mCat's response to Middle Aged Mormon Man's 12 Tips for a Better Marriage

Middle Aged Mormon Man wrote a great post today titled 12 tips for a Better Marriage - for Men (Level 1).  

Before we go any further, you need to click THIS LINK and read it.  Go ahead, I'll wait for you to come back.

It was good right??

 I think it was straight up stellar information for husbands.  Of course, as in every marriage, what works for one, doesn't mean it's going to work for another, but he really listed some good basic (Level 1) tips.  

As I read through them, I was thinking  - but what about wives?  If marriage is an equal partnership, then women should also have some tips to help them.

So being the bestest kind of  friend that I am, I decided to help our good brother out and provide the "other side of the story".

Without further ado, I present:

12 Tips for a Better Marriage - For Women (Level 1)

1.  If you've always wanted to have your side of the bed warmed up before you get in, then by all means speak up.  Suggest that while you are washing your face and brushing your teeth, your husband could simply lay on your side under the covers and yes, he can control the remote to his hearts content if you have a TV in your bedroom, so that when you are ready to climb in, your spot is sufficiently warmed.  Think also, his lingering scent will be there and who doesn't love to feel all wrapped up in your man all night?  Now, on the other hand, if you don't like that and prefer cool sheets to slip into, then make your preferences known and ASK him if he likes warmed sheets.  If he does, well, I don't need to spell it out for you.  Take care of his side of the bed and think of it as a win-win.  You get cool sheets twice, he gets warmed sheets.  Nobody suffers here.

2.  Men and boys like to drink from the carton.  It's just part of their nature.  Consider his/hers separate cartons and then he can do whatever disgusting thing he wants with his and you can still pour from yours knowing that not a speck of backwash is going to come flying out.  If his/hers cartons are not feasible, make it a habit to never watch your man drink.  Ever.  Turn your head, leave the room, avert your eyes and go to your happy place in your mind.  This is not a battle you want to pick.

3.  When your husband calls or sends a text to say he's leaving and is on his way home from work, respond with enthusiasm but since you aren't really face to face, go ahead and let loose with an eye roll.  You'll feel better and he'll never know.  Then add another 20 minutes to the ETA he's given you knowing that he legitimately is trying to leave the office, but because he is so good at what he does, and is highly regarded at his employment that he is certain to be detained.  Consider it a compliment to your husband and therefore that transcends to you and the kids.

4.  Decide exactly what household chores you will do and which ones he will do.  It's nice if husbands can throw in a load of laundry, or load the dishwasher but remember, that if he is willing to do those things for you, you should in turn be willing to mow the lawn, empty the trash, take the cans to the curb (in the middle of a polar vortex) and put them away (in the still raging polar vortex), change the oil and have to talk to the direct tv man without wanting to claw his eyes out.  Is this what you want?  If so, more power to you.  In all reality - this is a really personal and individual decision that couples should make early on in their marriage.  Splenda Daddy and I have a very solid deal that has served us well for nigh unto 30 years.  I never have to change the oil in the car.  Ever.  I wash people's underwear.  Fair trade.

5.  Encourage pictures.  Family pictures.  Silly pictures.  Random, candid pictures.  Please don't tell yourself that you don't want to be in the photo because you're carrying more weight than you would like.  Don't always volunteer to be taking the pictures so you can avoid having to see yourself and unleash the self criticism that is inevitable.  Your family needs reminders of you.  They need to see pictures.  Your smile, your goofy faces, your silly antics, even the posed formal family photos.  They are important to your children and to your husband.  Lose the attitude of "we'll get pictures when I lose those last 15 pounds"  Tell yourself the pictures aren't ABOUT you, they are FOR your family.  Your husband and kids don't see you the way you see yourself.  I promise.

6.  If you like physical affection, then instigate it on occasion.  Don't wait for your husband to "make the moves"  Grab his hand as you walk, hold his arm.  Simply touch him.  There is power in the human touch and your husband needs it as much as you do.  As for opening car doors, discuss whether or not you like it, want it, or are comfortable ditching that chivalrous act.  It's not really an act of chivalry unless both parties enjoy it.

7.  As much as your man might think he's an NBA star during church basketball, we all know those same skills don't necessarily translate to dunking his socks in the hamper.  So what?  They're socks for crying out loud.  Instead, as you bend over to pick them up, tighten up your core and glutes and consider it a chance for a little body work.  You can change the grumblings from his dirty clothes strewn around to thankfulness for him allowing you to get a little bit of a work out it.  Bonus - you can work on your toe dexterity by practicing picking them up with your toes.

8.   Use the inspired-by-God pause button as often as needed.

(yes I copied and pasted that from MMM's blog - it applies just the same over here)

9.  Just as you do daily scripture and prayer, add to your personal time of repeating the ever important mantra "If it's important to him, it's important to me"  Repeat it over and over and over again until it becomes ingrained.

10.  Sometimes when you get angry, you might see a smile sneak across his face.  Maybe he'll even laugh or giggle.  TAKE IT AS A COMPLIMENT!  Consider that he's smiling because you are adorable when you get mad.  Or, he's so embarrassed by his wrong act that all he can do is laugh out of sheer nervousness.  Either way, don't hold it against the poor man.  They often can't control themselves as well as we can.  Take it as a compliment.

11.  If you're married to a man that loves sports, you have a choice to make.  Ask him to limit his sporting schedule, or embrace the sport, learn everything you can about it, and make it something that you do together.  The first winter Splenda Daddy and I were married, I discovered that he liked NFL football. *GASP*  I could not for the life of me understand why he would want to spend the entire day watching football and not paying attention to me!  There was a Sunday or two that I left the house in a huff.  It didn't take me long to figure out that it was something he really enjoyed, it helped him decompress after stressful work weeks and it was unfair of me to take that pleasure away from him.  Instead I decided to devote myself to learning the game, choosing a team and watching with him.  Our fondest memories of our early marriage days are Sundays spent in bed, watching football, and eating a frozen pizza ( a treat on our poor finances).  My attitude adjustment made all the difference in the world and since then, when there are things important to me, Splenda Daddy makes the effort to learn about it and engage in it with me whenever possible.

12.  The bathroom.  There just isn't much you can do there.  Men have crappy aim.  And even those that do have some decent aim - there are......dribbles.  Leave a can of clorox wipes on the back of the toilet so he can easily do a quick wipe down.  Some Febreeze spray (works better than any other commercial product) or at the very minimum, a box of matches.  Having those readily accessible will remind him to use them.  If he forgets, simply avoid that bathroom for awhile.  Again, not a battle worth fighting.  And guaranteed, you're no rose smelling cable layer either.

Bonus tip:  When he is deep in sleep and snoring so loudly that you can't sleep yourself, just lean over and whisper in his ear "My wife is the best thing that ever happened to me"   Repeat it over and over and over again.

And that's it kids.  The first 12 step program in hopefully a series of tips designed to help us as wives to be the kind of spouse WE would want to be married to.  

PS - if you have any hateful comments that you feel inclined to leave because you disagree with me, go leave them on Middle Aged Mormon Man's blog.  He's anonymous and can take the heat.  Me?  I'm just lil 'ole mCat who thought it would be fun to offer another perspective.

Goals not Resolutions for 2014

Oh man is Facebook flooded with everyone's New Year resolutions and goals.  Personally, I prefer the word goals, because resolution in my mind seems so final.  And I don't believe anything is final.  I'm constantly a work in progress, so for me - goals seems the best fitting word.

My first goal to get started on is (drumroll please)......

To be a little more outgoing.  Less of a wallflower.  More willing to engage in meaningful debate over topics that are important to all of society.  I tend to keep my thoughts to myself and instead, I need to speak up and let my voice be heard!

First topic of the year for debate:

Skittles recently swapped out the flavor of their green skittles from lime to green apple.  Lifesavers also did the same thing.  Is it just me or is lime is getting the short stick (except for those who like a dirty diet coke)?  Is this a good thing or a bad?  What repercussions could this have on future generations?

Discuss........

Annual Christmas Card - 2013 - mCat style

A couple of years ago, I realized that I just don't have it in me to do Christmas cards.  I absolutely LOVE getting them and they go right on my fridge and hang all through the holiday season.  I love seeing everyone's family's and hearing of their adventures through the year.

But me actually SENDING some?  Yeah. Not gonna happen.  I just can't do it.  I know.....fail.  Whatev's.

So I decided to just create one on the computer and post it on the blog for EVERYONE!  Saves postage, saves me from tracking down addresses and most importantly, I don't forget anyone.  Some might call that impersonal, I call it efficient and since I know I am sincere, it's just as heartfelt.


If you're curious to see the past years editions click 2012 and then 2011...you can see how much OUR family has changed as well.

So...........(imagine a drumroll...).........

I had to get fancy this year and actually use the text feature to get all our names in.  I know, I know, it just doesn't look as crafty and misses that special touch, but hey, I can only do what I can do.

So our 2012 wrap up?

Splenda Daddy got a very nice promotion and is now a director.  I wish I could tell you which department, but if I did, then I would have to kill you.  He is uber busy and works more hours than a person should, but he likes what he does.  The commute is taking a toll, so we expect to look for housing closer to Utah County in 2014.

mCat is still running.  I hate talking in the third person, so let's just say, I had a killer personal year in the race department.  Posted a couple of course PR's.  And most importantly QUALIFIED FOR BOSTON!  Yeah.  Flights, hotel and registration are all confirmed.  We'll be heading to beantown in April of 2014.  I'm still working at Wasatch Running and loving every minute of it.  I never have to say, "I have to go to work", it's more a  "I get to go to work!"  

Corbin was able to take advantage of the government cutbacks (courtesy of the Obummer) and was granted a change in his USMC contract.  As of December 2nd, he was honorably discharged from active duty.  He now serves as an inactive reserves Marine, so.... after 3 different duty stations, some rank promotions and several leadership awards, his active duty career has come to an end.  He also got the privilege of serving as an assistant to his Ward mission leader and was honored to baptize a fellow Marine a week or two before he left.  

Karalee maintained a stellar job at being an awesome mother to Chloee.  The last few months have been stressful while waiting word on what would happen with Corbin and the Corp, but now they are home in Utah.  She was offered a job the second day they were home and she is happily working full time, while Corb now takes on the stay at home Dad role for a short period of time.  She is loving being back to work and more than anything loving being back home in Utah.  Alone out in Cali was hard for her, and I love and respect her so much for her sacrifice.  She also had the chance to serve in the Young Women's organization.  She is perfect there!

Chloee is just as adorable as ever!  HELLO!!  Can this girl get any cuter?  Or smarter?  Or sweeter?  She's the complete package this one.  Early into her school year at first grade, the school administrator approached Corb and Kar about moving her to the second grade.  She is wicked smart and ready to move forward.  Knowing that a school change was inevitable anyway, they decided to let her have a stable classroom circumstance for now.  Needless to say, she is flourishing.  Such a great reader, but more importantly, she has the sweetest personality.  She is now going to school here in Utah and so far, thriving!

Luke found the love of his life in late 2012 and in April of this year married our newest daughter-in-love Mindy.  I know I have posted about it so if you want to go back and read, feel free.  He is beyond happy.  They have a townhome in Saratoga Springs and he recently received a promotion as well.  He is a manager at Thrive and is doing very well there as well as some internet businesses he has.  They got Ally ( an older rescue) a few months ago, and he's loving his life.  He and Mindy are Nursery Leaders and to hear their stories on Sunday's are just hysterical!

Mindy has been such a blessing and asset to our family!  She just completes our little infinity loop of my children.  I feel blessed to have such wonderful women married to my sons.  She worked most of the year in the OR as a tech, and recently fulfilled her dream of working in heart and lung surgery.  This girl goes after something and works until she can achieve it!  The summer brought some health issues, and with Luke getting his promotion, they've made a wise decision to have her resign and stay home.  She'll work on her health and for now is really a blessing to Corbin and Karalee since they are staying in their home.  She works part time at a bakery out in Daybreak and spends her time working on the internet businesses and  serving other people.

Preston had a big year too.  He left Macey's grocery store and now is a Merchandiser for Swire Coca-Cola (yes, he's my new diet coke pimp).  He works long hours but makes great money.  I am so proud of  his work ethic.  Kid straight up amazes me.  Most importantly, he became a daddy in September and my biggest joy is in watching him with his daughter.  He is clearly smitten and over the moon about her and it shows in his every move.  Nothing warms a momma's heart more than to see her children become great parents.  They moved into an apartment in Sandy and thankfully, aren't too far from home.

Montana became a MOTHER!!  Yes!  And what a fantastic mother she is!  I watched her struggle with pregnancy (some early labor, hospital stays, nausea, fatigue), but handle it like a champ.  I don't think I ever heard her complain once!  She continues to work at Village Baker as a manager and even though she is only working part time, she is doing enough to give her a little break now and again and get out of the house.  And while I am glad they have their own place now, I will admit, I get lonely for her sometimes.

Addy joined the family September 26, 2012.  Addysen Sophia Catmull.  What a freakin DOLL!  She arrived safely, and in good health. She's chunking up nicely and is cooing and smiling.  So fun!  It's been a kick to pull all the baby stuff upstairs and remember when Chlo was that little.  Addy looks so much like her Momma, but on occasion she'll pull an expression that looks like Preston.  She's a beautiful combination and we couldn't be happier to have her in our family!

So that's it kids.  That's us in a nutshell for 2013.   A lot of happy, happy, happy blessings came our way.  Sometimes I get a little nervous wondering when the next big challenge will come since we all know life is expected to be hard and challenging.  For now, I'm gonna enjoy the good year and recognize that we've been blessed beyond anything we could imagine.

Here's to looking forward to 2014

And MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Pre Thanksgiving post - or in my case the real deal

I've posted before about our changing Thanksgiving tradition and well lookie here, I've changed it up again!

Now with all three boys married, instead of heading to the local Golden Corral, and hoping that some of them might join us, and put pressure on them for the whole "alternate every other year thing", I wanted to be selfish and unselfish at the same time.   It's hard on married couples, especially young ones to please both sets of parents.  And yet, both parents want to have their kids home for holidays. But, I just didn't feel like I could add to this for my own kids. Or even add to the stress of the other parents, who are my friends!

Instead we have now deemed the Sunday prior as OUR family Thanksgiving dinner.  Just the nuclear group.  Me, the Splenda, each boy and spouse and their children.  Of course we couldn't have Corb, Kar and Chloee this year, but knowing that they will be home next week is enough.  The rest of us gathered anyway.

One of my biggest pet peeves about cooking Thanksgiving at home is it always seems like it's just another Sunday dinner. Nothing special about it except for a change in the menu.  Instead of a typical roast, we do turkey.  Seems like such a hassle for a few minutes around the table chatting just like we do every other Sunday.  Whereas, if we hit the Golden Corral, that is different.  We NEVER go there except on Thanksgiving.  I was skeptical about changing things up and although I jumped on board, I didn't really think it would be anything special.

Splenda Daddy made sure to make it different.

We cooked the usual turkey, potatoes, gravy, yams, stuffing (Thanks Grandpa Jon), jello, corn, rolls and pumpkin dessert.  But instead, I used matching dishes (laugh if you will, it's reality kids), fancy goblets, nice serving bowls (instead of just dishing straight out of the cooking pans), napkins and a full set of cutlery.  

I know RIGHT?!?!  Go me!

After loading plates, Splenda asked everyone to go around the table and talk about what they were thankful for.  I realize that this is probably a very standard thing for most families to do, but for us, our usual dinner table banter is filled with jokes, snark, a mention of poop or two and good natured teasing.  Getting serious and thankful isn't our usual MO.

Can I just tell you how in awe I was of my kids?  Every last one of them, set aside their usual silly selves and got real.  The level of genuine and authenticity in the room was overwhelming.  Each of my sons expressed gratitude for their wives, their families, their faith, their parents, and for each other.  My sons have a unique and special relationship between the three of them.  I love it.

As I listened to my daughter-in-love's express their love and thankfulness for their husbands, the hard work and ability to provide for them and their families, for being a part OUR family, and for their health and happiness, my heart started pounding and the little salty discharge that leaks from my eyes occasionally, started to pool up.

It then was Splenda's turn.  He tried to make me go first so he could go last, but we all know how that argument would end up.  Him doing the right thing and going first.

I listened to my cute husband talk about how much he loved his God, his testimony, his children (all of them), his grand girls, and now I was afraid I wasn't even going to be able to choke out words.  Seriously.  I was pretty much done for.

And then.  There they are.  All looking at me and waiting for me to speak.  How can I possibly follow all that?  Everything I felt was already expressed and looking at them, was like looking into a mirror.  Only I feel like the reflection back to me was much better than what I was putting out.

I choked out some feelings, leaked from my eyes and then in true mCat form, cracked a joke of some sort and made everyone start eating.

Food was good.

Conversation was better.

Spirit felt was best.

I think I really like this new tradition.  Come Thursday?  Splenda Daddy and I will go run a 5k, and then maybe come home and take a nap.  Maybe a movie.  Maybe clean the house.  Maybe go visit some family without pressure of what time to be there, and what to bring for a meal.  Maybe nothing.  

At any rate, we will be stress free.  Our kids will be stress free.  It will truly be a Thankful day for just 'being'. 

The viral Facebook game and my answers

Anyone on Facebook has seen this game making the rounds, and the rounds, and the ROUNDS.  Someone gives you a number and then you have to list that many things about you that people might not know.

And I will admit, I love reading stuff that I didn't know about some of my friends.  There has been some pretty cool stuff put out there.  Of course, simply by "liking" a few of them, I was assigned a number and sucked into the play.  
Being the contrary person I am sometimes, I decided to play with a twist.
Below is my post:

So this whole numbers game thingie that seems to be puking itself all over facebook.....

I admit to enjoying reading new things about my friends, but feel such pressure to play when I really don't think I have anything unknown about me. 

So I'm giving it a twist. I was assigned the number 9. I'm listing 9 things about me. Two of them are lies. Guess which ones.

1. Everyone called me Missy as a little girl.
2. I ran XC in high school.
3. My dad died when I was 14 and it sucked.
4. Splenda Daddy and I met on a blind date.
5. I have the weirdest food aversions known to man.
6. I often think I'm fat
7. Splenda Daddy and I have matching tattoos that we got when we were first married, young and stupid.
8. I cannot picture my life without a dog in it.
9. I bottle fed baby kittens when their mother abandoned them at birth.

Have fun! (or not - you can think it's dumb, 'sokay)

Ask me how FUN it's been to see the guesses!  Holy smokes!  Things that I thought were obvious lies, people believed, and things that are true, others have thought were impossible to believe.  So rather than just post the two lies, I thought I'd make a post out of it, and expound on each one.

1.  Everyone called me Missy as a little girl - TRUE.  When I moved to a completely different high school my sophomore year of school, I decided that I no longer liked Missy and wanted to be a little more "sophisticated" with Melissa.  At this point in my life, I get called both (even though mCat is the most common) and I don't mind any of them.  I actually kind of like Missy now.

2.  I ran XC in high school - FALSE.  Nope.  Not even THOUGHT about running track, or team anything.  I ran on my own because I liked to run.  I wasn't consistent and had no idea what I was doing, but I do remember the feeling I had when I would get back to the house ready to vomit from fatigue.  And I liked it.

3.  My dad died when I was 14.  And it sucked - TRUE.  That would probably require a whole post itself, and I'm not in the mood, but yes it's true.  He was only 36.  Ask me how hard THAT birthday was for me?  And as any child who experiences the loss of a parent while they are young, the grieving process is life long  There are key, pivotal times in your life that you really, REALLY wish your missing parent was there.  So in a sense, it still sucks.

4.  Splenda Daddy and I met on a blind date - TRUE.  In fact, if anyone searched my blog, they would find a post about it.  I was scared of him, and smitten all at the same time.  It's been 30 years and I'm no longer scared, just smitten.

5.  I have the weirdest food aversions known to man - TRUE.  This was an obvio one.  And unless you really want to be confused, don't ask.  Just....... I have some serious food aversions.

6.  I often think I'm fat - TRUE.  And before anyone start formulating any kind of comment to deflect that, remember this - no matter what size a person is, there are always some body image hang ups.  Considering that I once weighed over 165 pounds, I often still see the fat girl in the mirror.  No matter what anyone says.  And that's a battle that many women face daily.

7.  Splenda Daddy and I have matching tattoos that we got when we were first married, young and stupid - FALSE.  I'm not a fan of large elaborate tat's, but I've made no secret that I would have one if I didn't have my particular belief system about my body.  But know this, if the prophet of my church came out and said a small one on my right ankle in the form of an infinity symbol was okay, I would be ALL OVER IT.

8.  I cannot picture my life without a dog in it - TRUE.  I actually don't ever remember a period of my life that I didn't have at least one dog.  I love them. Most every breed, and yes I grieve when they pass away, but then I'm ready for a new one.  They are members of my family. 

9.  I bottle fed baby kittens when their mother abandoned them at birth - TRUE.  Gotcha on this one!  Everyone knows my dislike of cats so how on earth would I be caught actually attempting to keep some alive?  I was 15, we had a cat who gave birth under my bed and then disappeared.  After some sad crying and freaking out, we were given some instructions from a vet on what and how to feed them and I proceeded to do my very best.  One by one, they died.  Usually right while I was holding them.  Traumatizing really.  I suppose that's why I detest cats now.  

So.  Now you know.  It was fun adding the little twist and seeing what people thought was either true or false. And please, I beg of you, if I "like" your status on your own list, don't assign me a number.  I'm all played out over here.

St George Marathon 2013 - the one where my legs felt like lead, but I still pulled off a course PR

Oh my beloved St George Marathon.  The one I love so very, very much!

This was my 4th year and while I missed a super important commitment back up in Northern Utah on the same day, at least I had a great experience AGAIN with this event.

Becca and I headed down Thursday night in preparation for the expo Friday.

Of course, a nice easy run was in order Friday morning.  Nothing long or hard, just enough to stretch out the legs and enjoy the sunshine.

The Expo is one of my favorite parts of the weekend.  I love the energy of all the runners and vendors.  D, Becca and M, and I had a great time chatting with people, talking running, the course and I had a sweet visit with some fb/irl friends!

(Doug, me and Monique)

I was able to sneak away early, grabbed some dinner and crashed back at the hotel.  I laid out all my race gear and then climbed in bed to attempt as much sleep as possible.

Gosh that alarm goes off early.  Race day is ALWAYS early!  I quietly got ready (so as not to wake up Sleeping Beauty Becca), and made my way down to the lobby to catch a ride in the shuttle to the start line.

As I got to the buses, I started texting a friend trying to connect up at the start line.  We never made it on the same bus, but eventually found one another at the fires.

Love me the fires.

The start line was cold this year.  Colder than it has ever been in my experience down there.  I was grateful for my tights, blankie, gloves and the direct source of heat from the fire.  That's the one advantage of taking one of the first buses.  I also love to just listen to others talking, feel the energy, think over the course and try to start some positive talk in my head.  This particular morning was especially relaxing.  No pressure.  I had already qualified for Boston, so that monkey was off my back.  I really didn't set any expectations for myself other than to post something respectable.

Soon enough, we made our way over to the trucks and I hucked my drop bag in.  Somewhere, in the chaos of the porta potties, bag drop off and trying to find the 3:45 pacer, I missed the national anthem.  At this point, runners were moving forward and we were off.

Hit my Garmin right at the start pad and then tried to find a pace amongst all the runners.  It's usually pretty crowded at the start and that's okay.  Lot's of weaving around and trying to find an open space.  Again, since I had no specific goal or expectation, I was okay with some jostling.

The first 3-4 miles were pretty cold.  I actually ran with my space blanket wrapped around me, my gloves and my long sleeve 3/4 zip top.   It wasn't until about mile 5 or 6 that I ditched the space blanket.  Another half mile, I ditched the top and by the time I was ready to climb Vejo hill, I wiped my nose one last time and then ditched the gloves.

The dreaded Vejo hill.  I've run this now 4 years in a row and every year I am confident that I remember what I'm in for, and every year I realize that I am not.

Seriously.   My legs felt like lead.  Back at mile 5 they were sluggish, but now.....lead.  I kept thinking "what the crap is wrong with me?"  Thinking that once I crested the hill, they would come back to life.

Nope.  Slogging, slogging, slogging........  I started looking forward to every aid station so that I could use that as an excuse to walk through.  I took my time fueling, and drinking, and.........slogging.

As I started down Snow Canyon, a familiar shirt passed by.  I recognized a runner from the store's training group so I caught up and said hello.  Clearly, I wasn't gonna be keeping pace with him for long, so wished him well and on I slogged.

At this point now, it was just make it to the next aid station.  My legs are hurting, they feel like they weigh 100 pounds each and all I really want to do is jump into the sag wagon and go home.  This is where it all becomes a mental game.

You know the game in which your body is saying "ENOUGH ALREADY" but your mind keeps saying "but if you quit, that's another DNF.  That sucks more than anything.  Do you really want that next to your name?  How about making it to the next aid station and then seeing how you feel?"

This was the game for the rest of the course.  Each aid station, I would walk through, get some fuel, drink some liquids, have someone rub either bengay, or bio freeze on my right hip and IT band.  After stalling as long as I could, then I'd pick up the shuffle again and start the talk all over for the next two miles until the next aid station.

I love when we come downhill into town.  The crowds ALWAYS give me a boost!  By now, the temperature was absolutely perfect, the sun was out, hundreds of people cheering and lots of motivational signs.  Now is the time to let all the positive vibes outweigh the negative that your body thinks it needs to spew forth.

I remembered the section where they pass out popsicles.  Oh, how I wanted a popsicle.  Not because I was hot, but I wanted the sugar.  And YES!  They did not disappoint.  Got my beloved treat and then talked myself into making it to the next landmark.  The cold wet cloths.  In past years, when it's been blazing hot, those cold wet rags are lifesavers.  This year, I was grateful for them to be able to wipe off the sticky from my hands.  It was refreshing, and just enough to carry me to the last block and the final turn.

I had long given up looking at my Garmin since my strategy had been to go from aid station to aid station.  As I turned and headed towards the finish line, I began hoping that I had at least done some kind of respectable time.  I had no expectation of doing anything better.

As the crowds thickened and the chute narrowed, I was somehow able to pick up my pace ever so slightly.  I love finding some juice at the very, very end.  Next thing I know I hear, "HEY MCAT!!!"  I turn and see my friend Doug waving and cheering me on!  Okay.  That was all I needed for the last few feet!

I sprinted in and looked at the clock.  Wha??  I looked down at my Garmin.  What in the world?!?!

4:17 ??   My best time for this course.  Huh.

Holy freakin smokes!!  For feeling like utter crap for 21 miles of the 26.2 - I had actually pulled off my fastest time for that course!  Well lookie at that!  NGL - big smile on my face.  Happiness and every ache and pain magically disappeared replaced by the high only a runner at the end of a hard race can understand.

I grabbed a bottled water, walked through the runner's area and made my way over to WRC's Grand Slam tent.  Becca, D and M were there handing out Grand Slam medals.  I ditched my shoes and socks, and put on my flip flops and wrapped in my blankie that Becca had brought with her for me.  I stretched, relived my race and basked in what can only be described and happy, happy wonderment.

I checked my official results on their mobile app (matched my Garmin), grabbed my race shirt, retrieved my bag and then searched the discarded clothing piles to see if I could find my long sleeve 3/4 zip.

By noon or so, Becca and I were gassing up the car, getting some food and hitting the road for the drive home.  Thankfully, she was driving and I could just relax, stretch and close my eyes now and again.

Love having another STG marathon in the books.  I love this event.  I love the organizers, the expo, the course, the runners and the support of the community.  I also saw one of my new favorite signs: "Great job perfect stranger!"  How awesome is that?  One stranger cheering on, encouraging, and happy for another stranger.

You know what?  At races I never see signs like: "You suck" or  "Go idiot go!" or "What in the world were you thinking dumba**?"  Yet, every day we say or think those things of others.  Huh.  Something to consider.

Thanks to Becca, my WRC family, my supportive friends and family for another wonderful experience!

*yeah, I know I don't have very many pictures this year.....it just kinda got by me but if you REALLY want, you can read about my previous experiences

2010

2011 

2012

The longest labor + the fastest delivery = A Very Happy Family

I don't know which felt longer to me, my pregnancy with Corbin or Montana's with Addy.  Holy Smokes!  From week 31 when she had contractions, began to dilate, completely efface, spend a week in the hospital and then weeks after on bed rest it seemed that we bounced from fear of Addysen coming too soon to frustration that she would never come!

Let me start off by saying that seriously, Montana is the best pregnant mother I've ever seen.  I think her chill attitude is what has set the whole tone of a smooth entrance and start of a beautiful life for her daughter.

After weeks of bedrest while dilated to a three and fully effaced, medication and a few times of being sent back home from the hospital, the kids weren't expecting a whole lot when they went to a regularly scheduled OB appointment. After the doc checked Montana she looked at her oddly and said, "I don't understand how you're here and not downstairs in labor and delivery"  Seems that she was now dilated to a 6 and while her contractions hadn't much changed since previously, it was enough to be considered active labor.

a minor contraction just for documentation sake

They each called their moms as they headed downstairs and assigned to a room. Jace was already at my house from a sleepover anyway so no worries about him.  We gathered and literally within a short period of time, she had pitocin started, her water broken and an epidural placed.  Next thing we know, the nurses are doing another check, telling us that they are ready to push and letting us get our last hugs in before we headed down the hall to anxiously wait.

right before pushing - how do they look so calm?

Only a few minutes passed before we heard the nurse come out and page the doc letting her know that she needed to hurry and that she was ready to go.

Literally 6 pushes later (and having to stop pushing to wait for doc) beautiful, sweet, perfect, little Addysen Sophia Catmull made her grand entrance!  She took to her mama right away, so we continued to wait out in the waiting room for about an hour while the sweet little family bonded and spent special time all alone.  Just as it should be!

To express my emotions when first seeing them would be impossible.  There is literally nothing quite compared to seeing your child become a parent.  The wonder in their eyes and the love overwhelm them is palpable.  I remembered how Corbin looked after Chloee was born and Preston was no less in love with his own daughter.

And Montana?  Holy smokes!  Glowing, feeling good, looking even better and I just sat amazed at how they just breezed through the whole thing.

Look at her look at her Momma?  Precious!

First time mom's are kept for 48 hours here and they were smart to let Addy go to the nursery at nighttime so they could sleep.  The timing couldn't have been any better with it being on Preston's already schedule days off.  Really?  Perfection.  The whole thing reeked of perfection!

love me a thumbsucker!

Preston is a very "hands on" Daddy.  Love to see him so engaged and involved

At a little over two weeks old now, things are cruising right along.  Her check up's have all gone well.  A little jaundice but nothing no other newborn doesn't have.  She is nursing well, and loves to just be held.  She is honestly so sweet and calm, I'm just amazed all the time. I really credit the kids for that.  Both Montana and Preston are pretty chill people.  Calm, relaxed and easy going.  Clearly, it translates to their daughter and their little family just couldn't be any cuter!  I love seeing what great parents they are!  My little baby boy now a daddy himself.  My little Montana who was my beehive in Young Women's now the mother of my granddaughter!  Icing on the cake is being able to share in this experience with my friend Dana.  Our kids love each other and make a wonderful family.  It's fun to share baby moments together and to see her be a grandma for the first time.

If she's hungry enough, she'll even suck her Daddy's face :)

gas bubble smiles are so fun!

Life is beautiful.
Life is good.
And this Mimi feels pretty darn blessed.

Welcome Addy  - I L Y P I!