Race for Ryan

The boys & I ran in a race on Monday that was held to help the family of one of our neighbor's sons who died tragically in March. I was a bit concerned that people would show since we woke up to a cold & rainy morning (side note: it was nice & sunny on saturday when I initially dragged my boys out of bed to go to the race...remember to ALWAYS verify race dates before going to the starting line). I was happy to see that there was still quite a good turn out.

Initially, I signed up to have the boys run in the 1 mile fun run & then I was going to run int he 5k, but our plans changed. The boys were all pumped up with the excitement in the air by all the runners. Aidan's sort of a veteran to the whole racing thing since he has quite a few races under his belt, but this was Dyl's 1st race. I'll just say he was less then thrilled to be out in the cold rain, but he was still a trooper...well at least until the race started.

BANG! The starting gun sounded & off we went. Aidan started out strong & was keeping up with the pack. I stayed with Dyl to make sure he was ok....um...he wasn't. I think there was too much chaos going on around him & he was NOT happy about it. We were all of about a minute in when he announces that he HATES races!

He continues to tell me this as we make our way up the first hill. at this point he is still running, but he is slowing down. I felt a little panic since I knew Aidan was running ahead & I didn't want him to turn around & not see us in sight (Aidan's a natural worry...he comes by it honestly...) . I looked ahead to see that Aidan had stopped to turn around & look for us. I waived him on & he took off running. Meanwhile, I am coaxing Dyl to keep it up...YOU CAN DO IT!!!

We made the first turn & I tried to encourage him that he was doing great & that now we were going down hill...yeah, this was not helping. His volume was rising & he was now shouting at me that he not only HATES running, but RACES ARE STUPID!!!! The other runners were just looking at me smiling...nice...here's the thing, to Dyl's credit, he was STILL running. Trust me, I was surprised myself.

Moving along...I of course, was trying to think of anything under the sun to get him to continue...I'll buy you more Indiana Jones LEGOS...I'll give you $5...anything to get him to keep moving. Well, eventually, the tears started to flow & he stopped running, BUT he kept moving (again, if you know Dyl, this means something...I have NO clue where he gets his stubborn, independent-thinking side from...).

So now we are walking, he is crying & still screaming at me the same old, same old. I'm just hoping that Aidan is okay. From here on out it is all down hill...literally. I was talking on my cell & noticed out of the corner of my eye that Dylan was trying to sneak by me so that he could run down the hill. If I gave any indication that I noticed, he would stop & remind me how stupid races were...so I played his game & pretended to ignore him. Finally, we past some house with a wheelchair ramp & I joked to Dyl that some cool skateboard kids must live there. FINALLY his mood had changed & he thought that was funny. He was distracted enough that we talked about that for a bit 'til we saw the finish line come in sight. From there on in he was determined to beat me to the end...which he did (wink wink).

Lucky for me, Aidan was there waiting & cheering us in. He'd finished quite a bit ahead of us & was feeling pretty good about how he ran. Good Job, Aidan!

I was also proud of my boys for the simple fact that I didn't realize they hadn't ever run this far. I thought Aidan was just out of shape when he told me that this run was MUCH longer than the ones he had done in the past. I told him nope, it wa the same as always...1 mile. Yeah...once again I was wrong. Apparently, the races he typically ran was about 1/2 a mile...YIKES! So I guess it was MUCH longer...DOUBLE! Kudos, Aidan for running the whole way! :)

Also, I have to say that the race was very well organized. There was music & lots of good fruit & water (Dyl LOVES watermelon so this was an extra bonus). There was bread & honey & even a popcorn machine.

All in all, we had fun...well, 'til Dyl felt like he was going to throw up. Needless to say, I didn't get to run the 5k after that...oh well...

Out on a Sunday waddle...

The boys & I were out & about on Sunday & as we came up the hill to go home, we encountered TRAFFIC! What could all the hub-bub be over? Well, we turn the corner & Aidan yelled, "DUCKS!!!" Sure enough, there was a little momma & her cute baby ducklings out on a Sunday stroll in the middle of 1100 North. Another man had gotten out of his car a ways up the road & was trying to help the little family get to safety. The boys & I decided we should be a part of this fun mission.

Let me tell you, this was not an easy task. We decided the best option would be to get them all to the canal where they could get in the water & float down to a safer spot. However, Momma Duck was a little leery of our aid. Have you ever heard a duck hiss? Yeah, not a good thing to hear when you are all of less then a foot from one & know the darn thing could bite you any second, BUT we were on a mission!

At one point, I thought we'd hit a road block when Momma jumped up the curb & the babies couldn't make it up to her. Up until then, the ducklings were relatively quiet, but the chirp fest began when the panic of her leaving was in the air. Luckily, one made it & it all gave them the confidence they needed to try again...success! Well, I will say, I was worried for a moment about the last one. He kept trying & trying & couldn't clear the curb. The crazy part is the Momma gathered all the others & started off even though the last one was struggling & chirping like crazy. I so wanted to help the little guy up, but was afraid she wouldn't go near him if my scent was on him (do ducks even are about that? I don't know, but I wasn't going to chance it). FINALLY, he made it & ran like mad to catch up to the group.

Anyway, after about 15 mins, we steered the little family to safety. Way to be at the right place, at the right time:)

Pigs might be flying...

So Saturday we were working hard on cleaning out our home (thanks again to everyone who pitched in & helped). After everyone was gone, the kids decided it would be fun to play in the dumpster...yes, the dumpster...again.

As you can see, Monty (Aimee's hubby) thought it looked kind of fun too...he might have even got the kids excited about playing in there in the first place...hmmm....anyway, Monty was kind enough to agree to watch my kids while I ran off to Ikea for some things for my new abode (as if I need more stuff...I needed shelves. I'm trying to organize my small space, geez!). After awhile of playing in the "happiest place on earth"...well, the next best thing to Disneyland...he suggested that they all go & get the Xbox 360 from our other home so they could all play "Rock Band". Well, much to our disbelief, the kids did not cheer for joy at the mere mention of video game playing time. Instead, MY children both responded, "nahhh...we'd rather stay here & play in the dumpster".

I know I should be happy that my children are opting for an activity in the great outdoors instead of in front of a tv, but there has to be a better arena then a big metal box filled with cardboard boxes & bags of rubbish (do people under the age of 60 even use that word any more...yikes! I'm getting old...).

Expanding our horizons

Everyone keeps asking where in the world we are going. I wish I could say that it was somewhere new & exotic, but I'm going to have to settle for something more along the lines of comfortable & familiar. We are actually just staying in Pleasant Grove for now. I wanted to stay close so that the boys could continue to go to the same school & to their awesome daycare...if anyone knows Sue, you know that "awesome" is an understatement. The boys are so excited to stay close to their friends, so that is good enough for me.:)

Moving R-O-C-K-S!!!!!!!!!!!

So in case you all are wondering,

"Where the HECK are the Wisemans!!??!!"

...um...we're up to our eyeballs in boxes & packing tape.

No, seriously, I am not going to lie, this whole process has been EXTREMELY overwhelming. I cannot believe how much JUNK I have acquired over the past 6 years. Um...I literally think I could open up a small seasonal home decor & party store (okay a medium size one). AND in case you are thinking that those don't even exist, then perhaps I have found my niche! Where else could some one pick up something for Halloween while shopping for the Luau party they are holding next weekend? That's right! The Wiseman's Party Down store!..Uh! Get down tonight!...sorry, I got carried away there for a moment (you know my pal Aimee was right there singing the lyrics & shaking her bootie with me...he he he). Um, let's see where was I ...oh yes...DEJUNKING!!! I have a big dumpster in front of my home that my pal Aimee has been encouraging all of our friends & family to come over & help me fill...WITH MY STUFF!!! No, I know she's looking out for me...'cept dang! You never know when I am going to need that cool rabbit fur coat I have been saving since college...come on, folks! You know you all dressed up for Disco night at the roller rink:) Ah the memories...again, I digress...is 34 about right age when signs of Alzheimer's start exhibiting themselves? hmmm... Anywho, my boys have been McLovin' the Dumpster. They spent an afternoon trying to find stuff to throw in there (ahem...check any of the rooms in our home, as well, as the garage...plenty of stuff in there, boys). They were piling stuff on their little 4wheeler & haulin stuff over there. They especially loved climbing the ladder to look at their progress. Yes, you know this germ-freak of a mom was way super psych'd watching her babies climb all over this lovely, green, portable, breeding ground for disease...what!?! I'm not talkin' about me! Nah...I loved watchin my kids climb up in there...yeah...good times...The little video I included is not very exciting, but it was funny watching how excited they were (please note the tone in my voice at the end...I'm TOTALLY comfortable with them playing on the dumpster...ha ha ha)...okay, okay, so I'm old & I find pleasure in the simple things that make my kids happy. Well, at least I TRY to understand their joy. Geez! Indulge me a little! Just kidding, watch it or don't watch it, no big whoop! :) Anyway, this whole move is bitter sweet. I thought that we'd be in this home forever, but apparently that doesn't last as long these days. It's all good in the hood & I know this is for the best. Before I close this post, I need to give a special thanks to everyone that has been coming over & helping us. The last 6 1/2 years has been filled with a lot of memories. Many of you have reached out & helped me & my boys so many times. We have definitely felt the out pour of love & kindness. I love all of my friends, neighbors, & ward members. You guys are awesome! Um...I wish I could post a bunch of cool pics right now, but I'm actually really tired & my back is killing me from lifting boxes...yeah right, you know me...I made the boys carry all the heavy ones:) Ha ha...I wish! Obviously, I'm kidding.

No, seriously, I'll post some new pics very soon.

Small & simple things

Aidan & Dyl worked very hard to make Mother's Day great for me.

I woke up to Aidan bounding into my room to give me his special gift (funny side note: Dylan whispered to me the night before that Aidan made him promise not to tell me that he had a special something for me but wasn't going to give it to me 'til the morning...shhhh...). He gave me a beautiful package he wrapped all by himself. The shoe box was filled with a beautiful card with pressed flowers on it, a list of top 10 reasons he loves me, a letter of why I am special to him (by the way, his favorite thing about me is that I am a "candy & movie mom"...yes! I knew those had to be some redeeming qualities to someone), some super cool CAN-DO coupons, & a very special picture of Aid in a wonderful frame he made. I loved every bit of it & will cherish it always!

Dyl also made me a card which he handed to me several days before. He told me he didn't finish it, but he still loved me:) Ha ha...It had his picture & he started to color it, but apparently he didn't feel like writing in it...maybe next year:) He did however pick me some flowers & he was very, very proud of himself for that. He even made sure i got a cup so I could keep them in my room by my bed.

Thanks so much, boys. I love you!

A Mother's Prayer

Mother's Day is always a hard day for me, but not because of what many think.

Mother's Day to me is not just a day for everyone to honor their mothers, but an opportunity for me as a mother to reflect on the ones that have made this title possible for me.

As many of you know, I have a tendency to be a little hard on myself...okay, a lot. Far too often I focus on my faults & shortcomings, and I honestly do find it very hard to look past these "failures" & remind myself of any good I may have done. So alas, Mother's Day is hard for me because I am filled with such an overwhelming gratitude that the Lord would feel that I was "enough" to bestow upon me the blessing of my two very precious boys.

I am overwhelmed by my inadequacy, but in awe of their unconditional love. I believe with all my heart that they deserve better in their lives. I cannot possibly put into words how much love, happiness, & joy I want for them. Truly, they give me life, they give me purpose.

I found this poem, so I thought I would share it.

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

The things I never told you I'd like to tell you now;

Of feelings held contently inside my heart to swell;

Of thoughts and dreams, wants and happiness too;

A Mother's prayer to finally share with you.

Lord, govern their lifes as you have mine,

touch them with your sweet divine,

Make them happy, guide their paths,

Tickle their funnybones, let me hear their laughs.

Dry the tears sliding down their faces,

Hold their hands when the love heart races,

Make them stand tall when the burdens are great,

Prepare them to carry the loads of fate.

Heal the hurts and sufferings of the spirit,

Make them listen until they hear it;

That sweet song of yours that will touch their soul

and carry them forward until they are old.

Lord, let them see the meaning of life,

Protect them from the evils of strife,

Gently guide them in the path of your ways,

I pray, Lord, I pray for them everyday.

I know, Lord, that I fell short many times;

In my guidance as "Mom" there were crimes,

times that I failed to help them see

the beauty that you have bestowed around me.

Take their hands and lead them forward

give them strength to avoid the coward

and evil ones that lurk about

waiting to swallow them up and shout

the conquest of their gentle soul

Provide them the coin to pass the toll.

Please make things right, Lord, once again

to help them to see the meaning of friend

and loved ones that hold them close to the heart

with a Mother that loves them, never apart.

Also, I would be remiss, if I did not share my gratitude I have for my own mother. I know that I have been a far cry from the ideal child, but again, I am grateful for her unconditional love.

Happy Mother's Day

Move over Mozart!

Music has always been a BIG part of our lives. I absolutely love all kinds & it's only logical that this passion for anything melodic would be passed on to my children. Both the boys love to rock out & groove to the beat...trust me, it is hilarious to watch.

Although I have never made my dream of being a musical genius a reality (okay, I would settle for merely competent), I would very much like for the boys to be able to have a musical outlet. Aidan has embarked on this journey. He has been taking lessons for about a year & does well when he tries. Unfortunately, I am not very tyrannical about making him practice (I'm sure he appreciates that now, but will rue me when he's trying to impress the ladies later on in life because his MOM didn't MAKE him practice every day...oh well...), so I imagine if I were he would be further along in his study of the piano. HOWEVER, despite my lackings, Aidan still makes me very proud when he plays.

He just recently had a recital & did an excellent job. I know that every parent thinks their child did the best, but he really did! :) If you don't believe me, just ask his Grandpa Rick, Grandma Sherrie, or Aunt Amy. He was AWESOME!

Aidan was fortunate to have a big crowd present. Lucky for us, his big day coincided with his Uncle & Aunts' (that's right, multiple) graduation from BYU & the blessing of his newest cousin, Alivia. Thanks for coming everyone.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure he felt like he did well too because my shy kid came home today & told me he wants to play at his school's talent show. Go for it, Aidan!

My intentions were to film his entire performance, but alas my memory card was full. Argh! Oh well, I'll give you the snippet I have. It's only 12 secs, but oh what joy to your ears! :)

FYI, You can pause the music that plays when you first open my blog by scrolling down to the bottom & pushing the "pause" button.

Enjoy!

I'm so lame...

Okay, so it's been a while, but my life's been C to the Razy! Um...that's pretty dang crazy...anywho...I promise to write more later, but I wanted to tell everyone to check out my pal Erin's cool blog Prudence Pennywise (catch it in my sidebar). She is an amazing cook who has won a plethora (that's right! I used the word "plethora"...and we're not talkin pinatas here people) of cooking contests & has been published in several magazines....not to mention a regular contributor to the Rachel Rae blog (and also a guest on her show). Basically, check it out people!

ALSO, as some of you know I am a nut about trying to get people to run races with me...despite what YOU think, I KNOW you can do it!!! Anyhow, I want everyone to get their booties movin for a GREAT cause. Next Saturday (May 10) is the 12th Annual Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure. YOU can either come participate in the 5k Run/Walk or (and...you can choose to do both) the 1 mile Family Walk up at the Gateway in SLC. This would be a super fun activity to do with your families, plus raise a little awareness. I know that there are so many out there that have either experienced personally or have a close family member or friend that has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I'm proud to say that my grandma & aunt are survivors. However, I know a lot of people who were not as fortunate. So here's your chance to help in the fight against Breast Cancer. Please shoot me an email or call me if you want to walk/run.

Also, wouldn't it be awesome if we got a big group together & we all wore shirts that said 'I'm walkin' 'cause I ♥ U R Boobs" or just "I ♥ Boobs"...completely inappropriate, but funny:) Hmmm...I'm open to suggestions people...