Guymon Gang

I logged on last week to register for the Boston Marathon and registration is CLOSED! Yes, that's right, closed! I called, emailed, and begged for them to let me in, but no such luck. I was basically told that it was tough luck and to try again for the race in 2011. Don't they know how hard I trained? Don't they realize that this is the second time I've qualified and haven't been able to run? Don't they know that we want to have another baby around that time? Why can't they just let me run!?!

The most frustrating part is that the race closed a week after my race in Indy, so if I had just registered the next day, I would have been able to run. In other words, it's all my fault! I was sick to my stomach for days after finding out, not wanting to accept it. Why, why didn't I log on earlier?

So, I guess there won't be another 26.2 for a while. Hopefully I won't be an old lady by the time I get to run Boston!

New Balance Running Shoes $120
Insert for Arch Support $40
Nike Running Gear $60
Marathon Registration $75
Pasta Dinner at Macaroni Grill $30

Qualifying for the Boston Marathon,
PRICELESS!


I ran the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Saturday. I finished in 3:37:40 (8:18 second miles) and qualified for Boston (qualifying time was 3:40). I was fifth in my age group and also beat my last marathon time by two minutes. It was a great race. Indy is a beautiful city!

My friends, Emily and Marianne, ran the half marathon - here we are at the start line

Running, running, running....


Still running...


I have to give a shout out to Russ who was such a great supporter. He was at miles 2, 7, 15.5, 16.5, 17.5, 18.5, 20, 21, 26.2. He was everywhere! He drove around crazy, parked and raced to the course so he could cheer me on. He even got a little teary-eyed a few times, which motivated me even more. I couldn't have done it without his support. Thanks, Russ, for being my rock!

Aaahhh... the finish line. Could that last mile have been any longer?!

After just finishing -- I was pooped!


Even though I am a little sore, have a few blisters and a few toenails that will soon fall off, it was totally worth it and I am pumped to train and run Boston. It is something that I have always wanted to do. Here's to another 26.2...

Last week for preschool at our house we learned about the letter H, so we took a little trip to Hawaii. We used Hawaiian names, had smoothies, made grass skirts, wore leis, and learned to dance the Hula. It was a huge hit and the kids loved it.

Today I was reading the Book of Mormon to Cole and Garrett and we were reading about Ammon. Cole is fascinated by Ammon cutting off the arms of the lamanites who were trying to scatter the flocks of sheep. He can't get over how mean Ammon was and that it would have hurt the men. With that thought he immediately thought of Abinadi, who was burned alive for his beliefs. The conversation went as follows:

Cole: It would really hurt to be burned. Even his eyes and nose were burned up.

Me: Yes, it would hurt really bad.

Cole: Even his arms were burned so he couldn't dance the Hula like this (moving his arms in waves and moving his hips).

Me: Chuckling, Yes, he wouldn't even be able to dance the hula.

What a great analogy for a three year old! Too funny!

I love Halloween and this year was so much fun because the boys really got into it. Cole was a pirate and Garrett was a lion (the same lion costume that Cole wore when he was nine months and Gar is twenty months -- oh, how different they are!). Cole begged to wear his costume any chance he could, which was often with a preschool party, Trunk-or-Treat, visiting Russ at school, and Trick-or-Treating on Halloween.

I had pictures taken of the boys in their costumes. The boys weren't exactly cooperative, but the pictures turned out great anyway. Near the end of the session my little lion attacked and mauled the pirate, so I knew that the photo shoot was over! I think the picture of them wrestling is a crack-up and had to include it!
AAAARGH, MATEY!

ROOOAAAR!

Look out pirate - you are about to be dinner!

My brother and his family were in town for the weekend, so it was fun to celebrate with them. We watched their kids while they were gone interviewing for jobs and they got back in time for Trick-or-Treating. We went to our favorite part of town and the kids did great filling their buckets with candy and we (the adults) loved seeing the old homes that were beautiful and meticulously taken care of. It was a great night of Halloween fun!

Garrett (lion), Cole (pirate), Sarah (Little Miss Muffitt), Ross (Spider that sat beside her)

Russ really got into carving his year and his jack-o-lantern looked great (left)

Russ' mom taught me how to make cinnamon rolls the last time she came to visit. There is nothing like her cinnamon rolls! She makes them every Christmas morning and it quickly became one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Since we probably will not be in Utah for Christmas, I decided that I had better learn because I knew I would be craving them as we opened gifts on Christmas morning. So, here is my first attempt at making cinnamon rolls -- not too bad for an amateur!!

. . . Here Come the Cars!!

Cole has been a Thomas the Train fanatic, but recently discovered "cars" from the Pixar movie Cars. His cousin loved them and since they have spent to much time together lately, Cole got hooked. I knew that it was serious when Cole used the train tracks for race tracks. Part of me is so sad to see his "Thomas phase" fading, but part of me is so happy to not have to watch Thomas movies, play Thomas, or tell Cole "no" to buying any Thomas paraphernalia that he sees.

Cole still enjoys playing with his trains, but Lightening McQueen and his friends have made their debut and look like they will be staying!

My brother and his family moved to Minnesota for a year of fellowship and now are only three hours away. That is the closest that we've been to family for five years and we are loving it! We have been able to get together at least once a month since they moved here. Their kids are exactly the same age as our boys (within a month or two) and play so well together. We love having them so close!

The last time we got together we went to a park that was close to their home. Russ and my brother went fishing, so my sister-in-law and I took the kids for a hike. It wasn't an easy trail either. It was up these rock stairs that had huge tree roots sticking out of them. It was not an easy climb, but we made it to the top and back down without any injuries! When we got to the top there was a group there and one guy looked through is binoculars and said, "There are a few guys fishing down there." I said, "I hope it's our husbands!!" He said, "Is that how this park works? The women take the kids and the men get to go fishing? I like this park!" We got a little chuckle and rolled our eyes a little because that's about how it works. My sister-in-law and I were able to go to a movie later that night, but it was a late show and was after the kids were bathed and in bed!

We're so thrilled to have them so close and have trips planned every month until after the new year. Maybe someday we will live close to family permanently...

Here we are at the top of the hike - what cute kids!


The boys at the bottom of the hike - rugged, huh!


All the boys (minus Garrett) in the canoe

We decided to throw caution to the wind and head to Yellowstone for the Guymon Family Reunion. Russ happened to have the week off from school, so we decided to go for it. I picked Russ up from school on Friday around noon and we drove straight through -- 19 hours in the car, with only stopping for bathroom breaks, for drive-through McDonald's and for gas. We thought the boys would sleep in the car and they would be well rested when we arrived -- were we ever wrong! The boys maybe got four hours of sleep total and Russ and I only had a few winks. We made it to Yellowstone at 7:00 AM on Saturday. We had breakfast and jumped into the "Big Yellow Bus" and headed to see the sights. The boys about freaked when we put them back into their car seats and drove around for a few hours! Needless to say we all slept really well that night and were much more pleasant in the morning!! It was a great trip and we were so glad that we made it. Thanks Steve and Karen for the planning, the food, and the fun things for the kids to do -- it was fabulous!!

My dirty (and cold) boys - who knew it would be 40 degrees at night! Notice the head lamp on Cole that Grandma Guymon had for all of the grandkids - a huge hit!


Cute camping family - just don't get too close - we didn't shower for four days!!


The Big Yellow Bus -- I kept singing to myself, "Did you ever take a ride in a yellow submarine..." It was fun to have everyone in one vehicle, even if Cole did get a little car sick (and lost his cookies - poor guy!).


Garrett (and all the cousins) got a kick out of chasing the ground squirrels. Garrett would sign squirrel, squeal, and then go chasing after it. Who needs buffaloes, elk, and bears when you have ground squirrels?!


Cole and Russ at Old Faithful


After Yellowstone, the boys and I went back to Logan while Russ, Bryan (his brother), and Steven (his dad) made a quick fishing trip on the Snake. I stayed at my mom's house until Russ got back and then we moved to his parent's house. It was fun to be able to stay both places.

The boys with Uncle Derek -- they couldn't get enough of him!


Russ took the boys up the canyon on day to give me a little time to myself (I got three hours and he had three days -- how does that work?!). When the boys got home they were half naked, had not napped, and had not had lunch. But, they had a great time. Russ found a little stream and let the boys play in it -- he took off Cole's shirt and Garrett pants while they played, so they would at least have something dry to go home in. Here are the happy (and tired and hungry) boys.


After we got home from Utah/Yellowstone, Russ' mom, Karen, came to stay with us for a few days. We had a great time. We visited Kalona and went to all of the little shops, had ice cream at Dane's Dairy, hit the Farmer's Market, and went to the Iowa State Fair. Karen also taught me to make her delicious cinnamon rolls and helped me make bead watches -- thanks, Karen! It was so much fun to have you here!

The Iowa State Fair -- I am a geeky 4-Her, but I can't help it!!


The boys looking at the livestock


The boys with Grandma


It was a busy month, but we loved every minute of it!

Just a few random pictures of the boys that I couldn't help but post. It's no wonder that the words "boys" and "busy" are so closely linked and often used together in sentences. I can't seem to keep up with them, but when I'm not chasing them I thinking about how darn cute they are. It's fun to be the mother of boys!!

Cole calls this his "city" -- I'm not sure how he sees a city because all I see is a big ol' mess! I think almost all of his toys are burried somewhere. He's hoping to "build it high to the sky" -- let's hope we run out of toys quick!


Cute Garrett -- a hat, gun, and fly swatter - what could make a little guy happier?!


At least Cole is a fraction of the way undressed for the tub!!

Cole got his tonsils and adenoids out on Tuesday. We went in on Monday to see the doctor and he took one look and said, "Ya, they need to come out." They were huge! No wonder he snored like a trucker! Dr. Smith asked if we could come the next morning for surgery, so we went at 7:00 AM. The doctors, nurses, and the entire experience was fantastic. I couldn't have been happier!

Cole did great and was really brave. I was able to walk him back to the OR and hold him while they put him under. I was so glad to be able to be with him -- hopefully it made it easier on him as well. Our next door neighbor was one of the surgeons that was on Cole's case, so he was also relieved to see Dr. Richard there. After surgery I was able to hold him as he came out of the anesthesia and for a few hours in the post-op room. He did so great that we were released quite quickly.

His voice has changed a little and as long as we keep his pain medication in him, he's doing great. He is loving the popcicles and ice cream, but gets frustrated when he can't eat crackers or anything that will be hard to swallow. I think he's a little hungry because jello and yogurt aren't very filling.

Good job, Cole! You were super brave and we're proud of you!!

Mom and Cole in our stylin' outfits


Cole playing in his cute hospital jammies before surgery


Russ helping Cole with his blood pressure (notice Russ is in scrubs!!)


The tonsils after they were removed (note that that was a full sheet of paper, just to give you an idea of how BIG they were!)

MICHAEL JACKSON

It's so crazy that the King of Pop is gone. I always teased Russ about liking Michael Jackson and threatened him about wearing that hideous shirt, but my heart has softened in the last week. I've watched specials on his life and never realized the impact he has had on the music industry, breaking the barriers of race, and uniting the world in trying to make it a better place. I'm not saying that he wasn't strange, but I think he was the product of what we made him. He has never known a "normal life" and though he was incredibly famous, he appeared extremely lonely and secluded.

I guess today I am proud to say that I am a Michael Jackson fan and hope his music will live forever. I might even pull Russ' old CDs out and dance to Thriller or Beat It.

Long live THE KING!

About a month ago Garrett was asked to be in a little photo shoot. A local photographer (and girl in our ward) asked if Garrett would be a part of it. She took pictures of our family last fall and thought Garrett was such a character and couldn't wait to take more pictures of him. Well, the day turned out to be windy and cold, and Garrett wasn't very cooperative. I couldn't really blame him because I was in a jacket and long pants and he was in shorts, without shoes, and on the beach with a popcicle. Even though he is in tears, I thought these pictures were too cute to pass up and not share.

The boys weren't digging the backpacks!

On the beach - the sand covered popcicle wasn't tasting very good

"I've had enough!! Get me out of here!!"


Garrett really is such a character and Russ and I find ourselves laughing at him all the time. His giggle is so contagious that you can't help but laugh with him. Right now he likes to walk around with is eyes closed and then get so upset when he runs into things. He loves hiding under blankets and playing Peek-a-Boo. He tells us "all done" when he is finished with anything -- food, swinging, being held. He loves dogs and had a hayday with my little brother's dog, Chica. She would knock him over, lick him, and whip him with her tail, but Garrett couldn't get enough. Garrett is so shy he won't hardly look a stranger in the eye, but a big, black dog isn't intimidating at all! We are having so much fun with our spunky little Garrett!!

We had a great time in Utah and ran to and from so many things that near the end of the trip Cole would ask me, "Where are we going to today?" The boys did so well (and slept surprisingly well) and loved spending time with Grandpas and Grandmas, cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and old friends. Here's a quick photo tour of the trip...

We had a surprise party for my Mom's 60th Birthday. My sister, Teresa, and I surprised my mom and took her to lunch and for pedicures, but it was all a decoy to get her out of the house so the rest of the family could set up for the party. We invited her close friends and family and she was so surprised. When we pulled up to the house and the street was lined with cars she finally figured it out. Then she said, "Damn it - I didn't want a party," followed by crying. My favorite line was, "If I had known (about the party) I would have at least put curlers in my hair!" She told me after that party that she felt special, but more importantly, loved. We created a video tribute to Mom where each person was recorded giving a tribute to her. We also had pictures of her life that were put to music. It was a great party. Happy 60th Birthday, Mom!!


Here we are getting our pedicures. This was my first pedicure, and it was actually done by a former black USU football player (a straight one...). I'm not sure how he got into cosmetology, but my foot massage sure was good. I'm sure glad that I shaved my legs before I went!! I told Russ that I was a "pedicure virgin" and that hot lookin' black man was my first -- he didn't find the humor in it, but my mom, sister and I sure got a good laugh!!


Our polished toes -- don't they look good!!


We went with Russ' parents and Aunt Melinda to Willow Park and Zoo and had a great time. Steve took pictures, so I was a little lazy with taking some of my own. Here is Cole with Grandma Guymon as they looked at animals. Aunt Melinda was so much fun at the playground. She went up and down slides, through tubes, and around the play equipment with Cole and Garrett. After the park we went to Wendy's for a quick bite to eat and then it was nap time!


Here is Cole with Grandpa Jake and cousin Karli. Cole would ride on the 4-wheeler with Grandpa to feed the chickens. One day in the car Cole said, "Grandpa and I are farmers!" He loved being outside and having room to roam.




Russ flew in a week after me and the boys and was able to go to the Green River with his Dad, friends BJ and Chad, and my brother, Derek. It rained the entire time and even though the fishing was rotten, the camping and conversation was worth the trip.



While Russ was fishing, I spent a few days with my sister, Teresa, and her family in Spanish Fork. It was so fun to see her house, go to lunch, get to know her baby, Kade, and do fun things with the kids. We went to a really fun park and also took the kids to Thanksgiving Point. Thanks Teresa for such a fun few days!!

Self Portrait -- what a cute sister I have! (sorry Kade, your head was cut out of the picture, but my photo skills weren't so great since I was in front of the camera!)


The kids playing in "Noah's Ark" at Thanksgiving Point


Cole was so tuckered out he couldn't even stay upright in his car seat!


We loved being with family and friends -- that is where are hearts are, even when we live far away. What a great trip!

I heard once that the year you turn the date of your birthday will be your best year... so, I turned 29 on April 29... I'm looking forward to a great year!

It started out great! Russ spoiled me and made me feel so special. Last night Russ baked and decorated a birthday cake and hid gifts around that house (without my knowing). After he left for school he sent me a text message with a clue and then I began my search. It was so much fun! I got so excited when I heard my phone beep with a new message. It made the entire day special, not just when opening gifts or eating cake. I found balloon in Garrett's closet, flowers in the bathroom cupboard with the tub toys, my favorite drink and treats on the back porch, the new Rascal Flatts CD under the leg rest of the leather couches, movie ticket vouchers by the microwave popcorn and my "real" present under my afghan (Russ bought me a pair of shoes -- he did a great job picking them out!!). I added the texted clues on the picture, so you can see how creative he was. Russ also took me to dinner (without the boys) and it was nice to eat, relax and enjoy the evening. It was a great birthday!

My mom sent me a framed stitching for every season -- they each had a scene representing the season. They are beautiful and I am so excited to put them up. I told Russ that now I need a sofa table for my seasonal decorations! Russ' mom, Karen, made me the softest blanket -- I absolutely love it and secretly hope it will be cold so I can wrap up in it.

So, I guess turning 29 is not so bad after all. I hope the rest of the days this year are this great. Okay, okay I know that they won't all this great (I still have to change diapers, put up with occasional fits, clean, cook, etc), but I'm sure they will still be exciting in their own way. Here's to being 29!!

Russ' birthday was lots of fun! I was so careful to plan fun things for him, I tried to buy thoughtful gifts and all of my planning and secrecy was ruined by a three-year old. Cole must not understand the meaning of a secret or surprise. I took the boys shopping for Russ and when we got home Russ asked Cole what we were getting him for his birthday and he announces, "Running Shoes!" Yep, Russ' gifts were spoiled before I had even purchased them. So, I took Russ to pick out his own shoes since the secret was already out. Russ has been working out on this lunch hour and even wanted to try running, so new shoes were just what he needed.

So, since Russ knew what his "big" gift would be, I thought I would surprise him by having a rainbow trout cake made for him. A girl in our ward makes amazing cakes and she was excited about trying it out. I knew it would look good, but I had no idea it would look just like a real fish. It has scales, fins, a glimmer that makes it look real, an eye, and gills -- the cake was unbelievable. I called two of Russ' friends from school (Dave - went to VCU and is an oral surgery resident and Cody - a pedo resident) and had them and their families come. When I picked up the cake I told Cole that he couldn't tell Dad about the cake. Saturday night Russ was folding up a blanket and told Cole it was from Grandma Guymon for his birthday. Cole exclaims, "You have a fish cake and I will help you blow out the candles. Mommy told me not to tell and that it was a secret." Another surprise ruined -- uugghh!

The amazing, unbelievable cake

Eating the fish...I mean cake




Today the boys and I joined Russ at school for lunch and loved seeing him during the day. Garrett was passed from girl to girl and snuggled up close while Cole showed off and started acting really silly (can you tell he is three?!).

I hope Russ had a special birthday, even without any surprises. Russ is so much fun, works so hard for our family, loves playing with his boys and is a fantastic father, loves me despite my imperfections, and continues to be a dreamer. Happy Birthday, Russ!