Woodlands Half Marathon!

On March 2, 2024 I completed the woodlands half marathon. At the end of the month marks the 1 year anniversary of my foot surgery. Early in physical therapy I set a goal to be able to try and be healed and strong enough to complete this half marathon that always falls in March. I waited and waited to sign up in hopes that my foot would be able to manage the distance without causing any further injury or pushing it too fast. Finally about 3 weeks ago I had trained enough and done a couple 10 mile runs where I felt like I could manage it and I signed up!

I used to enjoy the thrill of competition and racing more, but as I have aged, I really don't enjoy it as much anymore. The anxiety of competition makes it not as fun. 

However, as I went to the Health and Fitness expo the night before, I was really excited about trying to accomplish my goal and mark how far I've come. 

I typically do this marathon or half marathon most every year and there is people that I go up with and have competing there. This year I didn't know anyone except my stake president, so Ragnar was kind enough to drive me up and stay the whole time. Typically he just comes up a couple hours later to watch me finish. 

Channing and Deacon were great to wake up at 5:00 and join me!

As I raced I wanted to remember why I love running so much and be grateful how far my foot and body have come. It took a lot of patience/time from not being able to walk for 2 months to taking it a half mile at a time to complete 13.1 miles. 

I started off strong and wanted to just do my best and see if my foot could complete it. My stake president/friend President Scott was right within view the whole race and that helped me feel safe and secure. We finished within minutes of each other. Usually at about mile 11 my mind and doubts/weaknesses take over my body and I start to lose focus and slow down. I was so grateful that this year I was able to push forward and keep my pace and finish! I wasn't going for a specific time, but in my brain I always have a certain time I am aiming for. Since I know I can't try and break 1:40 anymore, my goal was to be under 2:00 hours. I pushed along and finished in 1:58:16. 

I did it!!! Another one complete!

I was so proud of myself. My foot felt great, it is healed and I was able to remind my brain that I can do hard things. I'm so grateful for my friends and family who have cheered me on this last year and reminded me I can do it. There were days when it mentally was very difficult. Physically I know I am strong, but mentally I have some work to do. I was so glad to see my parents, Rags, and kids when I finished and that I have their support in my life!! Now I can check this part of my recovery off and move on to the next chapter!!

Soccer Season has begun!

Deacon is back in heaven. The heatwave soccer organization has officially begun again. He loves soccer season and is happy to play as much as he can. Ragnar is able to coach him again and Cesar is his assistant coach again. This year they are the green gators! Most of his team is back and he really enjoys who he plays with. 

Ragnar and Cavin are reffing again and enjoy being on the fields and watching soccer all day! 

The first game was freezing, but they have warmed up since then. 

They have won the first three games and hopefully the season will go well! Go gators!

Cavin's Frenectomy

In February Cavin had to have his frenulum removed. He had a very thick/strong frenulum which was causing his front two teeth to continue to separate after braces and so his orthodontist felt it was necessary to have it removed if he wanted to be able to control the gap. Cavin typically is our odd one who has random medical things, so this was not really news to us. On February 8th he had the procedure done.

He is a pretty tough kid, so he recovered very quickly even though they ended up putting in a lot more stitches than they had planned. 

We are praying he is done with medical things for a while! 

Rockets Game!

Deacon wanted to go to a Rockets game and we were grateful to have Ragnar's coworker get us tickets to a suite with food. It was a lot of fun to just be together as a family and enjoy a night out.

The kids stuffed themselves with endless food and the Rockets showed up and won by almost 30 points!

A Mini Trip To Arkansas!

For Christmas we gifted the kids different experience's. Channing really wanted to attend her cousin's baptism. We were able to use miles for flights and she and I took a few day trip to Arkansas!

The flight was short and sweet and we had a nice time chatting and playing "Trash". The flight was so short we didn't even get to finish the game. 

They looked beautiful in their dresses! 

Channing led the music for their baptism and did a great job. I witnessed Kate's baptism and helped her change and get ready afterward.

They were so excited to be baptized and both girls are always joyful and excited about life! 

After the sweet baptism, Liam was ordained a teacher in the priesthood. 

He was lucky to have both grandfathers there. 

I was so glad I got to spend time with my sisters and family and that Channing and I had fun together. 

Channing got to spend time with her cousins and is always so helpful with them. 

Grayson adores Channing and they had fun playing! 

Grandma Speers got Channing a nice big bag of Takis for the weekend and she was excited about that! 

It was a short trip, but a fun little family getaway. I was happy to have Channing tag along and to be there for my nieces and nephews special events. I am grateful to have them in our lives. 

Les Miserables

For Christmas we got Ella tickets to Les Miserables who performed at the Hobby Center. She and Ragnar got to go together for a daddy/daughter date night. They went to eat at Texas Roadhouse as Ella loves rolls there and then drove downtown to the show! 

I was jealous I couldn't join them, but so happy they had a fun night together!

Ella said she loved it and cried through several parts which is saying a lot for her!! I'm glad they were able to make that memory. 

Winter Ball

Our ward hosted a Winter Ball this past weekend. The dance was for everyone in the 16+ classes. Although Cavin is not technically 16 yet, he is now in the class and they invited all the boys to ask someone. He was happy to ask and asked his friend Maddie M. Ella's friend Will L. also asked her, so I was grateful they both had someone to go with. 

Ella and her friends Aspen, Katelyn, and Madison helped paint this cool winter wonderland backdrop!

Will and Ella

Dazzling in blues!

Ella said the dance was really fun. It helps when you know so many of the people there!

This was the group of seniors! 

Cavin doesn't have his license yet since he isn't 16 quite yet, so I had the privilege of chauffeuring him and his friends around all evening :)

Cavin and Maddie looking sleak in black!

She had some pretty tall heels on, so he didn't look quite so tall ;)

The cute girls Audrey, Maddie, Hailey, and Sydney

The handsome boys Cavin, Ikeke, Joaquin, and Cody. 

Cavin was nice enough to take a picture with his mom! 

We hosted Italiano's catering at our house after pictures, then they went to the dance, and an after party at Joaquins. It was a fun, packed first date for Cavin! I hope the first of many!