BOSTON

This year when we went to Rhode Island to visit Steve's family, we took the train into Boston for the day. This is my fourth trip to Boston, I think. I love all the history that is there. It was especially great to share it all with the kiddos.
One of the best parts is the cemeteries. So many of the patriots that played a part in our countries birth are buried there along with those that fought to make it come about.

This is the Paul Revere statue that sits in the North End. Behind the statue is the North Church.

One of the best parts was going to Mike's Pastry in "Little Italy" for a yum-o canoli. I have NEVER had a canoli that tastes better than theirs. Highly recommend making the trip to the North End, if you are EVER in Boston.

We took the tour of the USS Constitution. Most of the upper deck was being refurbished, but we did get a tour of the lower decks, which was quite interesting.

The kids followed the "red brick road", which is the line you follow as you go along the FREEDOM TRAIL.

We ended the trail at the Bunker Hill Memorial. Unfortunately we were 15 minutes late to be able to climb to the top of the monument.

MEMORIAL DAY in EMERY COUNTY

We were lucky to spend Memorial Day in Emery County. Pop is a member of the American Legion and spent the morning going to 3 different cemeteries to render honors for the veterans. It started in the Ferron cemetery at 10:00am. Many of the people from the tow showed up to listen to the prayer that was given, watch as the Legion members shot their weapons and then listened as "Taps" was played by the bugler.
I got a little emotional. Thinking of the freedom that me and my children have and people that have helped to defend it. I know we live in such a wonderful country and I am grateful for those that have protected our country, so much so that they have given their lives in doing so.
After Ferron, we drove to the Molen and Castle Dale cemeteries were the program was repeated. The difference in cemeteries we interesting. The Ferron and Castle Dale cemeteries had been lush and green with trees and bushes. Once we got to Molen it had an entirely different look...dirt mounds with headstones, but it looked like something you would see in an old western movie. What some families had done to "decorate" their plots, they had brought out grass clippings and scattered them on the mounds to help them look green. Mom said this was something that was done quite frequently back when she was a child.
We also took a little time during the weekend to drive out to the Emery cemetery to leave flowers on the graves of our family members. It was neat to listen to mom tell me stories about the family members I was not blessed to know.
As we left the last cemetery, I turned back and look at all the flowers, flags and decorations and it took my breath away.

MY 38th BIRTHDAY ?!?!

I have ALWAYS loved my birthday...what's not to love? You are the center of attention for one day, people sing to you as they bring you an entire cake and then you open presents.

Well, this was the first year that I approached my birthday with my trepidation...HOW COULD I POSSIBLE BE 38 (almost 40)? Where has the time gone? I have a son that is going to be a Freshmen in high school...SERIOUSLY? I was JUST in HIGH SCHOOL!!! I went to a wedding last month where I was friends with the PARENTS of the groom.

I think the other realization I have had is how much my own parents DIDN'T KNOW. I remember thinking they were so old and experienced that they were making the decisions for me and brother from this vast knowledge that they had acquired as adults. I thought that once I got into my 30's suddenly I would be graced with this same knowledge...IT WAS ALL A LIE!!! I am here here to tell you, you don't receive some special "parent knowledge". I am seriously winging it as a parent. You know I am trying to make the best decisions I can, but I am still LEARNING as I go along...

So, May 30th came and we did celebrate. I attended church with my family, which is one of my favorite things to do. Then that evening Mom and Pop made me their favorite dish they had while they were in Italy...Bistecca Trestevere con Rucola (Beef steak in the Trestevere style with Arugula) and it was DELICIOUS!!! There was no birthday cake slathered with icing (due to the fact I am cutting out sugar for a year), but my mom did make me a yummy orange-cranberry bread which she stuck 2 pretty candles that look like roses.

I survived the increase of a year and after thinking about all I have accomplished in my 38 years, I am pretty happy and look forward to what the next 38 hold in store for me.

SAN RAFAEL SWELL

We went down to Ferron for Memorial Weekend. Steve brought along the canoe and decided to let the twins come along with him. The water level of the river was not as high as he hoped and there was some concern that what should be about a 5 hour float would be slightly longer. But that was not going to stop this adventuresome trio. They hit the water about 9:00 am. I went back to mom and pop's and we packed up a picnic to bring back down to "the swell" to greet them once they were done.
As we made our way to the Swinging Bridge, we stopped at the Buckhorn Panel and appreciated some of the pictographs that had been left there by the indians. I have always been fascinated by these images and would love to know exactly what inspired them. These characters that have big hands and long bodies. You can make out animals, which assumed were deer and some things that look like snakes.


After leaving the panel we ended at the campgrounds near Swinging Bridge. It was there that we unloaded the ATV and Zack and Belle took turns driving it around the area. I began to watch the time anticipating Steve and the girl's arrival. Once it was well past the 5 hour mark, we decided to break into the picnic fixings and make sure we left some for the canoers. After lunch was through I decided to give the ATV a try. I have been a little skeptic to get on the thing. I have never driven a moped, motorcycle or any other motorized vehicle, so the thought of driving that "beast" was a little scary. Once I got on, I realized it was not a beast at ALL. I even got a kick out of doing it, which meant that now Zack and Belle had to take turns with me.
Steve and the girl finally made it to the bridge at 3:00 pm (2 hours later than anticipated). They had a wonderful time in spite of the water level, but were very glad to be done and ready for some lunch. Once bellies were filled, the girlies ventured to the other side of the river to explore. They climbed up the hills looking for pretty, gem-like rocks. Once they were tired of that they would go down to the river and wade in there. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

BOWLING & INTERGRITY

Yesterday was the "Just 4 Fun" bowling league's banquet. My team and 17 others had a nice luncheon at La Caille in Sandy. At the end of the luncheon is when the awards are presented. My team took 1st place, which should have been an exciting moment, but I was really rather tense. And as Paul Harvey would say, "this is the rest of the story"

When Dayna and I started bowling 3 years ago, a fellow bowler told us that for our 1st game of the season, you should not try to bowl your VERY best game. She did not say to tank it, which we don't, just that if you start with an awesome average, it is hard to maintain or surpass it. So for the last 3 years on our 1st game, Dayna, Stacey(former teammate) and I would bowl a mediocre game. Which really wasn't too hard, since it had been 3 months since we had bowled anyway. So the thought of having our best game being in game 1 was pretty silly anyway.

Well, this season we started the same. Then game 2 came. We played a team, their name isn't important, and after having played our 3 games two of the members began to accuse us of cheating. I had a lot going on in my personal life, so quite honestly it did not phase me. I just chalked it up to "poor sportsmanship" and went on with my life. Figuring they would get over it and all would be fine. Well, my teammate Stacey, was quite angry having her integrity in question. So she went to the home of one these women and spoke to her. The woman apologized and we thought that would be it. Well fast forward 3 months, we are scheduled to play the same team and now I have a new teammate, Suzanne, who has heard that the opposing team has pre-bowled because they did not want to play us. I tried not to let this bother me again. I was a little disappointed because I was somewhat friendly, previously, with this woman and that she would "judge" me and not even discuss it with me was very bothersome. So after that January game, I began to pay attention to the ladies on that team. They were so cold to us; no smiles or hellos. They were still angry. I was floored, but I continued to play through the season. Well, we played them one final time about 4 weeks ago and they were just as cold and immature. Not making eye contact, no small talk and I got angry. Seriously, it was bothering me.

Which leads us to the night before the banquet. I was laying in bed, unable to sleep. The thought of going to the banquet and those ladies being there was really bothering me. Who had they told in the league that they felt we were cheaters...how would they react when it was announced that we had won...what would they be whispering as we opened our envelope. Then I found myself wondering, "...did we cheat?" Their behavior this season had made me question my OWN integrity. What if we had, without knowing it. So after the banquet had concluded, I pulled aside one of the ladies that sits on our league's board and told her what we had done and asked if she felt what had done was cheating. She said no. She also said that someone had accused a member of her team of doing the same thing last year. This meant a lot to me. I don't go bowling on Mondays to win (although I will admit it is pretty neat). Of course I want to do well, but I am there for the girlfriend therapy and my large diet coke. I went to bed last night secure with the fact that we had not done anything wrong. I can look those women in the eyes and know that I have not done anything wrong. So the biggest prize for me after the banquet was a confirmation of my integrity and that is PRICELESS.

OGDEN HALF MARATHON

Woke up at 3:45am. Steve and the kids were sound asleep as I dressed for the race. I applied my "13.1" temporary tattoo to my arm, braided my hair, used the foot powder that would help prevent blisters, made sure I had my bagel and Powerade and was out the doors of the Marriott by 4:30am and on my way to be loaded on the buses that would take me and the other 2300 Half Marathoners to the start line. That is when you really begin questioning your sanity. The bus just keeps going and going up the mountain and you keep thinking, "that should be 13 miles...shouldn't it?" The bus finally stops and we file off the buses and feel the crisp air. Luckily there are barrels that have fires lit in them. We all gather around and try to stay warm for the next hour and a half until we begin the race. Some people are chatting about past races, PRs, and injuries they have had. Some, like myself is eating a light breakfast while downing some powerade or water and thinking about what the race had in store for us. About 40 minutes before the race the lines at the port-a-potties begins to form and people begin to shed layers of clothing and dropping their gear bags off to be driven to the finish line. Time to wander over to the start line. I don't line up anywhere near the front. I walk/jog and try to stay out of the way of the REAL runners. So I am more towards the back of the crowd. People around me are stretching and it is now that the excitement of what we are about to accomplish can be felt in the air. At 7:00 am the crowd of people lurch forward and then slowly make our way toward the official starting point. As I cross the timing mat, I press start on my Garmin watch and begin my wa-og of 13.1 miles and hopeful that I will better my time from last year.
The first 4 miles I am feeling pretty good. I want to be doing 14-15 minute miles. I am on track. It is beautiful as I am wa-ogging. At about mile 2 I strip the knit gloves off and drop them to the side of the road for someone to collect and donate to DI, but my hands have warmed up and it is silly to carry them along with me. I am still in the "slower" pack of people. I jog ahead of a woman with the green shirt and then slow down to a brisk walk. Within minutes she is jogging past me and I watch her slow down to a walk. Aww....someone I can pace myself with. We both seem to know this and we continue the "dance" of alternating leads for 4 miles. It is then that I pull off to a port-a-potty and when I come out she is gone. This is when the race began to take a negative turn. Something just started not to feel right. I stop at each water station, have a drink of water and visit the port-a-potty(I know TMI)I'll just leave it at that. Put each stop is adding minutes to my time and no ground is being covered. I am watching my goal of crossing the finish line quicker than last year slipping through my fingers. I am trying to remain positive, "...at least I will finish...remember to run your own race...just doing it is important..."

After mile 10 you are officially out of Ogden Canyon and there is a HUGE group of people to cheer on racers. This feels so good. Kind of the boost ya need to help you go those 3 more miles. I thought it might be enough, along with the messages that have been left by other runner's families, to push me to the end . But shortly after I completed mile 11 I can feel my body aching. Every step brings a new pain along with the discomfort I have been feeling throughout the canyon. I pass by a bench and for a breif moment think, "I should stop and sit there....Steve would come and look for me everntually..." But I don't. I pass by the bench and will my legs to keep going. It is then that my "KNIGHT in SHINING ARMOR' came out of no where. There was Steve who had walked up the trail to walk along with me for the last 2 miles. I was so grateful to see him. I explained to him the troubles I had and my frustrations with knowing I would not attain my goal. He told me I was still making good time considering all the stops I had to make. I know he talked to me as we walked on the trail, but unfortunately I can't tell you what he said. I was focused on finishing. Then we came around the corner onto the street that would lead me to the finishline. That is when Steve left me. He ran ahead to take pictures of me finishing. This, in my opinion, is the longest mile in ANY race. When you can see the finish line, yet it doesn't seem to be getting any closer. I am focused on the music playing on my nano...it is then that Miley Cyrus's THE CLIMB comes on. I know, way corny, but seriously I needed it. I was feeling so defeated that I had not made my goal, but then I hear Miley singing,

"I can almost see it

That dream I'm dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head sayin,

You'll never reach it,

Every step I'm taking,

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking but I

Got to keep trying

Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain

I'm always going to want to make it move

Always going to be an uphill battle,

Sometimes you going to have to lose,

Ain't about how fast I get there,

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb"

I totally began crying. Not a pretty tear dropping down my cheek, but the full on blubber with the ugly look on my face. I began to run, as much as my legs would let me, until they lead me over the finishline. And as I crossed they announced, "...Nikki Weber just finished..." over the loudspeaker. I get my medal for completeing the race. And that quick it is over. My official time 3:39:26. Definitely not my best time, but I DID IT and I FINISHED!!!

ZACK'S DAY

Zack's morning began with a breakfast at school. Steve and I came along and he received an award for being STUDENT of the MONTH. As I said in a previous post, he has really worked hard to figure out how to maneuver life with his Asperger. He has worked so hard to maintain his straight A's and of course Steve and I have been so impressed of his hard work, but it was neat to see the school recognize his hard work and what an all around good person he is. We had to say a few words about him, and in typical Nikki fashion, I got choked up as I spoke about Zack and how proud I am of him. The principal told us that there are over 1500 students (7-9 grades) at the middle school. And every month 2 boys and 2 girls from each grade are chosen from a list that teachers have nominated.

Then Zack's day ended with the school SPRING CONCERT. Zack performed 3 pieces with the Concert band. He even had the opportunity to introduce the song, "Lest We Forget" which was being dedicated to those who serve our country. Then he took a small break as another group of band students performed and then returned to perform with the Jazz band. He told us later the funnest part of the concert was the music he got to play with the Jazz Band and in particular, "Dawnwood Blues". I am so glad he is enjoying playing the oboe. He is looking forward to playing with the Symphonic Band next year as a 9th grader and also joining the Bingham High School Marching band

BELLE'S SOFTBALL

This year Belle is playing 12 and under softball. It is been fun to watch this year,but many of the rules have changed. She has had a couple of chances to pitch this spring. She is still struggling a little to get her strikes, but I love her spirit to keep trying. She is one of the smallest players on the team, so much so that her coach has taken to calling her, "TINY". Initially she was a little frustrated that he called her Tiny, but I think she has realized that he is calling her that because he likes her.

JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

Zack was inducted into the Junior Honor Society this year. He has managed to maintain straight A's this year and decided to apply. We are so proud of all his hard work. All I could think as I sat and watched the ceremony was how far my son has come. During 6th grade, when his Asperger that was not yet diagnosed started to be a challenge in class, I watched as my son felt so defeated when it came to school work. His grades had slipped and he had lost all confidence in himself and his abilities. Flash forward 2 years, he has managed straight A's for the last 2 years in middle school, some of his classes he has over 100 %, he has learned how to prioritize his time and to control his impulses that are a part of his AS. I know all the parents that sat in their room were proud of their child's accomplishments, but I felt something more. My son has battle himself and it appears as won.

The best part was seeing this smile. He was proud of himself and what he accomplished. That night he was my HERO.

TIFFINY'S BREAST FRIENDS

Belle, Katie, Becky and I walked with some other friends from our wad in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. We walk in support of my friend Tiffiny who is a survivor.

SCRAP & PLAY

Gotta love a weekend away with girlfriends. A few months ago Suzanne, Dayna, Tammie and I signed up for Scrap & Play that was being hosted by Creating Keepsakes Magazine at the Marriott in Provo. This was a whole new event. I had attended CKUs, but this promised to be a little more low key. There were a few projects that we would be working on and then we would have lots of cropping time. Teresa Collins came on Friday evening (shortly after her grandson was born) to instruct us in making a book about home. I love, love, love her style. She spent a little bit of the time with us sharing the 1st pictures of her beautiful grandson. We scrapped into the early morning and then retired to our room for a few hours of sleep. It was here at 2:30 am that Tammie decided this would be a great time to have a pillow fight or run out for ice cream. Unfortunately for Tammie, the rest of her roomies were too tired to indulge her. Saturday morning we dressed, grabbed a bagel or muffin and wet back to scrapping. The Scrap & Play staff hung around until about 5:00 pm. It was then that they left us all in the banquet room with no music, or games or anything until we were done at midnight. Although the projects and attention for the first half of the event were wonderful, CK once again lived up to my low expectations. I can't imagine inviting friends for a crop and then leaving them in my basement with no music and food. Truly the most important part of the weekend was spending time with friends.

SALT LAKE MARATHON

This was my first time running in the Salt Lake City Half Marathon. Steve has run the Full course a couple of times and it was the 5K that I first tried any sort of race. This year I thought I would give the half a try. We got a ride to the start in our friend's motor home. Which made it very convenient for last minute potties before the race. Steve and the other "real" runners took their place toward the front of the pack, while I headed to the back of the line where I would feel more at home. I was a little nervous to be ll alone, but once I crossed the start line, I really got into the fact that I could o at my own pace. No worries about how fast the person with me was running or the fear of going too slow and embarrassing myself. It was my race, my run and I would do it MY way.
I enjoyed the course, more than I thought I would. I did not have my best time, but I had thought it would take me 3:45 to complete the whole thing I was done in 3:25. So that was an accomplishment, for me. And even better was that I felt GREAT. I did have a few blisters on my feet, which I was actually a little proud of and wore like metals of honor. The Salt Lake Half is definitely a race I would like to try again.

BOYS and THEIR TOYS

Since Steve got his truck, 3 years ago, he has wanted to get a trailer to tow behind it. We have gone to the RV shows and walked through them and picked up the brochures, but just couldn't bring ourselves to actually buy one. Well, we began to plan a trip to Yosemite and thought it might be cool to rent an RV and drive it there and sleep in it rather than doing the tent thing. I LOVED the idea. So one day we went to the rental agency and inquired how much it would be to rent one for 4 days and go all the way to California...$2000!!! SERIOUSLY!!! I was a little disappointed, it seemed like such a fun way to do the vacation. As we drove out of the parking lot I noticed an RV dealership next door and thought maybe we should stop there and see if they rent. Unfortunately they didn't but the salesman said he had a used one that had just been traded in. We went and checked it out...it was in great shape and they made us a deal. And that is how we bought a trailer when we went out to rent one for a trip. I have to be completely honest...I think I am as excited as Steve. It is not a HUGE trailer, we actually did not one a great big one. We wanted one that Steve could use in the late fall and early spring to help with his cabin fever, but still be able to use with the whole family. It has beds for 4...I know we have 6 in our family, but we kind of figure that on most of our family trips the kids are gonna want to sleep in the tent anyway.

I also love the thought of having a warm place to go, but by far the best part is having a potty. That was a must if we bought a trailer.

Steve and Zack have already taken it out on an over-nighter and everything seemed to work fine. I am so glad and look forward to more trips and memory making with my family.