MAGICAL INDEED

As many of you know a friend and I organized a race to raise money for a darling family in my neighborhood. Have you seen the video? Probably, but if not take a minute to watch it.

All through September and October we met, we planned, we stressed, we cried, we laughed, we felt butterflies all to put the SPREAD MAGIC AROUND 5k together. And because of you so many of you, it truly was a magical day.

We had perfect running weather. Partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the high 40s; sounds cold but once you get running the air felt crisp and refreshing. Liberty Park was the perfect venue. It provided runners with a nice, flat course, beautiful scenery and plenty of places to park!

We had over 150 people register for the race, which I hear is pretty impressive for a brand new race. We had over 100 people come and actually run/walk the race. I can't even begin to explain my feelings of humility, love and gratitude for all the people who came to support. I often become overwhelmed with thinking about how horrible/scary/wicked the world we live in is, but when you see so many good people come together to support a family that they may or may not know, you realize there is still so much good in this world. It was definitely an emotional day for everyone.

Runners getting geared up to race. Our winner ran the 3.1 miles in just over 16 minutes.

Do you realize that's just over a 5 minute mile? Amazing.

We invited participants to dress up with it being Halloween weekend and the participants did not let us down! Here were some of my favorites.

I love how people got so involved by dressing up and making the event such a good time.

We had donuts, bagels, bananas and Halloween candy for refreshments after the race.

People brought their whole family!

Parents pushed their darling dressed up kids in strollers and pulled their dogs on leashes.

Music was bumping, prizes were awarded, and runners received their results instantly.

Honestly things ran so smoothly and perfectly that day, I have no doubt their was a higher power watching out for all of us!

**There was this sweet older couple walking around the park who asked my little sister was what going on. After she told them they handed her four dollars to give to the Colemans as a donation. Every little bit helps.

Friends, neighbors and family came to run the event.

I even had a couple of friends whose husbands work with Mike come and support.

I love both of these ladies.

Mike's brother Brad, his wife Tracee, and their kids Brooks and Ellee came to run it. It meant so much to me to have family there. Brad and Tracee are the biggest party animals. They came dressed up and ready for a good time. I don't think they ever miss out on helping someone out. Love these guys. Mike's sister Stephanie also signed up but couldn't come due to runny noses! (We missed you Steph!)

I married into the greatest family.

Emily was there and even convinced some of her dear friends to wake up early on a chilly Saturday morning and volunteer for the race. Such lovely ladies.

Lacey was the MVP of the event. If any of you know Lacey, you won't be surprised with how much she helped me out. She was one of the first to register for the race, she picked up bagels for the race, donated donuts, and actually ran the race. Over and over she would call/text/email to know what I needed. How did I ever get to lucky to get such a true and loyal friend who steps up to the plate when a friend is in need?

Lacey is the BEST, not to mention she rocked the race my friends!

My sister Katherine came with her kids and walked the race while her husband Lance completed his first 5k! Katherine and Lance were also some of the first to register for the race. I got phone call daily from her to ask what she could do to help or she would call to celebrate another person registering! They took Charlotte for a couple of hours the day before the race just so I could get things done. My mom came bright and early the morning of to help set up and of course being a runner herself she rocked the race. My dad was there to cheer us all on and give the support we needed. So lucky to be near family.

A few more much needed shout outs of support,

because really these people deserve the recognition for all the good they did.

Kathy, Allison and Heidi don't live anywhere near Salt Lake City but each of them registered for the race just to donate and show support. Seriously? I've got some of the greatest friends. Registering for the race probably seemed like such a simple act to these ladies but it meant the world to me and it also helped us raise a significant amount of money for the Colemans.

Heidi also got her sister, a bunch of her sister friends, and her mom to register! Heidi all those people made a big difference! Thank you!

Two of my fastest running friends who both happen to have the same name (Katie) also signed up knowing they probably wouldn't be able to make it due to being sick or having to bring two kids without the help of their husband.

My friend from college, Monica, signed up for the race with a couple of friends.

Hope you are feeling better Monica!

My neighbors Tiffany, Brian, and Shelly took care of the water for the race which was a huge stress relief for me.

My extended family also helped. My aunt Patti donated money to the Colemans and my aunt Janalee offered to come and volunteer for the race. My cousin Annie and her husband Matthew also registered for the race knowing they wouldn't be there to actually run it.

My dear friend Lindsay, who lives in AZ emailed and asked how she could help and donate.

Chelsea the other race director was a dream to work with. She was organized, meticulous and uptight, just like me. We were two peas on a pod. The race would not have been such a big success without her.

My in laws signed up for the race, and watched my sweet Charlotte the morning of the race. It was so nice not to worry about my lovey because I knew she was well taken care of.

What would I do without Steve and Carol?

And of course all of the planning and organizing of the race happened during the two busiest months of Mike's schedule but through it all he helped at home, listened to me cry, put packets together, organized race shirts, and rubbed my feet. BEST. HUSBAND. EVER.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

THANK YOU for making a difference in a family's life!

Putting this together was challenging, stressful and very time consuming but worth every minute! Seeing the Colemans there with their kids and having everyone cheer them on at the finish line was priceless. There are so many good, thoughtful, generous people in the world and I felt blessed to know so many of them! Thank you again for your help, support, and prayers. It was a MAGICAL EVENT INDEED.

HOPE YOUR HALLOWEEN WAS A REAL TREAT!

Love,

the honey bunny and her two big carrots.

Pay off

I ran the Oktoberfest 10k a couple of weekends ago and had a great race. This was a new race for me, one I had never heard of before, so I was excited to check it out.

But before I give you my full report let me back track a little bit.

Fall is my favorite time to run. I love the crisp air, hearing the leaves crunch under my feet, and being able to wear long sleeve shirts and shorts. Fall usually has some of the best races too. This fall has been slightly different for me. I usually like to be training for a half marathon, it helps me stay in shape and keeps me motivated. Well this fall there were many a half marathons that caught my eye and sounded intriguing but due to Mike's work schedule, and wonderful opportunity, there really hasn't been time for me to train. Mike has had a killer schedule, with long days, overnight shifts and one day off a week. (which by the way sometimes would come every 8-10 days) Although I know he would, I just can't seem to ask him to wake up early on his ONE day off to watch Charlotte so I can hit the pavement for a couple of hours. So you may ask, why not just take Charlotte on your long runs? Well she's DONE after being in the stroller for 45/50 minutes, and quite frankly so am I. So needless to say training for a half just hasn't been realistic. I've missed training for something longer and giving myself a challenge. But just because I can't train for a half doesn't mean I couldn't have another kind of goal in mind does it? Since my darling lovey can only handle 45/50 minutes in the stroller I've needed to make the most out of my runs. I decided to incorporate some hill training, speed sessions and tempo work into my running and I'm happy to report it has paid off!

While I'm still not fast compared to my many speedy friends, I am becoming a stronger more confident runner. I'd been excited for this 10k. I had a certain time goal in mind and I wanted to see what I could do. All the elements fell into place that morning and I was able to run my best 10k yet! So maybe I didn't complete a marathon or even a half marathon but getting a PR in a 10k was a still a big accomplishment for me. (Let's be honest, since having the lovey the things that were once no big deal have become big accomplishments for me!)

Who knew hills, intervals and tempo workouts really made a difference in running?

The point of this long winded, slightly boring post is, like Marty says in Back to the Future:

"If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything."

I'm starting to believe this fantastic phrase more and more.

What have you accomplished lately that you are proud of?

What fall race were/are you training for?

Have you seen Back to the Future? Do you remember the part where Marty says that line?

Big THANK YOU to my sister Lou for watching Charlotte the morning of the race! What would I do without you?

Want to run a great race for a great cause and get a PR all at the same time? Come run the Spread Magic Around 5k I'm organizing for a darling friend in my neighborhood. Read about the family here. Sign up for the race here.

Happy Week of Halloween!

9 months

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH WALKER

9 months old

Disclaimer:

1. Pictures were taken over a period of a few days.

2. I promise Charlotte and I don't stay in our pajamas all day. Really we don't.

3. There are lots of pictures.

We wake up with a bright smile on our face, ready to face the world, with as you know,

awesome bed head.

We get bundled up and go for a run.

Charlotte must have a toy to chew on since she is constantly teething.

Seriously teething NEVER ENDS. Good thing Charlotte handles it like a champ. (Most of the time)

We practice ROARING. Charlotte has gotten really good at it.

WE

CRAWL

ALL

OVER

THE HOUSE.

We pull ourselves up on everything we can and cruise from one place to another.

We pull EVERY

SINGLE BOOK

OFF

THE

SHELVES.

I'm seriously amazed at how she never tires of doing this.

I'm also amazed that this habit doesn't bother me.

And once we've pulled all the books off the shelves, she will "read" them.

Or we read them together.

And when we've exhausted our mother and it's time for dinner

we jump and bounce and jump and bounce till our heart's content,

or until she's DONE.

Finally we end the day with a nice bath just before bed,

only to wake up 10-11 hours later to do it all over again.

Groundhog Day anyone?

Truth? I love it.

And just because I can, one more picture of my bug.

So my honey bunny, C-star, babus, C-turtle, tiny turd (sorry mom), little C, sweet Charlotte is 9 months old. WHAT? So cliche but where did the time go? Charlotte can be a real pickle at times but we simply adore her. She easily has both Mike and I wrapped around her finger.

Look at that face. How can you blame me?

**A couple of other fun facts about Charlotte.

*If your hand is in the way or somewhere she doesn't want it,

she will pick up your hand and move it out of the way.

*She has 8 teeth. Yup 8. More are coming in too!

*If you take a toy away from her or move her from somewhere

she wants to be but shouldn't be, she throws a fit.

Really? She's only 9 months old for crying out loud.

*Charlotte is terrified of old people. Not all strangers, just old people.

She cries at all the sweet, friendly, older people who just smile at her. (including both of my darling grandmas)

Always makes for a good adventure when grocery shopping.

*She hates to have her hair played with. If I try to put a bow in it, I have to distract it or she will pull it out immediately. If I put a mini ponytail in it, she cries the entire time.

*She has started to give the cheesiest grin, scrunching her entire face and showing her pearly whites. We love it.

What does your day look like?

What's your favorite baby stage?

Ever have weeks that feel like the movie Groundhog Day?

Do you have a nickname? Love/hate nicknames?

September Wrap Up

Wow. I can't believe September is over and we are almost half way through October. I had to report on my September Checklist. September was lovely, just as I had hoped. To be honest, it was the best month I've had since Charlotte was born. This was the month I felt the most like myself. Charlotte is at such a fun age and I'm finally beginning to feel comfortable as a mom. Let's be honest, I still have a lot to learn but I'm definitely not as paranoid or as anxious as I had been the previous 8 months since C (we like to call her that) was welcomed into our lives. Now, this post is not to brag by any means, (take it as you will) but to celebrate finally feeling like myself, having a great month, even with Mike being on one of his busiest rotations. Having a baby really kicked my butt and I guess I'm just so excited to feel like I have a little control in my life again, to be doing things I loved to do before Charlotte came, and to truly be enjoying life as Charlotte's mom.

Enough already. Let's get to the report shall we?

First: "Embrace being 28"

The month began with my birthday and it was great. I can't thank all of you enough for your kind birthday wishes. I enjoyed Costco pizza for lunch with Katherine, The Dodo for dinner with Emily and chocolate donuts for dessert with Mike. Mike was working all day and didn't get home until 9:30 p.m. so my sweet sisters stepped up to the plate to make my day extra special. And even after a long, horrible, day (it truly was a horrible day for Mike at work) my darling husband came home sent me downstairs and turned our living room into a romantic setting for a little dessert and birthday celebration. Love how selfless that boy is. Job well done raising him Steve and Carol!

Second: Running two 10ks

I ran the Swiss Days 10k and got a PR (personal record). Still not fast compared to my runner friends but I was so proud of myself. After finishing my first run after having Charlotte I never thought I would be back to where I was with my running. I'm happy to report that I feel like my old runner self. Phew.

I also ran the dirty dash which was a blast. I think you should all do it with my next year!

Third: Sewing

I made a little dress for Charlotte. I tried some news things. For the first time I sewed a zipper into something and used lining. I learned a few things: zippers are tricky to get just right, lining is not fun to sew with, and I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to sewing (everything else in my life yes, just not with sewing). I also made a few stuffed toys for C. I've decided I like sewing crafts rather than clothing. I'll have to post pictures sometime. I'm just too lazy to do it right now.

Fourth: Taking Charlotte to see the fall leaves

One lovely Sunday afternoon, our little family went to Silver lake and walked around. Honestly the fall colors were a little disappointing but it was still wonderful to be in the fresh mountain air together as a family. Love Utah.

Your turn:

How was your September?

What do you love about fall?

How long did it take you to feel like yourself after having kids?

Did you sew anything for National Sewing month?

Have you taken advantage of the fall colors this year?

Tell me everything.

Spread Magic Around

There are so many things I want to blog about like my baby being 9 MONTHS OLD, (holy cow, she is already 9 months old!!!) or my September summary, but life has been crazy busy and I only have a moment to blog right now. BUT I had to tell you about two very important events.

There is the most darling family in my neighborhood who is in need of some help. You have probably already heard about them through emails I have sent, but just in case you didn't get the email, or didn't actually read the email here's the skinny:

Whit and Lindsey Coleman have an almost three year old son named Jonas who has SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). Jonas was diagnosed with SMA when he was 6 weeks old. His mind is completely intact, but over time he has lost the ability to move his limbs, swallow and has even lost the ability to breathe on his own. Whit and Lindsey do not know how long they will have Jonas, so they take one day at a time and appreciate every moment they have with him. On August 27, 2010 Whit and Lindsey welcomed their second child, Maggie, into their family. Maggie also has SMA. All the medical equipment, time and money to care for these two precious children has doubled.

Watch this video clip the news did on the family over a month ago. And if you live in the Salt Lake area, Channel 2 News is doing a story on them TONIGHT on their 10:00 p.m. news. Please watch!

You can help this cute family, (and me!)

First...

Come to the community carnival held in their behave.

Saturday, October 9th, 2010

3:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Olympus High School

4055 S 2300 E

Holiday, UT 84124

There will be a live auction, games, magic show, reptile show and live music!!

Click on the flyer for more info!

Adults $5, children $3

2. A friend and I are organizing a 5k to help raise funds! I've always wanted to organize a race and this has been the perfect opportunity. It's been much more challenging than I ever imagined, but it's been a great experience thus far. Sadly we don't have many registered for the race, so we need YOU to help us out!

October 30th, 2010

Liberty Park

(1300 S 600 E)

8:00 a.m.

5k/3.1 miles

Come run or walk!

$20 if you register HERE

$30 dollars race day

Read more about it HERE

If you live out of state and want to help, even registering for the race (regardless of actually running it) is making a huge contribution to the family.

Thanks for those who have ALREADY emailed me asking for ways to help; you know who you are! You are making a big difference and your willingness to help means the world to me!