Splash, Mash, Dash 2008

Who would have thought seven months ago when I, a non-swimmer, who started a triathlon quest by going for a jog in the middle of a very hot day with two cranky kids in the bike cart would ever became an official triathlete? I competed in the Desert Grande triathlon on Saturday and not only did I survive but I loved almost every minute of it. I say almost because the first leg, a 400 meter swim, did not come easy for me. The bike and run portions went very smoothly and fortunately, none of my nightmares of flat tires or wipe outs came true. I actually had so much fun that I would have turned around and done it again the next day.

I am completely overwhelmed by all of the love and support I felt from all of my friends and family. I was in shock at how many of you called me before the race to wish me luck and how many called me or e-mailed me afterward to see how I did. Wow!! I am truly blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me, who love me and who care about me. That is one of the greatest things I will take away from this experience. Thank you, thank you , thank you!!!

Here is a little pre-race pic with two of my training partners, Mary Jane and Amy. Mary Jane loaned me her extra road bike three months ago and I am sooooooo grateful. Unfortunately, she had to sit this one out due to an injury. Amy and I were so sad she didn't get to compete. I can guarantee she would have moped up. She is an amazing competitor.

Mary Jane snapped this one of me in the pool. Hearing her cheering for me when I thought I was going to die in the pool, really kept me going!!!

Here I am coming into the T2 transition after the bike leg. Yes, that is me in a pink helmet and teal tri suit My suit wasn't very attractive (okay, maybe a little ugly) but it was really cheap on ebay and I was glad I didn't have to do any clothes changing during the race. What can I say?!

Getting ready for the final leg...the run. Notice that I have shed the pink helmet and am in the process of replacing it with my purple running shoes. And, oh, the teal suit is still there. Okay, maybe I should have put on my running shorts. Oh, well. Next time.

My awesome husband was trying to coral my four person cheering squad as I crossed the finish line and the pic didn't turn out. But, here I am, number 915, with two of my biggest fans. They even held up homemade signs that said, "My mom is the best" and "My mom's number 1 not number 2" as I finished.

Me, Amy (my dedicated, six day a week, training partner) and Rachel (my inspiration for doing this)

It feels great to have set out to do something that was not easy and to accomplish it. I hope my experience has in some small and simple way taught my kids about having goals and working towards them. And, I am already plotting my next triathlon. Who thinks my next one could be an open water swim...raise your hand?! (That is such a "Tim" thing to say, isn't it?) I've got A LOT of work to do but my hand is raised.

Halloween Week

Between a family party, ward trunk or treat, school celebrations and trick or treating, our Halloween celebration lasted all week. All the kids had a great time, got tons of candy and looked so cute in their costumes.

Albert went as a vanilla ice cream cone this year. Her costume consisted of vinyl, white pantyhose, batting, straws and TONS of glue from the glue gun. It was really fun to make and she loved wearing it. I always encourage my kids to pick a costume that is original and Albert definitely did that this year.

The boys went as Mario and Luigi. They loved being their favorite Wii characters. The conversation they had to figure out who would be Mario and who would be Luigi was a total crack up!!

Cupcake was a bunny, minus the ears. All of my kids have hated costumes at this age and Cupcake is no exception. She refused to wear the cute ears, even for a picture. It was fun to pull this costume out of the costume box since I made it for Albert. This pic also shows her new fascination with drinking from a cup. She even tried to eat this cup!

Last but not least, are the pumpkins we decorated. I bought these Mr. Potato Head kits at Target a few years ago and we haven't carved a pumpkin since. I am sure we will do real carved Jack-o-lanterns at some point, but for now, we all love doing these pumpkins every year. (By the way, Cupcake is the angel, Snausage is the pirate, Hog is the ninja and Albert is the Diva)