life lately

Last Saturday Andrew and I took Zara and Rupert to the batting cages for the first time.  We did slow pitch softball and of all the dozen coins I used only one.  They kept asking to go again so it was a success.  Beatrix even tried a little with Andrew's help part of of the time but she's not quire ready.

That morning Elliot returned from a week in Hawaii!  He went on a school trip and even got to spend time with the Manning family at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  Lucky guy.  It's so beautiful there.  He went with the jazz band but Heritage also had scholars form orchestra, piano, dance, and choir.

On the first day of spring Dairy Queen offers free cones.  This was our first time doing this.  It wasn't even that busy.  We did go right before dinner though. :)

On Saturday we also swam at the Brown's pool.  They are our next door neighbor who let us swim whenever.  We like to swim over spring break for the first time each year.  Yes the water was cold but Rupert and Zara earned a candy bar by jumping off the diving board and getting their whole body wet.  Bea came with us and went in half way which is impressive too.

I got Zara this swimsuit at the end of swum season last year so she is excited to finally be putting it to use.  Last year we were in CA over spring break.  We went to the beach, and yes it was cold, and we went to Disneyland and CA Adventure.  It was the best!  But it was nice keeping things more simple this year.
 

Mesa Half Marathon

 Well, I did it again.  This is my fourth official half marathon, and third at this event.  I also ran the full with this event years ago.  The race finished moved east a little from Mesa Riverview shopping center to the other side of the lake and it worked out great.  The EXPO the day before where you pick up your packet, race bib, and shirt was at the Cubs stadium where this photo is taken.  It was a really cool set up.

Almost as soon as I arrived Nurse Clare came up to say hi.  I haven't seen her since we were in the PICU with Bea almost 6 months ago.  I have so much gratitude for her and the other nurses during that time.

Chris ran the half again this year for his second time and beat last year's time. Always a good feeling.

I ran most of it was Sara again like last year.  This was her second half marathon just like Chris.  We both ran faster than last year as well, with Sara a few minutes ahead both times.  She's so fast at the end when I struggle the most.

Andrew and Beatrix showed up to cheer me at the finish.  They were the best cheerleaders!

As per tradition, the #1 photo. :)

Natalie Hill, a good friend and Andrew's boss's daughter, finished a few minutes ahead of me so I saw her soon after finishing.  It was her PR. 

This was my third fastest half marathon.  I was 1 minutes slower than my second fastest.  My first fastest was the first one I ran with my cousin, Elizabeth Curtis all those years ago at 2:03, and I still hope to beat that time.  Just not this year. :)

Mesa Marathon did a great job with this race.  So professional and fun, plus it's nostalgic running in my home town.  It's definitely not my last.

Beatrix interview

 

On August 7, 2022 around 4pm or so Beatrix was hit by a car in the cross walk going from the Mesa Temple Visitor's Center to the parking lot on the north side on Main street.  It was a life changing and traumatic experience.

There really is so much to say about it but I'll summarize with a link to one of the interviews Chris, my brother, did in our behalf after the accident.  He did a good job.

It'll be 6 months since the accident on Tuesday and last week I was brave and felt prompted to do a followup interview with ABC 15 news.  They did a good job.

I shared more on my Instagram account throughout the experience and came away with a stronger testimony, more compassion for others who go through similar or other traumatic experiences, and ultimately just feel so grateful Beatrix is ok now and we are so blessed.  God is good.

It's an experience you never think will happen to you but it happened to Bea and our family.  We had so many friends, family and strangers reach out in service, love, and prayers.  What a humbling experience.

Annual New Year's hike

 

Most years we try to hike "A" Mountain in Tempe on or around New Year's Day.  Usually my dad joins so I missed him this year since he and mom are on their mission in Pennsylvania.  

Since New Year's Day was on a Sunday this year Monday was a bank holiday.  It was a little strange this year because Andrew didn't have work, and Mesa Public Schools didn't have school including Franklin East where Zara and Rupert go to school.  However Heritage went back to school on Monday so Elliot and Avery weren't home.

Andrew stayed home with Beatrix for this hike since Beatrix is a little young (it's rocky and steep at the top) and Andrew's ankle is healing from an injury.

We invited Elmina and Allen to join so it was a little more fun for Rupert and Zara.  It was the little Opie's first time doing this hike.

I love how this time of the year you can see the wisemen, star of Bethlehem, and a menorah to celebrate the season. I was reading in Matthew 2 about the wisemen and was amazed to be reminded how King Herod questioned the wisemen about when the the star appeared and told them to report back to him where Christ was so he could also worship him.  We know King Herod was wicked and the wisemen had an angel tell them no to return but to go home after seeing Christ.

I also love their example of leaving the comforts of their home to bring precious gifts to he Savior.  It makes me ask what gifts am I giving the Savior and what sacrifices am I making to seek Him and have Him at the center of my life.