The Best Kind of Busy

I remember at one time in my life thinking, "When I don't have to work anymore and I am just home with my kids, life will slow down." Now I know why every mom around me was laughing. It seems that since Max came, life has just been a whirlwind and I've never been busier.

As if parenthood in and of itself doesn't keep you busy enough, Ryan and I have both had very rewarding but very busy callings serving in the Elders Quorum and YW presidencies for over a year. Between his weekly meetings and special assignments from the bishop and my mutual activities, youth conference, and girls camp, we happily served and happily relished our 3 days a week we had to spend with each other.

About a month ago, our ward split and Ryan was called as the new EQ president of a brand new ward. We are excited for this opportunity for him to serve and while I dearly miss my calling in the YW, I am grateful for my new "Sunday only" calling as the Nusery Coordinator.

I must say I have such an appreciation for those families who have fathers and husbands serving in the bishoprics. And as much as I would like to have more evenings with my husband, I know that the Lord gives us blessings that are reserved for those who willingly sacrifice so much time for the church. Months ago, Ryan and I were both having one of those complaining moments, feeling like we were just being spread too thin. It didn't take long before we both realized we had better shut our mouths and repent, and always give thanks for the opportunities we had been given to serve.

While we are busy, it's a good busy. It's a happy busy. It's a fulfilling busy. Indeed, it's the best kind of busy.

10 years already?

Friends Forever

I had mixed feelings at first about going to my 10 year reunion. I really only have a handful of close friends from high school and luckily for me, I've had the opportunity to see most of them in the last 5 years. However, I knew that this might be the only opportunity for us all to be together in one place at one time so my very sweet husband consented that our summer vacation would be spent in in New Mexico and in Eagar, AZ (population less than 10,000).The Girls-clockwise: Me, Kacey, Trinity, Jo, Heather, Sarah Slade, Sarah Smith, middle:Savana
As Ryan grew up in Tooele, a short 45 minute drive from us, I have had the opportunity to meet many of his friends and see and hear about much of where he grew up, went to school, worked, etc. I was excited to share that with him. Trinity--my best friend & Class 0f 1998 President= organizer of 10 year reunion

Although I only spent the last year 1/2 of my high school career in AZ, it was the most influential time of my life. There is no doubt in my mind that the 6 people I called best friends in high school have helped shape who I am today and where I am today. I will forever be grateful for them.Rusty, Payne, Bryce, Lee, Kacey, Me
I think Ryan was pleasantly surprised as we approached Eagar. When I say that I graduated in AZ, I think people automatically assume it's a desert. But as we drove through the pines at 8,000 feet, he could understand why I loved it so much. Round Valley is a little secret oasis to me. My "Guy" friends: Payne, Bryce, Rusty
It was so fun to reunite with the gang, to see how we have all moved on but how we all still cherish so many memories and especially the friendships we made. I loved seeing my friends with their spouses and with their kids. We've all made it and while most of us have moved away (and some have moved back), I think it's safe to say our roots will forever be in Round Valley. My closest girls

Max loves GRAMS!

Max with his Great-Gram

As much as I wanted to live in denial, the fact that my 10 year HS reunion was held over the 4th of July weekend in Eagar, AZ was proof enough that I am indeed old, well older than I used to be. Ryan and I decided to make a vacation of sorts out of it and go to New Mexico first so that we all could spend some time with Gram.

Max on his first airplane ride

There was no way that we were going to be 4 hours from Gram and not stop in for a few days. We were so glad that we did. It was nice to have her all to ourselves for two days. Max acclimated himself very well to Gram's house and especially all her trinkets. He was in heaven with all that room to run around in. It didn't take him too long to warm up to Gram. She figured him out pretty quickly; all you have to do to be friends with Max is take him outside or take him to see a dog. Max loved throwing bread and marshmallows to Gram's dog Sadie each night. Gram of course was the perfect hostess and made her special breakfasts and burritos for Ryan and I. We were so glad that we got to spend some time visiting with Aunt Jo and with WC who had just drove in from San Diego for the 4th.

WC shows Max his "toys"

We also got to take Max to the cemetery to see Dad's grave. Although we were only there for a short time, it meant so much to me to be with extended family and to have Max get some one on one time with his great-Gram.Max & Mommy at my Dad's grave

Gram, Max, Me & W.C.

Life's a Dance

A few weeks ago, Jolea's little girl Sarah had her first dance recital. Carrie and her family came down as did my Mom and Eli. We had such a great time being together for the weekend. Jolea's new little one was blessed and we enjoyed the short few days we all had to spend time with eachother.

A Tribute to Max's Dad

Belated Fathers Day Blessings

I am so grateful for the fathers in my life. For my own father for teaching me to be respectful, the value of hard work, and to always be true to your word. He taught me that if you work hard first, you can play even harder later. I learned from his example how to take care of your things and to make them last. I miss him, his laugh, his pratical jokes, his maticulous yard, and the way he loved us.
I am grateful for a brother who set such a good example for me by serving such a good mission and then coming home and watching out for me our first years at Ricks College; his wisdom helped through some tough things.

I am grateful for bishops and home teachers who looked out for me and counseled me in my youth and my young adulthood; they gave me opportunities for growth for which I will always be grateful for.

I am grateful my father-in-law and for my brothers-in-law, on both sides. I have been so blessed to have them in my life. I will always feel indebted to my father-in-law for the things he taught his sons. He taught them how to truely serve others and how to be dependable and responsible. He taught them the gospel and what it means to honor their priesthood. He taught them how to respect women and how to treat their mother. I watch how he treats his own sweet wife and it is truely one of the greatest examples of selfless love I have ever seen.

Today, I am most grateful for my husband, Ryan--the father of our son and the best example of a dad I can think of. My mom reminds me often of just how lucky I am to have someone who hasn't ever fathered out of obligation, but out of sincere love for Max and for myself. He changed the first diaper, he takes over when he comes home from work so I can have a break, he cleans up after dinner, does bathtime, does chores, and his best parenting ablility--plays with Max every spare minute he has. Ryan has often said that when he is away from us, his thoughts are always how he can't wait to get home to us. I am so blessed and Max is so blessed. I will never have to worry about our children being raised right, being taught the gospel by their father, or having a righteous example to look up to. What a good feeling that is...I love you Ryan!

Runners High & 100 Bucks

Post Race Pic-- Me, Ryan & one very ready to get out of the stinkin' cold, Max
I've often heard others describe runners as a "different breed" or just plain "crazy". I often dismissed the remarks as I considered myself somewhat of a runner and thought, "I'm not one of those runners". Then I met the Loveless' several years ago. Then I married one and witnessed obsession first hand during their marathon training and it all started to make sense. Still I never considered myself one of those crazed obsessed runners. You wouldn't find me in sub-zero or 100+ temps getting in my miles. I have my limits.Grandpa, Grandma, & Jeff wait out the cold for the prize give-away

Saturday was another Loveless Family tradition--the Nestle 5K in Springville. Last year it was blazin' hot. This year it was about 40 degrees and raining. As we were parking in the rain, I was watching all these crazy runners warming up in the rain...for a little 5K no less! I thought to myself "these people are crazy" followed by a very quick after thought "and I am one of them." That's right. We bundled Max up in the jogger, put the rain shield on, handed him off to the grandparents (who walk with the babies every year), and Ryan and I jogged on over to the starting line with beads of rain pelting our face...at 7:30 am no doubt! I did hear voices saying over and over again "Why are you doing this when you have the comfort of a treadmill at home?" But there's just something about the race vs. a run. I guess I know why people are crazed with running and racing. It's the high that you get when you push yourself, when you train, and when you are sprinting those first 100 m with about 2000 others. I set a goal to finish around 24 minutes and did just that. Ryan, who could easily have finished 2-3 minutes faster than that, was kind enough to stay with me to help me keep pace. I love him for that.

Mark keeps Camilla warm after the race

After the race, is about 1 hour prize drawings. Before the race became so popular, someone in the family would win every year. (I believe a certain tool set we own came from the Nestle 5K prize give-away). The past three years have not been kind to the Loveless family. However, I am beginning to believe that my luck is changing...first the pots and on Saturday they called #1423 and I won $100 cash!

Max cheers for Mommy winning $100

Was getting up at 5:45 am, driving to Springville, running in the rain, shin splints, and sitting in the freezing cold waiting for a 1-in-who-knows-what-chance to win something worth the runner's high and the $100?

I suppose you can call me one of those crazy runners because I'd do it again tomorrow.

Mr. Independent

I have to admit that I have not been the best at letting Max tackle specific foods on his own. While he has been eating anything that I can tear or cut up but that still remains in solid form for months now, I've been slow to let him dig into the "messy" foods. Ryan on the other hand will take mashed potatoes straight out of the pot and plop them right onto his tray, no dish required. When we went to my mom's house for a few weekends ago, she made spaghetti and said I needed to let my little boy use his own utensils and dig in. Since it was at her house and over her floors, I conceded.

Needless to say, he loved using his own spoon and fork and ever since, he demands feeding himself, utensils required.

Memorial Weekend in Idaho

Mom & Max have fun with the horses on a very windy day
Nana & Avery
Jim gives his horses their meds
Ryan looks good hangin' on a round pen
Daddy & Max enjoy watching Jim work his horses

Father, Son & Gardening

With the rise in food prices, I am very thankful that my husband has such a love for gardening. This is the 3rd year we have planted and every year it gets a little better. Ryan's Dad always has a great garden and he must have passed on his love for it to his boys because although Ryan can't eat a lot from the garden, he sure likes to plant it and care for it. About three weekends ago he planted the entire garden with tomatoes, green beans, peas, lettuce, cucumbers, green onions, bell peppers, cantaloupe and watermelon...and I got some great pics of him continuing that father son tradition with one very interested little boy.

Just Living

The beautiful mother's day bouquet from Ryan, arranged by him

Forgive me for my lack of posting...here's a little of what has been going on. I have absolutely no good excuse for my poor blogging.

Beginning where I left off...the pots arrived the day we left for Mom's for Memorial Day weekend. They are everything I wanted them to be and more.

Memorial Day in Idaho---absolutely relaxing and wonderful. Despite the fact that it rained almost everyday we were there, we loved getting to spend some quality time with just us and Mom, Eli and Kelsey. It was great that Max didn't have to compete for his Nana's attention. He acclimated himself very well to her home and toys. We even got to spend a little time with Jim and his girls and we finally got to meet the newest additions to their family, Pace & Chance, their yearling horses.

Have been doing the gym thing for about a solid month now (even though last week was very hit and miss). 5:30 am comes stinkin early, but I'm doing it. I do one bootcamp class, and 2 muscle toning classes. The other 3 days of the week it's all about running.

Long Runs with Ryan and Max on Saturday mornings have actually become something I look forward too. We have a great trail that runs along the river. Since Ryan is in primo condition, he gets to push Max, which slows him down just enough so that I can keep his pace.

Provo River 1/2 Marathon:August 9th--it's official. I just registered. Only two months to complete my training. I didn't think it was possible to get more blisters on my toes. I'm thinking it's time for some new running shoes...again.

Max is developing quite the strong personality. He has no problem letting us know how he feels about any given thing. He communicates to us daily his strong desire to live outdoors. Perhaps I will set up his bed in the backyard. That way we both win...he gets to live outside and I can get some sleep. That's right, he still wakes up during the night and wants to come get in our bed. Not every night, but it seems to go in spurts of good and bad nights. I blame ourselves completely. I've just conceded to the fact that we've really screwed him up.

Counting down the days to my 10 year reunion trip to Arizona and New Mexico.

I WON....

I won $440 in Saunte Cookware. It's all cast iron with red enamel coating on the outside. I can't wait to get it. Thanks to all who took time to catch my 3 minutes of fame!

My Deal or No Deal Debut!

So I entered a contest a few weeks ago. Today I got a phone call letting me know that I had been selected to play Deal or No Deal on Studio 5 tomorrow at 11 am. While I realize that I won't have a shot at winning a million bucks, nor will I get to meet Howie like my good friend Spanky, who played the real game (by the way, his episode airs June 11th), I am finally realizing the blessings of being a somewhat loyal viewer of Studio 5. Ryan always thinks I am ridiculous for entering such things, which I can slightly understand because I am clearly the most unlucky person on the face of the planet. I cannot even manage to win a free 16 oz cola from a twist off cap (aren't those like 1 in 3?). However, tomorrow my luck is changing, because I am guaranteed a prize. Sadly, the one I really wanted was won today--a $1000 shopping spree to Engh Gardens. So I think I'm going for the day spa retreat. All the other really great ones were taken as well. There are only like 5 of 20 cases left. I will be playing via phone call so wish me luck!

Stairs are good for something

A Tribute to my Mothers

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."--Tenneva Jordan

My mom, and Nana to Max and 15 others

"I remember my mother's prayers, and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."--Abraham Lincoln JoAnn, the greatest mother-in-law in the world and Grandma to Max

"The future destiny of a child is always the work of its mother."--NapoleonMy adorable Gram, and Max's Great Gram

"Why did God make mothers? To teach us how to love Him. To teach us how to love."--Larissa Carrick The ultimate party thrower-Grandma J. & Max's Great Grandma J.

"The successful mother, the mother who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation, is of greater use to the community....She is more important by far than the successful statesman or businessman or artist or scientist." Theodore Roosevelt