Humanitarian Eagle Project

Brayden is doing his Eagle project to help the people of the Marshall Islands. Please check out his blog with more information.

www.humanitarianeagleproject.blogspot.com

THANKS!

MO Inspiring!

I have not blogged for a VERY long time - but today is a new day! when I get started on my catch up blogging - you'll see why I haven't been blogging till now. But instead of starting where I left off and catching up - I want to post about about this last weekend first. I, along with 5 of my family members, ran the Top of Utah half marathon. I wish I could tell you how much fun it was - but really?...it's not fun - just H.A.R.D!!! So why did we come back for more?...cuz it is totally INSPIRING to see all these people from all walks of life, including my own family - come and accomplish something that is so difficult to do. And to do this as a family is the icing on the cake (and in my opinion, the icing is the best part of the cake! - next to the sprinkles.)

My sweety brought our kids and came to support me at the finish line. They are the sprinkles on the top of the icing. So Ira took this picture when I saw them cheering me on. That's the only reason I have a smile on my face - cuz of my cute family being there at that point.

We got matching shirts for our run. We wanted to make sure our family could see us coming, and we could find each other. And yes...it worked! It was really hard to lose each other, even in a sea of over 2000 runners! Our families last name is Moser. so we took a part of our name (MO), and added whatever described us best. The results:

Shawn: MO Alive

Me: MO Determined

Kelli: MO Strong

Mandi: MO Mighty

Robin: MO Sassy

Brittany: MO Smokin

This is my running partner Shawn. We stuck with each other for the first 11 miles of the race. It was really helpful to have each other to work through the tough times. People thought we were a couple, since we matched and ran together. When we got separated, they started asking me, "Where's Mo Husband?" I laughed and said, "You mean Mo Brotha!" Our shirts were a source of conversation with other runners through the whole race. Thanks Shawn for the "good" time!


(this is my sister Kelli, bringing him across the finish line)

My "OLD"est sister ;) Robin. I can say that, cuz she beat almost all of us - so it's more of an inspiration that she is older than the rest of us and still leads the way - even in a race. She's even a grandma to 5! She is truly Inspiring to me.

My sister Kelli, who ran an amazing race. This was a first time for her, and she's got a smile at the finish line - what does that tell ya?

My niece Brittany - also her first race. She's also smiling. Way to go Britt!

My "sprinkles". I love them all, and it was so wonderful to have their support.

The only one I don't have a picture of was Mandi. She crossed the finish line, I think before any of the family was even there yet. She is who started this all for me. She is the one I came to cheer on last year at the Top of Utah, and knew that I wanted to be like her next year. Well...I am like her that I ran it. But I will never be like her that I run it so fast. She is also totally Inspiring...they all are. Every one of my family has had their set of trials that would have made it very easy to quit before they ever got to this point. But they didn't, and look at us now Baby!

So now that we've ran two halfs - doesn't that mean we've ran a full marathon?! ;)

Memorial Day Weekend

Yes, she will crawl through that little passage to get to the next great opening.

We were able to get away for part of Memorial Day weekend. We spent it with my sister Kelli in Pocatello, and her family. We decided to go on a day trip to Craters of the Moon. It is in the middle of nowhere in Idaho - (by Arco), but definently worth the effort to get there. It was created by hot lava which has cooled. There were lots of caves to explore, rocks to climb, and sights to see.

My sisters cute family.

Brayden popping his head out of one of the caves he had been exploring.

Brayden, Emilie & Zac

Ira with Kamden and Jarin

Some of our group rode their bikes through the park (oops...we forgot our helmets!)

Jarin, Tannon, Emilie and Myah.

Only a couple of owies. This was one of them (not a big deal, except Jarin thought it was the end of the world until we got a bandade.) The other mishap was Zacary needing stitches, which he didn't think was a big deal - but the adults did. What a trooper!

Derrick holding Kam and Des.

Jarin and Myah climbing down through one of the many tunnels created by flowing hot lava.

Our cute little family!

Kelli and I. We used to not get along so great (when we were kids). I'm grateful everyday that things have changed!

Debbie Moser Thompkin

Unfortunantly the Moser family (my Maiden name) has a family reunion of sorts for the last 3 years in a row on the same weekend (or close to it). We come together to remember and honor one of our family members as we lay them to rest. Two years ago was my cousin Amanda, who passed away from cancer. Last year was my Uncle Dennis who passed away from cancer. And this year was my cousin Debbie (Dennis' daughter), who also passed away from... cancer. It is wonderful seeing my relatives, but I really wish it was under better circumstances. Debbie's passing came as a shock to all of us - it appears to be more of a complication from the surgery to remove the cancer then it was the cancer itself which took her life. My relationship with Debbie has been a fairly new one. She has always been my cousin, but it hasn't been until recently that I have gotten to know her better. And for that, I am grateful. My heart breaks for her family that is left behind. I hope and pray that next memorial day weekend can be spent in a much different way! And maybe...just maybe...sometime between now and then a cure for cancer will be discovered!

This is a picture of Debbie's husband Tom, and her sister Diane and my Aunt Della (Dennis' wife, and Debbie's mom)- she is such a sweet lady, who has been through so much. She, along with her 3 surviving children are all battling thyroid cancer as well.

This is one of the strongest families I have ever met. They are going through a lot together, and look at those smiles still. You know the saying, "fake it till you make it". I have a hard time believing that they are smiling on the inside, but they continue to move on. I love these people, and pray for them every day!

Dione's son, Dione, Debbie, David and Tom

These are Debbie's sons.

Me with some of my brothers and sisters after the funeral.I really wish I had a picture of Debbie - but those pictures are on my laptop that is currently not working. She is going to be so missed!

1/2 Marathon

WE DID IT!!! Today I'm happy and excited. Yesterday (race day) was a different story - I was nervous at first, then hurting after. But I'm getting ahead of myself a little bit.

About 6 months ago - my sister had a crazy idea that we run a 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles). (Actually, she wanted to run the full marathon - the rest of us had SOME common sense). So we signed up for the Ogden 1/2 Marathon, and have been in training ever since. I would be lying if I said that I'm sad it's over. I am thrilled that it's done with!!! However, I can't end with just one race under my belt - so I'm signing up for another (did I really just say that? - Top of Utah anyone?). But last year, when I went to watch my sister-in-law run her first 1/2 marathon, and I saw all these people coming across that finish line - I felt something in me that I wanted to be one of them. Who knew?...Iactually hated running -and kinda still do :) . But I knew they each had a story as to why they were there, and how they got to this point - and I wanted a story too, that included a great accomplishment like their stories.

So here's my story.

About 1 1/2 years ago, after Kamden was born - I had some major health problems with my heart. To this day, we don't really know what caused it - but I do know it was very scary. I remember sitting in my recliner, watching out my window, and seeing some of my neighbors living life. They were working, playing, and exercising. I knew that even without my heart problems, I wasn't living very healthy. I decided then that if I ever got through this, I wanted to be healthier. A couple months later, my family (brothers, sisters, parents), started a "Biggest Loser" competition that we reported to each other on a blog. I was nervous to start exercising, because my heart still wasn't entirely doing what it should - but it had been improving. So reluctantly, I bought an eliptical (now I was REALLY committed). And I started waking up earlier in the mornings (pure torture at first), and I started exercising (I thought waking up early was torture - but exercise was beyond torture). But eventually, it got a little bit easier - and I could go a little bit longer. THEN I decided to try running. Last year in May or June I started running for the very first time. I ran for one minute, and walked for two (and did that I think 4 times). I thought I was going to die - but to my amazement, I didn't. Then I decided to go to the track to see if I could run one lap (1/4 mile). I did, then walked a lap, then ran a lap.... I was for SURE I was going to die this time. Eventually, I was able to run a whole mile, then two, then three... Until yesterday, I had never run more than 10 miles (and I only did that once).

When this week rolled around, I started to not sleep well, and my stomach wasn't feeling good. Not sure why I was so nervous - my only expectation was to finish on my own two feet, which I'm proud to say...I DID! It may not have been a pretty sight, or great time - but I still did it. Not only that, my brother, sister and sister-in-law all finished too. And the advantage to being the last of our group to finish, was that they were all at the finish line to cheer me through. My sisters husband and son were there, and Ira, Jarin and Kamden were standing on the side with smiles and claps. I'm so grateful for wonderful family support in my quest to be a healthier mom, wife, me.

I have to admit - it REALLY hurt yesterday, and today every joint in my body aches. But I think it was worth it. I wouldn't consider myself a "runner" by any stretch of the imagination. But I was determined to do this, and I continue to be determined to be healthy. The first 11 miles was great - then the last 2, I wanted to collapse. I always thought people who ran more than to their neighbors house were crazy. So I guess I'm crazy. But grateful that I was given the second chance to be crazy!

So that's MY story...so far. It's been a hard journey - but definently worth every bit of it. I'll take the week off of running - then I'll lace up my shoes again, ready for the next part of my journey. I can't wait to see where that journey takes me!

This was me hooked all up to heart monitors

These pictures are all in backwards order. Since I don't have my laptop (it crashed) - I'm on the old computer that doesn't always want to cooperate. Oh well, at least I'm able to blog!

Ira, Jarin, Kamden and me

Shawn, Me, Robin and Mandi (I told them all to bite their medals like the Olympians do. They looked at me like I was crazy - then after the picture, they informed me that they kiss their medals - not bite them! Oh well, we already had established that I was crazy, right?

Right after the race - and we're still smilin'. Now THAT'S an accomplishment!

Somewhere in that running crowd is my backend. Not the prettiest view, but oh well. It's documentation that I really did get to the finish line on my own two feet!

Mommy Dear...

I wish I could visit my mom today. I wish I could call her whenever I want. I wish I could give her a hug and tell her how much I love her. I wish I could eat her fabulous Mother's Day dinner she always makes for her daughters to make our Mothers Days special. I wish I could hear her laugh that always puts a smile on my face. I wish I could see her hold her grandchildren and give them kisses. I wish I could personally wish her a Happy Mothers Day. I wish I hadn't taken for granted all the times that these blessings were mine. I wish I could take back the times that I caused her grief. I wish I could be in her presence today.

I am grateful my mom is serving the Lord on a mission. I'm grateful for the example she is to me and to our kids. This has been a hard experience for her, to be away from her children and grandchildren for so long. I don't think there is any force on earth that would take her away from home - except for the Lord. That is one of the things that I love about her - her unfailing testimony of the gospel, and willingness to serve the Lord. I am grateful for the strong woman she is, and is teaching me to be, through her example. I am grateful for her wisdom, compassion, integrity strength, courage and love. I'm grateful I have learned these lessons now, so that next Mother's Day - when I CAN hug my mom, I won't take it for granted. If that opportunity for next year never came (which, of course it will) - I am grateful that she has taught me that she will be my mom for eternity.

My mom would probably be embarrassed thinking that I am saying all these wonderful things about her. She is a very humble lady, and doesn't like the spotlight. And in her mind, I'm sure she probably doesn't thinks she's "all that". But to me, she is all that, and more. She is the perfect mom for me, and the perfect grandma for my kids.

I love you, and everything about you mom.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

She has learned lots while serving in the South Pacific - she's learned to make thatched roofs out of leaves, and to do the "shaka-shaka" dance - just to name a few.

Moab and Friends

L.O.V.E going to Moab, UT. Twice in one month...I'm liking this concept! I've always thought Moab was too far away (6 hours with stops and pulling a trailer). I don't know what mental block I was having, cuz this twice in a month idea was G.R.E.A.T! Especially one with kids, and then next with friends. And 6 hours???? Come on, really - that's a walk in the park. So if you've not been to Moab - try it! It doesn't require 4-wheelers or a jeep. There are lots of hikers and bicyclist too. But if your one of those - watch out for my dust, cuz a 4-wheeler is the only way for me! :) My order of priorities is my camera (a.k.a. my baby), my 4-wheeler (also a.k.a. my baby), then my family! (just kidding of course... kind of). ;)

This trip we brought some neighbor friends who had heard of us talking about our 4-wheeling trips to Moab, but had never been there. So Ira became their tour guide, and we had a great time - and got to know these neighbors pretty well. Nothing like a trip together to get to know people better! But as the saying goes...what happened in Moab stays in Moab. Now neither of these other couples reads my blog, so I really could spill the beans - but I'll just use that information as black mail if needs be. Just kidding of course. But I will say...it was fun getting to know them better.

Oh, and one more thing. I think I met my match in taking as many pictures as me. I thought Roger took more pictures then me. But as I counted them, I still came out ahead. (I don't think that's a good thing). But it was so great having everyone wait for someone other then just me to take pictures. That being said...this is your warning of a picture overload.

If you've been to Moab - you've probably been to "Top of the World". One of the things I love about Moab is being reminded of God's creations all around. It is absolutely breath taking (for more reasons then one I might add. You'll know what I mean when you see some pictures below).

Our riding companions:

LuAnne and Sheraton Peterson Marilyn and Roger Douglas
Roger and Ira have become very close in their church service together. Roger has taken Ira under his wing, and taught him and led him. He has become more like a father or brother for Ira, and they are quite a pair. They seem to share the same thoughts, and sense of humor. I have learned that when they are together...I'll never understand what all the chuckles are about.
Sheraton on the edge - Ira playing it a little safer (good thing - cuz I'd a killed him if getting that close didn't kill him first!). It made my stomach sick to see Sheraton getting that close. He claims he had plenty of room - not from where I was standing, he didn't. That is a 3000 foot drop off - maybe we forgot to tell him that part, just in case he couldn't see it himself!


Gemeni Bridges

Tusher Tunnels.

This tunnel goes straight through the mountain to the other side. The top picture is one side, the bottom picture is taken showing the other side. Since I'm not good with distances - I don't know how long the tunnel is, but it's quite long.
The desert was almost in bloom - but not quite. There was one small group of cactus that was in bloom - I think cuz it knew Roger and I were there to take it's picture. I had always wanted to see cactus in bloom.

One of the wonderful things about Moab is getting away from the cold of Cache Valley. Unfortunatly, this trip was FREEZING! It even snowed a few times on us. Bbbbrrrrrrr!!!!

But I still would go in a heartbeat - even in the snow!I had like 5 layers on, and winter gloves, and was barely warm enough. Bummer time to try to get away from the cold of Cache Valley!
Our last day - Ira was determined to wear shorts. He says it's not a vacation unless he can wear shorts. Luckily for him, it didn't snow - we actually saw blue sky - and it reached about 60 degrees!

We went around that thin ledge at Chicken corners - not as scary as it seemed when looking at it from a distance. But still had to hold onto the ledge. This was me with Roger Douglas.

Good thing I have hair wings in case I fall off the edge - I can fly!

This is what happens when your having a little too much fun! Here's Sheraton at home all casted up. He rolled his bike on the second day, and broke his wrist. He still drove for the rest of that day and another day like that. I can't imagine the pain he was in, but didn't complain! He claims he loved every bit of it - and would do it all again. I wonder if his employers feel that way since he needs both hands to work, and can't go back for 6 weeks! (silly picture - he's trying to get away from my camera).