Discipline and Commitment

About 6 months ago, a bunch of us pledged to get into shape enough to run the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon held this past weekend. We had big plans that included making team t-shirts.

I had visions of us all crossing the finish line together - arms linked - while "Rocky" music played on the loud speaker. In my dream there would be tears of joy and a chorus of cheers "JODI! JODI! JODI!" as mobs swarmed to congratulate me.

Anyhoo - the big day came and guess how many of us ran the half?

Just my bro.









Since my new goal is to not beat myself up too badly, I will just say that I will try again next year.

My brother stuck to his goal and DID IT!

(Sorry Bro, you're going to HATE this - but I'm going to brag on you for a minute.)

Brian started slowly working out last January. He wrote a hilarious post on my blog about making a lifestyle change (click here to read it). He thought he was overweight (I never thought so) and wanted to live his life with commitment and discipline.

He started going to a gym. Then he joined a running group. He ran a 5k and a 10k. All of this was in preparation for the Bryce Canyon Half Marathon.

I should say here that Brian HATES running. It has never been something that he enjoyed - which is all the more reason why he is so inspiring.

He also travels frequently with his job but still found time to fit exercise in.



Me and my bro at the finish line.








Brian's not much for praise and attention. He quietly goes through life accomplishing goals (he just purchased his first home this month) and pushing himself to succeed. I got emotional watching him run to the finish line. Sorry Rocky wasn't playing. It would have been playing if it was up to me!

Thanks Brian for being an inspiration to me. You always have been. You are absolutely incredible. Word to your mother. Peace out.

Traveling with girls

Why teenage girls are so fun to travel with!


They are so flippin' funny!

They will pose for me.

"Jodi's Angels"







They accept my "Dare" challenges and eat gross food combinations.













Another gross food "double dog dare".













EVERYTHING is funny to them.













It's interesting to see what pictures they'll take when they get the camera.










They love animals.












They can eat ANYTHING and never gain a pound.














They love to make me laugh!











**Photos above posted by permission.

What happens when Todd has a camera...

Pictures my dear husband took this weekend...

Elora - my idol

My cute and talented girl sang her heart out last night at our city's "Idol" competition! You should hear this girl sing! Wow.

I could never do this. Never ever ever! I'd rather have my toenails removed than sing in public.

She didn't make the final cut but she gave vocal coaches and previous winners that were in the competition a run for their money.

The judges told her she has a soothing voice, nice vocal tones and an innate musical sense. They told her they loved that she was enjoying herself!










She is seriously a sweetheart! GREAT JOB ELORA!! As always, I'm so very proud of you.

For Aunt Connie...

Aunt Connie - I found your kindred spirit! Click here to read Shaila's blog about her clocks. I thought of you.

My wonderful Aunt Connie has 1,410 clocks in her home. She and my Uncle Monte hate Daylight Savings Time!

I thought I had a picture of Aunt Connie and wanted to post it - but I can't find one in my collection. Darn! She would have been mad at me anyway. (hee hee).

Can't wait to see you and Uncle Monte this weekend - there will be some fun game-playing action!

Boredom

What do you do when you have a house full of bored people?


Who have eaten all the ice cream...







And played all the songs on guitar hero...











And visited all the sites on the internet (except the bad ones)...



You take them on a road trip!!



Remember to pack all of your favorite well-used games....

And hiking shoes...




And grab bags full of entertaining goodies...

(This tradition was started when they were little - but now they still want them!).





And you hope they have a wonderful time enjoying God's country - without all of the gadgets my teenagers can't seem to live without!

Have a wonderful and safe weekend everyone! Blog with you soon!

Jane Austen update

Remember my post where I actually admitted to having never seen a movie nor read a book written by Jane Austen?

Well, Elora and I stayed up late and watched Pride and Prejudice the other night. It's the version with Keira Knightly (that was the only version available from where I rented it). I loved it! In all sincerity, I was asking myself what had taken me so long to get caught up in the Jane Austen Fever that a lot people have. Now I get it.

I loved Mr. Darcy - reminds me of my main man!

My plans now are to watch the other versions of P & P before I start into Sense and Sensibility. Thanks for all of your excellent suggestions.

Here are my other plans....