I'm actually going to run...I think.

Let me start by saying, I hate running and always have.  But having said that, I really admire and even envy my running friends and family members, so I have decided to run the Freedom Festival 5k this year.  It's always been good for me to have something to work toward.  By putting this out into cyberspace, I am trying to further commit myself.  First of all,  I know 5k is not that far, but I am not a runner, so for me to be able to run the whole distance will really be something.  Most of my friends and family could run this (and beat me!) in their sleep, but I'm trying to not let intimidate me.  My sister, Natalie, an avid runner who has even won a 5k herself, is going to run with me.  (When I say run with me, I mean start the race with me).  She'll be fully recovered and finishing her breakfast by the time I'm done, but that's okay with me.  

I started running about 3 weeks ago.  I still don't like it.  For my runner friends out there, when does it get fun?  Until this morning, I have been running on the treadmill at the gym.  I'm up to a couple of miles, though now, and it is very boring at the gym.  I just keep looking at the display panel wishing it would move along faster.  I decided to run outside this morning, so the plan was to park my car at Will's and run on the path so that I would know how far I was running.  It turns out you are not supposed to park there so I decided to park at Riverwoods and run the other direction.  On my way to Riverwoods, I noticed there were a couple of homeless-types with all their stuff along the path, and NO OTHER RUNNERS.  I guess it wasn't such a great idea, so I went home and decided to run from home.  I did it, and now I need to find some places to run from my house.  If anyone sees me running, pretend you don't see me; it will make me feel better about this.

My goal is not to run the race fast, but be able to actually run the whole distance.  I simply want to be able to run 5k and not die.  Whether or not, I continue to run after the race is a big question mark.  I would like to think that by then, it will be enjoyable, and I will want to keep running.  Only time will tell, I guess.

12 years of us!

Today we not only celebrate Norway's independence (Syttende Mai), but our 12 year anniversary.  We were married on May 17th because Jared served a mission in Norway and it was a special day to him.  (I also was interested in having the tulips in bloom on Temple Square).

Our engagement picture.

Our wedding picture in front of a tree that is no longer there (destroyed by a tornado) on Temple Square.

We've survived 12 years of wedded bliss and what do we have to show for it?

1. 2 great kids
2. many years of higher education between the two of us
3. a house
4. a dental practice
5. many great vacations
6. 4 years living in Canada
7. 8 1/2 years living in apartments and basements
8. a few more wrinkles and pounds
9. a few less hairs (only one of us)
10. many watches and sunglasses (Jared)
11. many purses and shoes (Jaime)
12. 12 place settings of beautiful, albeit unopened, formal china

We've certainly had our share of ups and downs, but it's been an amazing ride so far.  Jared, thanks for being a wonderful husband, father and partner to me for our first dozen years!  I love you, Jaime

Snowbird 2008

We just finished our timeshare week at the Iron Blossam resort at Snowbird last weekend.  For the boys, the definite favorite attraction was the game room.  They are young enough that they don't usually care if you actually put a quarter in.  They think they are controlling the demo.  Chandler is starting to wise up to that plan, though.

One of their favorite games was a snowmobile racing game called Arctic Thunder.  Preston even beat Chandler a couple of times that they actually raced.  The seat vibrates so it feels like you are really racing.

Our little race driver.

We went to this presentation given by this guy who is one of the trainers of the avalanche dogs at Snowbird. It was fascinating to hear about how the dogs are trained and how amazing they are at finding things in the snow.  This dog, Emma, has had 5 "finds."  Unfortunately, only one was alive.  Avalanches are scary!
After the lecture, we all went out to the snow-covered tennis court for a demonstration.  The trainer had previously hidden a glove in the snow.

The dog found it in about 10 seconds.  It was pretty impressive!

Another BIG highlight is the heated swimming pool.  It is outdoors, but they keep it really warm.  Joyce, Heidi/Tyson even came up for swim and lunch one day.  Swimming with the boys has become much easier thanks to their new life jackets.  They just do their own thing the whole time.  I do still watch them in case you're worried about their safety.

Look at the amazing view behind the pool.  Last Friday, it even snowed while we were swimming.  How often do you get to swim in the snow in May?  We had a great time!

The end of Spring soccer (belated)

Spring soccer is over, and we are all a little relieved.  Not that it wasn't fun, it was just very cold for MOST of the games.  Oh well, that's Utah weather for you.

Chandler loved playing and generally had a good attitude.

An action shot (sort of).

The two best parts of soccer are the medal the kids get at the end and the treats that they get at the end of each game.  Here's Chandler with both.

Happy 65th birthday to Wynn

On Saturday, Joyce threw a surprise party to celebrate Wynn's 65th birthday.  I'm sure it wasn't a total surprise, but it was a lot of fun.  I apologize that the pictures are a bit blurry.  The lighting was pretty dim.  At least those family members who live far away can get a feel for the party, right?

Joyce "made" Wynn wear this crown.  On it are the words "Comb-over King" and there is a fake bald head with some fake comb-over action as well.  He was a great sport.
Tom Carter, a neighbor of the Hemmerts, was the MC of the event and told some funny and embarrassing stories about Wynn.  He did a great job.  P.S.  He's a democrat!  :)

Wynn responding to the "roast."  He gave a very nice, gracious speech.

Jared and his dad as the party was winding down.  Jared spent MANY hours making a video slide show with music for the party.  It turned out great.  Everyone loved it.

After the party, we headed to Snowbird's Iron Blossam Lodge for the first part of our time share.  We are back in town so Jared can work and Chandler can go to school.  We will go back up to finish out the week and so that Jared and Chandler can get in one last "ski."  Pictures and details will follow on this very blog!

It's coming! Oct. 24th!

Ice skating with the YW

Last night, I got to go ice skating with the Young Women in our ward.  As the girls started showing up, we noticed Sandra and Kim showed in costume.  Naturally, we assumed they had just been involved in something at school, a play, or something else like that.  No!  They just wanted to dress up for ice skating.    

How fun are they? And so shy for the camera!  :)

1.  Me with Sharee and Gloria 2. The "train" of girls trying to stop for a picture 3. Brittan struggling to keep her balance 4. Kaitlyn and her mom, Amy (she's also a leader).
1.  Jenny and Gloria 2. Kathryn and Brittan helping Sharee after she took a little tumble 3. Sharee talking to some boys she met at the rink after some intervention by one of the leaders.  She was a little too shy and we couldn't let the opportunity pass by, could we? 4. Kim, Rachel and Allyse

We had so much fun!  I absolutely love being in Young Women's and hanging out with all of these awesome girls!

Shhhhh.......!

Just a quick note to brag about the fact that both of my boys are asleep at the same time! I can't tell you how long it has been since this has happened. Chandler hasn't had a nap of any kind for a couple of months now. I'm grabbing a book and plan to enjoy the next hour or so to myself!