Still at it. . .I

It's been 6 weeks since I started the Runner's World beginner's running program, and I've done well. I am consistently running 30-40 min. without stopping 4 days a week, and surprisingly really enjoying it. I am also gradually going a little faster. It's something that is becoming important to me. Go figure! I have only missed 1 day in 6 weeks, when the power was out all over town and the wind was blowing up to 102 mph. I was surprised at how bad I felt about missing the day. At least it was a walk day.
This weekend was interesting. Today was another bonus day, with church lasting only through sacrament meeting and all the men in the ward called to change into their work clothes and go clean up the neighborhood. It was kind of a nice break from the regular Sunday routine. The storm was crazy fierce, and the ward members during testimony meeting made it sound like we'd been through the war, when it was really just a taste of what could have been. We were out of power at home for about 36 hours--2 full days and a night. By the second night I had to really concentrate on not whining about the dark, the cold, and the limited number of things to do--how much can one do in candlelight? How those pioneers survived is beyond me. Of course they didn't know anything about the internet and Facebook!
Here we are getting ready for more of the same. I wonder how long we will keep our power. I am hearing already that parts of Farmington and Centerville are already without power, and the wind hasn't even started yet. Anything that was loosened by the wind a few days ago will surely come down this time. We have talked about our emergency plans for our family, charged our phones and flashlights, reviewed where the candles, lighter, and extra blankets are, and feel like we're ready to go at it again.
I can't imagine the boys having a 3rd day off school, but we're waiting to hear. I sure do love having them around. They went out to help with the clean up this afternoon and brought home several loads of wood. They are both growing into amazing young men--I am so proud of each of them and their hard work and accomplishments.
Along with that comes the feelings of missing my daughters every day. They are doing so well and I am so amazed at what they are doing with their lives. I am so grateful for the times I have when they call and let me know what is happening in their lives. It is so important to me to be able to share at least a little in what they're doing. And, of course, there are always the feelings of missing the one who left us so many years ago. Especially, during this time of year, my feelings are so close to the surface. There is absolutely no way to describe it.

Woo hoo! Who woulda thought?

Week 3 was really hard. I went with a friend M, W, F, and have to admit that I was the one who pooped out occasionally. We were supposed to do 4 min. on, 1 min walking on Monday & Wednesday--Monday was fine, Wednesday was pretty good, Friday we did a couple of 3 1/2 & 4s, but also did a couple of 5s. Today I went by myself, and I will readily admit that I picked a route that was mostly downhill--I figure this is the time to just try to do the sets and there's plenty of time and room for more intensity later. But it felt really, really good. I definitely feel better than I did when I started out (less stressed), even though some of it was a little uphill, wind full on in my face, no shoes (jk), and I was able to do 6 min, 10 min, 5 1/2 min, 10 1/2 min! 37 min, only 5 of it walking, 3.2 mi! Yay! I made it all the way down to the 5 Points roundabout. Yes, I think I've gained a small notch on my "slightly cooler mom" status. True, Josh can go faster walking in place, and true, it was barely catching air, but it does give me encouragement for the 5K I signed up for on Thanksgiving Day--maybe I'll actually be able to do it!
I feel good about getting my body in shape and especially feel so blessed for my good health--no knee, ankle or back pain or anything else to hold me back.

Week 2

Week 2 was even better than week 1. I was pretty freaked out about trying to run 2 min, walk 1 min, but it worked out really well. I had a friend with me on Monday & Wednesday, and we went down to Main St., which is pretty level. It was really hard both days but I don't think Wednesday (run 3 min, walk 1) was harder than Monday . Friday and Saturday was run 4 min, walk 1 and while Friday was hard again it certainly wasn't harder than Monday or Wednesday, and today (Saturday) wasn't bad at all. Thursday was probably the hardest day--it was a walk day, but I had to get up early to take care of things with the swim team, had lots of orders to fill, and there I was at 4:30 doing my walk. I was just so worried that if I found an excuse to not do it I would find it easier to find excuses on other days as well.
I have been reading several books on dieting and beginning running programs and they are all a little different. One idea keeps coming up, though, and that is that if you're having a hard time accomplishing a walk/run program it's probably because you're going too fast. I think that one of the big reasons I haven't been successful in the past is that I try to start off running in our neighborhood where you can't go 3 steps on level ground. So I was on my treadmill on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I did the walk/run at 4.5 mph for the run, and 3 mph for the walk--barely catching air. But I was able to accomplish it! So I am feeling like starting off very slowly will work for me. There is always room to increase intensity later--either go faster or utilize these hilly streets in the area, or both. For now I just feel really good to be working toward a tangible, worthy goal.
Can't wait for the 5K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day!

Week 1--Success!

I finished out week 1 right on schedule! I had some back pain from running 1/4 mi. without stopping on Friday, but pain is gone today and I'm ready for a rest day and the new week. I read Bob Greene's "Get With the Program" and learned some interesting things about emotional eating so that is something to think about. I'm feeling great! I have to say it mostly feels good to have just accomplished the week. Yay!

Keep going. . .

Day 5 and I haven't given up yet! I went to the track today and did a mix of run/walk--mostly about 1 1/2-2 min running and 1 1/2 min. walking. I'm kind of freaked out about bumping up to 2 min. running and 1 min. of walking. I also wonder if it's hard for me because there is so much uphill here by our home. Well, it will all work out! I did get once around the track without stopping today--it took me 3 1/2 min. but at least I know I can do it!

Day 4

Today was supposed to be an easy walk, but I just can't just walk. My heart rate goes nowhere, and my body just wants to push forward. So I jogged (does anyone use that word anymore?) down the entire gradual downhill, then walked up the long hill, and jogged at the top to catch up with a couple of friends. By the time I had walked again for a couple of minutes I wanted to go again, but walked and visited instead (there's plenty of time for running tomorrow). So I feel like it was a lot more than an easy walk but much less than a regular run day. Tomorrow I'm planning on doing 1 1/2 min. run and 2 min. walk, or something along those lines. It still felt great! I have actually been excited each day to get out--even in 30' weather. And I LOVE watching the sunrise--soooo beautiful! I wish I could walk in the dark and feel completely safe. It's so nice, quiet, private--I love the solitude.

WIMP! now you see it, now you don't

I got all ready last night so I wouldn't have to search for cold weather clothes this morning, with an expected 20' temperature drop. Then, this morning, I woke to the wind howling--I had said a few days ago that pretty much wind was the only thing that would keep me in--and maybe intense snow. So when I got up I decided to go on the treadmill--still acceptable. But by the time I took Sunny out it didn't seem so bad, so I quickly bundled up and headed out. WOW, what a gorgeous day! It was still pretty dark for the first 1/2, so I took along a small but very bright flashlight to make me more visible, since I only have very dark workout clothes for the cold. But 1/2 way through it was light enough to see the stopwatch and it just felt so good to be outside. I noticed that all week I'm supposed to do 1 min. running, 2 min. walking, and next week it jumps right up to 2 min. on, 1 off, which seems like a big jump to me (especially since it's 4 on and 2 off by the end of next week) so at least 1/2 of my sets today were 1.15 running and 1.45 walking, which was actually pretty challenging for me (sad, but true). I feel really, really good to be getting out. Oh, and the stiffness in my hips is the same feeling that I get walking back down the hill towards home, so I'm pretty sure that will be worked out by the end of the week. Go, go, go! (40 min., 32 total walk/run, 175 S.)

Day 2

Day 2 was just as good as day 1. I had to jog a little--my body just says go. It was just about a block on a slight downhill and I went super slow--almost jogging in place. But I felt like I could go on forever. I want to stick with the program, though, because I know if I overdo it will be harder to stick with it.
The second half was on a very long uphill--probably not the "easy walk" outlined in the program but it sure felt good. I need to do the uphills and downhills so the hike up Timp is easier next summer.
I started off with Sunny but she is horrible on the leash. It's our fault--we really haven't taken the time to train her on the leash. She is great off-leash--stays close, comes when called, but we need to work with the leash more. She is pretty much perfect in every other way! She is still exhausted after her weekend at the doggy campground running around with all the other dogs.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a lot colder so I am trying to keep my psych up so I don't wimp out.

Feels great!

I've often told my boys that the key to self esteem is to do things that make yourself proud. It's not something that comes from other people or other things, but from doing things that you know are right and good. So I need to take my own true advice. For sooooo long I've wanted to be able to run (or jog) 3 miles without stopping. I've thought about it, I've dreamed about it, I've talked about it, but I've never done it. I've started and stopped a hundred times. I saw a Facebook post from my nephew, Zach, that reminded me of a Runner's World beginner's running program (8 weeks to running 2 miles without stopping). I've thought about it some more and have decided once again to try.
I guess one thing that made me think about it more was our camping trip to Arches this last weekend. I went rock climbing with my husband and boys and got the distinction from Josh of being a "slightly cooler mom". It's great to know that they love me no matter what but who wouldn't want to be "slightly cooler" to her own 2 teenage sons? It was just a little thought to rest on. . .
This morning? 52'--I was definitely overdressed in mid-calf knit pants, long sleeved workout shirt and fleece pullover. The ear band was absolutely essential (hardly anything's worse for me than cold ears), and the knit gloves were great for about the first 5 minutes. I took the usual neighborhood route--5 min. up the hill, then made it to 65 S. before turning around at 15 min. I made it back to the start point in 31 min. I'm pretty sure there were a couple of times I only walked for 1 min. instead of 2--I need to learn to use the stopwatch or count or something. There was 1 min. in the middle that was purely uphill--pretty sure I looked totally stupid barely putting one foot in front of the other but didn't stop! It felt GREAT. 40 min. total.

Dream come true!

My Nana wish finally came true! Catherine and Eric were in a bike race, so they asked if I would come sit with Elliott while they were busy. I never got to tend Lydia--whenever we visited them, or they came to visit us, Mom and Dad were always close by and even though I got plenty of time to hold Lydia I never got to tend. So I was so excited to be able to spend a little time with Elliott. I got to feed her a little--amazingly satisfying to be giving her what she needed and wanted. And then we walked around a little until she snuggled on my chest and fell asleep. It was just the best ever. She is so incredibly beautiful and perfect. I have always been so jealous of all the other grandmas--and haven't really felt like much of a grandma since we live so far away from Lydia. I am looking forward so much to spending more time with Elliott. I so hope that she will know me well enough that she will always be comfortable with me. I am so excited to watch her grow up!

Welcome baby Elliott Isabella!

I was so excited to meet my newest little granddaughter, Elliott Isabella (Ellie Bellie?). She is incredibly beautiful and is perfect in every way. The best part is to see how happy Catherine and Eric are. They are both going to be incredible parents. Catherine in particular seems very calm, peaceful and in awe of her little daughter. It is a wonderful day to see your daughter have a child of her own. Having Catherine was just like playing dolls all the time--and even though we don't live in the same neighborhood I will see them often. What a wonderful, incredible blessing for our whole family. I am so grateful!

too many coincidences to be a coincidence. . .

So I went to California last weekend with Josh and his friend, Jake Anderson (not to be confused with MY Jake). Josh came to us a couple of months ago and presented a plan for him and friend Jake to go to CA to swim for the summer. They wanted to swim with Arden Hills, a team they have competed against several times during their swim trips to CA with their local club over the last couple of years. The Arden Hills team always made a really good showing at the meets, and Josh and Jake wanted to go and train with them so they could get to be that fast.
They had to find a host family and, truth be known, who would want a couple of teen-aged boys living with them over the summer? They weren't going for 1 or 2 weeks, but 7 weeks? Who would do that? They had a horrible time finding anything--Josh called Bishops in the area and they even tried to line something up in the Palo Alto area. Finally, less than a week before leaving, Uncle Charlie, Dad's brother, asked his wife's aunt if Josh and Jake could stay with them. They live in the Sacramento area--40 minutes from the club (like driving to Provo every day), but still kind of in the vicinity. Josh was so happy and so grateful. The drawback, though? They could only stay 10 days. I think that's a huge leap of faith and goodwill for Aunt Nancy and her husband (also Uncle Charlie, a different one). So Josh called them and set it up and they were ready to go.
Saturday morning came and they were all loaded up--yep, packed like girls, both of them. They had LOTS of stuff. But there we were. Ken and I drove down to the rec center, where we were able to hear Coach Steve's going away speech--shut up and listen, no girls, no parties, work hard, be safe, go to church. We gathered by the car with Jake's dad and sister, everyone said their goodbyes, and then we loaded in the car, Josh led the 3 of us in a prayer, and we were off!
How exciting! They were so happy to be going, even though they knew they might be returning home again in 10 days. They were just happy to have the chance.
We took turns driving through the day, and thankfully I can honestly say I had the chance to say everything to them that was on my mind--like, you won't leave toothpaste in the sink, will you? and, it's all about making your host family feel comfortable and glad that they have you--you know, all the mom stuff. We had a great drive over, with the car running beautifully, and with a dinner stop at The Gold and Silver in Reno. That was a restaurant recommended by my sister Tammy and her husband, Dave, as being featured on TV's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. How those boys put away a 1-pounder hamburger is beyond me, but I do think they could have eaten more.
We arrived at Nancy's and Charlie's at about 7:30 and had a great visit with them. The biggest concern of Nancy's and Charlie's was that the boys didn't step on the resident white-fur-pink-eyed bunny, who sneaks around the house, eats shoes, and is generally curious. The boys took me to my hotel and went back to their new home, where they were immediately talked into a hot dog at the favorite dog restaurant. I can't believe the amount of food those boys can put away. They say they aren't hungry but then they can always eat.
The next morning they were right on time to pick me up for church, and I noticed immediately the beautiful church music they were listening to in the car. There was such a sweet spirit with them. They were both in suits and looked so handsome and grown up. They had decided that we should go to both wards meeting in the building that day--the ward that the swim club was in (Ashton Park ward, where they hope to stay because it was close) and the ward next to it (Cottage Park Ward). Cottage Park's meetings were 9:00-12:00, and Ashton Park's meetings were 11:30-2:30. 
We walked in and the boys seemed to feel pretty comfortable. I had told them the day before "If you don't feel uncomfortable you aren't trying hard enough". So we met a few people in the foyer and then went into the chapel. They immediately offered to help with the sacrament and I found a seat. It was just a couple a minutes before Sister Tew came and sat behind me and introduced herself. I told her who we were and why we were there and she immediately said, "They can stay with us." She also talked to the bishop's wife, and they decided between the 2 of them that they could for sure find a place for them. They also said that we should talk to Brett and Dara Favaro, who own the club, because they might know of something for them.
After sacrament meeting the 2 women got together and started talking about talking to this person or that person. They went and introduced us to John Kennedy, who had actually just moved over to that ward from the other ward, and was a former Young Men's president, and he immediately said, "I have  man-cave they could stay in". Then, "I better ask my wife first. . ." We left that ward feeling very hopeful that something would happen for the boys.
The boys started all over again at 11:00, asking to help with the sacrament, but having to declare their worthiness to the Bishop first (good for that Bishop!). They were done with the sacrament and came to talk with me for a minute. I noticed a grandpa-aged man from across the chapel trying to get the boys attention. I said, "Josh, that man is trying to talk to you." Josh looked over and said, "No, he's not." But I looked at the man who was still trying to get their attention. I knew there was no one behind us so he had to be trying to talk to the boys. They went over and he asked them who they were and what they were doing there. Josh and Jake told him and he introduced himself as Bro. Favero, who owns the club (father of Brett). All along during the boys' planning, we had heard the name Brett Favero come up over and over. He swam with Coach Steve at BYU. Jake knew someone who knew him. Bishop Timpson of that ward had brought up his name during several conversations with Josh before they left home. The women in the Cottage Park ward suggested we talk with him. I knew I had to talk with him but didn't know  if he would be there, if we would be able to find them, how many people would I have to ask to find out who he was? and all of a sudden there are Josh and Jake talking to his dad. And, there were Brett and Dara sitting right behind the boys passing the sacrament. I saw them talking to Brett and then the meeting started.
The boys decided to bear their testimonies--I had suggested that if they felt like it was right they should to go ahead. I also suggested they introduce themselves but not say anything about why there were there or needing a place to stay. If they were going to get up it should be a pure and simple testimony. They were both so sweet. They looked like missionaries--as a matter of fact, several people had asked them if they were missionaries.
After Sunday School I saw Brett and Dara and went to speak to them. The first thing Dara said was, "They can stay with us. We want them with us." I was just overwhelmed. I know I looked stupid talking with them with tears in my eyes but I was so grateful and couldn't believe they were so kind. I immediately felt very calm about everything and knew that it was right and that they would be in the right place. About that time Bishop Timpson came into the room with Josh and Jake so they could talk with Bret and Dara. Apparently someone had come to find the boys in Sunday School and said that Bishop Timpson wanted to meet with them in his office, which totally freaked them out, but Brett and Dara had gone to the Bishop right after sacrament meeting and told him that they wanted the boys. It was just all so amazing.
The boys were stressed over driving so far every day (they're paying for their own gas) so they asked Bro. Kennedy if they could stay with them for a week until they could move in with the Faveros on June 15. We went over there later Sunday evening to see their house and talk with him and his wife. What sweet people. They are just 3 miles from the club. They are so accommodating and seemed genuinely happy for the boys to be coming for a week.
So the boys had just an awesome experience with Aunt Nancy and Uncle Charlie and hated to leave, but are now with John and Sheryl Kennedy for the next few days. They are having an wonderful time and are sooooo happy to be there and to be swimming. Josh is just so excited every time I talk with him.
On June 15 they will move again to be with Bret and Dara Favero. They live on the grounds of the club where the team practices. And, Grandma is right across the street and always has cookies. . .
I am so grateful for the Lord's hand in all of this. I was able to sit with Dara during Relief Society and she said, "After we talked to the boys, and they sat down, we looked at each other and said, "This is what we're supposed to do. We're supposed to have them with us this summer." I know that these boys are supposed to be there this summer. I also know that Heavenly Father has guided and inspired each person through this process in a way to allow them to be over there. It couldn't be more clear to me if there was writing on the wall.
Oh, and John Kennedy's father owns the house behind Jake's here in Bountiful (or something crazy like that), and thinks they might be related. . .
And, Josh is giving a talk this Sunday and Jake is speaking in a couple of weeks. . .

God does not want to remain anonymous!

(April 1, 2010) These boys are so sweet. Last night Josh was getting ready to take a shower. He went in the bathroom to get started and then said, “Mom—do you want to change before I get in the shower?” Such a thoughtful thing to do. I’m constantly in awe of how these boys can be so kind. This morning Jake gave a beautiful family prayer, thankful for our parents and all the hard work they put in so we can have this great opportunity. They are both so appreciative. It makes me want to do as much as I can for them.

I’ve been thinking about a quote Dave put up on Facebook—“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous” (Einstein). Bonnie and Joel (and the rest of us) recently went through “match” week for medical residency. We all know how smart Joel is and how hard he works. However, he has picked an extremely competitive field in which to practice medicine—radiation oncology. There were many, many more applicants than there were open positions. There was always a possibility that he might not get matched and might have to “scramble” for a residency position in a different field. There was also a possibility that he might have to choose to wait another year to try to match into the field he really wanted.

Last year he and Bonnie decided to try to get a rotation at the University of Arizona. I’m not sure how they came to that decision. Joel also went to the University of Utah and a school in Mississippi. There were many places they could have applied to for a rotation. They came here to Utah first for 4 weeks and then went to Arizona for 4 weeks. Bonnie told me that Tucson was a place where they could both really see themselves living. She said the smells were familiar, the air was familiar—of course, I feel very comfortable with the area having lived there many years ago. However, the University of Arizona is one of the most desirable places in the country to practice radiation oncology.

Well, sure enough, Bonnie called me on match day to tell me that Joel had been accepted in to the radiation oncology program at the University of Arizona. I was totally overcome when she told me—I just couldn’t believe that it could be true. I even asked her if she was kidding—then realized that of course she wouldn’t be. It was just too amazing to be true.

You see, that is the same hospital, same department, same speciality that our daughter, Kimberly, was treated at in 1989. The “coincidence” is just too great. What are the odds that our son-in-law would choose that profession, that speciality, that hospital? It just can’t be by chance. I have had the absolutely overwhelming, undeniable feeling that this is the clearest possible sign from our Heavenly Father that he is watching out for our family. He is taking care of each of us. He is mindful of our trials, our sorrows, our dedication, our desires and our individuality. He knows us and is taking care of each member of our family. Even though we have so many unique struggles with each of our family members I know he is watching for every member of our family. This is no coincidence, and he does not want to remain anonymous.

On the other hand, I feel that sometimes we give God too much credit. We had a young man in our neighborhood pass away this last month from injuries resulting from a horrible car accident. Another comment on Facebook—“Taylor must have been too good for this life so God took him to a better place.” Now, I know that that comment makes some people feel better about a loss. However, I don’t believe that Heavenly Father had anything to do with this accident. It was just a horrible, awful accident that Heavenly Father neither caused nor intervened. He didn’t “take” Taylor to a better place—He surely welcomed him there but I don’t believe that people die because Heavenly Father “takes” them—causes them to die. Of course there are times when life comes to an end, and where Priesthood power could prolong or extend a life, and Heavenly Father doesn’t extend that blessing. But let’s give Heavenly Father credit where it’s due, and let’s not give him credit for the horrible accidents and other casualties that happen as a result of misuse of our free agency or just plain every day earth life.