Mother Racer

Wednesday Jan 20th: I went out for a run after I dropped the girls and neighbor kids off at school. I ran 4 miles, went to a yoga class,  

 Then ran 2 more to return home. It snowed hard for the 4 miles before. It was the dip in dots type snow… It hurt my face! But it was fun. After I picked up my kindergartener we met up with a few other moms and their kindergartener’s for a lunch date.  

 We picked the girls up from school, the 2 older ones went to activity days and then we went up to my sister’s house to hang out. My mom is watching my sister’s kids for the week so the girls and I thought it would be fun to go play.  

 Dinner, crafts, games and dancing… It was a fun night for the cousins, my mom and I.  

 My mom is so good with the kids. I don’t know how she does it but she is always so prepared with crafts and activities. Just watching her and her patience makes me tired. 

Thursday Jan 21st: I didn’t get out for a run today. At times throughout the day I was ok not getting out but then other times I regretted not getting up early to go for that run. I did substitute teach for my kindergartener’s classroom. Always a fun time!  

 For track practice, the HS kids went out on an easy 7 mile run. Good kids!  

 I dropped the girls off at gymnastics…  

 And then Corom and I met up with the Fullmer’s, 4 of the Booths and Gary at Hu Hot’s for dinner. It is Amy’s birthday and we are planning our annual adult kayaking trip.  

 We came back to our house for birthday brownies!  

 
Friday Jan 22nd: I went out for an 8 mile run early in the morning. I woke the girls and Corom up when I got home. My oldest was a little upset. The girls have been having a marker war (drawing on each other’s faces) and my 2nd daughter marked up my oldest sometime during the night with a magic marker.  

They all get mad at each other for doing it but can’t stop doing it to each other. After the kids went to school, I headed to the gym for a Insanity class that lasted 30 min. It was tough. I have no upper body strength!  

 I worked at the clarion the rest of the day while the girls were in school…  

 The girls had friends over after school. I turned our table into a craft area…  

 We headed to BYU to watch a gymnastics meet. The girls loved it. It was pretty entertaining.  

 We were even more excited when BYU’s mascot (Cougar) came up to us.  

 
Saturday Jan 23rd: I got up at at 5:10 a.m. to go on my 8 or 9 mile run. Who really knows how far I ran. It was good, though. I went to a in-door track meet, while Corom stayed home and manned the kids. I don’t know who’s day was longer. 😉 The HS kids raced well today. We didn’t have a big group today but it was fun to watch them. One of our girl milers lost a shoe on her 1st lap. She raced well coming in at a 5:40.  

 I came home to the usual… Making dinner, crying, laughing, chaos and fun.  

 We watched a movie with the Fullmer’s when the kids went to bed. 

Sunday Jan 24th: We had a meeting at our house before church and then went to church. We left a little bit early today to head up to my sisters. My mom’s birthday is tomorrow and we are having a Sunday dinner with my brother and sister that are also in Utah.  

 Always so much fun hanging out with my family! I need to do it more often. 

Monday Jan 25th: I went out for a 8 mile run… Took the girls and neighbor kids to school (the girls were goofing off this morning),  

ran my mother in law to the airport, then went straight to the school to help in my 3rd daughter’s 1st grade class.  

 I grabbed my kindergartener and her and I met up with my mom, my sister and my niece for lunch (for her birthday), then went to Provo’s new temple’s open house.  

 Soon we said goodbye to my mom (she has to leave in the morning) and I picked the girls up from school and headed to track practice.  2 of my girls (2nd and 4th) decided to spit off the side of the railing (in the school)… I don’t know what they were thinking but when I found out (I’m glad no one else noticed), I made them clean all the bottom steps. I was a little upset. My 2nd daughter is actually a rule follower so she was way sad and embarrassed that I was upset. 

 We had a new family over for dinner and a coworkers of Corom’s. Then we had family night. Fun times. 

Tuesday Jan 26th: I woke up late and was unable to go on a run. I substituted in the kindergarten class (not my daughter’s class).  

 Corom worked a half day so it was nice to be able to run to practice with out worrying about the kids (and I don’t mean that in a bad way… I like my kids there… I don’t think they like it as much).  

 Some friends came over for dinner… The girls “helped” with making the scones. 😉  

 After bedtime… A few friends came over to watch the Bachelor. 

Friday Jan 15th: Well we finally left our home around 7. We were hoping to be out by 6 a.m. but accidentally slept in. By the time we actually left Orem area it was a little after 8. Corom had to make a few stops for the best gas prices and to get oil, etc. The drive there was uneventful (well some fighting between the girls…) but went by rather fast. Corom did make me a little nervous with his driving, especially when he was eating a cinnamon roll…   

We got to their house in Sacramento around 4:30 p.m. My girls were so excited to see their cousins! I felt bad because it was probably a little overwhelming. 🙂 But they had fun!  

 The older kids and adults watched the movie “The Visit”. It was a good “scary” movie. The girls went to bed and of course all wanted to sleep with their cousins… So my 3 older girls slept in with their one cousin (she is 9… Just 5 days older than my oldest) and my youngest slept with her other cousin (they are a day apart).  

 
Saturday Jan 16th: I went out for a 6 mile run in the rain. I loved it! And then it was a day of playing,  

catching frogs & more lizards,  

 riding horses (which I absolutely loved… My niece and I rode around for a little while before the other kids came running over. She was a pro, me… Not so much)…  

 My 9 year old niece was so good on her horse. It was fun to watch them! 
 M My sister in law, Vanessa, came over with her 4 kids (Corom’s brother’s wife). We started a bonfire (well Corom and his brother Jarom did)…  

 The kids played more…  

 Painted inside a house that is going to be knocked down in a month or so… 

   And just hung out at the house… 
  Taking pictures…. 😉  The cousins had fun and I had a great time being able to visit with my sister in laws. 

Sunday Jan 17th: Everyone hung out and had a nice, inside lazy rainy day. We did go to church and then came home and played card games, watched a movies, made food/snacks, etc. 

 I’m so sad that we have to leave in the morning. The girls had so much fun… Probably a bit much at times but what do you do? 😉  Right Christina? 😀

Monday Jan 18: We packed everything up in the morning and in no hurry said our goodbyes…  

 We began our wonderful drive back home. All I will say is that 70% of the time, we could tell the girls were tired from a long, late night weekend. The other 30% of the time it was a pleasant drive. We stopped at good old McDonald’s for dinner and then a little while later stopped at another McDonald’s for ice cream cones. 🙂  (Our van was too big to go through the drive thru so Corom walked through it.) 

 We got in around 8 p.m. and Megan and I went straight on a visit to a good friend who lost a loved one. Corom was great to get all the kids in bed while I ran out. 

Tuesday Jan 19th: I actually got up at 5:15 to go out for a 7 1/2 mile run with Beth. It felt good. I subbed in the other kindergarten class (not my daughters)… This was a full day assignment. She teaches 2 classes. It was so fun to have my kids come visit all day. It was also fun to see my kindergartener as we sometimes did things with the other class.  

 Corom had a half day so he picked up our youngest (after school lunch) and right before the 2nd class started. It was fun subbing but there are some kids that really make you tired! I headed to track practice… My youngest and her friend came with me and the older kids wanted to go home with dad.  

 After dinner, Megan and I went on RS visits, Corom then went to his church meetings and to YM’s (they toured the jail), and then I watched the bachelor with a few friends. 😊 Time for bed! 

Saturday Jan 9th: I went out for an easy 10 mile run today and then did the normal Saturday chore routine. Corom and Mike Fullmer hiked up some mountain and snowboarded down. Later Corom and our 2 older girls went on a daddy daughter Western date for Activity Days.  It was dinner and line dancing.

 The 2 younger girls and I went to the Chase’s house for dinner and then to the church to play Spike Ball  with many others. Corom and Travis were a little into the game with their matching outfits and all.

 Jeff had a little owie, so Corom and Travis took care of it… It was actually a big splinter.  But they seriously are the biggest dorks! 

 The girls watched a movie at Suzie’s house…  

 And then it was bed time… A very late night! I actually started to prepare a talk I had to give in Sacrament meeting. The person that was supposed to give it became ill tonight, so I said I would fill in. It made for a late night. 

Sunday Jan 10th: This morning went very smooth. The girls got ready, I had my RS meeting, finished my talk and then we headed off to church. I was so nervous but I got it done. My talk was on the conference talk in October (2015). Meeting the Challenges of Today’s World – Robert D. Hales. We had a few families over for dinner and then the girls had a little funeral for a little gum wrapper animal they made early that was stepped on. 

 
Monday Jan 11th: I dropped the girls and neighbor kids off at school and then went on an 8 mile run. It felt great. Later that day I went to track practice and sent the kids off on a run. We had a coaches meeting shorty after with a dinner before the meeting.  

 Corom and the girls went to the church tonight to clean (it is our blocks turn this week)… I feel a little bad not being able to help. 😉 

Tuesday Jan 12th: Once the kids were dropped off at school, I went on a 3 mile moderate to hard pace to the local gym. I did the insanity workout there (about 23 minutes total) and then ran an additional 6 1/2 miles. The insanity kicked my butt. My arms were so sore! It was a typical afternoon after I picked up my kindergartener… And then we headed for track practice (after I picked up all my kids).  

 We had a family over for dinner, Corom headed off to church meetings and then I went out after Corom got home and the girls were asleep, to watch the bachelor at a friends house. Good times! 

Wednesday Jan 13th: I actually didn’t get a run in today. It was so busy! I worked in my 2nd daughter’s classroom…  

 …my kindergartener and I went to a play date with some other moms and kindergarteners…  

 I picked the girls up from school and a few other kids came with. The girls had piano lessons, and then I picked up a babysitter (Corom had to work late) and headed off to the Payson Temple to do a session with Camille and Stephanie. I was so glad I made the time to go. I needed it! 

Thursday Jan 14th: I dropped the kids off at school, then went on a 3 mile run. I ran to the gym and did another insanity workout. It was so good in such a hard way.  

 I have no upper body strength! It was another 23-25 min workout. Once that was done I went back out to finish off another 4 miles. My arms were seriously so tired! I did cut my run short to hurry home. I got ready very quickly and ran to the school to help in my kindergartener’s class.  

 We did go to parent/teacher/child conference. My girls’ teachers are so great. It is always nice talking with them.  

 I ran over to track practice, sent them off on a 5 1/2 mile run and then had them do a insanity workout.  It was tough. 

  I took the girls to gymnastics…  

 Then headed over to the school for the teachers dinner. The PTO provides the teachers dinner during SEP conferences. (My kids grabbed their 2nd dinner after gymnastics.)  

 Corom and I packed after the kids went to bed… We are leaving for California in the morning. 

Friday Jan 1st: New Years 2016!!! We started of the New Year great… We eventually got up around 7:30ish and made crepes. My 2 older girls wanted to help. They were actually very helpful.  

 I waited a little while before I went out for a nice little 40 min run. It felt great!   

 Overall it was a day of hanging around the house with neighbor kids over. My mother in law came over with presents for the girls. They were loving it!  

 
Saturday Jan 2nd: I met up with 4 other ladies for a great run. I got a little over 8 miles in. It was Josie’s birthday so of course we went out to breakfast right after the run. 😊  

 After chores the girls played, inside and outside all afternoon…  

 Corom went to the pond to do the Polar Bear Plunge… Epic Failure!!! I wish I could upload a video because it is the funniest thing! I will try to get good pictures to capture the video…  

 As you can see, he didn’t quite make that water hole he was hoping to slide into (like a seal). It was a little ok a lot painful. He thought the pain was from the cold but shortly found out that the pain was from all the ice cutting his legs. 😜 Shortly after coming home, his legs began to swell and bruise. I’m not that unsympathetic but I was rather entertained by this whole Corom experience. I did laugh many, many times!   We had a couple of families over tonight and played Spike Ball… It was so fun. Corom was funny to watch but he somehow still managed to play well; he even threw in a few dives.  

 
Sunday Jan 3rd: The 2nd day of Corom’s legs…  

We went to church today… Corom had a hard time sitting down. Once again… A little entertaining to watch. We had the Fullmer’s over for dinner and then celebrated Mike’s birthday. Always a good time. 

 I went out on RS visits in the evening… And then we all went to bed early. 

Monday Jan 4th: After the girls went to school, I headed over to Kneaders for our PTO meeting. It was nice to have our meeting over breakfast. Great group of ladies!  

 I ran for 30 min on the treadmill (1st time in so long)! Then my youngest wanted to run too.  

 I coached the HS kids at in-door track today. The distance runners start inside but then end up outside.  It was a little chilly out… I don’t know how some kids do it without warm clothes on! 

  We had family night and then during their bedtime story (I’m reading Harry Potter to them), my 2nd daughter and 4th daughter rubbed some “mud” medicine on Corom’s legs.  I’m glad they wanted to do it because I didn’t! 

 
Tuesday Jan 5th: I went on a run after I dropped the girls off at school. It was an easy 8 today. I have been loving the sleeping in and running when the sun is out! Not a whole lot today. We had track practice and then the HS kids came over for cookies.  

 We had the Barney’s over for dinner, then Corom and Travis headed to their church meetings; Megan and I and the kids ran some treats to a neighbor’s house. 

Wednesday Jan 6th: I went out for a 5 mile run… I ran straight to a Yoga class (my 2nd one ever).  It was so great! It was tough and I am not flexible at all but really good. Amber (the instructor) was so good. After yoga I ran 3 more miles. 

 Corom sliced his finger pretty good. It needs stitches but he super glued it together… (Which you will see he will get stitched up later 😁). 

 The girls had piano lessons today, Corom had to work late, and I went on RS visits. 

Thursday Jan 7th: I didn’t run today but I did go to the gym for an “Insanity” workout… Whatever that is. It was a 23 minute workout with rowing, lunges, burpees, sit-ups, etc. I wasn’t sore until the next day. It has been a long time since I have done upper body or a core workout. That’s my problem… I usually only run. My friend Camile and her kids came over for lunch. It is her bday today… It’s always nice hanging out. My youngest was the only one that went with me to track practice today.  

 Then the girls had gymnastics tonight. They are loving it!  

 I had a church RS thing tonight. We listened to Mary Cook speak (which was excellent) and then I headed home to watch Corom get stitched up. 😁  Mike Fullmer brought some stuff over and got to work. It still makes me cringe just writing a bout it. His daughter did help with the stitching… She did a pretty good job. 

 Camille and Julie were there for the entertainment. So of course we had to celebrate Camille’s birthday with some brownies. 😀 We couldn’t find any candles so a match had to do…  

 
Friday Jan 8th: I went out on a 8 mile run after the girls were dropped off at school. My youngest and I watched a movie together today (when she got home) and then hung out with a neighbor. The girls had friends over… We had a “craft” day. It kept them all busy for a while.  

 We met up with the Barney’s at the HS basketball game (my girls enjoyed it). I slipped away for a little while to go play basketball myself at the church. They put together church ball games for the ladies. It was good exercise… I’m not that good at it but I enjoyed it. 

 We watched movies all night when we got home… We stayed up way too late!!  

Fun times! 

Saturday Dec 26th: I went out for a 43 min easy run along the golf course. It was So refreshing and I felt good. We spent time with my parents and my brother, Ben and his family before we said our goodbyes. 😔  

 We had so much fun hanging out during our Christmas break. It was hard to leave. By 1:30 p.m. we began our long drive back. We didn’t get home until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. 

Sunday Dec 27th: Surprisingly after the 3 hours of sleep Corom and I got, we both felt refreshed and ready to go for the day. The girls were good and church was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. There was no fighting, the girls were ready on time with little help and I did not have the wanting to fall asleep during church. We were invited to a friend’s house for dinner tonight. At church she realized we just got home and told me not to worry about cooking. I was so relieved… Thanks Wilsons. We were introduced to Spike Ball. We stayed for hours playing! It was so fun!  

 
Monday Dec 28th: I lazily got up and waited a little while to go on a run.  I waited for the sun to be out, breakfast to be done, chores to be started before I headed out. The girls played with neighbors… They went sledding, did crafts, made science experiments (with Corom’s help), etc.  

 We had family home evening and then I went to my last soccer game of the season. We lost but had a blast!  

 
Tuesday Dec 29th: Another slow morning of getting out for my run but I eventually ran for another 40 min (about 5 1/2 miles). I felt great and pushed the pace a little. The girls and went on a few errands… We ran into one of our old neighbors while shopping. He is one of the sweetest people. He treated the girls to an ice cream cone. I did work at the clarion for a few hours today (a wedding). I enjoy working there. 

 The girls and I headed up to my Aunt Karen & Uncle Mark’s get together. We were able to see many family members and eat extremely good food!  

 
Wednesday Dec 30th: I didn’t run today. 😉 We took the girls cross country skiing so I figured I would get a good workout in with that… It was the girls 1st time cross country skiing (we went up with the Ritchie’s and their group).  

It was only $6.50 for adults and all our kids were $4.50 a piece… That included rentals and everything! There were lots of falling, frustrations and tears at the beginning (mainly from our youngest but she is also the most determined to be able to do things right :/).  

 But after about 45 min the girls picked it up and we had so much fun! The tracks helped a lot. 🙂  

 I was sad we had to leave but I do want to go again soon with the girls! Corom had to go back to work and I went to a neighbors house to help them move.  Then the girls had a movie night. 

 
Thursday Dec 31st: New Year’s Eve We spent the day cleaning. The girls had to clean their rooms before they did anything today… Well they started at 8:30 a.m. I had them take a break at noon for lunch. Nothing has been done; well lots of goofing off! I went for a good 6 mile run around 1. I get back and their room hasn’t really been touched; still lots of goofing off and playing together in there. Finally an hour before dinner, after many lectures and being talked to they finally cleaned it up. It only took them about an hour to clean. Oh well… Corom and I got a lot done with them being in their room and not making a mess around the house. We had 5 or 6 families over for the evening.  

We played lots of games, visited and smacked on yummy food. We did change the clocks around our house 2 hours ahead just because all of us hanging out have younger kids. The kids didn’t know and we turned on New York’s ball drop. It was perfect!  

 The kids celebrated at 10 our time and then shortly after everyone started to go home. The girls did put on a cat fashion show before they went to bed… And by 10:45… They were asleep. 

 It was a great New Years Eve! Fun times. 2015 had many ups and downs but I am grateful for all the things I have and for the people in my life (old and new)!  Now time to set new goals and to start the New Year!