Official last day summer...

Our last Saturday of Summer we spent on an adventure in the Idaho mountains. We worked hard all week doing yard work and Saturday chores so that we could be free birds for the day.The kids were troopers on our four mile round trip hike. Thomas and Tweety walked the whole way. We found a nice swimming hole in the river to play at. The water was really cold but eventually everyone got in, even if it was with Dad's help and a good toss to the deep end.

Danielle and Micah did the most swimming.

Gideon threw a lot of sand and rocks.

Thomas threw a rock out as hard as he could, aiming for the river. It was a winger that nailed Gideon in the arm...he was really happy after that. James decided to skip rocks later and nailed Thomas right in the middle of the noggin. I guess what comes around goes around, or something like that.

Dad then started the rock jumping trend. He had several takers!

Danielle, Micah, and Isaac all jumped the boulder into the river. There was a small area just deep enough to avoid injury. It didn't quite appeal to a cold James Kyle and Mom, maybe next time.

Go Micah!!!

Go Isaac!!!! Dad had several running starts, very impressive!

I blamed my sore legs from an earlier 20 miler as the reason not to jump. Scott didn't buy into it!

We found a fuzzy Caterpillar to play with on the way home. It was such a fun day together. We love the outdoors and opportunities to play in Idaho's beauty!

Happy 55 Grandma Stevens!

Texas Road HouseThe birthday gang

These cute boys are available...

Keep the birthdays coming!

Birthday Bliss includes...Yummy Sunday dinner at Grandma Stevens (new premium running gear)!!! Pedicure and hot french toast breakfast from hubby!!! Granny Skidmore watching children and giving us a gift certificate for dinner!!! Lunch date with Jennie Dildine!!! Fun phone calls and birthday wishes all day!!! Thank you everyone for spoiling me. Getting old isn't so bad!

Summer showers

Being numbered among the noble ones...

"I WANT TO DO SOMETHING SPLENDID...SOMETHING HEROIC OR WONDERFUL THAT WON'T BE FORGOTTEN AFTER I'M DEAD....I THINK I SHALL WRITE BOOKS."

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Last week I found a few unproductive moments of self indulgent feelings of inadequacy. I questioned my worth and value and wondered what I had to offer in this world that highly regards formal education, intelligence, position, wealth, beauty and prestige...non of which are my forte!

I spent a few days recently watching two sweet little girls while their beloved mother, whom I call sister, spent her time pursuing and developing her talents...required by her career. I marveled at her abilities, her chosen contributions to the world of education and enjoyed listening to her late night chit chat of all that she dreamed of doing in her life. I vocally and silently praised her.

I began to ponder my own gifts and talents and wonder what I had to contribute. Is the greatest work of the world really in the home? Where is the balance between serving your family and contributing to society? Are we all just part of a great beehive with many types of busy bees? If so, I must be the consistent, steady worker bee. When we were being placed in this life I must have stood in the line for dutiful elbow grease girl and fortunately... Mother.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

Self sufficient with very little apparent personal needs, maid, cook, barefoot and pregnant Squaw in the sage bush, Ability to smile through tantrums of small children, immune to smelly dirty diapers, consistent and organized at all times and naturally attractive to spouse and helpmate. No athletic ability needed (husband athleticism will trump anyway), no musical ability necessary, no education necessary (you will be putting your husband through school instead).

I am reminded of the great wisdom my father possesses and can almost hear him say these prophetic words now..."Would you like some cheese with that whine?!" Yes isn't it a beautiful, silent and internal display of ingratitude when we allow self-doubt to seep into our hearts? It is a very real battle combined with large amounts of motherhood guilt that becomes the tool of the evil one. I too fall prey of those self destructive thoughts on occasion.

This is where my emotional battle was staged...my story now is how I overcame and conquered...

Prayers became more purposeful, determination more meaningful, energy and effort in the essentials more focused.

I rearranged the entire house. Every child's room was re-organized and de-cluttered. We moved everyone to better places for the school year and added order. My philosophy is, when all else fails find something to clean and organize!

I did long overdue "house-keeping" and checked off my honey-do list. I did the necessary evil-school shopping and grocery shopping. Retail therapy becomes a punishment when you have children in tow.

I made a concerted effort to look outside my sphere and lose myself.

I went out with my dear faithful friend who must have known I needed a boost. My first full priced movie in a long time...I felt inspired to cook more with a smile. Thanks Julia Child.

I read a really inspiring book while Scott was camping. A novel written by Lousia May Alcott. I fell in love with the characters and developed a respect and kinship with the heroine...A woman of pure heart and integrity who chose goodness and love over rank, wealth, and power. She had no need to be recognized; only a strong desire to serve outside herself and love her family.

After several mentally wearing and physically taxing training runs...I recommitted to my original goal...make it to the Boston Marathon. I got up at 5 AM Saturday, put Danielle in my bed with a phone for emergency (that is a first for Danielle) and set out on a 15 mile run. I ran the first few miles too slow and felt my determination weakenening with each step...until I thought of the little clip by Elaine Cannon on the church website "You're never alone". I had a "shining moment" and came to the remembrance that I was loved by Heavenly Father. I felt my step lighten and my stride lengthen. The last 10 miles were the best 10 miles I have ever run.

The sweetest "tender mercy" of the week was when family scripture study came alive.

King Benjamin spoke to me:

And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

O.K. so my pity party has ceased. I have tried to repent. I feel an outpouring of love from my family and am hoping to be faithful enough to always recognize the great blessing of being a Mother and Wife. I sat in church today and listened to an angel sing, a violinist play sweet music and a pianist accompany beautifully. My heart was full. I went to R.S. and loved the lesson on "Being your best self", how appropriate. I enjoyed a delicious birthday dinner without dishes at Grandma Stevens...divine! I received the royal treatment from Scott, a full pedicure (the running toes can get scary).

"You are poor and humble, Miss Adelon, but rich in woman's truest virtues and rendered noble by a warm and sinless heart. 'Lord Percy' is but a name and, casting that aside, I am one who finds his greatest happiness in simple things and cares little for the rank and riches of the world, for these are nothing to a noble human heart."

The Inheritance Louisa May Alcott

May I one day have a noble human heart!!!

Triathlon

Happy Birthday Granny Skidmore...our Scottish Bonny Lass! Thanks for being a thoughtful and sweet Granny. We loved having you over for dinner to celebrate your birthday. 29 today and just getting younger.

Emmett Cherry Triathlon

Years ago Scott wrote down his dreams and wishes that he wanted to achieve throughout his lifetime. Most everything he recorded included me!!! Yeah!!! While I was gone in Washington Scott planned a big surprise. He signed both of us up for the Emmett Cherry Triathlon. He registered for the Sprint=500 meter swim, 20k (12.4 mile) bike, 5k (3.1 mile) run. He registered me for the Olympic=1.5 k (.93 mile) swim, 40k (24.9 mile) bike, 10k (6.2 mile)run. These races were something we always wanted to do...together! Scott then spent the next two weeks trying to track down the proper gear and information for a positive experience. He is so thoughtful. We stayed up the night before the race until after 1 AM preparing. We went to the pool to figure out swimming technique at 10 PM that night (didn't help too much). Scott has never swam laps or swam in a race and I am not much more experienced. We met up with friends from our ward and caravan together to the start. We put our running shoes and hat at T2 and our biking gear (helmet, shoes, socks, water bottle, gel packs, bike) at T1. There are tricks to the trade of setting everything up, but we just figured we would try our best. We definitely didn't realize what we would be getting into.

Kim Cowley (amazing athlete at 39) and Amanda (Novice beginner)

The Olympic men left at 9 AM and the women started 5 minutes later. I got into the cold water (thinking a wetsuit was a great idea) and paddled to the start. The gun shot and we were off. I was more nervous at that moment than I have been for any other athletic event. I put my head down and started my controlled freestyle swim. I went for a long time avoiding arms and kicking legs without looking. I don't know if I figured I was doing really awesome or really bad when I realized I was alone and should look up. I had focused on my stroke and getting out of the pack for so long I had swam the opposite direction of the buoys. My heart sank as I realized my great error and how much it would cost me. From then on I never went more than a few feet before looking up to locate myself. I was so far behind the entire group and so far away from the finish that I was really discouraged. As I came up to the turn around a renewed strength and determination was summoned internally and I began to really try hard to catch up to the swimmers ahead. I merged with the sprinter race at the last buoy. There were a whole new set of nerves with the sprinters in tow. These swimmers were frantic and rough. One man swam right over the top of me and I got a number of hits to the back of the head as the crowd raced to the shore. I was so relieved to reach the sandy bottom. There was only one other time in my life I had swam that far. I began to strip the wetsuit from me but it ripped my watch off in the water. You can see me searching for my Timex in the shallow.

Scott experienced much of the same but more intensified. He said it was like swimming in white water. He couldn't see anything but legs and arms and sucked in water every time he tried to take a breath. After a few minutes he switched from the crawl to side stroke so that he could breathe better and see where he was going. He did great coming in the middle of the pack.

The next portion of the race is the bike. As soon as you locate your bike and transition out of the water zone it is a nice country road. Scott rode 20 miles per hour average. At one time he hit a pot hole & said he almost crashed but was able to make a save. It wasn't until later that he realized some thorns had also caused an almost flat tire. We don't know how he made it in without injury. He is a strong cyclist.

This was my 10th ride ever on a road bike. I worked hard. We had two big hills and then mostly country road. I was able to average just under 18 miles per hour. My transition was tricky to the run. I think I became loopy from exertion. I went to the wrong rack to hang my bike and couldn't remember how to undo the latches on my shoes. It sounds crazy but I was not thinking normal.

Scott had a great transition to the run. He was quick getting on his shoes and starting his run. The only problem is he said his legs wouldn't move due to cramping and his stomach hurt. He wasn't sure what was wrong until he started throwing his energy gels & water up (lime green gel). On the bright side he heaved up 4 times and then finished his run under 8 minute miles.

Running for me is automatic...even under stress and exhaustion. I certainly did not run a fast race but I finished just under 8 minute miles. I felt like my jello leg muscles were barely moving but I never gave up and neither did Scott. We learned a lot about racing a triathlon through trial and error.

Kurt Holt, Tad Cowley, Scott Stevens

It was a sweet and triumphant moment to cross the finish line and meet my sweetheart. He is one in a million. I was really proud of his effort. We were surrounded by extreme athletes who spend a large amount of time and money involved in sports. Scott has ran 4 times in 9 months and never swam and he still had a terrific outcome. We were grateful for the willingness of Grandma Stevens to spend the day with our children. Our kids thought it was great having Mom and Dad gone: no Saturday chores, french toast breakfast, games, Ping Pong and stories.

It definitely will be worth it to do it again. I cannot wait to have another try at the swimming. Maybe next time I will actually practice before I show up and tread through rough open water. Stress is ever present in these days, there is always laundry and a bill to pay but occasionally we have opportunities to participate in new and challenging experiences that cause us to reflect on the many blessings in our lives and remind us of the beauty life has to offer. We were lucky to have the freedom to take the time Saturday to do that together. I love those moments when we realize we are all stronger physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally then we thought.

Idaho mountains
Papa...The Fisherman
A true Idaho fisherman makes his own canoe and paddles out of a log and drift wood. It is the only way to fish.

Scott, Kimber, Mike, Tinsy Tyler and Papa spent Saturday in the beautiful Idaho wilderness. They picked huckleberries, hiked, fished and enjoyed the outdoors.

This is our family element...enjoying nature.

The cute couple and baby boy. Kimber and Gina fed the men while Lori and I were visiting Washington. They did a good job holding down the fort.

Friday night Scott and the Menssens played Frisbee golf at Eagle Island. Scott loved spending time with his Sis and Bro. It was a rare opportunity to be with the younger generation without all the responsibility of a large brood. He filled his time with family, work and church activities!