Simple Sundays

On Thursday, before it turned back into winter, the day began with gray skies and a touch of wind and rain. But as the morning progressed, the sun came out and the sky filled with white, fluffy clouds and then it began to sprinkle again. There is something so refreshing about a bit of rain while the sun is shining. Something inherently springy and joyful and life-giving. My little thrill of the week. :o)

What I Woke Up To...

Seriously? Seriously?! I mean, I know I live in Utah now and it is still only March, but for the love...

March isn't just a tease, March is MEAN!

Simple Sundays

Tulips, daffodils and crocus! Just seeing them peeking up above the ground is soul-stirring.

My New Hair...

Well, it's the same hair, but it sure looks different!

What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

So, for some reason or another, I signed up for a half-marathon. I knew it would be tough, having already run an 8-k a couple of years ago and wanting to die before I was finished, but my friend is running, too, and I am in better shape now, so I guess I deluded myself into thinking it would be fun. I have been "training" for a few weeks now, but decided I should look up an official training schedule just to make sure I was on track. At this point, according to the schedule, I should be running approximately 3-4 miles a few times a week with a big, long run on the weekends. I wasn't exactly sure how far I had been running, since I had mostly been focusing on increasing the length of time I could run, so this morning I decided to try 4 miles. Keep in mind, a half-marathon is 13.1 miles, okay. 45 minutes later I FINALLY get to 4 miles. Yikes! For those of you familiar with SLC, let me tell you about the course: it goes from the U of U, along Foothill to 21st South and then down to 7th East, and over to Gateway. **GULP** What have I done? This is going to kick my keister. But I am determined to do it, so I figure if I blog about it, and everyone knows I am doing this, it will help motivate me even more. I hope, I hope!

It's March!

Oh, thank the Good Lord, it's March! And even though it snowed a little yesterday, I don't mind - 'cause I know the end is in sight! My hubby and I have spent the week browsing seed and plant catalogs and making plans for our yard. I can't wait until we can actually plant. Of course, I am sure I will be less enthused when my back is aching and the weeds are popping up all over, but for now I am thrilled at the prospect.

We are going to plant a good-sized vegetable garden with all kinds of tasty stuff - I am even going to try growing corn! I am going to have an herb garden with rosemary, thyme, cilantro, mint, parsley and anything else I can think of. There will be lots of hardy and drought-tolerant plants put in the front yard and tall pampas grass in the back for the boys to hide behind and run between. Oh, and I can't forget the lavender! I am going to plant lots and lots of lavender. I can already smell it!

We Love You, Peter!

And we miss you already. Good luck on your deployment and be safe, please!


This is my brother, Peter. He just left on Tuesday to start his second deployment in Afghanistan. He is an amazing person, always setting a good example for me and encouraging me. He reads more than anyone I know and is constantly trying to learn more. He has an open mind and tries to do the right thing; if only more people had those two qualities! Peter knows how to make people laugh and is always himself - he never puts on a front and is truly genuine. Something I wish I could say for myself. He is a great big brother and friend and I am so thankful for him. Our whole family is.