Running, running, and more running.

Ok, so Heather's been kind of bugging me to post about my Ragnar race, so here I go. I started January 1 this year training for the RAGNAR/Wasatch Back. It's a relay race from Logan to Park City. There were 12 people on my team called the Nutter Butter Runners. Everyone ran three legs which totaled anywhere from 14-21 miles. It was really hard, but in the end really rewarding.


This is me and Phillip the morning of the run. We both got steps and mohawks, and were both just excited to start this darn race.



This is my team. We all sat at this table and waited here at this exchange for a couple hours ready to start our first legs. It was a long wait, but good times.


This is Jill handing off the wristband to me for my first leg. My first leg was four miles straight uphill on Trappers Loop. I trained for a month or two before the race running up 1800 South in Bountiful. It was tough but I did it in a very good time, actually.


The dudes after the race. Very rewarding. Big thanks to Jason for putting everything together including the cool uniforms.

Overall we all finished the race. Our times weren't the best, but honestly I think most of our team just wanted to finished. I got really sick right after my second run and right up to my final run. I didn't think that I could do it, but I persevered and it paid off in the end. The race was a blast, but I don't know if I'll do it again, it was just that miserable.



Me running hard


The beautiful woman behind it all, Heather.

A few weeks after I also ran the Freedom Festival in Provo. It was a fun race as always and I was determined to beat my old 5k record of 27:50.


I love this picture because it show just how close I beat my time. The race went very well, and I really pushed myself through the whole thing. The last 3/4 mile is a gradual uphill run and it is killer. However, as I neared the finish line I knew I was close to beating my old record. So I decided to sprint (as you can see in the picture) and beat my PR by a whoppin' 6 seconds! So my new PR for a 5k is 27:44.


I ran the race with Hayley and Jake. They both did awesome and I was very glad to run with them, it was a blast. Here's to running the race 2011!

He had to have a LARGE snowcone......

Zoo Fun!

Darren's sister, Tiffany had just had a baby. So us being the cool aunt and uncle we are, took her two year old daughter, Jane to the Zoo. We had a blast and so did Jane. We let her get anything she wanted and see any animal she wanted. She got spoiled by us and we loved every minute of it!

Jane and I watching the giraffe feeding.

Jane measuring up to the gorilla's.
Jane and Darren looking at Monkey's. Darren will be a good daddy someday.
She loved the monkeys!

Where did Jane go?!

I think we wore her out. What do you think?

How to brighten your day....

St George Fun.

For the 24th of July, Darren and I decided to go to St. George. His parents just bought a Condo and let us stay there. His sister and brother in law came and his parents. St. George is beautiful and I never realized how pretty it was until I went up for the weekend. We went and saw Tarzan at the Tuachan.(sp?) We swam pretty much everyday and got our tan on. I also saw my husband golf like a pro for the first time. He is amazing at golf! We also got to eat at lots of good local restaurants. What's a vacation without good food right? Here is some pictures of our trip.

In the parking lot of one of the restaurants...BEAUTIFUL! and I don't just mean that cute couple! :)




Darren golfing like a pro. Look at that swing!




The highlight of watching Darren golf. I got to drive the cart. Don't I look so cool? Who knew you weren't suppose to drive the cart on the golf green! Stupid golf rules. :)

Dar and I in the golf cart.
Darren getting his tan on.

4th of July Weekend

This year the 4th of July was on a Sunday, so we had 3 days of FUN! On the 3rd we went to Carrie Underwood at the Stadium of Fire. (My husband loves her and loves her music!) It was pretty fun to see her sing and Fireworks almost falling on us. (I think some girl actually had a firework land on her and caught on fire.)

We saw a few fireworks that our niece and nephew lit on the 4th, Oh I was also lucky enough on the 4th to wax everyones nose hairs! I wish I got pictures of that. I had people lined up and even the neighbor came over to get his done!

The 5th was the Freedom Run that Darren really likes to run every year. I am a good wife and got up around 6 a.m. and go support him run! We went with his sister and brother in law to the race and met up with his parents for Breakfast!
Waiting for the show to start.
Darren loving Carrie's music and singing along! CLASSIC!

Hayley and Darren preparing for the race.

Pumping up before the race.

Darren racing in to the finish line. Look at him go!

Hubba Hubba!

You need to drink your Gatorade after the race!



The 3 racers! Finishing the race, finally! They look exhausted!

I like to throw parties!

Let me rephrase that, I like to cook for parties! This past year I have thrown a couple parties and have been more excited about getting the food ready then anything else. I know each party is a success when each person leaves happy and full!



Here is some food from my American Idol Party.


MMMMMmmmm doesn't it all look soo good!?

Yes all of it is homemade!

This is from a baby shower I threw for a friend! Who doesn't love Cookies and Brownies!

Darren Birthday!

Darren had a birthday on May 16th. He turned 27 and is almost catching up to me! He is getting OLD! For his birthday we went to St. George and stayed at his parents Condo. We spent a day in Vegas and met up with my parents to eat at Maggiano's. We had a great time and can't wait to go up again.
Hanging out right by the Tucahn. (I think that is how you spell it)



The one reason we go to Maggiano's. THE ICE CREAM!



Aren't we so cute!

My dad humoring me and taking a pic!

Mothers Day!

Mothers Day Darren and I decided to go down and make dinner for my mom. I made Meatloaf and Cheesecake. I think my my mom loved being pampered for once. I love my mom and glad I got to spend it with her. She is my best friend and couldn't of asked for a better mom for me!


As Darren would say, "The. Best. Cheesecake. Ever.!" I am quite proud of myself with this one.

Girls Weekend In Vegas!

Three of my girls from High School took a much needed break and went to Vegas for a couple days! We had a great time. We stayed up until we could no longer stay awake talking and giggling. We shopped till we dropped. I think we hit every mall in Vegas. We had a blast! I can't wait until we do it again!
The most action this tub got.

Having fun at M&M World.

Tammy and I sharing a Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity.

Summer and I at Rainforest Cafe. One of the only pictures Summer would let me take with her. Gross food, but awesome company.

Jazz Game

For Christmas I had gotten Darren Jazz Tickets. Of course he took his beautiful wife and we made a date out of it. We had a blast even though I don't think we could of sat any higher.

Us in our seats. I love how we can just lean back and there is a wall behind us! :)

Valentines Day!

I know it was a while ago, but here is my post for it. I absolutely LOVE Valentines Day! The day before Darren took me out to Tucano's and gave me rose's. We also were on the same page, because we both got each other perfume/cologne. He surprised me and gave me the perfume I have been wanting forever!!! Dolce and Gabana Light Blue.

On actually Valentines Day I took the initive and since it was on Sunday I cooked a whole meal for Darren. I searched all my recipe books until I found just the perfect stuff for my dinner, but what I really was excited for was to make dessert. I decided on a Lemon Rosemary cake and it turned out DIVINE! I can't wait to make it again!
Who wants some cake? Darren ate it for a whole week!
The card I made him.