More Photos

Family Photos by Courtney Seal Photography

taken at Wheeler Farm August 2009

Kristine and the Boy

Chris and the Girls

The Kids

Kristine & Chris

The Boy

The family

Thanks, Courtney. We love the photos!

School is Cool

I am taking my first of 5 midterms today. I spent the weekend studying. School is cool - I enjoy learning. However, I have spent so much time studying I just realized it is the end of September - all ready! My, how time flies when you're having fun! Our family had a great summer - very busy, but fun. I'm so sad it is over - summer is my favorite time of year. Well, here's to a great fall!

Marathon Madness!

As the final week of preparation for the marathon approahces, I can't stop crying. Michelle has completed all of her training runs - she will do awesome. Chris completed my training runs - he will do awesome. I will sit on the sidelines, watching everyone else finish and realize my dream of running a marathon will not happen this year. This has not been my favorite experience. I am sure there is something to be learned from this - I just haven't found it. (If you would like to join my pity party . . .)

Ah, my life is good.

A Hot Dog Story

This is Hot Dog. Hot Dog came into our family through Chris' brother, Steve. When we got him, Cameron was 2 years old and knew that "hot" went with "dog" because of his favorite food at the time. Hence, the dog became Hot Dog. I am not a big fan of dogs. I come from a long line of dog lovers, so I don't know what happened to me. I just don't enjoy dogs. I think they are smelly and hairy. We have now had Hot Dog for about four years. He runs away, he barks at all hours of the night, he sheds all over my house, I catch him sitting on my furniture! I complain and complain about Hot Dog.

Then Cameron went to school all day and I was left home alone, by myself, which should be heavenly, right? Wrong! I missed my little buddy. It was kind of sad to be home alone, after so many years of kids. Hot Dog has become my companion. He follows me from room to room. He sits with my while I am doing my homework. I realize it is kind of nice to have another presence in the house, especially one that doesn't talk back! I realize I actually love Hot Dog (which was a surprising revelation to me-given my aversion to dogs). So here's to Hot Dog - a pretty good dog.

Seriously Proud

I am feeling pretty proud of myself. I fixed a clogged bathroom sink this morning all by myself. Who knew I had THAT in me?

This is The Very Boy...

Who lost four teeth within a week! He is feeling very cool about this and is happy to tell you how much money he's "made" from the tooth fairy! I keep thinking he better slow down. The kid is only 6!

(Photos courtesy of Uncle Randy)

My Dream, Crushed!

My dream of running the St. George marathon was crushed last Thursday. I've been experiencing pain during my running (horrible, agonizing pain, actually). Finally got some answers from the doctor. Turns out I have a quite serious medical problem that requires extensive surgery. I will not be able to run in the marathon. After spending the last 48 hours crying over it, I decided I will just suck it up, have the surgery and try again next year. (Postponing surgery just long enough to finish the school semester.)

Michelle will still run, by herself. She is completely and totally awesome - she ran 20 miles last weekend! She rocks. I, however, do not.

If you're out running - do a mile for me. If you see my crying, you will know why.

Quick and Easy Dinner

Now that I spend all my spare time (ha, ha) studying, I am finding some quick and easy dinners to prepare. I made this one tonight and it was a big hit. I'm not even sure what it's called.

1 lb ground beef
1/4 c chopped onion
1/2 c chopped green pepper
1 c barbeque sauce
cheese slices
hamburger buns

Brown the ground beef with the onion and pepper. Add the BBQ sauce and heat it through. Serve it on a hamburger bun with a slice of cheese. My kids really enjoyed it. If you have any easy dinner recipes you want to share, let me know. I can use all the help I can get!

Now what?

I had a two week break from school - thought I would get a ton of things done. I didn't. Here is what I am up to lately (thank you to my friends who have been asking...It's nice to know someone cares)

I am running 18 miles tomorrow for marathon training (yes, I'm still doing that - I haven't dropped out yet, but I really kind of want to)

I am counting down the days until the marathon is over

Taylor started 8th Grade this week and is making me feel completely and totally old

I am studying Math 1050 and Biology (math will most likely be the death of me)

I am trying to teach Cameron to read (I am not a very patient mom)

I de-junked the house (I am a complete and total packrat) and had an unsuccessful yard sale - no one wants my junk

I tried to clean my tile grout - then gave up and hired the neighbor girl to do it for some extra cash (she did a GREAT job)

I completely rocked out at the Nickelback concert last night and loved every single second of it (even though I know I shouldn't - my guilty pleasure, don't tell)

I had my awesome friend Courtney take wonderful pictures of my family

That's about it

Cabin Week

Last week the family spent the better part of the week at the cabin. This is what we did:

Ashlie and Taylor practiced looking "strong"...

Whoa - are those muscles or what??

Ashlie learned to ride a dirt bike...

We melted cans in the fire (yes, they really do melt if the fire is hot enough!) ...

Cameron learned to ride a dirt bike...

Chris and his dad (aka "ElRoy" because of his awesome shirt) cut down 6 trees...

Cameron practiced his GQ pose...

I read an entire book in one day (no, not a picture book - a real 520 page book!!)

Chris and I ran 17 (yes, you read correctly, 17!!!) miles and then sat on our butts for the better part of the day...

Uncle Jeff helped the kids build a kick butt fort that SurvivorMan would trade his Leatherman for...

And last but not least, we ate a TON of delicious food!