Edgemont 5K

I am so proud of my two elementary kids. They ran a 5K! I'm pretty sure I never did that until I was in high school. Emma was so intent on getting a great time, she didn't walk once. Even when she had a sideache and she couldn't find her dad, who had her water bottle. Way to go guys!
This little First Grader beat 3/4 of the school, including the older kids, grades 2-6.

A Little Bit on the Cougs

I was out shopping tonight and saw a shirt that said, "I cheer for BYU and anyone playing the U." That pretty much sums it up for us.

BYU has been ranked the nation's "Most Popular" university by U.S. News and World Report and for good reason. We feel so fortunate to be a part of such a great institution. Shan loved his first year and is really looking forward to his next and final year. The professors are top notch and the students in the MBA program are first rate. (Their spouses are pretty stellar too:)

Click here to see my favorite student. (And if you click on his picture, it will take you to his profile.)

Madeline's Preschool Graduation

Madeline and I chose a cooperative preschool this year with some friends from Shan's program. It was a lot of fun to be able to teach and play with the kids. Madeline made lots of great friends, and took field trips to places like the fire station, the planetarium, Costco behind the scenes, and the animal museum. These are pictures from her "graduation." I made the graduation caps, and you can see how to make them on my other blog. They were super simple!

Madeline receiving her certificate from Ms. Kirstin.

These cute girls are some of Madeline's friends, Kiersty and Audrey.

Way to go Madeline!

Hiking in Zion Canyon

A few weeks ago, I took the kids down to Southern Utah to see Zion Canyon for Spring Break. They were totally impressed! They loved the tall walls and the occasional waterfall and the red, red rocks. And even though I've seen it dozens of times, the sheer beauty of that canyon was once again totally inspiring. Usually my heart hurts as I watch my kids grow up. I'm staring at the potty seat and knowing that I need to get rid of it, but not really wanting to. (Don't get me wrong- potty training is not my favorite part of parenting!) But it's hard for me to admit that the baby stage is over. There is nothing like the smell of breast-milk breath, and the shudder of a sleeping newborn as she lays on your chest.

Well given all that, our trip to Zion was an eye opener as to what fun older kids can be... no diapers to tote along, no naps to take, and everyone walked on their own! We hiked the Riverside Walk, which is admittedly the easiest hike in Zion, but still, they all walked on their own... and had fun!! I didn't have to carry anyone. I just got to enjoy myself and watch them do the same. The Riverside Walk follows the river and so we stopped to play in it many times. Miss Madeline loved throwing the rocks, and once again, everytime she bent over, her little bum showed. (For those of you who aren't up on our quirks, Madeline cannot keep her pants up... I think her bum crack is honestly higher than most. She must have weird parents or something.)

Cherish the Women

Let's forget to feel guilty and celebrate instead! I hope you steal a few moments to yourself today. Here's to all the mothers!

And remember that behind every successful woman......is a basket of dirty laundry. (Author unknown)

Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children. (Sam Levenson)

There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. (Chinese Proverb)

It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. (Barbara Kingsolver)

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. (Peter De Vries)

Whatever else is unsure in this stinking dunghill of a world a mother's love is not. (James Joyce)

The lullaby is the spell whereby the mother attempts to transform herself back from an ogre to a saint. (James Fenton)

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. (Tenneva Jordan)

Who is getting more pleasure from this rocking, the baby or me? (Nancy Thayer)

Making a decision to have a child--it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. (Elizabeth Stone)