Oh, it's just life.

If it wasn't for this LAME-O stomach sickness I've had for a week and a half, yesterday would have been darned near perfect. We got to watch Gavin play soccer--kind of, his coach keeps him sidelined for more of the game than not. It's frustrating. Then we dropped the kids off at my mom's and stole away to Zion in my neighbor Kim Postma's cute little convertible to celebrate our anniversary. We ate at the Pioneer Restaurant, which was okay, then we braved the throngs of folks taking advantage of the park's "free day" and hiked up the backside (Kayenta Trail) to Upper Emerald Pool. The canyon was breathtaking and peaceful, despite the crowd, so much so that Leif actually fell asleep on a rock. Like, deep sleep. I didn't have the heart to wake him, so I relaxed awhile, listening to the sound of dripping water and voices echoing in the canyon, and getting lost in my uninterrupted thoughts. It was lovely.
I got to drive the Beamer home, and after picking up the kids and busing them home with Leif, I hurried over to the General Relief Society broadcast, missing dinner but hearing all but one of the speakers. I was really touched by President Monson's story about a woman's act of service to someone she barely knew. It was just a loaf of homemade bread, but it signified God's love for the one lost sheep. I left feeling very inspired and beloved.

So after I got home, we went over to Casey and Heather's and played 21 for a bit--which naturally follows listening to the prophet--then we went home because my stomach was hurting so much and Dax wasn't feeling well. All in all, a good anniversary. Leif got me a running light and hat and a new set of scriptures, which I love, and I got him a cheesy shirt and made him a cheesecake. We go all out, don't you know.

Today, following *some advice from my chiropractor cousin Travis, I woke up to zero stomach pain. I wish I could tell you how good this felt. Ah, the relief! I couldn't breathe or walk or exercise or eat normally for 11 days, no matter what I did to try to alleviate the pain, so this was indeed a day of celebration. I still had to stay home from church, though, because Dax has a yucky cold that sure seems to be making him miserable.

Kaelee and Heather and I have been doing this six-week challenge to help us get back on track in lots of areas: physical, spiritual, familial, etc., and we finished today. It was a good challenge, but it will be nice not to have to track everything I do. I hope the habits I formed stick! Especially this week pre-marathon. Oh, immediate butterflies--the marathon is Saturday! I actually have been pushing it from my mind these past two sick weeks because I don't want to stress about it, but now that I'm feeling better and know that I can make it to the starting line, I'm excited slash terrified. Why doesn't it get easier? Well, it's because it's like childbirth: you actually do remember exactly what it was like, and yet you're doing it again, for what reason you cannot explain to anyone. Only those who have been there--and who have returned willingly--can understand. It's terrifying and painful and one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life and you won't know if you can finish . . . but then it's exhilarating and rewarding and you feel stronger and happier than you've ever been. I can't wait.

This week: kids' cavity fillings, neighborhood potluck, family photo session, soccer practice, piano lessons, homework, chores, meals, laundry (seriously, with the laundry), marathon preparations, marathon expo, the actual marathon, general conference. I'll try to keep up.

*I never know how much information to share. I want to be accurate with my journaling, but when I journal via public blog, I don't want to share super personal stuff like arguments with family members and embarrassing home remedies. If my grandkids ever get their hands on this, I feel like they'll want to know the "real" life, not just the bullet points and highlights. Suffice it to say, I've had plenty of bad mommy moments, family fights, crappy days, and embarrassing bodily problems. 

So fun, right? My poor dad had a run-in with the dog, who popped his bicep right off its tendon. Surgery coming soon. Good to see he still feels well enough to photobomb . . . and babysit my kids all day. Thanks, Dad.

Sleepover at Grandma's the night before

Upper Emerald Pool. This is the Sleeping Rock, not to be confused with Weeping Rock. We didn't make it to that part of the canyon.

She was so proud to catch this li'l guy all by herself, and she played with him for two days straight. I asked her today what she wanted for her birthday, and she said she only wants a dog, a cat, and a cheetah. I'm hoping she means stuffed animals, or she's in for a world of disappointment.