It's a Major Award!

Yes, I am quoting "A Christmas Story," and No, it's not a leg lamp. But, in my opinion, it's even BETTER: finding out you actually won something in your age category. Hey, I'll take any accolade--I am not fussy!

Ever since I sewed these cute bonnets for Pioneer Trek, I have been trying to talk my girls into running a Pioneer Day running event while wearing them. Until this year I have had no takers until my always-up-for-a-fun-adventure neighbor, Leann, said that she would join me. We signed up for Bountiful's Handcart Days Half Marathon/5k run last week, and this morning we headed down at 6 a.m. to join the ranks of 5k runners. I think a 5k is even harder than a 1/2 marathon because of the insane pace. The overall winner had a 5:40 pace and came in a tich over 17 minutes! Leann pulled out ahead right from the start and finished with a very nice 23:25 time. I started off with a great pace, but noticed that with each mile I was a little slower. I came in @ a respectable 27 minutes and some change, but it was still enough to earn a 2nd place...booya! (notice the cute handcart shaped award)

Running skirts are cute and sassy, and they look really good with our bonnets!

(Leann pointed out that we were very immodest pioneers--we're showing just a little too much ankle for propriety's sake)

Another daughter joins the ranks...

It was with great pride that I took another daughter down to DeBoer's and introduced her Dennis.

"Dennis," I said when we breezed into his shop, "This is my daughter, Madi, and she wants to start running. Can you find a good shoe for her?"

Dennis asked her to take off her shoes, and to stand and walk for him. He gazed thoughtfully at her feet and asked us to wait a minute while he went into his magic storeroom. He came out with several pairs of running shoes, and then the fun began. As Madi tried on the different shoes, she slowly eliminated each until she found THE PAIR:

Mizuno Wave Nexus 4

Here's to a great relationship. Everyone needs a pair of running shoes that they feel utter and complete love for. I know that with each new pair I get I fall in love all over again. I can't wait to go running with Madi (although she is a lot faster than I am). I am hoping that she will want to join me and Kelsey on running a marathon some day.

Once you start...

I saw this new kid on the chocolate chip block:

I am not one to be unfriendly to a new face, so I had to introduce myself. As I read the "body language" of this new chip, I just knew that it would perfectly compliment my butter, oatmeal, Mexican vanilla and coconut that I had at home. I brought it into my house and started right in on Madi, the Mordue Cookie Maker Extraordinaire: "Madi, do you remember when I bought you that cute _____last weekend? Will you please, please, please make these ingredients into a batch of amazing delectable treats for me and your daddy?" I had a vision in mind, and I could taste the blended flavors mixed together in perfect harmony.

Madi out did herself:

We ate one, and then another, and then...well, you get the idea. So fulfilling. These cookies left us...contented.