Bolder Boulder

Another Memorial Day weekend, another super fun time.  Adam's brother, Spencer, and his wife, Michelle, flew to Denver to visit for the long weekend.  We went to a Rockies game together (pictures to come), installed a ceiling fan, and the pinnacle of the weekend:  we all ran the Bolder Boulder!  We drove up to Broomfield last night and spent the evening with my uncle, aunt, and cousins so that we didn't have to get up as early to run today.  My Uncle Kirk was kind enough to stay with Ty and McKay in the CU stadium while the rest of us ran.  

Bolder Boulder is seriously my favorite race ever!  I felt like it was a lot more wild last year, but it was still pretty much sensory overload today.  Between the live bands, belly dancers, cowbells, and slip n' slides, it's pretty crazy!

My cousins, Chelsea and Shane, are so awesome!!  They ran 6.2 miles dressed as Batman and Robin!  

My boys and me right after I finished.  I actually ran exactly ten seconds slower this year than I did last year, which I was a little disappointed about.  Not sure if that's due to the slight course change (which made it more uphill), the colder weather, or the fact that I'm just slower now.  :)  My official time was 57 minutes and 28 seconds.  

And this is Adam finishing his first ever 10K!!!  (He's in the red with his arms raised just crossing the finish line.)  Before today, he had never run more than 4 miles at a time.  Today he ran 6.2 without stopping once!  What's more, he felt good at the end of the race and actually said he had fun (this from a man who just doesn't love running)!  I was so happy for him!

Here's Spence and Michelle crossing the line in front of the Teletubbies!

It was a little chilly with the wind, so the boys snuggled up with Shane.  They LOVE him, by the way.

A group of National Guard soldiers ran into the stadium carrying the American flag.  I actually got a little emotional watching them.  They stopped before the finish line and did push-ups...

...and then finished the race.  It was so cool.

Me and my awesome husband!

Team Marchant!

And a shot of the seven of us who all ran today.

Funny story.  We woke the boys up at the last minute this morning and brought their clothes so they could get dressed after we got there (trying to let them sleep as long as possible).  Somehow, Ty's shoes got left at Kirk and Kendra's house.  Since McKay was riding in a stroller and Ty had to walk, Kirk and Adam put McKay's shoes on Ty and had McKay go in socks.  So this is a picture of McKay after walking around in spilled granola in the stadium, and Ty with shoes on that were 3 ½ sizes too small!

The Marchant family post-race

After the race, we came back to Parker and had a barbecue with Spence and Michelle, and our awesome friends, Chris and Nicole.  It was a seriously fun day!  We loved having Spence and Michelle here, and SO appreciated Kirk and Kendra feeding and housing us all, too!  

Ty's Talk

I nearly forgot to mention an important milestone in the life of our little Sunbeam!  Ty gave his first-ever talk in primary on Sunday, May 15.  He talked about Joseph Smith's first vision and the restoration of the gospel.  I was afraid he might shy away from the microphone or get embarrassed and giggly like so many of the little ones do.  I shouldn't have worried.  He stood up tall with a big grin on his face and gave his talk loud and clear.  My mommy heart was so proud of him!

Ty on Sunday, May 15

Later, an older woman who used to live across the street from Adam in Salt Lake when he was a little guy, approached Adam and dubbed Ty "One of the cutest little boys in the whole primary."  I couldn't agree more.  I sure do love my little sunbeam!

Celebrate

My birthday celebrations have lasted a full week this year.  Last Tuesday night, some of my very favorite friends took me out to the Grand Lux Cafe to celebrate.  We all got delicious desserts, we talked, and basically had a blast together.  Thanks so much, ladies!  I loved every second!

On Saturday night, Adam took me out for my birthday dinner while the kids were at babysitting swap.  We went to a new place called Brio, a Tuscan restaurant that was AMAZING.  It's definitely a new favorite.  The atmosphere was great and the food was heavenly.  It's pricey, but if you register with them beforehand, they will send you a coupon for a free meal on your birthday.  It was seriously great!!

Yesterday, my actual birthday, was a bit unique.  I can't say as I have ever celebrated a birthday by attending a funeral before, nor is it an event that I would like to make an annual tradition.  Got that everyone?!  But it was a really great funeral for a really great lady and I was glad I got to be there.

Adam insisted on taking me out again for dinner last night.  He argued that though we went out on Saturday, the kids didn't go with us, so we should all go.  So we ate at Red Robin.  

After that, we came home to open presents. 

The boys gave me a light-up microphone reminiscent of the one we used to take on youth trips to Nauvoo and Palmyra when I was a teenager.  It promptly inspired a soulful rendition of I Hope They Call Me on a Mission.

And McKay puffed his way through I Love to See the Temple.

Then the boys helped me open my other presents.

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that Adam spoiled me with a new pink touch-screen iPod nano and a RED KitchenAid mixer.  I almost certainly don't deserve either of those things, and getting both was definitely over the top.

And as if that wasn't enough, he then pulled an Oreo Coldstone cake.  Oh, divinity.  I'm going to have to  punish myself at the gym all week long to make up for that.  ;)
In addition to the cards I received from family members, I had four dear friends send/give me hand-written cards.  In today's world of text messages, emails, and facebook posts, (which please don't misunderstand--I LOVED all of those, too!) a hand-written card is something pretty unique.  I saved all four of those cards in a box of special things.  Thank you for being so thoughtful!  And those couple of friends who dropped off little gifts yesterday--that meant the world, too!  Thanks!
At the end of the day, I found myself again overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people in my life who helped make this day (and week!) so great for me.  I feel blessed beyond measure to live in such a wonderful place where I am surrounded by such incredible, loving friends.  Most of all, I am overwhelmingly grateful for a husband, who though not perfect, is pretty darn close.  He has made my life almost fairy-tale perfect since we have been together.  And my two little blonde-headed boys?  They are the reasons I get up each morning.  My beautiful family and amazing friends are the best gifts I have received!

Each Life That Touches Ours for Good

Our ward lost a stalwart member last week.  Sister Kelly Lamb passed away on May 18, due to complications following a stroke.  Kelly was only 47 years old and in fabulous health.  The news shocked our ward.  It has taken me five days to decide to write this post.  Being that she and I were not especially close friends, and perhaps the grief I have felt is not as acute as others may be feeling, I have wondered whether it would be appropriate to write a tribute to Kelly.  In the end, though, I decided that because I have felt grief and spent so much time thinking about her in the past several days, it might be therapeutic for me to write.
The first time I remember talking to Kelly on a one-on-one basis was last summer.  She and her husband, Scott, invited our little family over for lunch after church one Sunday afternoon.  After being in her home that first time, I was impressed by her warmth and hospitality.  I felt like we were friends, even though she was 20 years older than me.  After lunch, she went to the basement and got buckets of cars, which she spread across her family room floor for my boys to play with.  I remember thinking, as she watched with obvious delight as my babies played on her floor, that she was going to be a wonderful grandmother someday.  Unfortunately, that was not to be for her in this life.
When I was a ward missionary, I visited her again in her home.  Her husband is a pilot, and was away at the time.  Again, I was impressed by how comfortable and relaxed I felt in her home and presence.  The visit with Kelly was much longer than a typical missionary visit; I was at her home for about an hour and a half that night.  We just chatted and laughed and had a good time together--just like we were old friends.
When our ward was split about three months ago, my speculation was that Kelly would be the new Relief Society President.  She seemed like the natural choice--friendly to all and beloved by everyone.  I even told Kelly herself that I thought it would be her.  I remember how she just laughed.  Obviously the Lord had other plans for her. 
The night before her stroke, I found myself again at the Lamb's home.  Kelly hosted a relief society gardening activity, and once again slipped into the role of accommodating and hospitable host that was so becoming to her.  As I thanked her at the close of the activity, I couldn't have known that that would be the last time I would ever speak to her.
The following evening, Kelly had a stroke.  On Friday May 13, our ward held a special fast for her.  Just one week following the stroke, she was gone.  I spent much of last Wednesday afternoon and evening in tears, crying for her daughter, who graduated high school on that very day, and for her son, who is engaged to be married this summer, and who now won't have his mom with him on that special day.  Most of all, I cried for Scott, so young, and now alone.
This passing of one so noble and righteous has had a great impact on me.  It has left me wondering what legacy I would leave behind if I were to pass away unexpectedly.  Am I ready?  Are there things in my life left unresolved?
If there is a light in this situation, it is what this tragedy has done for our fledgling ward.  As I mentioned, our ward is just three months old, and I feel like this situation has unified us as we have come together in grief and sympathy.
Kelly's funeral is this afternoon.  I am anxious to be able to hear more about Kelly's life today, and I am grateful for the example of Christ-like love, kindness, humility, and charity that she has taught me.

The Gift of Life and Breath: 2011 Version

This morning we ran the Gift of Life and Breath 5K race for the fourth year in a row.  Here are our 2010 2009 and 2008 recaps.  (Check out the one from 2009--Ty is wearing the same hoodie Mcay wore today, and McKay is eensy--like 4 weeks old I think!)  It's always one we look forward to.  It's a really relaxed, family-friendly race that's just a lot of fun.  And it was the first time I have run outdoors so far this whole year!  Honestly, it was harder for me than it should have been.  I forgot to use my inhaler before the race started, and accidentally left it in the stroller (which Adam was pushing) during the race.  The wind was blowing pretty hard, and I was struggling to breathe.  Thankfully, I met up with my friend, Mel, who lent me hers and saved my life (yes, I am exaggerating a little, but not much. ;) )  Incidentally, I didn't run it all that fast, but it was a good, fun run anyway.  

Our Little Family 

Me with my "Running Buddy," Heather.  We work out at the gym together nearly every day.

And everyone knows the best part of race day is all the free food afterward!  

Next race stop:  Bolder Boulder!!

Station 45

We got to take a tour of a local fire station today, as a sort of wrap-up for our playgroup for the year.  All six of the playgroup boys came, as well as their older and younger siblings, so the moms and firefighters had their hands full!  We had a great time!  

We got to see a lot more this year than we did last year.  The firemen walked the kids all the way around the truck and explained everything to them.  

McKay was a bit distracted by the HazMat truck.

One of the firemen put his turnout gear on so the boys could see what it looks like.  McKay started crying and said he looked scary.  I can see that.

And best of all, each kid got a turn to sit in the driver's seat of the fire engine!  

Did you know that a fire engine like this costs about a half million dollars?!  And the gear inside is another $200-$250K?  Yep, I asked that question.

Such a fun trip!!  Thanks to the firefighters of Station 45 for making this possible for us!

Mormon Prom

Last Friday night, Adam and I got to chaperone a youth dance that the kids around here refer to as "Mormon Prom."  It's a formal dance for Priests and Laurels that is held at the Wildlife Experience.  There were something like 12 or 13 stakes invited, but since the venue is within our stake boundaries, we were responsible for providing chaperones.  We actually had a great time together, but it also made me feel really old!  I didn't know practically any of the songs that played, and I was ready for bed about an hour into the dance.  Sigh.  It doesn't seem that long ago really that I was attending this type of event as a youth.  Apparently it was longer ago than I realized!  

The photographer on hand insisted we have our pictures taken together.  Since Adam and I never knew each other in high school, these are our first dance pictures together, at age 30 and 27!

Thanks for taking me to prom, Adam!  

A Running Post

Today was a good running day for me.  I had my first 10-mile run of the year this morning, and I did it in 1 hour and 27 minutes--my best time ever!  Today was also the day that I passed the 300 mile mark for the year (I'm at 307, to be exact).  I have been feeling some trepidation about the upcoming half marathon I am signed up for.  I've been training at a faster speed this year, so it has taken me longer to increase mileage.  In the last couple weeks, though, I have finally found my groove and I am feeling good.  My goal this year is to finish in an hour and 55 minutes, 5 minutes faster than last year.  We'll see how that goes.  And just to be clear, I am not posting this to receive any sort of accolades from anyone who might be reading it, but rather, I just want to be able to remember this achievement in the future.  Maybe someday it will give me the boost I need to get out there and do it again!

Made My Day

This morning when I entered Ty's room, I found that he had made his bed completely on his own without being asked to!!  He usually helps me make it, but this was his first time all by himself.  That made for one happy mommy!

Yep, he's a keeper!