120: new sheriff in town

Our neighborhood has a new 4 way stop. When I took the kids to school in the morning there was nothing, when I went to pick up, 4 new stop signs with flashing beacons on top adorned the street. Not sure how I feel about it, but I guess it really doesn't matter. I think I've only run them a couple times..habits are hard things to break!

119: re "meme" bering galatians

Found a great idea for a lesson HERE.  We did the entire book of Galatians in one class.  I had each student pick a section, read it, then come up with a "MEME" to describe it! I think they did awesome.  I brought in a few examples to get them started and then they unleashed their creativity. Then we put them into a PINTEREST board.. "It's in your best pINTEREST to study Galatians."

118: walking trails

A nice Sunday walk along the trail.  Jim accuses me that the only reason I like to walk on the trail is to snoop into people's backyards. He may or may not be right! I love to see how people live.

117: moody move

Check the calendar..yep, it's been 3 years, check! Yep, Chantal is pregnant, check! I guess it's time for another Moody move! Fortunately for all involved, it was less than a mile away!

116: the never ending seder dinner

Wow..it's pretty much what I have to say about this!  As a stake seminary, our leaders were able to bring in a former professor of religion from BYU, Victor Ludlow, to put on a real Seder dinner for the students.  In theory, this sounded cool.  In reality, it was way toooooo long! Painfully long!  What could have been easily condensed in 1-1 1/2 hours, went on for 4! We didn't even eat until hour 2. It was a Friday night and these kids were good sports. They got 4 absence makeups for attending, but I had many of them wondering if it was worth it.  Brother Ludlow knew his stuff..he just didn't know his audience.  Shalom!

115: random glass head

I wonder who buys these things? Someone must because they're in the stores!

114: naughty, naughty puppy!

Anyone want a dog? He's free!

113: taking care of the toes

A quick pedicure with Amy before she flew back to Utah!  We were so lucky to have her come out and be a part of our Ragnar team!

112: happy "spachoola" day

Spachoola day goes way back to my BYU-H and A-frame days!

This was a holiday created by Mari and I that just happens to coexist with Earth Day.  Every year we send each other a spatula, or "spachoola" because it was the spatula that started the holiday. I think I outdid myself this year! Who knew they made such creative spatulas! The search continues because in 365 days, it will be Spachoola Day all over again!

111: role reversal

Skyler wanted to know what it was like to be Buddy! He was in here for nearly an hour so it must be comfortable!

110: and the race continues....

It's always fun when Grandma & Grandpa come!  You can always count on Grandpa to come up with an adventure and he didn't disappoint! They took a trip up to the Palomar Mountain Observatory. 

 We had 2 teams, with 24 runners! We are a little short in the picture because a majority of our men runners left early to go to the Priesthood leadership meeting for stake conference.  In fact, one of them was a speaker! It was sad not to have everyone cross the finish line together, but I'm proud of them for fulfilling their priesthood duties..those are true SUPERHEROES!

 My final leg..only 5 miles but there were some nasty hills!

 Jenniffer saved the day.  One of the runners in the other vans had to back out the night before due to an injury!  Who do you call that could possibly do something like this with no notice and with no real training?  Jenniffer, that's who! Supergirl indeed.

 POW! 3 legs complete! My 5th ragnar is done!

At the finish line, ASICS had a promotional truck giving out free shoes in exchange for the donation of your old ones! No brainer there! Fortunately, I had brought an extra pair of my old shoes just in case! I would say we look pretty unified and pretty awesome! I'm an asics girl!

109: our 5th ragnar...huntington beach to san diego

SUPERHERO STAMPEDE

 6:00 A.M. at the starting line..ready to take off on our 200 miles!   

Had to make a couple donut stops along the route..and look what we found here, THE HULK! We told him he should jump in our van with us. I think he was just relieved that the big van that pulled up right in front of his door, in which 2 crazy girls dressed up like superheroes, didn't go all Point Break on him and rob him.

I only wish this cape made me fly! I do not find joy in running! I do it for the party!

One of the few times I saw Jim along the way.  Once again, he was in another van.  The sacrifices we make for the team. He was such an incredible sport and actually wore his costumes while he ran! This is huge and I know he did it for me, however, I wasn't at the end of his exchanges to cheer him on and take pictures.  I feel awful, but our van was 1 hour ahead!

MY amazing,incredible,neighborhood SPIDERMAN! 

108: a very busy day

Talent show buddies: 

 Westin, Colby, Cole, Luke, Peyton, Owen, and Ethan

Two major events..both happened to be on the night Jim and I were leaving to go to Newport for our RAGNAR race. We changed our plans a bit and left later.  First, Jayden and his friends did a BOY SCOUT RAP for the talent show.  Ironically, 5 of the 8 boys were graduating cub scouts that night and receiving their Arrow of Light award {the highest award of a cub scout}. Talent show started at 6:30..we were act 3. Arrow of Light started at 7:00, we drove fast! The Arrow of Light is a pretty impressive program, held out in wine country, on a member of our churchs' property. Grandma & Grandpa Watkins killed 2 birds with one stone! They were the babysitters this weekend and they happened to make it to all the major events. Couldn't have done it without their help!

{Ryder got a KC award the next morning at school}!

We finally left for Newport around 9:45 p.m. Race time begins..6:00 a.m.

107: skys acting debut

How surprised were we when Skyler told us that he had a play for drama.  I guess it was a requirement, but nonetheless, he was in a play. I think it was a ploy to make money..I had to pay $5 to get in.  His part was:  THE WALL. His lines:  straight, sturdy, stupendous wall! He nailed it.  He and his 2 friends had groupies in the audience. These cute girls {from church} came to support them and made them signs. 

106: uninvited shower guest

So I get a call from my mom around 9:00 a.m. asking me if I'm going to my sisters shower tonight. Ummm..what shower? She was sure I had to have gotten an evite. Nope! Nothing. Apparently, my sister didn't want me to feel burdened to drive all the way to Pasadena so she didn't give my name to the hostess. Of course, mom poured on the guilt to both of us..something like, "she's the only sister you've got..." Of course I would go, it just took some creative shuffling of activities and carpools. Watching her open all the baby girl stuff kinda made me a little jealous..just a little, then I realized, it was her that would be getting up with that baby every couple hours in the night and all those cute clothes wouldn't look so cute at 2 a.m. Then I thought, it will be just as wonderful to be the doting aunt!

105: strawberry love

There is a heart protruding out of my strawberry! It's going to be a great day!

104: blooms of spring

Pure beauty!

103: state cup soccer

Spent the day in San Bernardino with Skyler for state cup! At least it wasn't Lancaster!!

102: blood

Routine bloodwork..it was my annual visit to my nephrologist! Good news..there is a new study going on with a possible treatment of slowing down the growth of cysts.  You can read about it here dad!
{that means click on the giant "here"}

101: super buddy

Buddy spent the morning getting groomed! When they brought him to me, they had him in this red bandana.  He did not approve, but boy, did he smell good!

100: new glasses

99: rapid growth

I love my garden! 

In only 3 weeks, I have seen so much growth. We've already eaten a salad made with fresh lettuce! 

98: obedience training begins

It is time for school!  Buddy is in serious need of some obedience training. Lets just hope we don't get expelled!

97: general conference weekend

 I love general conference weekend! What I didn't love, was that our 2 weeks of spring break was coming to an end and it was time to start planning my seminary lessons again! I really appreciated and needed the break!

96: trail run

There's no reason you can't stop and take pictures on your runs! It's all about the photo op, even at 7:00 a.m.

95: father and son

My true pioneers!

94: pioneering is hard work

Just the fact that they were in pioneer clothes the entire trek is impressive to me! I couldn't imagine wearing so many clothes, while pulling the weight of the handcarts, and sometimes in blistering heat!  I am grateful to those who endured!

93: pioneer children sang as they walked

The youth 14-18 in our church have an amazing opportunity, ever 4 years, to go on an authentic pioneer trek. Skyler was old enough this year and despite his lack of interest and desire, attended and I know, had a great time. Jim also attended as he was heavily involved behind the scenes. I loved getting these little play by play texts every now and then. 

92: the day started off good...

The boys had spent the past 4 days at the beach but I hadn't, so today was my day! We were all excited. The weather was glorious. We got there, the boys played, tried to get in the water but it was too cold. Then we decided to rent a Scurry..first problem, Ryder forgot his flip flops. That was o.k., we thought, because he couldn't reach the pedals anyways.  He balanced his feet on the frame. But in true Ryder form, getting too excited and trying to stand up while we were pedaling, slipped and got his foot caught in the moving chain. Blood started pouring out as fast as the screams were coming from Ryder's mouth.  The entire beach knew of our dilemma, Ryder was sure to that. I tried to calm him down but had no luck.  We pedaled to our towels, I carried him to the chair, then hurried to return the bike {that we only rented 10 minutes ago}. We cleaned it with what little supplies we had..thankfully the bike people had a few bandaids and neosporin.  We quickly packed up and headed home, where I was able to make a doctors appointment. The doctor was a waste of time. They gave me an antibiotic and said he needed to sit in the bath for it to get clean. What started off as a sunny, glorious day, quickly turned to gray!

91: someone missed his brothers!

This one couldn't wait to snuggle with his brothers again!