Save the Frogs 5k Report and More

It's been way too long since I've updated this site.  #NewMomsTalkHasTakenOver

Here's what we've been up to:

• An awesome race at the Save the Frogs 5k (If you are in the Seattle area, this is a wonderful and worth-it race with a tough hill near the start!).
• A little DIY project for Susanna.
• Enjoying the world of cloth diapers. 
• A fabulous Wasatch Mountain hike- well one of many.

We hope you are all having a fabulous time!

Happy Mother's Day to all who are called "mom!"

Macklemore Half Challenge

While Scott was gone, I needed to do "stuff" with Susanna, so I created a Macklemore Half Challenge a la (with changes) the Unofficial one from John and Sherry at Young House Love.  We had a blast!

Susanna is already in love with this $1 great find!

We did, however, pass on the skis.  

When it was all said and done, we spent $8.50 out of our $10.

Oh and during the weekend, I learned a lot.  

A Birthday Hike & A Perfect Moment

Utah was in the mid-60's on my recent birthday, so we hiked in those beloved Wasatach Mountains.  Susanna did amazing and slept for most of it!

Then something else unbelievable happened- a moment like no other.  It was perfection!

I'm so grateful for these moments... and all of them that make up my beautiful life!

Antelope Island Buffalo Run Race Report

Amazing.

Great people.

Fabulous swag.

Beautiful course.

Incredible RD.

Cold, windy, snowy, and sunny.

Full report is here.

Four race options (100 mile, 50 mile, 50 k, and 25 k).

A "must do" race.

Buffalo stew.

We'll be back.

Run it!

You'll be glad you signed up!

Park entry fee included in the race fee.

Four Meals-One Week

Scott and I went on a cooking frenzy last week, sampling new meals galore.  For 4 meals we spent a bit under $8.  We had the majority of the ingredients on hand.

It's all detailed here- including pretty pictures.  Oh, and all of the meals were a yummy tasty success including one before Scott's first race in a long time- the Buffalo Run on Antelope Island.

More details about that race are coming soon.  In short- amazing. phenomenal people. tough hills. freezing. beautiful. Utah.

Love and Peace!

TBI and Parenting

Ever wonder what it's like to parent with someone that has a TBI?  I wasn't sure how it would work, and so far, I've learned a lot.  I'm thankful that Scott is who he is, and there's more here.

Wishing you all of the best.

26.2 Sonnets for Runners

Reading is good for the soul, especially when it inspires us or makes us feel comfortable.

26.2 Sonnets for Runners does just that for me.  Maybe I'll run another 26.2 or just the .2.  Quantifying aside, I'll just run.  When the trail are more snow-and-ice free it'll be a bit easier, too!

What are you running and reading lately?

Happy Monday!

Trail Running and Motherhood

The trails are still covered in snow in Utah, but we're going to scout them for the hopes of a hike later today. Scott has plans to do the Buffalo Runs on Antelope Island later this month.

All of this has lead me to reflect on how trail running prepped me for being a mom.  There's definitely more than what I share here, but it's a good start.

For now, I'm looking forward to getting out on the Ogden River Parkway later today with Susanna, as it's supposed to be (gasp!) in the mid 40's today here.

Hope you are well!

SHE Drums

We recently made a 0 dollar drum for Susanna that she loves!  Loves to the point of smiling, cooing, oohing, and awwing.  Yes, she's vocal and competes with the drum!

Check it out!

Pregnancy Hikes

Let's take a look back at all of those beautiful hikes while pregnant in the fabulous Wasatch Mountains.  The same mountains that are preparing for a massive amount of snow in the upcoming days.

Happy Tuesday.

Valentine's Day Fun!

So Scott and I continued our annual tradition of hunting Valentine's Day candy on Valentine's Day at night.  Yes, we're rock stars like that.  We go out after 8 pm and see what we can find or want.

Nada.

I did get some sale stuff this morning though while my two favorite sleepers were snug next to each other.  Ah, a wife's love- leaving the warmth of a baby-and-hubby filled bed to get cheap candy for her man!  Yeah, that's who I am!

For more of our Valentine's Day, check out this cute picture and also what Susanna made her Dad.

We hope you had a great day and enjoy your long weekend!

Family Fun Across the USA

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here are some fun family happenings this long weekend in our super country.

Peace.

Workout Clothes Pregnancy Style

It's finally written, so here it is.  What I wore when I was pregnant and working out.

Happy Tuesday.

DIY Wipes (Simple and Easy!)

The best thing (or one of the best things) that Scott and I have done since having Susanna is to use the cloth wipes!  We love them! She loves them!  The Earth benefits greatly from us loving them!

Read all about it here.

Wishing you all a great week!

Rounding Up the Week

A few bits and pieces to wrap up the week as we look ahead to all of life's adventures.

• Prayers and thoughts go out to all affected by Nemo.  
• A very sweet Photo Friday with Scott and Susanna.  
• Some fun times across the great USA.  
• The new time zone in which we live.  
• Every mom learns something new.

Yes, that spells out PASTE and it was done unintentionally for a bit of fun.

Wishing you all well.

Peace from us.
 

Transition not DNF

No truer words have been said about Susanna's birth than the post title.

My friend, Anne-Marie, was instrumental in helping me to accept it.  It's not too ironic given her experience at Ironman Arizona 2 weeks before.

Here's the story.

Peace,

Wendy

Mmm... Homemade Granola!

We had a fabulous weekend that included a few trips to explore new areas.  The inversions cleared up on Saturday which meant we could see the blue ski!

Scott was fabulous and entertained Susanna for a while so I could make Super Yummy Homemade Granola.                         It has been enjoyed by all and may wind up being an ice cream topping tomorrow when friends come for dinner.

How was your weekend?

Friday Photo and More!

Happy Friday!

Tonight we have plans, oh yeah!  In typical fashion, and because Utah has been so cold of late, they're indoor at home plans.  Still, we have friends coming over and a still-sleeping baby in the early Friday morning hours!

In continued fashion, here's the Friday Photo.  Aren't we cute?  Scott thinks so!

Also, in case you missed it, here's a look at some Family Fun Times ahead this weekend for you and yours, or someone else.  Unless, of course, your city isn't listed.  If not and you want it, please send word.  

Almost lastly, later over at New Moms Talk, we'll be sharing our Young House Love thrift shop challenge.  What can 2 people and a baby get with $20 at the thrift shop?  A lot!  As Scott said, "we could probably get half of the store for $20."  Well, not quite, but we did manage a good stash of things we needed, plus a few fun ones.

Wishing you all a weekend filled with what you and yours need!

Peace and Love.

Favorite Reads

Our little girl has taken to books like her Mom and Dad.  Two of her favorites are Hello, Bugs! and Hello, Animals!

For anyone on the look out for a new baby or baby shower gift, these are highly recommended by us!  The black and white images are interesting for kids and parents alike, and the cost of each book is very reasonable.

... We're experiencing our fourth day of snow fall, and it's starting to resemble other states in which we lived with massive snow in the past.  It's quite the beautiful world out there. ...

Wishing you all warmth and what you need!

Peace.

Grandmas' Love

Happy Tuesday!

We're in the midst of (yet) another day of stormy, snowy weather.  Yesterday wasn't too bad, though the streets were filled with heavy and wet snow.  Today's snow is Utah powder snow, and a fair amount of it!  Oh, to be a skier, as Powder Mountain and Snowbasin are just a short drive through the canyon.

Anyhow, over at New Moms Talk, we're doing a shout out or a gratitude-out to the talents of our Moms who made some amazing pieces for our little girl!

Wishing you all of the best!

Training Tool: Felt Board for Susanna

We're currently on the receiving end of (more, yes more!) heavy wet snow that is not normal for Utah.  I'll share pictures later, provided that all goes well and sleep happens for someone whose name starts with "W."

In the mean time, with Susanna being more active and alert, and the mountains of snow that exist here limiting outdoor training, I decided to make her a felt board.  It was super simple, very fun, and she enjoys it greatly!  It keeps her focused while I enjoy a strength workout, some yoga, or just a bit of me time.

First Postpartum Workout

I hope all are safe as storms hit various parts of our beautiful country.

Our sweet little girl is relaxing and I'm anticipating a great workout in the warmth of our home.  We're under Winter Storm Advisory, and I'm not gutsy enough to run out there in the dark- yet.

So here's a look at that first at-home workout post the birth of our wonderful Susanna Hope.

Wishing you all warmth, hope, and all that you may need today!

A Great Read (the milk memos)

After Christmas I unexpectedly came across a phenomenal book, the milk memos.  Contrary to the belief that it's impossible to read a book with a newborn, I finished this book in 36 hours while reading every word and attending to my less-than-a-month-old daughter.

It's a book worth reading for moms, dads, future moms or dads, hoped-to-be-one-day moms or dads, employers, and more.  Okay, it's just a great book that is wittily written with phenomenal facts!

Cheers!

Simple Car Seat Toys (& Cheap, too!)

Sweet Susanna is far more active (in a good way) in her car seat, so I made these for her recently.

What have you made for your wee one or someone else's tiny tot...or you hope to (maybe) make one day? Share with us at New Moms Talk.

Happy Tuesday!

Ogden Canyon Travels

We decided that Sunday afternoon required a little out-and-about action, and so we trekked up to Canyon Road.  We were met with a line of stopped traffic, thanks to the repair work that is going on in the canyon.  As a result, Scott drove up to North Ogden and we took a different route into the canyon.  It was beautiful!

We stopped here and there for me to take pictures.  Susanna slept the entire time and only let out a tiny peep once.  She's such a great traveler!

Enjoy!

Photo Friday

It's simple.  It's a picture on Friday with a few words.  Feel free to share yours and join the fun.

Peaceful weekend ahead to all!

Music and a Giraffe

Just some good ole fashioned music and a famous (to us anyhow) giraffe.  The kind of music that makes you (or us?) smile and when you click on that link you get to see one of my all-time fave pictures of sweet Susanna.

Happy Thursday!

Alphabet City

Alphabet City is a fabulous book by Stephen T. Johnson.  The images are wow-some and the book provides infinite opportunities for learning and exploration from persons of all ages.

I wish I had known about it when I was in Virginia teaching.  I wonder if there's an Alphabet City-esque book for Cyrillic and other pictorial languages.

Shopping Ease and Conveniences

We're talking about what would make your life easier while shopping as an expecting or new mom today at New Moms Talk.  Is it more bathrooms, a kid play area, special parking, or something else?

Join and share with us what would make your life easier at New Moms Talk.

Pregnancy Planks

We're talking about Pregnancy Planks at New Moms Talk today.  Those wonderful beings along with other core exercises helped me greatly during the 41 week journey with Susanna Hope.  

How about you?  What did you enjoy (or are you enjoying) for a core workout during your pregnancy?  Share with us at New Moms Talk.

A New Venture

A new life has sparked a new venture: New Moms Talk.  It will be filled with discussions about babies, health, life, and more.  All insights are welcome.

Please share this wonderful haven with others, and join in the fun!

Life Advanced and Reviewed

2 January 2013

• Susanna half dozes in her mom's arms.
• Veggie chili hangs out in the crock pot.
• Scott runs errands.
• Our Word Art has big plans for this year!!
• Rice Chex rocks!
• The white board list in the kitchen is half done!
• Thank you notes have been mailed.

Pre 2 January 2013

• Susanna out grew (via length) some 0-3 months clothes.
• Aunt Rachel made amazing stockings for Daniel and Susanna.
• Scott worked on a tight abstract (details later).
• Utah received a week of snow!
• Baby Language was updated.