Strawberry Pickin'

I just love summer! It is so much fun!!!! I know I've listed my loves of summer before but another one to add to the list is going strawberry picking! For FHE (Family Home Evening) last night we headed to the strawberry fields and picked some red beauties! I love this tradition and hope to keep it going year after year.

We ended up getting two whole flats of strawberries for about $24.00. Not too bad, but either way I don't think I'd care how much they cost if it were more. They are sooooo gooood! Nothing like store bought! I love going to the strawberry fields. It is so much fun and they actually encourage you to eat while you pick! Isn't that great?! I think the kids ate more than they picked too. Just wanted to share some of the pictures we took while we were there. . .

Today I'll be making and canning lots and lots of Strawberry Jam! Then it's off to Boise for the 4th of July! Oh Summer how I love thee!

I'm Official!

Two weekends ago I became official! In what you ask? Well I mentioned to you a couple posts back about my love of Zumba. It has become a big part in my life. I absolutely love it! I started taking classes a little over a year ago at my YMCA. I went pretty much every Monday Thursday and Saturday with an occasional Wednesday class. The rest is history!

I decided that I would like to teach this amazing class to people too! I spent an entire Saturday at a Zumba Training workshop with two other squeezes of mine from class and we all got our license to teach! It was a lot of information download and one of the biggest DAY LONG (literally) workouts of my life! I definitely was not one of the skinniest fittest people there but that will come in time. Zumba is great for that! It was amazing!

This past week I started working on choreographing my first song and am so excited for the day I actually put it to use. I plan on starting first with a class at a nearby church building for free just so I can practice teaching and get a good groove down on techniques and a good idea of what people like. I just can't wait!

My Zumba instructor at the YMCA has been such a great support for me and after learning that I got my license decided to let me and one of the other ladies I did the training with be part of the lead group at one of her classes the other day! It was nerve racking but oh so fun! I'll let you all know when I start up my class. It will be a little while since I only have one song ready so far. But wish me luck! I just ordered my first OFFICIAL instructors outfit on Thursday! I can't wait to sport that thing!

Here are a few pics from my Zumba Training Workshop...

Going to The Dentist

Today was Kiera's and Ethan's first time ever at the dentist. It was a milestone for us that I didn't want to miss documenting it. The kids did REALLY well and did everything they were asked to without flinching once! I was a little worried how they'd react to things but my worries are completely out the window now. Even Ethan sat still for his mouth x-rays! What a big boy! The doctors were even impressed and warned me before we started that this appointment for him was more for introducing him to the process and that he probably wouldn't let us take the pictures. Well he proved them wrong. He did so good! Kiera thought it was cool and I think my descriptions of what was going to happen when we got there helped too. She was telling the doctor what he was going to do next before he even did it.

The pediatric dentist we went to caters solely to kids. Everything was Disney and the kids got to watch movies while in their chair. Kiera chose Sleeping Beauty and Ethan surprised us all (not really) and chose CARS. Even the toothbrushes they got to pick out were Disney characters. They got to wear character sunglasses while getting their teeth cleaned too. They were pampered!

I was really impressed with the staff there. They worked so well with the kids. When the dentist came in after the hygenists had done their part I was sold! He asked the kids about themselves, about the movie they were watching, how old they were and ended the visit with a cool souvenir. Each of the kids got to take home one of his rubber gloves but not until he did this...

He blew them up and tied it off for them to take home an awesome finger balloon. The kids loved it! After all that was done it still wasn't over yet. As we left the office the kids each got introduced to the "treasure box." Check out their loot!

I will have to say that I think we found a keeper dentist for these guys! I don't think we'll have any problem going back.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day everyone! I hope you all did something special for the men in your life. Whether it be a simple phone call, breakfast, a night out, or just a card. Ours was pretty laid back but we enjoyed it. We spent the morning at church and then came home for lunch. Not too much out of our normal schedule. Although Kiera made a mug for her daddy in Sunbeams during Sunday school. I thought is was very cool.

For lunch we just had leftovers from the weekend (I know what a slacker I am) but I don't usually cook a whole lot on Sunday's either. Then we pulled out the gifts.

Kiera and Ethan both made book marks for their dad that looked like little aliens. But being the space cadet that I am... I forgot to write the message inside the card that Kiera made to go along with them. It was supposed to say "Dad you are out of this world!" The bookmarks are made out of foam sheets, googly eyes and pipe cleaners. I got the idea from Make and Takes Craft. Food. Fun. HERE.

The other gift we made was a t-shirt that said "Our Dad deserves a pat on the back" in hot pink. Then on the back side of the shirt were the kids' and my hand prints in neon green. I got the idea from Mandy at Sugar Bee see her post here. I don't have an embroidery machine like she does, so I used some vinyl lettering as a stencil and used fabric paint instead. It took longer to dry than I had hoped. But then again I am not all that patient when I am excited for the outcome. It turned out way cute though! I almost ruined it trying to rush the process along. When it was done I had to keep reminding Kiera to not give away the surprise. She about told him a couple of times. These aren't the best pictures since they were taken at 10:00 at night but hopefully later I'll get some with Dad in it.

So Overall it was a success I think. Dad also got a special note from me which has become a tradition in our family. You know the kind you used to give to you honey before you were married to whoo and win them over. I love those kind. Sorry I won't be sharing that with you here. However I would like to post (solely for my personal journaling purposes) a letter I got from my dad. Things have been rough in that department of my life for a couple years now and it really meant a lot to me. Please don't feel obligated to read it. I put it on here only for myself so that I can have it when at the end of the year I have my blog turned into a hardbound book for the "Glenn Family Yearbook." 

It reads:

I have some time on this Father’s day, so I decided to write you all a letter of appreciation.  This letter is written to you as I wait for my last day of being on this training trip.  

As I look back at each of your births, I come to realize that I was not ever prepared for your addition to Our Family.  I remember being scared: First I always felt that I was never financially ready to start a family, let alone add to the family. Besides I now recall that it was never the “right time” to have a child, but now, I am so grateful that each of my children was born at the time that they were.  I’m happy that I was blessed to become the father of each of you.
 
I look at the times we went on vacations and outings and fun we had. I reflect on the times we had the opportunity to travel as a family and visit the places we did.  I love the memories of the learning experiences we had along the way.  Not only did you learn something you needed to, but I did also.  Going to a museum, Water Park, or even a marker along the highway, we all learned together.  I love that each of my children loves to learn and grow.  You each have been blessed to with the ability comprehend and retain the information that you have been taught.  I’m very happy that you continue to learn and pursue a higher education. You put a high priority on getting a degree and that makes me very happy.

I look at each of you individually and see young adults that are responsible and have high moral standards that you live your lives by.  You each have committed yourselves to keeping close to the Savior and his teachings. You show your love to Him by serving your fellow brothers and sisters to make their lives more enjoyable. These traits I do admire in each of you.


No I am so happy that I am a father to each of you. I am so blessed that you joined me in this life of trials and experiences; that are meant to teach each of us lessons of love and understanding. I had the opportunity to go to Portland today and walk around a park and do some people watching. I noticed that there were people from different countries, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religious beliefs and gender orientation. I looked at each of the people and tried to make no judgment of them and looked at them as individual children of a Father in Heaven, who loves each of them. He is pleased of each of his children love Him and that they are his children. He loves them without conditions as we seem to see we do to each other. He realizes us all make choices that may bring unpleasant consequences, but they are ways that we all learn, by experience.
 
Yes, I have made some choices that I wish I had not and I have had to live by the consequences of those choices.  But the one choice that I am so glad that I made is that I have you as my children. I love you each, very much. I have tried to keep my problems to myself and have not shared with you the hard times that I have been going through lately because I do not want to burden you with them. I have made some progress toward solving these issues, with the help of some dear friends and Our Heavenly Father.  I hope you all understand that I LOVE you each, unconditionally and that I want you all to be happy in this life.


Yes, it is very pleasant to look back on this Fathers Day and reflect upon being a father to such wonderful children that you are. It pleases me that you are my children and I love to brag about all of the experiences that you have had that have been shared with me. I love to receive communication, in an email, Facebook post, or even a phone call of what is going on in your lives. So please communicate with me and I will make sure to contact you back.


I hope you will be blessed with the same like experiences, to have children so you can be a parent of such wonderful children as I was blessed with. I know Brittany can attest, her heat has grown and will continue to grow, as she raises her children. May God bless you in your future, and for being my children? I believe He will.

With sincere love, 

DAD

Hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day!

Mommy/Daughter Date

This Friday was date night. I just adore date nights. It is something I look forward to all week. This Friday however was not the typical date night. It was mommy/daughter date night. So now boys allowed.  Just me and my girly girl!


We bought the tickets on Fandango and printed them out that night. We went and saw Toy Story 3 in 3D. We've been waiting for it to come out since we heard it was being made. It was an awesome movie! I love Pixar! It was one of those feel good movies that make a mommy cry. And it did just that. I was crying half way in. Good thing I had the 3D glasses on to hide it. Kiera might have gotten concerned.  Sorry for the blurry picture. It was the best I could get before the movie started.

Kiera got her very own root beer that she happily shared, and I brought the goods. Nothing like a Hershey's milk chocolate bar and a root beer to get your energy going! Kiera loved it and I did too! I love these special one-on-one outings with my kids!

I DID IT! My First 5K

I accomplished something this weekend that I didn't know was possible! I ran an entire 5K without walking a single step! That's right ME! The one who doesn't run for anything other than an escaping 2 or 3 yr old. And even before running after them will shout first to see if they'll turn around on their own. You other moms can probably relate right?

Well, last Sunday I had a friend ask me if I'd be interested in running a 5K with her. Her daughter was originally going to run but had other plans come up. She offered to let me take her spot. She had already paid for the registration and was just going to consider the money good as gone anyway but wanted to see if I wanted to take her place. I was a bit hesitant at first. Actually a lot hesitant. I mean, it wasn't like I had been training for a long distance run EVER. I work out during the week sure, but I have never really been a runner. I've been in a 5K before back home but it was a walking 5K, I wasn't racing in them. I wasn't sure if I could pull this off. I thought about it for a day or so before talking myself into it and called her back to tell her ok I'd give it a try.

So, Wednesday is when my insanity settled in. What was I thinking? It was Wednesday and the race was Saturday. (That's a grand total of 3 days to train! 3! How on earth!?) I went to the gym that night and told myself, "Ok you're going to run 3 miles on the tredmill tonight!" (mind you this is the first time I had run in I don't know when...). I set the machine speed to 5.6 and went for it. It was a long 45 mins or running and stopping for a breather, then running some more and then walking again. I thought "what on earth did I get myself into?" Then the next night I went to my beloved ZUMBA class (I will have another post on that subject in a week or so as well. I can't wait!). The hour passed by so fast! When it was over I decided to push myself again and go for another run. I ran on the track; (thinking that It'd probably be best to run with my own leg muscles this time and not depend on the tredmill pushing me forward) I made it for 1 whole mile without stopping and called it a night. The next night was Friday, The hubby was out of town and I wasn't able to make it to the gym. All I got in was a few jumping jacks after the kids were in bed that night. I was scared! How was I going to pull of 3 consecutive miles?

Saturday morning arrived and to my surprise I woke up on my own before the alarm (That never happens!) I must have been anxious or something :). Or maybe Heavenly Father heard my prayers all week that I'd be able to somehow do this. I had prayed again the night before that He'd be there with me. He knew I had given my best effort to get ready. 

I got dressed, packed a snack for after the race, made sure I had my mp3 player, got the kids up and ready for the babysitter to pick them up for the day (thanks Kim!), ate a slice of zucchini bread and then ran around the block once before my ride came. I didn't know what to expect but knew I'd give it my all and be happy with the results no matter what happened. Knowing I could say I tried would be good enough for me.

The weather was perfect! I couldn't have asked for better weather. On your mark... Get set... BANG! The gun went off and I took the first step... And I kept going. I didn't stop. Not for one second did I stop. Mile 1 came and went, then Mile 2, and then 2.5...Then Mile 3. Just 0.1 miles left...Push on through, push on through and sprint for the finsish! I MADE IT! I can't believe it, I MADE IT!

I placed 12th in my 20-29 age group, and my time was 34:22. Not bad! considering it took me 45+ on the tredmill 3 nights before! Can I just say, I am so proud of myself! And I can't believe I am saying this but I am thinking of signing up for another race. This might be addicting.

Thanks Cheryl for taking me along and giving me the opportunity to push myself.

4 new Greeting cards

I made some cards for my husband to take to a funeral this weekend. Not the funnest thing to make cards for but I wanted to at least do something since I won't be able to attend. Uncle Scott we love you and will miss you. . .

I got the idea for the flowers from the blog Positively Splendid where she made flowers from pop cans and turned into napkin rings and thought I'd try the same idea with paper. I like how they turned out and will probably use this technique again.

Not Your Typical Rainy Day!

Today has been a real big downer! I mean a REALLY BIG one. Down Pour that is...I know I know that was really cheezy. The rain WILL NOT STOP! I called my husband at work today and said, "Ok Dan, I am definitely ready to go back to Idaho now." It was pouring SOOO hard it reminded me of summer storms in Florida where we had to stop our car in the middle of the road and wait for the storm to pass because the wipers couldn't even keep up.  I went out to empty water off of the plastic that's covering my garden multiple times and finally propped a lawn chair underneath so it could run off easier.

When Dan got home he asked me if I had seen the mailbox yet. I thought it was a strange way of asking me if I had checked the mail. But no, what he meant was had I see the water in the road over there. I took my umbrella (because it was STILL pouring) and went to go and see. I am glad I took my camera because it was amazing!

So yeah does anyone want to come swimming? Just had our neighborhood pool installed. Hopefully it doesn't last long. It is in a horrible location.

This is the water in the MIDDLE of the street! It was probably 6-8 inches deep.

Notice the water is level with the sidewalk. That' just not right.

This is the sidewalk that wraps around the corner. You can see the stop sign post in the upper right corner.

 You can get to our house from 2 directions. The other option didn't look much better. 

Lovely weather...for ducks at least.

We've Got Company!

I know I've said it before but I love summer time! I love all that goes on in the summer. I love all the festivals, carnivals, camping trips, outings, barbecues, and get togethers! I wish it lasted all year! Another thing I love is company and visits from family. And that is just what we finished doing this weekend. We had Dan's brother Ryan and his family, and Grandma and Grandpa Glenn up for a visit this week. It was great to see them again. We haven't seen Ryan's family since Christmas time and it was great to spend some time with them. The cousins had a great time and I only wish we could all live closer so that they could grow up together and be as close as I was with my own cousins.

We took lots of pictures while they were here but like always I have my favorites. . .

We loved having you guys come up! Can't wait to see everyone again in August! 

I love Summer!