Alma and the Chipmunks

Let me preface this post by saying that Tate has been seeing the commercials for the new Alvin and the Chipmunks movie and really wants to see it. So last night Tate and John read scriptures together while I was in the shower. When I got out I asked Tate what they had read about. His response was, "Nephi, and Alma - Alma and the Chipmunks!" He knew he was being funny. I will have to admit that it was pretty creative!

Happy Heart Day

I just have to say that I have a wonderful and thoughtful husband. He worked really hard to make me a Valentine gift that was extremely heartfelt and it is something I will always treasure. He got together some of my Marathon pictures and memorabilia from three years ago, and put them into a shadow box. It is something I've said I needed to do but never did. I think the thing about it that meant the most though, was the letter he wrote on the back. I'm so glad I have a guy who will support me in all my crazy endeavors and is proud of me in the end! He also gets props for the beautiful flowers, but not too much credit, considering that I told him before we were even married that he was required to buy me flowers for Valentines Day every year. (My mom taught me that if you want a guy to know what you want - you have to spell it out for them.) He's done great, and I've gotten my flowers every year for seven years now.

London's Run

Saturday I had the awesome opportunity of participating in a charity event benefitting kids with cancer. To get more info on the event check out www.londonsrun.org. Part of the event included a 1/2 marathon. I ran this with two fabulous women, my sister-in-law Rachel, and Donnie Flaherty who I have the pleasure of working with in YW. Before the race started, London's mother encouraged all the runners and said that when the race got difficult or when our bodies started to tire and hurt, we should think of the pain and difficulties the kids face on a day to day basis. There were also reminder signs placed throuout the course of beautiful bald headed kids with the biggest smiles on their faces. It was just what I needed to remind me that if they can smile through the pain so can I. I really enjoyed the run and am so glad I had Donnie and Rachel with me. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends. I'm also so blessed to have such a wonderful family. It was so awesome to come around the corner to the last stretch and see John, Tate, Jack, David, Rachel & Carsyn all cheering me on. The best part was having Tate come grab my hand and cross the finish line with me. This was such a neat event to be involved in. It really made me appreciate my healthy body and the fact that it can run 13 miles without totally falling apart (it did fall apart a little bit). Call me crazy, but I'm thinking I might make this run an annual tradition.

The O says Ahh

Tate is learning to read which is very exciting! It is so fun to have him sounding out words all the time. At this point he only knows his short vowel sounds so E says eh, O says ahh, U says, uh, etc. So yesterday we are at my brothers house for a reverent superbowl Sunday dinner when Tate comes up to me very concerned and tells me he needs to tell me a secret. I'm thinking maybe he's going to tell me that he wet his pants or something tragic, but no, this is what he whispered in my ear, "Mom, that word over there on the wall says fart." He was obviously confused and concerned as to why anyone would want to decorate their walls with that kind of word. I attempted to explain that sometimes vowels make the sound of their name, I think he kind of understood, but not completely. We sure are glad that the FORT name has always provided us with a bit of humor!!

January's over already?

I cannot believe it's February. Where did January go? I really had great intentions of posting to my blog at least once a week, but after doing all 12 months of 2007 in just a few days, I was burnt out, plus January was not too exciting for us. It was especially unexciting for me considering the dreadful event on the 11th. I used to think it was so funny to call John OLD because he was in his thirties - well it's not so funny anymore! Do I have to tell people I'm thirty if I really don't feel like I'm that OLD? All in all my birthday was pretty noneventful. The highlight of the day was getting a smootie with Ashley Rogers - thanks Ashley for putting a little excitement in my not-so-exciting day. I think I'd much rather be five and have balloons and pinata's and all the fun stuff - oh well life goes on!!!

We did have a great weekend up in Flagstaff at the condo. I stayed inside by the fire the whole weekend. When Tate wanted to play in the snow I volunteered John to play with him. I gladly took pictures from the porch and absolutely did not touch the snow - it was too cold, and I DO NOT LIKE TO BE COLD!!! The boys liked the snow, but liked the warm hot tub even more!









Jack found my mascarra. At least he knows it goes on your face. I was so glad it was on his face and not on my walls or carpet.

December

These first few silly pictures are of me at a big fitness conference I attended. There was a 70's costume contest, so I did my best to represent. Unfortunately I did not win, but I realized it is not fun to work out in a giant afro wig (we had to wear the entire costume for a one hour cardio workout to be eligible for the contest). Oh well - I think I looked pretty good if I do say so myself. As a side note, the conference was for group fitness trainers of which I now am. I went to training back in June and I've been teaching my own step classes for a few months. I really enjoy it and hey - who wouln't love to get paid to work out?

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas. We had at least a couple parties every week the whole month of December. We are so lucky to have all of our family close by, and we're glad that Jason and Liberty were able to come from Oregon. The boys were so excited about all of the parties, traditions, and gifts, and of course they got way too many toys. I guess Santa doesn't know how to say no. Thank you to everyone who helped make our Christmas special and memorable.

2007 has been a wonderful year. We count our blessings daily and are so grateful for all that we have. We are excited to see what the New Year brings.

November

Tate finished out his soccer season with six wins. I wish I could say he was the star player but maybe he'll score a goal next season. He was so proud of his trophy (even though he didn't know what a trophy was until he got it). He had a great time and is excited to play again.

Jack loves playing with the spray bottle, even though it scares him really bad every time he shoots it in his own face. Not sure about Tate's hat, belt and sword combo - he came up with it on his own and decided I should take his picture.

We had a busy Thanksgiving I started it off running the Turkey Trot 10K. I ran with Ashley Rogers who is the YW Pres. in my ward (I am her second counselor). This was Ashley's first 10K and I think I've got her talked into running it with me again next year. Soon after the run it was off to Lunch at McDowell's then on to Merrill's for the Chapman feast, and we finished out the day with the Stratton Family reunion dinner. Needless to say - we ate way too much!!!