Jacobs on the run

2011-07-06T20:57:00.004-06:00

I am super bad at this whole blog thing! I have so many things I want to tell you all about! Like the way cool "just in case" package I got from my friend Amber, and the "half-way" package from her and Becca! I want to tell you all about the tears, the hugs, the loves, the quiet moments and the noisy ones too! The smell of the oncologist office and how it makes me sick just to talk about it and the conditioned response I have to vomit every time I go there! And that the soap in their bathroom smells horrible! And about my chemo friends like Craig who is now in remission, and Caroline who talks loudly on her cell phone the entire time, and the girl and her husband who are their with her mom but bring themselves lunch from Taco Time and how the smell makes me want to vomit! ugh! About my cute dad and how he takes me every Wednesday to chemo and stays with me for a few hours and splits the time with my dear friends who come and sit for the last few hours with me and then take me home. My mom, who is still my mamma bear, and how she takes me every friday to get my pump off and is my voice to the nurses to explain how crappy I am feeling and how they need to pay more attention and demands they not just give me what I want but that they do it NOW! And my sweet Wednesday nurses Cory and Mandy who I want to be friends with forever! They make me feel important and not just like a cancer patient. We share stories, workout tips, talk about our kids, our hubbies and help each other plan trips! And have I told you about my oncologist? Dr Wendy Breyer, she is small but mighty! She is no nonsense, tell it like it is, strong but firm with the info she has to give you! And she likes the trashy news magazines too! So we share gossip about celebs and talk about them like we actually know them! And then there is the nausea, over whelming from Wednesday to Monday! Zofran and Phenegran help, but I'm still always in the edge. I have vomited the last 3 sessions :( And let's not forget the diarrhea - or BU as my brother Kevin taught me to call it! Let's just say that immodium is a life saver (and an undie saver too!). And I can't say thank-you enough for the prayers, thoughts, kind words, letters, emails, texts, Facebook messages, donations, flowers and the amazing 5k my kids put on for me! Your love for me and my family is amazing. One of my BFF's made the comment to me that we deserve this out pouring of love for the good we do in the community and that it is our good karma coming back to us! I sure hope so! And I hope that we (Andy, I and the kids) can continue to give back to you all when we are down with this trial! And my Andy ... there aren't words that do justice for the love I have for him. He is my rock, my best friend, my favorite person to be with at all times. Our life is crazy insane right now, and I couldn't do this without him by my side. My children are equally amazing, because they have his example to follow. I love you babe! Do I promise more blogs with more info? Not really, but I will try! Hugs and loves to you all!

It's a sandwich - and it's mine!

2011-05-06T15:15:00.004-06:00

There is a cancer fighting superhero sandwich out there - and it's dedicated to me! A big thank-you to Laura and Amanda for dedicating a blog post to me! I've known these sweet sisters for years! They and their sweet mom Julie are three amazing women who I am so lucky, and thankful, to know! Have you seen their blog yet? Run now - don't walk! It is the best food blog out there! Not only is the food fantastic, but quick and simple recipes make me so happy! Check them - and my sandwich - out here!

It's all in the genes!

2011-04-26T13:04:00.002-06:00

It's genetic! We always thought it was, but now we have medical proof! Back in 1999, my brothers and I participated in a research study with the U of U, they were trying to map the gene causing familial colon cancer. The last we heard from them back then was they would keep our blood and continue to test as new genetic testing became available, but that no news was good news. Fast forward to today - when my oncologists contacted them regarding my blood work they had no record of myself or my brothers! What? Yep, they lost us! It gets better (actually worse) - my dad is on file, and he DID test positive for the genetic mutation that causes colon cancer but was never informed! So with Dad having the gene, the boys and I each have a 50% chance of having it. If you do have the gene you need to have a colonoscopy every year and an upper GI done every 3 years. Not exactly the genetic trait anyone wants to inherit - I would have preferred my dad's thick, dark, wavy hair or his bright blue eyes, but nope - I get the gene mutation for colon cancer - that sucks!

What's next you may ask? Every blood relative to myself and my Dad must go in for a blood test to see if they have the mutation. All my brothers and cousins. All my dad's living siblings and his living aunts and cousins! So if you fall into that category, please contact us and we can get you in touch with the right people to have your DNA testing done!

The Big C ...

2011-04-22T21:02:00.005-06:00

Cancer, stupid cancer ... that has been uttered A LOT lately in our house! We are going to try to keep everyone updated here on the blog about what is going on in Camie's treatment and let you all know how I am feeling. But let's start at the beginning, shall we ...

On Tuesday, March 29th I went in for a routine colonoscopy. I know, too young for a colonoscopy, and why do I say routine? On March 29, 1989 my father underwent surgery for the removal of colon cancer at the age of 39 (I was 14). My diagnosis was 22 years to the day of his surgery - crazy, I know. His mother, her sister and their mother all had - and died - from colon cancer (all diagnosed after the disease had severely metastasized throughout their bodies). Grandma was 58, Aunt Dixie was 61 and Great Grandma was 56. We always felt strongly that it was genetic in nature, so I started getting screened at age 29. This was my 3rd colonoscopy, I've had them every 5 yrs, this one was about 4 1/2 yrs since the last one. And I'm so glad I went when I did!

The day of my diagnosis the "routine" flew right out the window the minute they brought me back from the endoscopy lab, still heavily sedated, and asked Andy if his morning was free because the doctor needed to speak to him and the Dr had a few more patients to see before he could come in. Needless to say, Andy knew something was wrong. It was about 90 minutes before the Dr came in. I was sleeping off the sedation this entire time, so there sat my poor sweet husband, by himself, knowing that they had found something! I cry every time I think of him there all alone!

I came out of sedation for just a moment when the doctor came in. He stood just inside the door, at the foot of my bed, with an open folder. He was showing something to Andy (I later learned he was showing Andy the pictures of the tumor), and I remember hearing the doctor say "it's in her Cecum, just like her father's". I didn't panic, I didn't cry, I didn't think oh no, or why me. I remember thinking ok, when do we take it out. Calmly, contently, and totally peaceful. The next little while until I came fully out of sedation is pretty blurry. I remember telling Andy to call my mom. I don't remember him doing it, and I can't imagine what that was like for him to have to tell his mother in law that her only daughter has cancer. But the next time I woke up she was there. I remember asking for a blessing and waking up to my oldest brother being next to me. I began waking up more from that point and was able to be included in the conversations. The surgeon came in and explained everything. That they had found a tumor, how they would go about taking it out, what all the surgery entailed, etc. Because I hadn't come in presenting with any problems or other health issues, and because I was young and so healthy, they were fine with sending me home for the day to prepare for surgery the next day. My youth and health continue to put me ahead of the curve in regards to my healing and responding to treatment.

So we went home. We took our kids out of school to tell them, it was devastating. We called our family and friends. It was like I was talking about someone else. At this point we were confident that we would go through surgery and that would be the end of the story. I was so content and at peace about everything - I just knew, that no matter what the pathology report said, I would be ok. And then we went about our regular day! We went to Sydney's track meet, where she rocked it! I coached my U10 girls soccer team - and we won! We went to our son's soccer game and cheered them on. All the while running into friends who we told, or who had already heard the news, and they hugged us close and cried with us.

Andy and I have been told many times that we were dealing with this all really well - and we are! But trust me, there have been plenty of tears and breakdowns! But we are strong. We have our faith, we have each other, our children, our families and the most amazing group of friends who have come from all over to help us out! From the meals, to the childcare, the cards, emails, text messages and facebook posts from friends of 20+ years ago! The outpouring of love and support as been insanely incredible! Prior to leaving for surgery on Wednesday morning (March 30), I posted on facebook that I had cancer. Andy and I had to turn our phones off because of the vast amounts of facebook messages that also spawned text messages. The emotions were already so easy to come that the outpouring of love from everyone was pushing us over the edge! I cherish each and every text and facebook post I receive! Much of my strength came, and continues to come, from knowing that so many people have me in their thoughts and prayers. Thank-you isn't a strong enough word to truly convey the emotion I feel when I say it, but I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart! I carry your sweet words with me every day, and I am stronger because of them.

I went into surgery on Wednesday, March 30. It was a hand assisted laproscopic right hemicolectomy - quite the mouthful, eh? The tumor was near the Illeocecal valve (valve connecting the small intestine with the colon). It measured 5.5 x 3.5 x 4.1 cm in dimension and extended almost but not completely through the muscularis propria (meaning it almost came out of the colon - it had less then 1 mm to go before it broke through the colon wall into my abdomen!). They removed 26cm of my small intestine and 15cm of my colon. They also removed 40 lymph nodes and my right ovary. On Tuesday, the day of the diagnosis, I had several blood test, xrays and CT scans completed. The CT scan showed that my ovary had a fairly large cyst and they took that out as a precaution. I was suppose to be in the hospital until Sunday or Monday, but was released on Saturday since I was doing so well. The surgeon had told Andy that the surgery would last about 2 1/2 hours - it was 4 1/2! Andy said the nurses were great to get him updates and let him know all was going well. I know many friends and family were in the waiting room with Andy - I still don't really know who all was there - but Thank-you! I was in a lot of pain that night, but mostly in my back! Dr Sheffield said it took some digging to get to the ovary and get it out and that the back pain was from that and being on the OR table so long - and that being so skinny probably didn't help either! I was on morphine Wednesday and Thursday - if you came either of those days, sorry if I didn't make sense or looked/acted drugged - 'cause I was! ;) But the pain subsided and I was able to make due with just Tylenol and Ibuprofren from Friday on.

On Wednesday, April 6 we meet with the surgeon for a post-op check up and to receive the pathology results. He was great with us. He said he had good news and bad news - the good news was that they took 40 lymph nodes out, the bad news was that the cancer was found in 2 of them. Ugh ... this meant chemo for sure! The next few hours was again a whirlwind of meeting with the oncologist and learning the language of Chemo. I would have a port placed in my chest the following week on Tuesday the 12th and start Chemo on Wednesday the 13th. Chemo will be a 3 day cycle. Wednesday is in patient for several hours. At the end of Wednesdays treatment I would be hooked up to a pump that would drip chemo drugs for the next 48 hours while I was at home. On Friday I will come back in and have the pumped removed and receive a shot to promote the growth of my white blood cells. Whew ... it was a lot of information to take in.

There is still so much of the story to tell, but I'll start doing individual posts to tell the tales! From the crazy amount of food we have received, to the port in my chest that is totally freaky looking, to the AMAZING friends and family that finished painting my basement and moved furniture so our new carpet could be laid! And I have got to get down in words how I have felt through this entire ordeal. Content and at Peace - but I need to write it all down before the feelings fade or the memories are forgotten!

Please check back often - we will do our best to stay updated!

Yep, I'm the best

2010-05-07T14:03:00.002-06:00

Ty came home from preschool with this adorable magnet he made me for Mother's Day

Yep, I'm the best ... but his smile makes my day!

To blog or not to blog - that is the question

2009-11-30T21:22:00.005-07:00

I'm not really good at this blogging thing - obviously ;) It's right up there with journal writing and scrap booking. I always have the best of intentions, but my lack of creativity brings me down and I just don't do it out of frustration.

But I want you all (all 2 of you) to know that I am going to try to do better! I can't make any promises and I wouldn't place any bets yet, but I will try ;) And to prove it, here are a few tidbits from our lives recently ...

Ty bud broke his arm on November 5th. No, DFS is not involved - it didn't even happen at our house (thank goodness! ;) ) Poor little guy is in a cast until December 21st! Green break of both bones - OUCH!

My sweet Kelsey got married! Ok, she isn't really mine, but I claim her! This picture is from the fabulously fun bachelorette party that her BFF Morgan had for her!

This is my gorgeous niece Starlee. I adore her ... She will be up here next year going to school - so call with names and numbers of your cute little brothers and nephews!

The cutest bunch of soccer players ever! (Picture stolen from Laurie's blog)

Sydney, Carlie and Cecilee had a 6am indoor soccer game! They played great, and we went to Kneaders for breakfast after the game (more for the mom's than the girls).

So there you have it - I blogged. And no, it didn't hurt, it wasn't too terribly frustrating, and I'm happy I did it. Now if I can just keep up with it ...

Inside Scoop!!

2009-06-19T12:52:00.004-06:00

This is Kelsey. I'm Camie's babysitter/friend... whatever I am :) Camie and Andy are running the Wasatch Back Relay. At the moment, Ty and Mya are sitting at the table painting, Syd is making an Orange Julius and Cameron is locked out of the house. I know, right? Best babysitter in the world... that's me! Okay, just kidding about the last sentence, but because Camie is an extremely busy mother, she rarely gets to blog AND because she left her blogger logged in, her kids and I are totally taking over... (fill in with creepy laugh)!

Good luck Camie and Andy! (aka Mom and Dad)

RUN YOUR GUTS OUT!!!

Welcome to the Family!

2009-06-10T18:25:00.008-06:00

I'd like to introduce you all to my baby brother Kevin. Being that he is 31 years old and has worked as a Rocket Scientist and is currently in Medical School, I could/should probably drop the moniker of "baby" brother. But I don't think I ever will! I'm sure I will be well advanced in age and still calling my brothers Inny, Heathy, Adie and Kevie (their names being Ian, Heath, Adam and Kevin). I like to think that as their favorite sister I can get away with calling them anything I want! ;) They in turn like to remind me that I'm their only sister so it isn't really like they have a choice! ;)

Last week Kevie got married and I got another beautiful sister in law! Welcome to the family Michele! Let me remind you that you knew exactly what you were getting into when you married Kevie!

Kevin & Michele

June 3, 2009

We share a name and now an injury ...

2009-06-09T18:02:00.006-06:00

Cameron was named after his mother and now we share an injury! When I was just over 7 years old I fell and broke both bones in my right arm just above my wrist. Cameron is just shy of 7 years old and fell off his sister's rip-stick this morning and broke both bones in his right arm just above the wrist! The following pictures are not for the faint of heart ...

pictures taken with my cell phone

Yep, it was pretty gross! Andy is out of town this week, so I was on my own. So of course I called in reinforcements! Big thanks to my brother Kevin and his sweet wife Michele for coming and holding my hand at the hospital (I did really well until they had to set it - I stood outside the door and cried while Kev & Michele sat with a sedated Cam). Thank-you Laurie for coming to the ER and taking my other 2 rugrats to the Jogging Broads picnic, they had a great time! And thanks to Heather for keeping Syd with her family for the day! I wish I could say I was calm, cool and collected ... but I wasn't! I was shaking like a leaf. Thank-you to everyone for helping me out, staying with me and giving me a shoulder to lean on!

Boston Bound

2009-04-16T11:32:00.002-06:00

Wish us luck!

Hair today, gone tomorrow!

2009-01-27T17:05:00.002-07:00

Before

After

Mya cut 9 inches off her hair yesterday! She looks so cute with her new short and sassy do! Way to go Bubba!

Say it again ...

2009-01-22T12:50:00.002-07:00

The conversation went something like this ...

"Mom guess what! Brett told Brian who told Parker who told Ashley who told Kenzie who told me that Brett likes me!"

Yep, that was it - I made her repeat it three times to see if she could get it right again, of course she did! Nothing like the excitement of finding out that your crush has a crush on you too! Now I'm no Mrs. Robinson (ok, I am a little), but this Brett kid is pretty cute. White blonde hair and blue eyes, smart, and a killer soccer player (big kuddos in Syd's book for that one!) Lucky for mom and dad he also hits Syd at her chin! Whew, a few more years until we need to worry about that one!

Casual Wednesday

2009-01-07T11:37:00.004-07:00

We are lucky that Andy gets to work from home. We save so much money on gas, eating out and of course his work wardrobe!

Nice babe, real nice ...

Can you spell excitement ... WII

2008-12-27T14:02:00.009-07:00

We caved - more like I caved - and we got a WII for Christmas, along with just about every game and attachment that a kid (or daddy) could want! We didn't give it to them Christmas morning, it was a surprise gift they found after having visited all the grandparents during the day. I think the surprise was a huge success, what do you think?

The initial reaction ...

and some more celebrating ...

and some more ...

my own personal rock band - I am so out numbered (and in trouble!)

daddy finally getting his turn to rock it!

Flashback Friday

2008-12-26T19:17:00.006-07:00

Camie & Emi - Nov 1984

Aren't we adorable! This is me and my cousin Emi in our grandparents front yard. I don't know what is worse about this picture - those shoes, those pants, the shirt tucked in - yikes! It must have been picture day because I normally never had my hair curled! What scares me most about this picture is I remember that picture being taken so clearly, like it was yesterday - only I am the same age there as Sydney is today! Time warp, seriously!

Cam the Man

2008-12-16T10:21:00.009-07:00

My poor little guy had to get stitches last night! We were at the High School for the annual Cross-country banquet and Cam was playing with our friends kids out in the foyer. One of the inner doors in the foyer was missing the glass in the lower half of the door and Cam was running full speed and threw his body into the door to open it and went right through the lower half where the glass was missing! So off to the Pediatricians we went! He was so brave at the doctors office - no tears, no whining, nothing! I am so proud of him for being such a brave little guy! Here are some pics of his war wound!

Getting numbed up

Three stitches - no tears!

Pearl Harbor

2008-11-12T20:41:00.006-07:00

What an amazing day. The tour starting with a Pearl Harbor survivor welcoming everyone and telling his story - I could have listened to that all day! I love history, and am drawn to WWII history especially. I wish I could have spent more time talking to him. But the Memorial itself was amazing. I had a lump in my throat all day and couldn't keep back the tears.

The Arizona Memorial is the white building on the right. The USS Missouri is the ship on the left, it was on this ship that the Japanese surrendered to the United States.

The Shrine Room in the USS Arizona Memorial.

The names of all the sailors and marines who died on the USS Arizona on 7 December 1941.

900 of these men are entombed in the ship. To date, twenty survivors have chosen to be buried with their shipmates upon their deaths.

Gun Turret of the USS Arizona. One of the few things visible above the water.

There is still oil seeping from the ship. It is referred to as black tears.

An amazing picture of our flag!

This flagpole is actually connected to the mast of the USS Arizona.

One of the anchors from the USS Arizona that was retrieved after the attack.

Haleiwa - North Shore

2008-11-12T20:22:00.005-07:00

By far our favorite place on the island was the North Shore. It is considered the "country" part of the island. No big buildings, a slower pace of life, lots of local flavor, massive waves and killer sunsets!

Sea turtle sunny himself on the beach, very cool! On our last day there we saw 6 sea turtles playing in the surf at Haleiwa Beach.

Andy eating his world famous Matsumoto's shave ice! It was very yummy but didn't change my life. You can get it with soft vanilla ice cream and/or Azuki beans in the bottom and sweetened condensed milk on the top. I did NOT like the beans and wasn't so keen on the sweetened condensed milk but the ice cream was great! See the line behind Andy, it's like that all day long every day!

More of Hawaii

2008-11-12T12:38:00.008-07:00

We spent the entire day in Laie ... we visited the LDS Temple and went to the Polynesian Cultural Center. The PCC was good, it made for a long day, but we enjoyed it! And of course we can't go anywhere without Andy running into someone he knows! We came around a corner at the PCC and ran right into the McNeil's from our Stake - Andy coached their son Logan in track and cross-country - what a small world!

This picture is for my friend Mrs. Robinson ;)

(Not a good picture, he has a dorky look on his face - this picture does not do him justice!)

This guy was really funny - he did an amazing fire dance at the show later that night. During this particular presentation he made a fire with 2 sticks and a coconut husk, opened a coconut with a pebble and his bare hands and made the poor kid in the picture below climb a palm tree! They were both very entertaining and were my favorite presentation of the day!

He pretending he was going to jump to the next palm tree and made jokes about not looking up his skirt.

Me at the Luau that night - I was worn out and ready for food!

Andy at the Luau - he said this about the Luau "the food was very authentic ... maybe a little too authentic!" So true!

Hawaii Day 2 - Evening on the North Shore

2008-11-07T12:12:00.006-07:00

Finished the day with some Pineapple ice cream... at the Dole Pineapple plantation.

At the North Shore at sundown...

Andy playing in the water...
Surfers at the North Shore...

Spectacular Sunsets!!!

Hawaii - Day 2

2008-11-07T00:40:00.005-07:00

Pictures from along the coastline!!!

Light House and Crazy guy paragliding!

This small patch of beach is where the kissing scene on From Here To Eternity was filmed. It was also in Madonna's music video "Cherish"... Yes I am the queen of useless information!!!

A great shot of Andy getting too close to the dangerous cliffs ... The rock was 15-20 feet above the ocean ... and the water was crashing against the rock making a huge splash!!!

Another picture from the cool rocky lookout...

Hawaii - Day 2 (Morning Hanauma Bay)

2008-11-07T00:07:00.006-07:00

This morning we went to Hanauma Bay. Me, the girl, that does not like open water managed to snorkel in the reef. And although I had a few panic attacks, really enjoyed it! Me, the girl that doesn't want fish nibbling on her bum actually swam in the water with the fishes! Some very big fishes!

Here is a view from the beach!

and a view from the top...

Hawaii - Day 1

2008-11-06T11:40:00.005-07:00

We woke up to a great view from our room!

A waterfall at the international market near our Hotel.

In front of the water fall at the shopping center... the biggest Koi fish we have ever seen.

Andy and Camie on the beach at Waikiki...

Ty Bud

2008-10-29T13:08:00.008-06:00

I may be bias because I'm his mother, but I know that I'm not the only one who thinks this little guy is so dang cute!

He walked around the house for a few hours telling everyone he was a "pwetty, pwetty, pwencess"! But a mere few hours later his alter ego came out and he was "fightin' guy"!

Never a dull moment with this little guy!

Halloween - Bah, Humbug!

2008-10-28T13:20:00.007-06:00

It's true, I am not a fan of Halloween. Even when I was little it was my least favorite Holiday - I have always been afraid of the dark (still am), so a holiday all about dark and scary was really not my idea of fun! Combine that with being shy and having to go up to someone's door and ask for candy - I was terrified! I remember being 5 or 6 and I refused to go to Primary teachers house to trick or treat because they had scary music playing! My poor mom tried her best to convince me that it was fine but I stubbornly stayed on the other side of the street - hugging/hiding behind the neighbors tree while she and my brothers went to my primary teachers house! And then there was the pumpkin carving - a harmless rite of passage for any little kid, right?! Wrong! Especially when that little girl is a neat freak and can't stand not only the pumpkin guts, but the over all mess of the whole ordeal! Combine that with the fact that I have 4 brothers who would torture me by touch me with the ooey, gooey, gunk from out of the pumpkin, or practice their knife skills when mom was out of the room! Yep, I've got issues with Halloween!

So now that I am a mom with kids of my own, what do I do? I try my best to suck it up and let the kids have fun! I've even done my share of gutting the pumpkins! I don't get into the all out Halloween decorations, but I do decorate for fall, so that counts - right? So while my kids are having a ball running around in the dark, begging for candy, dressed like a gypsie, go-go dancer, Anakin Skywalker and a power ranger I will be the proud momma following behind them - with a death grip on the flashlight!

Sydney & Mya with a few of our pumpkins! We got some at the pumpkin patch and then Grandpa had enough for all the grandkids this year! Two pumpkins each, aren't we lucky?!

Look! My hand is inside a pumpkin! Gross!

Our creations (from top to bottom)

Syd - black widow

Mya - flower

Cam - Scarecrow

Ty - the original pumpkin face!

Watch out world!

2008-10-01T12:47:00.003-06:00

Have you seriously ever seen 3 cuter girls anywhere? These three are not just good friends, but such good girls! They will definitely be ones to watch in the years to come. And don't let the blue eyes, beautiful smiles and sweet faces fool you - they are all fierce competitors on the soccer field! I LOVE to watch them out on the soccer field - Carlie can out run (and run down) anyone in the league, even if they have a head start! Kenz has the best left foot not only in our league but I would say of any girl under 14! And Syd is the fake out queen, don't mess with her when she is going for the goal cuz you will be going right and she is gone to the left before you can blink! We have so much fun with these girls on and off the soccer field, how lucky are we to have them in our lives! ;)

Mya's Baptism

2008-10-01T12:35:00.004-06:00

Our sweet little Mya Shea was baptized on Saturday. What a wonderful event in a very crazy day! We are so proud of our little "bubba" and the wonderful young lady she is becoming! I love that she wants to be so grown up and have responsibilities but still wants to sit on my lap and snuggle with me all the time! Congratulations Mya, we love you so much!

Funeral Services

2008-09-29T20:32:00.003-06:00

The funeral for Christian Adams will be on Friday, October 3rd at 11:00am. Services will be conducted at the Timpview Stake Center located at 1050 North 600 West in Orem. It is my understanding that there is a viewing on Thursday night, I was told it will also be at the Stake Center beginning at 6:00pm. I will update with any new info I may receive.

Passing of a friend

2008-09-25T12:54:00.004-06:00

I got that phone call this morning that no one wants to receive, news that someone you know has passed away. My friend Chris Adams passed away unexpectedly yesterday from a heart attack while away from his family on a business trip to Los Angeles. He leaves behind his wife and 2 small daughters.

I first meet Chris during junior high school when his family moved into the area. I can honestly say that I do not have a single memory of Chris where he isn't smiling, laughing and having fun. He was just that kind of person, always upbeat and positive and you just wanted to be near him and couldn't help but be happy when you were!

What makes this even more heart breaking is that Chris' younger brother Joe passed away about 7 years ago. Joe was a police officer for Lehi City and was killed in the line of duty. Chris and Joe are the oldest children and have 3 younger brothers. My family was closely touched by the death of Joe as my younger brother Adam and Joe were brother in laws (married to sisters) and Adam adored Joe. To share that heartache with the Adams family was almost unbearable, to have to witness them go through it all again is almost too much to ask.

I know that the time we have on this earth is only temporary, and that the time we have in the next life will go on for eternity. I am so grateful at a time like this for my testimony in the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that He lived and was crucified for me so that I may one day return to live in Celestial Glory with Him. That my family will continue on together in eternity and that the passing from this life to the next is not the end but the beginning. My heart and prayers go out to the Adams family and their relatives and friends at this time, please join me in wishing them the best during this difficult time.

Christian Adams

Mya Shea

2008-09-24T08:48:00.004-06:00

Mya Shea

Sept 19, 2000

5 lbs 15 oz

18 1/2 inches

I can hardly believe that my little "bubba" is now eight years old! She came into this world under less than perfect circumstances but has been a fighter since the get go! She may be petite in stature, but she was a strong will and fierce personality! We love you bubba!

Jinxed or Smote?

2008-09-08T20:09:00.007-06:00

I'm really not all that uncoordinated, I'm actually quite athletic and quick on my feet - at least usually I am, just not this morning. But in my defense I was either jinxed or smote, I just don't know which! Here is the story, you decide ...

I was out on a lovely early morning run (think 5:45 am and in the dark) with some of my nearest and dearest friends. The run was uneventful until we reached our turn around point and decided to head back ... we turned onto the canal road just off of 800 North and began our run home. At this point on the canal it is not the nice packed gravel or smooth dirt we run on in the North Orem/Lindon/PG sections, but rough and rocky. My dear friend Becca commented to me "the one time I fell while running was on this part of the canal". "Hmm" I thought to myself, "it is kind of uneven and rocky" but let the thought slip from my mind when a question was posed from Laurie who was running behind me - "did anyone go to Regional Conference?". Everyone shook their heads no ... to which I chuckled to myself and thought "good, I'll have friends with me in h*ll". I slightly turned my head so all could hear as I said "oh good, we're all heathens", then BAM - down I went! So, was I jinxed by my good friend Becca? Or smote for my unrighteous example? Hmm ... Here are a few pics of my ouchie knee (sorry Becca, I forgot to take the pic when the blood was running down my leg ;)

Mainly just skinned on the bottom part, but the top is a nice gash that created a little pocket in my skin that Andy dug dirt and rocks out of for me - isn't he sweet? He patched me all up, I'm a lucky girl! ;) I also took a chunk of skin out of my pinky finger on my left hand - that was a little hard to stomach, way gross looking!

This picture is for Andy, he likes it better because you can see more of my leg! ;)

Time flies ...

2008-09-03T22:23:00.007-06:00

Cameron Hunter

7 lbs 6 oz

20 inches

(3 weeks early!)

So my little terror - I mean man - turned 6 today. It was a rough day for us all. Cam was every bit the bossy little kid - "'cause it's MY birthday" - so sweet, I know! Daddy is out of town so I was the overwhelmed mother of 4 who managed a birthday party, soccer practice and soccer game all within a 3 hour block of time - man, I'm tired! And then there is the ever present notion that I need to update this silly blog - ever present because some of you (you know who you are!) keep reminding me! (i use the word "remind" very loosely there!) So here is my update - I don't care if it is 3 in a row about my kid bdays, that's what we've been doing lately! I have all 4 kids birthdays in July, August and September - yes, it must of been cold/boring/no good movies out in October/November/December of the previous year! ;)

Ty turns 3!

2008-08-08T08:14:00.004-06:00

Forever and ever my baby you'll be ...

August 8, 2005

9 lbs 11 oz

21 1/2 inches

Happy Birthday Ty Bud!

Happy Birthday to Sydney!

2008-07-23T21:27:00.003-06:00

July 21, 1998

8 lbs 11 0z

20 1/2 inches

Let's here it for the Fourth!

2008-07-13T20:52:00.008-06:00

I'm giving it another try ...

We started off the Independence Day festivities by getting up at the crack of dawn and going down to watch the hot air balloons launch! We go every year and it is always so fun and exhausting all at the same time!

After the balloons we went over to the finish line for the 5k/10k races. Andy and I had a great time visiting with all our running friends, some we haven't seen for years! Others in the family, however, did not enjoy this part of the day ...

But it was nothing that a few snacks and a seat on the parade route with his BFF couldn't fix! Thanks to the VB's for letting us squeeze in with them!

After a much needed nap we dropped Ty bud off at Gma C's for his own little fireworks party with Uncle Kevin. And the rest of us headed out to Burger Supreme for some pre-Stadium on Fire nourishment! Here we are anxiously awaiting the show - Cameron refused to get in the picture, his loss!

Which was more fun, hanging out with friends or watching Miley get her groove thing on?! I'd say it was a tie! Mya and Rachel had a great time together (minus the bloody nose of course)

Sydney yelled, danced and sang along with pals Carlie and Abby

Andy and Cameron showed that they too could dance with the best of them! (the girls were grateful that daddy didn't pull out any of his real dance moves)

I would say that Justin and Lance definitely got as much, if not more attention than Miley did! They danced, sang and pretty much made fools of themselves all in the name of fun! Thanks guys, it was a riot!

All in all it was a wonderful day! We finished off the weekend with a bbq at Gma C's with some of my brothers and their cute families. And of course the celebration wouldn't be complete without our traditional "Jacobs Street on Fire" - which unfortunately I don't have any pictures of. Thanks to all our friends and family for a fabulous Fourth of July!

Seriously ...

2008-07-10T13:47:00.002-06:00

So I created a great post all about our adventures last week and our 4th of July celebration - and when I published it 3 of the pictures disappeared and the text was all messed up! I know I'm more techno tard than techno geek, but this is getting really annoying!

Oral fixation?

2008-06-27T10:58:00.003-06:00

Do you think he might need therapy one day?

My older son does the same thing. They have both chewed the cute crocheted edging off of their baby blankets! (excuse the half opened eye, seems several of my kids sleep with one eye opened ... hmm, must have crossed the mafia in a former life!)

one day at a time ...

2008-06-26T13:14:00.006-06:00

So I am seriously awful at this blogging thing! It's not that I don't like to do it, I'm just lazy! So much has happened since my last post (it was over a month ago after all) ... I survived the great girls camp flood of 2008, rocked it with the other Joggin' Broads in the Ragnar Relay, and am now in over my head as my childrens summer activities director! But I have promised myself to take just one day at a time - so here is just one great event of our summer '08!

BEFORE

AFTER

Yep, it's all gone! Syd cut just over 10 inches of her hair off to donate to Locks of Love. This is the second time she has done this, the first time was in second grade and she has been growing her hair out since then to do it again! She loves her short and sassy new hairdo so I think it might be around for a while!

Blast from the past

2008-05-10T12:26:00.003-06:00

Want a good laugh? My friend Kristen does a flashback friday picture each week and this week she posted our 6th grade class picture! Hilarious! Visit her here! You can find me in the third row up, third from the left in the blueish shirt/sweater combo! Kristen is top row, far right in the red dress and glasses. Thanks Kristen for all the flashbacks, they always make me laugh!

We digress ...

2008-05-07T20:55:00.005-06:00

What do you do when grandma gives everyone a new "fat bat" and plastic ball?

You show off your "guns" that's what! Thanks gma, the bats have made great weapons and the balls have been used to exaggerate many different body parts!

Do you have your tickets to the "gun" show?

100 things about me!

2008-04-24T12:21:00.003-06:00

Ok, so today is my 34th birthday and to celebrate in blogging style I thought I would do my 100 things about me list. I know most people do this for the 100th post, but at the rate I'm going that might never happen! ;) So in honor of myself I present to you 100 things about me - whether you wanted to know them or not!

I love to have my feet rubbed
I can eat more food at a meal than my husband
I love food!
I have a fear of becoming overweight (I know, it doesn't make sense - the love for food and fear of the weight - I'm sure I need major therapy)
I am the shortest female on my dad's side of the family (the average height is 6 ft and I'm only 5' 6")
I am a big supporter of cancer research - cancer survivors, etc
My dad is a cancer survivor
I have a family history of colon cancer (my dad, his mom, her sisters and their dad)
I loved high school & would totally do it again!
Cherry coke ;)
I like movie theater popcorn (gotta have the frozen jr mints - and the cherry coke;)
I love HOT showers and bubble baths
I love the feeling of freshly shaved legs
I want to be tan again - like I was in HS and college - but I'm afraid of getting skin cancer
My college coach hated me - true story!
I constantly worry that I am screwing up my kids
I love a clean house - but hate to clean it
I have snooped on Christmas presents all my life - I didn't stopped until I was 22 (Andy says... REALLY...22...huh!)
I hate not knowing what my gift is
I don't really like chocolate - now caramel on the other hand ...
I want to go back to school
I LOVE my calling
I am a big fan of metal "hair" bands (huge crushes on Bret Michaels of Poison, David Coverdale of White Snake and Phil Collins of Def Leppard)
I love my hubby's butt
I want to travel through the British Isles and all of Europe
I want to run the Boston Marathon (hope I can qualify this year)
I hate the snow
Apollo Burger onion rings and fry sauce - enough said!
I may look like I have it all together - but behind the scenes it is often chaos!
I adore my kids! Seriously I think they are the cutest, smartest and sassiest kids around!
I run with a group of amazing women!
I wish I could still speak French - all those years of studying and I can barely read it now!
My tongue is freakishly long
I am still friends with my high school sweetheart (and no it wasn't Andy!)
Come to think of it I am still friends with all but 2 of my ex-boyfriends (1 moved away and I haven't seen him since - the other was a complete waste of my time)
My father was a steelworker at Geneva
My mom worked in the lunchroom at the HS until she went back to school (I was in jr high - it was very hard on everyone)
I've had a crush on Andrew McCarthy since I first saw him in Pretty in Pink
My high school cross-country team was named the #1 HS Girls Team in the Nation 3 years in a row
Although I was a distance runner in HS, I also ran the 100 meter hurdles and qualified for State with a fast enough time
I am beyond retarded when it comes to being crafty
I can eat an entire bag of BBQ flavored potato chips in one sitting
I am looking forward to the WBR (ok, I know it's called the Ragnar Relay now, but it will always be WBR to me!)
I'm afraid to tell anyone my goal time for the St. George Marathon - I don't want them to judge me ("no way she can run that") or if I don't get it ("I knew she couldn't)
I am pledging to myself that I will work hard and eat right starting NOW so I can do my best in my upcoming races and training.
I will probably make the above pledge every day ...
I am the only girl in my family - I have 4 brothers
In first grade there was an older girl that would try to beat up me and Emily Memmott because we wouldn't admit that we were twins! (she was weird)
I kissed the neighbor boy when I was 6! ;)
I broke both bones in my right arm when I was 8 - I fell down while running around the track at Orem Jr while at my brother's coach pitch game. It was traumatic for all of us!
My favorite color is yellow
My son is named after me (Cameron is my real name)
My oldest daughter's middle name is after her dad (Drew)
My 7 year old daughter can push my buttons like a seasoned pro!
I'm afraid of the dark
I don't really like to drive
I have watched every stage of The Tour de France for the last 9 years.
I get carsick
I love getting a mani & pedi - red toenails are my favorite
My ward leaves for girls camp in 5 1/2 weeks
I work well under pressure
I had a large fibrous cyst removed from my ankle in high school
I attended college on a track & field scholarship
I worked at the Utah State Prison for 5 years
I've never been out of the country - or off the US "mainland" for that matter!
I love the thought of the beach - minus the sand ...
I cried all through sacrament last Sunday because 3 of my graduating Laurels were speaking and I am having a hard time accepting the fact that this group of amazing girls is moving on and leaving me!
I couldn't cheer for Sydney at her cross-country races this past fall because I was crying to hard!
I coach my daughters competition soccer team - it is a love/hate thing. I love them and coaching, I hate games - I get so nervous for them it makes me physical sick!
Though my blood runs "cardinal red & gold" for the Mountain View Bruins, I am an Orem Tiger too!
I have to take immodium before a race - Melissa knows what I mean!
I like to travel
I'm a decent cook, but wish I could be better
I still can't believe that they trusted me to be the YW President
I often have to remind myself that I'm the YW President and not one of the YW!
Andy and I have been friends since we were 12
For breakfast I'm more about the hashbrowns, bacon and eggs then I am the waffles, pancakes or whatever
I love ice cream, but it doesn't love me ;)
I wear socks to bed - I can't sleep if my feet are cold
I was not a happy pregnant women - I just didn't like it
To make up for that the Lord blessed me with fast and easy labors (4 hours; 2 1/2 hours; 40 minutes; 20 minutes)
I don't like having to get ready for the day - I wish I had the machine from the Jetson's that did all the work for you in 5 seconds flat!
I am not a morning person
I believe in adoption
I don't like scary movies
I like to take naps
I wish I had slowed down and enjoyed high school and college more instead of rushing to be an adult - if only I had know then what I know now! ;)
I'm thinking of blowing off my Stake YW meeting tonight - it is my birthday after-all!
I cry every time I hear the National Anthem
I share my birthday with my nephew Nick - he is 2 today!
I just asked my son what was something interesting about mommy that she could write and his reply was "nothing" - ouch!
I'm looking forward to summer vacation, but not ready to begin my other mommy job of activities coordinator!
I like to go to BYU football games to people watch and eat stadium food. Oh, and to be with my hubby too! ;)
My husband and I had the same teacher - Ms. Adams - I had her for kindergarten, he had her at the MTC
I worked at a truck stop for 6 months - it was actually very fun
We choose our wedding date so it wouldn't interfere with watching the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Atlanta Summer games!
In high school Andy and his friends had secret nick names for me and my friends. They based mine on the fact that I was "anal" - they called me Luna. They admitted these names to us after Andy and I were married, I had to point out to them that anal backwards is actually Lana not Luna. (yes, all those years and those boys never realized they had gotten it wrong - I love him anyway!)
My first job was being a scorekeeper for Orem City Baseball - all those cute boys in tight pants.
Does anyone else remember going to the Stake dances and looking for "red tie guy" (aka Mike Fielding).
If I get into a book, I can read for hours... only taking time to use the restroom and intervene when I hear dangerous sounding screams coming from my kids!

So there you have it, the good, bad, ugly and lame all about me!

My little man

2008-04-22T13:46:00.013-06:00

I had a wonderful weekend hanging out with some amazing friends, eating good food, laughing so hard I cried and running a great race! More to come about that later! When I got home to my family I had this amazing little face waiting for me ...

I don't know which is funnier - the half open eye while he is sleeping or the red Kool-Aid mustache! But it gets better! Check out his outfit ...

Blue floral print swim trunks, green shirt and snow boots! Andy swears that he dressed himself and I have to admit this is the type of thing Ty would put together! He wore the snow boots all weekend, I finally had to hide them from him after he had a melt down over wanting to wear them to church on Sunday! Love my little man!

What a tease!

2008-03-21T19:42:00.003-06:00

Ty is just a big tease! All that love for the potty yesterday and today - nothing! Anytime I mentioned it he gave me "the hand". Many of you know, and have been given "the hand" - Laurie and Andrea seem to be his favorite people to do it to. He stretches out his arm with his hand raised and gives it a little wave back and forth as if to dismiss you from his presence - usually accompanied by a scowl! It cracks me up every time! I tried to get a picture of if but each time he saw the camera his scowl disappeared and he gave me his big cheesy grin instead - still equally as cute, but I have plenty of those pictures already! Oh well on the potty training - but that's ok, mommy wasn't ready anyway!

Ty meets the potty

2008-03-20T12:00:00.006-06:00

When it comes to potty training we have been incredibly lucky! Our oldest three pretty much potty trained themselves around the age of 2 - in fact the week before his second birthday Cameron told me that he was going to potty in the toilet and not his diaper - what mom can argue with that?!

So that leaves us with our youngest, Ty. He is only 2 1/2 and has shown absolutely NO interest in the potty - doesn't care if he is wet, dirty, nothing! He is the baby that throws a fit when you have to change him because you are somehow messing with his cool status or toy time. And quite frankly as long as he has it down by kindergarten, I'm okay with that! He is my baby after all! But today, out of the blue he tells me he needs to go potty so of course we go - nothing happens, but he sits there for 10 minutes! Can not get him off! This has gone on all morning - I'm not complaining by any means, but I do find it quite entertaining. We have had zero success and 2 accidents, but my boy is finally showing interest! The question is - am I ready for potty training?

It took a few trips to the potty for me to convince him that he did not have to take all his clothes off each time! It's been a hoot at our house today! ;)

More things about me ...

2008-03-18T20:32:00.003-06:00

I got this one from my sister in law Teresa. I think it was an email tag, not a blog, but it was fun so I am sharing it with you!

Four jobs I have had in my life:

Cashier at Naugles (I was in high school, I lasted 3 months, it sucked!)
Secretary in Maximum Security at the Utah State Prison (yes, I saw people I knew behind the bars!)
Admin Lead (fancy word for secretary) at the Fred House Academy (trained Correctional Officers)
Administrative Assistant to Hospital Adminstrator at UVRMC

Four movies I would watch over and over:

Pride & Prejudice (the one with Kiera Knightly)
Pretty in Pink
The Spiderwick Chronicles
any of the Harry Potter movies

Places I have lived:

Orem
Cedar City
back to Orem
no where else - I'm an Orem girl born and raised!

Four TV shows I watch: (I tivo and watch them weeks later!)

Journeyman
The Office
The Biggest Loser (this one I watch later that night)
Grey's Anatomy

Four places I have been as an adult:

The Oregon Coast (with my hubby and family which was fun - but the best was when me, Yvonne and my bro Adam all went together!)
Disneyland
No where exotic - this is kind of depressing, I think I'm going to skip the rest of it ...

Four people who email me (regularly):

My YW leaders and YW (email and text)
friends from the blogging world
Bath & Body Works - daily & weekly coupons and sale notices
Blockbuster online - movies I've returned and what's on its way!

Four of my favorite foods:

anything I don't have to cook or clean up
Apollo Burger! Cheeseburger, fries, onion rings and FRY SAUCE!
Cherry Coke
Pina Colada smoothie from Jamba
salsa & chips, cold cereal, gma J's enchiladas, girl scout cookies - I could go on and on!)

Four places I would rather be right now:

Hawaii
on the beach in Mexico
traveling through Europe
in bed

Four things I look forward to:

kids bed times
date night with my hubby! ;)
traveling
running - listening to everyone else talk while we are running! ;)

So, now you all know how truly boring and common I am. Still wanna be my friend?

I'm back and I've been tagged!

2008-03-11T13:28:00.004-06:00

So I had been sick for what seems like forever! And once I was feeling better I became super busy with kids, chores to catch up on, YW stuff, soccer, soccer and more soccer .... But I digress. The reason for this blog is to say I'm back! Not only that, but I've been tagged! Several times in fact, and I have yet to post my tags! I know, I'm a bad blogger ;) So for the next few posts, (I won't say days 'cause who knows how long it will take me to get back on the computer), I will try to catch up on my tags - starting with the oldest tag and trying to catch up to the most recent one!

Tag #1 is the good ol' 6 things about myself that most people don't know ... This tag is clear back from November 26, 2008 (yes I went back in Laurie's archive to find the date - told you I was a bad blogger). So here are 6 things you might not know about me ...

1. I have a freakishly long tongue

2. Although I run, I don't always love it or even like it. Sometimes it feels like a chore that has to be done! But then there are those amazing runs and races that make it all worth it - there is much to be said about an endorphin high or the awesome feeling you get when running fast and it feels so easy!

3. Noise really bothers me - in an anxiety inducing sort of way! (I'm talking about consistent background noises - like the tv and radio on at the same time while someone is talking to me; or children bickering or someone talking to me when I just want some quiet time)

4. I first meet my husband when I was 12 - I've had a crush on him ever since but we didn't date until right before his mission.

5. I have always wanted to visit Great Britain - I was accepted to attend the study abroad in London while in college but backed out so I could get married before my youngest brother went on his mission! (I know! Totally my idea too - I was so uptight about having all my brothers there ... Kevin would have been totally fine with missing it.) Just so you know - I have never regretted my decision, though I still haven't gone there yet!

6. I have 4 brothers - 2 older and 2 younger - and they STILL blame me for everything they ever got in trouble for! I admit that some of it was my fault, but not only was plenty of it their own faults, there were tons of times that they were mean/cruel/rotten/violent to me that I didn't tell on them! So in my book we are all even!

So ... anything you didn't already know? Anything you know that you think I should have shared with everyone else?

Strawberries with Cream

2008-02-22T13:31:00.003-07:00

You Are Strawberries with Cream

Fresh and uncomplicated, you are always enjoyed but often overlooked.
You're confident in who you are. You don't need a facade to feel better about yourself.

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

Hmm ... I like that I'm enjoyed but not so keen on being "overlooked" - but I can see how that does relate to me. So interesting to see yourself describe as a dessert.

Smarter than the MD!

2008-02-20T15:15:00.005-07:00

As many of you know I have been sick the last little while. What started as the never ending head cold turned ugly this last weekend and developed into a oh so lovely cough and chest pain - with accompanying Barry White impersonation - as well as a fever, which as we all know has many fun side affects all its own. I finally went to the doctor yesterday - I was positive that my congestion had become a sinus infection, I had all the signs. Pain in the sinuses, ears hurt, teeth hurt and the very popular head feels like it is going to explode especially if I bend over! This on top of the bronchial crap and I was ready for some antibiotics! But did the doctor agree with me - NO! After listening to my list of pains, he examined me and pronounced me with Influenza! Yes, he says I had the flu! Oh, I did have some bronchial inflammation that he would treat but in his "expert" opinion I just needed to rest for the next 3-8 days and let it run its course! (umm, hello ... did you miss the part where I said I had a life!!) So we "talked" about it ... me insisting that I wanted antibiotics "just in case" and him not really willing to hand over that prescription. However, he did ask me if I needed any narcotics to help with the pain in my chest from the coughing! DUH!! You aren't willing to give me amoxicillin but you're offering up Narcotics!! In the end I got my way, I happily left the office with a fistful of prescriptions including the golden ticket for amoxicillin! Now, he didn't want me to start the antibiotics for 3 or 4 days just to see if I felt better on my own, hmm let me think about that - Nope! Started on all the meds yesterday afternoon and today I am feeling so much better! Praise be to modern medicine! And a pox on the doc who didn't want to give up the amoxicillin prescription! I want to call him today and say "neener, neener - it was a sinus infection, I was right and you were wrong - neener, neener, neener!!"

Bringin' Sexy Back!

2008-02-16T23:43:00.007-07:00

I had to post this for Mariah and Laurie ... I had never seen Pride and Prejudice before and was compelled to after seeing a post on Mariah's blog. The opening sequence is just for you guys! Thanks for guiding me to a new favorite movie!!! That JT is singing about "bringin' sexy back" is just an added bonus.... (pause my music player)

Thanks to my friend Kerri Sue - I got the link for this from a similar one on her blog!

Mom's turn

2008-02-16T18:30:00.002-07:00

I have spent the last 2 1/2 weeks being Mya's personal nurse as she has battled strep throat and a sinus infection. We are on our second round of antibiotics and it looks like we have finally turned a corner - or at least I hope! She spent all of last week home from school and I am so ready for her to go back! The only person who rivals Mya in the sick patient role is her daddy - only he isn't quite as overly dramatic! (love you babe;) In addition to Mya, Cameron has also had strep which was diagnosed on Mya's second trip to the pediatrician - oh the fun we have had. But now that everyone is doped up on meds and acting a little better guess who has a fever now? MOMMY!! Yep, I feel like crap - wahoo! And to add to the fun of it all, Andy is out of town until Tuesday - lucky me! Feel free to send any entertaining clips and quotes to me as I plan on doing nothing but curling up in a big blanket and reading, playing on the computer and watching movies for the next few days!

Spring fever anyone?

2008-02-12T09:25:00.001-07:00

Is it just me or are we ready for spring? I realize it is only the middle of February, but I'm ready for the thaw! I've never been a fan of the snow or the cold, I don't ski so I can't truly appreciate the massive accumulation of the white stuff, and in all honesty I would rather be hanging out by the pool tanning myself instead of standing knee high in snow and shivering my little booty off! And the past few days have been beautiful! I went running outside yesterday afternoon in just my shorts and one long sleeve shirt - no hat, no gloves, no tights! It was so nice! And this morning I only had three layers on, not four or five like in past weeks!! I can just feel it in the air, the thaw is coming - now if I can just hold on for the next 5 or 6 weeks that it will take to get here!

Sunday Night Funnies

2008-02-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

So I'm not big into football or the Super Bowl for that matter, but I've always loved the commercials. The beer commercials are usually the best, but tonight I saw this one and laughed out loud! (To be honest it is the only one I actually saw) We were visiting my grandma and my Aunt happened to be there too and we both thought this one was pretty funny, so Geri this one is for you! For those of you who watched (or didn't watch) the game or the commercials, it is the Diet Pepsi commercial with Justin Timberlake. I've always thought he was a hottie - cute white boy that can sing and move like that ... yum ... (sorry honey, you know I love you best!) My favorite part is at the end when he says "hey to you" ... Love that he can make fun of himself!

Friends, food and a fun run!

2008-01-22T15:22:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I got to go to St. George with some fabulous friends! The main reason to go down was to run the Painters 5K - but that was just a fun side note in our quick trip! It was a much needed reprieve from being "mommy" - just being Camie was so much fun! Besides running the 5K we ate, shopped and stayed up late talking! I guess it was good that we were only running the 5K - we stayed up until 12:30am that night and didn't leave for the race (start time 9:10) until 8:40!! No warm up, very little stretching and we were off! I loved that they were all harassing me about "racing" it when in fact it was Laurie and Abi off to the fast start! Once Melissa and I chased them down and gave Laurie a "goose" for good measure we settled into a manageable pace! Don't let these girls fool you with their "we aren't fast, we just run for fun" ...blah, blah, blah... they rocked it! We ran each mile faster than the other and finished strong! We even came home with a little "bling" ...

Greatest Husband!

2008-01-12T12:24:00.001-07:00

I have the greatest husband ever! I know that many of you think that about your spouse, but I truly am blessed to have the husband I do! He is definitely my "better" half. We compliment each other so well - he is the calm, understanding parent when I am the frazzled, have "had it up to here" parent. He can totally tell what I need - whether it is a warm bath, a big hug or for him to dance for me! ;) I love, love, love this man! Do you know what he did today?! He sent me out on a run with a friend and while I was gone he cleaned the kitchen, including sweeping and mopping the floor! Did the dishes, vacuumed the whole house and scrubbed our bathroom! And he took down ALL the Christmas decorations! (Yes it is practically mid-January, it is a chore I was procrastinating). My husband rocks! Thanks Andy for loving me, putting up with me, and rocking my world! I LOVE YOU!

Surprise trip to Disneyland!

2007-12-28T21:53:00.001-07:00

As many of you might already know, Andy and I surprised our kids with a trip to Disneyland for Christmas! It was so fun! We spent a few days in Vegas with Andy's brother Scott and his family and then 3 fun filled days in the happiest place on earth! My BF Kym lives in Irvine and she and her kids came and spent most of Thursday with us at Disneyland and then we spent the rest of the weekend hanging out with them at their house - I can't even tell you how much fun we had!! I still can't decide which was funner for me, surprising the kids, actually being at Disneyland, or hanging out with Kym! ;) Here are some fabulous pics of us during our first day at Disneyland - enjoy!

More is coming - I promise!

2007-12-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, so I'm not so good at this daily update thing - being as it has been over a month since I last posted. But I promise to do better - really I do! My dear hubby surprised me for Christmas with my own computer and little workstation set up in the kitchen!! One of my main complaints about the old set up was that the kids and I had to 1) share the computer with each other and daddy! 2) we had to go down to the dungeon like confines of Andy's office in order to use the computer - which cut me off from all that was happening in the house, not to mention the friends and family I would miss because I couldn't hear the doorbell! So with my sweet new set up I will definitely be up to sitting down and typing away to my hearts content! Now if I can just get the hang of the whole picture upload thing I'll be all good! ;)

2007-11-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here we are - The Jacobs Family! Camie and Andy (aka mom & dad), Sydney, Mya, Cameron and Ty. Aren't we looking just so cute ... Ty has on his "cheese" face that he uses whenever he gets his picture taken - too cute! This moment didn't last long, soon we were off and running to our daily commitments!

2007-11-14T13:55:00.001-07:00

I finally did it! I created a blog, now I just have to figure out how this all works!