Template makeover...

Ok, so the new template isn't quite what it should be and I'm still working on it!!! NO need to fear (as if you even noticed)...the links will be back soon.

Orange or Yellow??

Blog world i need your advice...if this were your sun room/play room, would you pant it funky orange or more conservative yellow?
The strange thing about this dilemma is that i totally know that in 5-10 years my kids willl be sherking at the colors eithier way. Have I become the weird 70's woman who put shag green and orage carpet all over thier house because it was sooo cool?
Welllll, let me know what you think!

Does it really count???

When one is in a race with other people, and is awarded FIRST place in their age division, does it really count if you are the ONLY one in that age group??? I mean, it is after all my very first, first-place ribbon for any sort of running event...The ribbon is actually basically the same thing you could find at the dollar store...It doesn't even have my time on it or anything...Yet, it is kinda cool to say that I was first place once!

Betina, on the other hand, received third place out of a larger pool of people in her age group. This I would think, would be a much more deserving ribbon.

Ricky-not pictured due to his avoidance of the camera, really earned his ribbon getting second place over all, while pushing a stroller! I'm telling you he is just short of Hercules...;0)

The only other race I have placed in was a triathlon-turned duathlon (due to high lake levels, 5k run, 40k ride, 10k run) where there were only three women who did the Olympic length. I came in 3rd place (which is really last place) yet, I still value that ribbon as well...I suppose I like the small pool verses the ocean.
Reality is that the race is really me against my watch...I was excited to get a new PR 1:51:03. I'm considering starting a running blog to post this un-important information. In the meantime, if you are bored with our running events you can scroll down and see the cute pics of our sweet little cherubs!!

Sampler

One toddler, two toddlers up on top...we will not let our toddlers drop...(a.k.a. ten apples up on top, Dr, Seuss)
Fall with friends!
Friday the kids were out of school so we took a fun little hike at a fun park in our area. I love the feel of fall and the pretty leaves. Not to mention just hanging out with my kids.
This will be our prelude to the real sampler that will be put together tomorrow...for now I'm ready for bed.

Confrence Sunday Sampler

Today could very well epitomize fall wrapped up in a nice cozy package. We had the great opportunity of listening to conference (held in Salt Lake City and sent via internet, T.V., satellite Etc.. throughout the world). Twice a year, spring and fall, our church leaders hold a two day conference, full of inspiring counsel and direction to encourage all within its reach to stand a little taller and be a better person. Today was the final day of the fall conference, and I felt a sense of renewal and joy in being a mother, wife and friend.
Truly this life is about being part of a much bigger circle. Each of us has a the capacity to love, serve, and make this world a better place. I'm grateful to have the knowledge of a God who truly knows me and that I can have access to him through prayer. What a wonderful world we live in!
Along with watching conference, we took a walk to our Sunnyside park where we feed the ducks, pigs, lamas, and play on the toys. The pictures above show the trail we take to get to the park and Poppy and I laying down on the Merry-go-round. The air was crisp and fall -like, the leaves were changing colors and it felt like a beautiful fall day.
Following conference we ventured over to our Friend's, the Eaton's, for Samantha's birthday party.
It was a great party, we went for a hike on the hills across the road from their farm house, the kids had horse back rides, and then had some tasty pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins (all whole food made), and a bowl of mixed nuts and fruit.
Nikki my friend, and Sam's mom, really makes an effort to do things all organic and local (if possible). I have posted their ranch previously on my blog, but they raise organic free-range beef. It was delightful to see all of the kids having good-ol' fashioned fun! I don't think they even missed the sugar-laden cake...it was a real treat!

Pukey Peeps

Two Pukey kids...Total of daily pukes-9, Oscar-8 Poppy-1...Hopefully we will make it through the night without any further puking sessions.
Our Newest resident living in our sun room...Rick and Oscar want to keep him...I say he MUST go!!! I have been saying that for the past two days, and because of his precarious position I'm not willing to move him myself...Yes...Mr. BIG spider cannot live in my plant any longer! It's creeping me out!!!
And here we have out newest naked chef...Too cute for words...

Change...

Do you ever find yourself at the crossroads of change? Recently (yesterday) after chatting with the boss at the Gym I teach spinning. I discovered that there needs to be a change in my teaching approach and style. She didn't say I needed to, but in an effort to make things more consistent at our gym I have decided that it is the best thing for me to do....
Although I LOVE constructive criticism (mainly because I can't change something if I don't know there is something to change) there is that moment(or longer) when you feel a little exposed and unsure of yourself.
Suddenly you are re-evaluating all of the minor imperfections in the category that need some improvement. You try to reach out for something to justify or embrace the mentality behind the previous choice/technique of teaching.
In looking for ideas I threw my input and questions to a cycling forum...good/bad choice. Now it seems the others find me inexperienced and also critiquing my previous teaching methods...after all they don't really know the whole picture of my teaching...I only gave them the piece I'm working on...they dont see the part where my classes seem to love what I give them and seem to enjoy my teaching styles.
So, basically I threw myself to the dogs in an effort to find ideas and now find myself regretting exposing my weakness to the masses...So why do you ask would I further expose myself to the blog world?
I suppose it is my way of reaching out and putting on paper (so to speak) how hard it is to make a change for good while trying hold on to the pieces I felt were strong and secure.
-Heres one for self improvement!
I'll let you know how it goes...I do like improving and re-inventing myself to become something more...it's just a bit uncomfortable!