Day 12

How you found out about blogger and why you have one.

A couple years ago a few of my buddies decided that we would start a blog that we could all post to and then we could keep up on each other a little better. "Ladies from the Eighties" was born, it pretty much has died now...ha ha. But anyway that got me checking out other peoples blogs and I decided it would be fun to do one of my own. The world of blogs really opened up to me when we had Kaelyn. We have met so many amazing families and kids with children with Down syndrome and other special needs. They have helped us so much in the last year and a half, by providing their support and prayers when Kaelyn was in the hospital. They also gave us a glimpse of how lucky we were to be expecting our little girl. We have met many of them in person, and plan on meeting all of them someday. So there you have it, that is why I have a blog, well two.

Day 11

Another picture of you and your friends

This is one of my favorite pictures. Its me and a few of my best friends at the Temple after my wedding. I thought it was so awesome of them to come and be there for me that day. From left to right, Mallary, Megan (They are twins), Me, Jamie and Chelsea. Mallary, Megan and Jamie have been friends of mine since Middle School and Chelsea was my roommate at Snow. You may remember her from yesterday's post under All American Rejects.

Day 10

Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

I usually only listen to music when I run outside, once in a while when I clean the house or work. I mainly like to "save" it for things that I need extra motivation to get done. When I find a new artist I like, it gets me excited to run so I can listen to them. It doesn't really matter what mood I'm in, I just listen to my favorites or put my ipod on shuffle. Here is a list of a few of my favorites.

All American Rejects - Whenever I listen to them I feel like I am back at Snow College. I still remember the first time I heard them. My roommate Chelsea called me up in her room to listen to a song. She played Swing Swing, and after the intro asked if I knew who it was. I said, "Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Unplugged" I thought that was so funny, still do. Any how it makes for great running & cleaning the house music.

Michael Buble' - I just love his music, it always puts me in a good mood. My favorite is Everything. When I was pregnant with Kaelyn, I memorized it and would sing it to her. Every time I hear it now I think of her and if we're alone I sing it to her...like old times.

Kelly Clarkson - Loved her since the day I saw her win American Idol, and she has only gotten better. She too makes for a great run. If I HAD to choose a favorite song it would be You Found Me. It reminds me of the love of my life, Wayne.

Sara Bareilles - I wasn't a huge fan of her stuff on the Radio, mostly because it is over played and just not that great, but I put in her on my Pandora, and she has some really great songs. This one came on while I was running outside in 20 degree weather last week. It was very appropriate, and I liked it, I listened to it twice.

Well thats good for now.

Day 9

Something you're proud of in the past few days.

My first attempt at making the Lion House Rolls didn't turn out too bad. They definitely have room for improvement, and Wayne would appreciate it if I didn't have the emotional breakdown/verbal lashing that occurred while making them, but they rose twice and were edible, so its a start. One of my goals in life is to bake yummy bread, I want to be known as the "Bread Lady", like my aunt Becky, but theres one problem...Bread hates me. I don't know why, it just has this thing against me. I think it has it out for me lately because I googled a recipe for quick bread sticks. We were having friends over for some italian food and I wanted some bread sticks to go with it, but had less than an hour to make them. I found a recipe with lots of comments that said they were good. I'm guessing I accidentally typed, "quick garlic rocks", and I learned that there is no such thing as bread without yeast. I couldn't get those things into the trash quick enough. I have had success with my cousin Teri's yummy wheat bread, the key is the mini-bosch mixture I inherited from my Grandma and STEP-BY- STEP-PICTURE instructions. Thanks for the glimmer of hope in the bread department Teri.

Day 8

Short term goals for this month and why.

1. Read my scriptures every day - Because I need to do better at it.

2. Cut down on the junk food - Because this weekend has been a killer in that department.

3. Do physical & feeding therapy with Kaelyn daily - Because she needs it and I'm a slacker.

These are my big ones right now...I'll be sure to report on how I did at the end of the month. Hopefully that will make me more accountable.

Day 7

A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

What a perfect day for Day 7 to fall on. When I read todays topic, the first person to come to my mind is My Savior. He is everything, He has made every good thing in my life possible and every difficult time bearable. He continues to teach me daily, and is always close by, if I seek Him. I've always loved the above picture of Him by Greg Olsen, but it has even more meaning since Kaelyn was born. I can just visualize her sitting on His lap, and being taught about her misson on this earth. She has a great work to do, and hasn't wasted a second of her time here. She taught her mama and daddy, and many others, that miracles are possible. That there is so much good in this world. She just radiates the spirit of Christ, and brings that spirit into our home daily. I am honored to be her mother, and so blessed that Heavenly Father would trust me with her precious life.

I saw this cute video the other day and wanted to share it, so if you have an extra 3 minutes and 59 seconds in the next couple of days, this would a great way to spend it.

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Day 6

Favorite super hero and why

Is Barbie a Super Hero??? Well she was for me. Growing up with 3 brothers and no sisters, my Barbies were my best friends...Sad, I know. I loved playing Barbies though, most of them were hand me downs from my cousins. I think I had one that I actually got new. I still remember when I was in pre-school I was a little embarrassed when my friend came over to play because most of my Barbies clothes were my socks, its really funny now. I did however have an awesome R.V. they lived/traveled the country in. (A box with windows cut out) Those were the days. So when I hear about parents that don't want their girls to play with Barbies because of the body image issues the may cause...I disagree. I don't ever remember even considering that I should look like Barbie when I was a kid. I didn't start worrying about stuff like that until Barbie was long gone. Hopefully times haven't changed so much today that that really is an issue. Anyways, not much of a Super Hero story.

Day 5

A picture of somewhere you've been to

Kruegar National Park, South Africa

South Africa is definitely the most exciting place I've visited. In fact, its the only time I've been out of the country. When I was a senior in high school I was able to go with the rest of my family to pick up my brother from his mission. He served in Johannesburg, but we were also able to go down to Cape Town. One of the many highlights was our safari stay at a resort in Kruegar National Park. We stayed in these nice little huts and got to go riding in the open vehicles throughout the land. We spotted everything from elephants, lions, hippo, giraffes...well just all the big African animals you can think of. Everything except TIGORS, because apparently those don't live in Africa. I think our tour guide thought it was pretty dumb that I didn't know that.

Day 4

A habit that you wish you didn’t have.

Oh dear there are so many, but the one that is my curse is that I seriously CAN'T go to bed if the last thing I ate wasn't sweet. Therefore I try to keep the sweets out of my house, but that usually leads me to eating like a cup of chocolate chips, 3 packages of fruit snacks or looking for candy under the couch..ha ha. So if you have any tricks on beating this habit please speak up. And no, fruit/yogurt/any semi-healthy just doesn't do it. That was one thing I appreciated about being pregnant, the thought of candy/sweets repulsed me.

Day 3

A picture of you and your friends.

We definitely don't take enough pictures when I hangout with my friends. This is some of us at a Modbe party I hosted like 3 years ago. From left to Right, Amy, Jamie N, Jamie L and Me.

And Marcy, no stickage here...I've come to the realization that I will never be a stick :)

Just have to work my butt off to be an average persons size :)

Day 2

The meaning behind your blog name

Its only day two and I already forgot I was doing this...but a las I remembered. So back in the day, before my t.v. watching time there was a show...can't think of the name right now, but one of the famous lines was, "Dannnng Jeana, What you gone do with your hair." When I was in high school people started saying it...and it stuck. I hear it all the time now, usually from strangers that don't meet too many people named Jeana. So thats it. If you remember the name of the show please leave it on my comments, its bugging me that I can't think of it. (If there are actually people out there reading this of course :)) Good night.

Day 1

Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself-

Our family picture taken at Target a few months ago.

1. My hair color in the above picture is my natural color...I get asked that once in a while.

2. I love my neighborhood! I seriously can't imagine living anywhere else.

3. I'm only on #3 and I can't think of anything else to write...this is going to be hard.

4. I really enjoy being physically active and mixing up my workout routines with the seasons. Right now I'm doing pump 3x a week, running 6 miles 2-3 times a week, step/cardio class a 1-2x a week and volleyball 3-4x a week. Thats one of the reasons I LOVE my neighborhood, our community center has lots of classes I can take advantage of 1 minute from my house.

5. I love being a stay at home/work from home mom. Spending each day at home with Kaelyn is a real treat.

6. Dan in Real Life is my favorite movie.

7. Wayne and I buy our own Christmas presents...and usually use them well before Christmas. I've been wearing my new boots daily this week.

8. I actually had all my Christmas shopping done before the week of Christmas, I think this is the first time in my life.

9. Am I really only on #9? Yikes.

10. I enjoy running in frigid cold temps once in a while. I was finally able to do so on Friday and it was awesome, I ran an extra 2 miles because I loved it so much. I felt so alive!

11. I love making my house payment each month, it reminds me of how blessed we are to live here, and that we're one month closer to owning it ;)

12. I love my life, and am amazed at how happy I am. Best husband, best daughter, best family, best friends, best everything!

13. I want to eat more fruits and veggies.

14. I love sweet potatoes, and wish I could have them in some form daily, but am not ambitious enough to make them.

15. Sometimes I wish I had a sister, I think thats why I treasure my girl friends so much. They provide that connection I never had.

30 Day Blog Post

Since I've been neglecting my blog for a while now, I decided to follow Vandi's lead and do the following. If only for my own introspection...is that a word?

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

day 2- the meaning behind your blog name

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you love

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- your last five facebook status'

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

day 30- your favorite song

Lake Powell

Wayne, Kaelyn and I were lucky enough to make a quick trip down to Lake Powell with Wayne's Dad and two brothers over UEA weekend. We had a fun trip! We stayed in Page, AZ. The weather was beautiful, high 80's and the water was not too bad. We spent a couple days on the lake and a couple days hiking some really cool slot canyons.

The beautiful Lake Powell - Wahweap style

Kickin' it on the boat.

Climbing up the treacherous rock wall, okay maybe treacherous doesn't quite fit.

There were like 10 of these pools of chocolate milk, I mean dirty water we had to trek through.

Wayne in the middle of his "off the sand cliff back flip"

Entering the first slot canyon.

My father in law talked me into driving the boat on our way back to the marina Friday night. It was the first time I had ever driven a boat and we were going top speed. So as we were going through the channel below, I was holding the wheel as steady as I could. This channel was at least 200 feet deep. All of the sudden the boat started turning out of control and I couldn't do anything but scream. I was so scared, I thought we were going to hit one of the walls, I literally had no control of the boat, I didn't even know how to stop it. Luckily Wayne's dad got it stopped while I had a mental break down. We still have no idea how it happened, but one of the prop blades just fell off. We didn't hit anything, it was the craziest and one of the scariest things I've ever had happen to me. I told Wayne it was my sign in life that driving boats is not for me. Other than that the trip was definitely a SUCCESS!

Somethings missing...

Banana Scream, where have you been all my life?

Thanks to my super awesome, fit foodie cousin Terilyn, I now have a new love. I like to call it "Banana Scream". My most favorite shake flavor in the whole wide world is Oreo Banana, and this is even better tasting, and WAY better for me!

All you do it put some banana's in the freezer, I take mine out of the peel and break them into about 4 pieces and keep them in a zip lock. Then at 9:00 pm when you are just dying for something sweet and delicious you take them out, put them in a blender/food processor (I actually use my little electric chopper thing I got as a wedding gift), add a little milk and your favorite add in. Mine in a piece of dark chocolate or an oreo. It seriously is a dream. I really like it better than ice cream...and ice cream is my all time weakness. It doesn't leave me feeling so full and heavy in the stomach after eating.

1 cup Dreyers Slow Churned ice cream = 240 Calories & 10 gms Fat (And thats the low fat/cal stuff)

1 cup Banana Scream w/1 dove dark Choc square = 170 & 3 gms Fat (1 serving fruit)

I also find that I don't over eat it like I do ice cream. I NEVER eat just one cup of ice cream, I usually dish myself a small bowl and then go back 2 or 3 times for seconds. With this treat it takes a little work to make, so I can't just go open the freezer and dish more. I'm satisfied with one serving.

It also works out great because I'm really picky with bananas. I only eat them if the skin is completely yellow. Once it starts getting a little brown on the outside, I don't like the consistency. So now instead of throwing them away, I just toss them in the freezer.

Thanks for the tip Teri! You are the best!

The Race

Jamie and I huddled around the fire pit. We left the hotel 3 hours before the race and got to the starting line an hour before the race...so we had some time to kill:)

Kaelyn giving me my after race hug, while I chow on my banana creamie

So race day came and went and part of me is a little sad its over, but not too sad, because there will be more. Its kind of like when you have family or friends stay over for a few days, and when they leave you feel a little empty inside. Yes, strange I know, but thats how I've felt the past few days. I just want to run so I can have that feeling go away, but I'm still pretty sore and when I did go run on Tuesday I was pretty achy and it wasn't too pleasant.

The race was great, the weather was perfect, the company was spectacular and the course was down right gorgeous. Part of the run was around one of the prettiest lakes in Utah (Pineview) and the water was "butter" (as Wayne would put it) You could see the most beautiful reflections of the sky and landscape in the water. The hardest part for me was between mile 24-25. We had just seen all my family that came to watch and I just wanted to get to 25 so I could tell myself "just one more mile". Thank goodness I had Nicole by my side, because it was very tempting to start walking, but she kept me going...and afterwards she said I kept her going. Kind of funny how that works.

My favorite part was around mile 11ish we came up on Wayne and Kaelyn chilling in their camp chair on the side of the road. Wayne brought Kaelyn right up to me so I could give her a kiss as I ran by. At the moments when I felt so tired, and realized how hard this was, I would keep telling my self, "104 days in the NICU. Kaelyn fought for 104 days in the NICU and never gave up, never gave in. " That was my personal rally cry. It got me through the most difficult times of the run.

Now I want to work at picking up my pace a little, and also try to get more than a sketchy 2 hours of sleep the night before the race. I’m not sure if that’s possible though, I did the same thing last time. I didn't get into the St. George marathon, which is probably a good thing. I forgot how hard this is, but its definitely worth it, just don't think I'm hard core enough to do 3 in 6 months...some day :)

My sister in law told me about this video that a Seminary teacher from my church put together for her students while running the Boston Marathon. Its pretty cool and oh so true, enjoy. (Might need a Kleenex)

Life is like running a marathon

Can't make your cake and eat it too...

My first (and possibly last) attempt at decorating a cake with fondant. It wasn't too bad, but as you can see I made "a piece" of cake, and it was pretty time consuming. I ended up only making "a piece" of cake because one of the cakes crumbled to pieces when I took it out of the pan. Guess thats why they tell you to cool completely before you start messing with them. The marshmallow fondant recipe wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and it was fun playing with the new icing colors I bought. I'm toying with the idea of making Kaelyn's birthday cake, but we'll see how ambitious I'm feeling in a MONTH from today! Yes, my little girl is 11 months old today. I can't believe it. Well I better go to bed before I even think about eating that hunk of sugar, seeing how I've been laying off the sweets this week in prep for the big day Saturday.

Runner's High is Dangerous

It will get you to do some pretty crazy things. Like post on your almost forgotten blog two times in one week. Even crazier, you will have some pretty serious epiphanies' while the warm sun hits your face and a cool breeze gives spring running the perfect conditions. I've been toying with the idea of doing another marathon this summer, so I put my name in for the St. George marathon in October. They do a random selection process because they have so many people sign up. If you've signed up twice and don't get in, you are guaranteed a spot the third time around. So I thought, what the heck, I'll get the process started. Then I decided that if I didn't get selected this year then I would do the Park City marathon in August. Well after my wonderfully easy six mile run today, I realized that this running business is only going to get easier, so why not go from here. I came right home and registered for the Park City marathon. So here is my summer running schedule.

May 15 - Ogden Marathon

June 12 - Utah Valley Half Marathon

July 4 - Neola Half Marathon

August 21 - Park City Marathon

October 2 - St. George Marathon (Maybe)

That should keep me pretty busy ehh. The tricky thing is going to be fitting all my running in around outdoor doubles volleyball tournaments. (Those are my true motivation for getting in shape :) )

The second epiphany I had was...I want to run every marathon in Utah. From what I can find online, that is somewhere between 12-13 races. After this summer I'll have 3 down and 10 to go! See what I mean about Runner's High being dangerous, what will it make me do next? (I'm sure Wayne doesn't want to know)

Still Running...

Yikes, where have I been? Reading everyone else's blogs I guess. Well we just ran our last LONG run before marathon today (20 miles). It feels pretty good to be this far in the training regimen. The big day is in three weeks. I'm getting pretty excited! There is just something amazing about being surrounded by a couple thousand other people, all taking part in the same exciting event. The weather was beautiful today and couldn't have been more perfect for the run. Its been kind of crazy how this time around things have been so different than the first marathon I ran. Then it was like I had to plan my life around my training, but this time...training just has to fit into my life. It's also been a lot easier mentally because I've run all these long runs before, so I know I can do it. Well there's my update, just wanted to let everyone know I'm still going through with it :)

Tagged

My fun cuz Teri Tagged me to do this post, so I better not disappoint:)

Seven things about me...

1. I was once a little Ballerina, never graceful, but a ballerina. The other day my nephews were watching my wedding video and they were very impressed with the footage of my days in the Nutcracker. Carson told me he wanted a copy of my wedding video at his house.

2. In 5th grade I slammed my left middle finger in the door and cut the top of it off. Since then I've met at least 4 others with the same crazy looking finger. 2 family members, 5th grade teacher and anatomy aid. I believe that is why I'm a better dribbler (basketball) with my left hand, cuz my three middle fingers are all the same size.

3. As of today, I've put 106 miles on my new running shoes in the last couple months. It sure starts adding up quickly.

4. My favorite T.V. show these days is the Biggest Loser. In order to watch it though I make myself exercise while watching it...or else I don't get to watch it. It just doesn't seem right to sit on the couch while their working so hard:)

5. In my early elementary days I was voted "class clown". I was very social, which is strange because now being outgoing really pushes me outside my comfort zone. I blame it on junior high...yikes those days were rough.

6. I am the only girl in my family of 4 kids. According to my brother it was his job to toughen me up.

7. I'm married to the coolest guy on the planet. We have lots in common so we don't get too bored.

Five things that make me smile...

1. Just looking at my little daughter Kaelyn. I just can't get over how cute she is.

2. Playing volleyball.

3. Wayne when he's being goofy.

4. Getting together with friends and reminiscing the good old days.

5. Spending everyday at home chilling with Kaelyn...and when we hear the garage door open and know Dad's home.

I tag...

Jamie

The Crow

Everyone else who feels up to it:)

I'm doing it again...

but this time I'm doing a few things differently.

1. I'm not going to map every single run on Mapmyrun thanks to the Christmas gift Wayne gave me...Nike + Ipod. It keeps track of my mileage so I can just hit the open road and save lots of time planning.

2. Jamie (my sista from a different mista) will be doing it with me, and that will be great!

3. Lots of inside runs with the Christmas gift I bought myself (Treadmill), because now that I have a little one I can't just take off anytime, plus the air quality isn't the best this winter.

4. I'm going to do a half marathon a couple months after, so I won't quit running right after, not pick it up again for a year and let all my in-shape-ness go to waste.

5. Last but not least, I will NOT run the 10 mile run in the heat of the day on the Jordan Parkway alone...I had to learn the hard way on that one last time, but I learned my lesson.

Yep, I'm running another marathon in May, the Ogden Marathon. From what I hear its one of Utah's best. One of my lifetime goals is to run one within a year of having a baby. I've found it to be a great motivator to get back in shape. I would have to admit that I don't LOVE running, sometimes I down right dread it. But I do LOVE getting in shape, shedding the pounds, feeling like I pushed myself and accomplished something REALLY hard. I do look forward to when the 3 mile runs seem like nothing more than a walk to the mail box, and not like the death sentence that they do right now.

This is the quote I put on my treadmill, because running on a treadmill is A LOT more difficult that running outside, but I'm sure it will get easier. For now though, I have to read this quote multiple times during a run and talk my body out of giving up.:)

“Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon & night.

But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired”.

-George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian