looking that bad?!  Some days I truly am frazzled, but not every day.  When I'm feeling good and energized, I should put out that vibe.  I should be making the world a more positive place, especially when I'm having a good day!

Since this super annoying, complainer post, I haven't had a downer day like that one.  I've been patient with the kids, more thankful, more motivated, and been more happy overall.  My prayers are helping, I'm sure.

Maybe this blog is too journal-y lately, but whatever, it's my blog.  Plus, I don't get out much lately, so my social interactions and conversations have been few and far between so I write my thoughts here.

Goal Accomplished

I am caught up on my digital scrap booking!  I found a great site that prints for cheaper than Costco and they look great.

Now I just have to stay caught up!

Since it's $1 per page to print, I try to fit as many photos per page as I can and skip the decorations.  As long as the photos and journaling are there, the page is good with me!

How to Cope with Anxiety

I subscribe to Real Simple magazine.  It's the only magazine I've ever subscribed to and I really like it.  So, anyway, I saw this article called "10 Ways to Cope with Anxiety."  I tend to be a worrier, so I was interested to read it.  There were a few I thought were pretty good.  Here they are:

Repeat your worry until you're bored silly.
If you had a fear of elevators, you'd get rid of it if you rode in one a thousand times in a row.  At first, you would be very anxious, then less so, and eventually it would have no effect (except to make you sick of riding in an elevator).  So take the troublesome thought that's nagging at you and say it over and over, silently, slowly, for 20 minutes.  It's hard to keep your mind on a worry if you repeat it that many times.  I call this the "boredom cure" for obvious reasons, but it sure beats feeling overwhelmed by anxiety.

Set aside worry time.
All too often we take a "Crackberry" approach to our worries:  They show up unannounced, like constantly dinging e-mails, and we stop everything to address them-even if we should be doing something else.  But what if you don't respond right away?  Try setting aside 20 minutes every day-let's say at 4:30 pm-just for your worries.  If you are fretting at 10 am, jot down the reason and resolve to think it through later.  By the time 4:30 comes around, many of your troubles won't even matter anymore.  And you will have spent almost an entire day anxiety-free.

Take your hand off the horn.
You constantly check the weather before a big outdoor event.  You replay that clumsy comment you made, wishing you could take it back.  And, yes, you honk your horn in traffic.  When you desperately try to take command of things that can't be controlled, you're like the swimmer who panics and slaps at the water, screaming.  It gets you nowhere.  Instead, imagine that you are floating along on the water with your arms spread out, looking up to the sky.  It's a paradox, but when you surrender to the moment, you actually feel far more in control.

Make peace with time.
When you're a worrier, everything can feel like an emergency.  But notice this about all your anxious arousal:  It's temporary.  Every feeling of panic comes to an end, every concern eventually wears itself out, every so-called emergency seems to evaporate.  Ask yourself, "How will I feel about this in a week or a month?"  This one, too, really will pass.

Goal

When Henry was born I was all current on our family and Jaxon's scrapbooks.  Now, I am months behind. Luckily, I have this blog so most everything is documented, I just have to make it look all cute scrapbook style.  So, my new goal is to be all caught up by the time the new baby comes.  That gives me until the end of the year.  We'll see how it goes...

Oh, and who is Ali gonna pick?  I think she'll pick Roberto, but I hope she picks Chris!

Moving

First, we aren't moving.  I was just thinking about moving because a few of my friends are moving.  They are moving to new houses, in new neighborhoods, in new towns, and one even in a new state.  I don't want to move out of state.  Both my parents and Devin's parents (and most of both our families) are in the valley so for now, it's where we want to be too.  I am just hungry for some change.  Maybe I shouldn't say it out loud because it might happen!

I was telling Devin my thoughts and he said he doesn't like moving.  Mostly because of the actual moving of boxes and furniture part.  But, I feel like I have moved quite a few times.  I like the change when it is a choice.  I have never moved out of necessity.  It has always been a choice for me (or my family) and I think it would be sad and hard if it wasn't chosen.  It's exciting to be in a new place, with new people, and a new house.  My kids aren't in school yet so they wouldn't have to be switching schools.  I think it would be harder to move it that were the case.  I believe the experience, good or bad, is what you make it, even if moving wasn't a choice.  (Like most (if not all) situations in life!)

One thing I learned from moving is that there are good people everywhere.  Each time I have been sad to leave friends behind, but been excited to make new friends.  And, moving shows you who your true friends are.  Everyone's lives are busy and relationships take effort.  In many cases you, or your friend, might decide (not intentionally, but still...) the friendship isn't worth the effort just because it might take a little more effort now.  If you can stay in contact without living near each other anymore, that's what I think real friends are.  I have loved everywhere I have lived.  I have made friendships that have changed my life and have been very hard and sad to leave (and see go).  

I have helped a few families move in the past year and it makes me itch for a move for our family too.  It's hard to explain.  I am perfectly happy where we are.  I love our house.  It fits us perfectly and we have done lots of things to it to make it our own.  Plus, Devin has a great job with a 10 minute commute so it's not like I want to move somewhere dramatically different.  Maybe just a few (like 20) minutes closer to the freeway, and stores and restaurants, or something like that.  But, it's not like we can just sell our house and move if we want to.  So for now, we're staying put.  

Running Shoes

If you just looked in my closet, I bet you could tell I'm a runner.  The 5 pairs of running shoes would probably give it away.

But, I haven't been running lately.  Ever since Ragnar, my knees have really been hurting so I am giving them a break.  Plus, our lives are so busy right now, I don't feel the desire to spend so much time away from Devin and the boys to work out.  But, I almost feel a little bit of shame when people who know I ran the marathon ask how my running is going.  I don't like to have to tell them I haven't been running.  But, there is a time for everything and right now is not the time for me to be spending tons of time working out.  But, the time will come again and I will be excited when it does.