They blinded me with science!

It is no secret that I have been running a lot lately. But what is a secret to some is that I have been having horrible knee pain. I used to run 10 miles and feel great. Lately, I can barely go 3 or 4 before my knee gives out. I finally had it checked out today. It is better to have it treated now as opposed to permanent damage later.

After heat blankets, electrode shock therapy, an ultrasound, deep tissue massage, stretches, ice and tape, I officially have Chondromalacia Patella. "Runner's knee" is quite common, especially in young healthy athletic women. So the solution? Physical therapy and....no running for a while. I think I might die! At least we know what it is and can treat it. I am still relatively sure I will be able to do the half marathon in April. I will think positive. I think I can. I think I can!

How we beat the cold

So it is freezing here in Utah. Actually, it is well below freezing. This is a picture of the inside of Tyler's window yesterday morning. Yes, that is ice. I even had a blanket up to keep the cold out!

So how do the Pulleys stay warm? Warm baths and winter hats. Hannah wanted to keep her hat on (don't worry, the heat was turned up, but she still wanted it on!) And I know I am totally biased, but Hannah should be a Baby Gap model. I know, biased.

While I love being all snuggly with my two little loves, I am itching for Spring!

Now you "see" me

For some reason I feel like I haven't posted about us in a while. January has been quite a busy month so far. Here's a little update for each of us.

Steve- He assured me I'd see him more his last year of school. So far, that isn't true. He has been incredibly busy with school finishing up a 30+ page paper, IP Moot Court competition (which he won and is going to regionals in California), and reading for class each day. Work has also kept him busy. He works two days a week in Salt Lake. Last week he didn't come home until 3:15 in the morning. I'm sure proud of him.

Tyler- Tyler is energetic. I'm not sure what else to say. He's been testing my patience lately. I hope it is just a phase. I can tell he is exhausted each night when he goes to bed. As for the picture below, he was totally sleeping that way! However, he snuggled with me this morning. He has a good soul . Tyler is loving pre-school and Sunbeams. He is starting to sound out words on signs. It is wonderful to see him succeed.

Hannah- This girl is my saving grace sometimes. She gives me snuggles, kisses, and back rubs. She is starting to say more words like star, sock, and shoe. She can see almost any animal and tell you what sound it makes. Our favorites are her lizard and fish. Hannah loves to play games, look at books, open any drawer she can find, and follow Tyler around. Her personality is emerging and it is happy with a hint of spunk! She has started giving dirty looks to us when she isn't satisfied. We mostly laugh and try to get her to give them more!

Erin- I'm just trying to stay on top of things. I'm not going to lie, "single" parenthood has had its moments. Thankfully I have help from family and from above. I find sanity in playing volleyball each week. I am also loving running right now. My longest is 9.4 miles. I am getting quite excited for the half marathon in April. I'm seeing that I am worth investing time in myself and I can do hard things (not limited to running). Even though they test my limits, my family is the most important thing to me.

So that is the Pulley's life in a nutshell. I hope each of you have a great day!

Maybe he'll be okay

I often pray that Tyler will grow up right despite my many imperfections. Tonight, he demonstrated that he is listening and remembering some of the things I say. I got a call from my Dad tonight telling me that my Grandma Thurgood had passed away. She was wonderful. I hope to be just like her as a Grandma. Bernice Flitton Thurgood played a lively harmonica, always sent me a birthday card with a personalized poem, kept moving and cheerful despite being a widow for over 13 years, told some great jokes, and made you feel so loved. I saw her on Christmas morning and she was as warm and happy as ever.

Of course I was sad and crying over the news of her passing. Tyler saw me crying and said, "Mom, because of Heavenly Father and his angels, she will live. Don't be sad. You can be happy." You are right Tyler. Thank you.

Here is my Grandma Thurgood with Tyler and Hannah shortly after their births. I sure loved her. She was the good that came from the Thurgood family!

Ending and Beginning

Happy 2011! It is going to take me a few weeks to get used to saying and writing 2011. I look forward to this year. It is going to be a big year for the Pulley family. We are running a half marathon in April, Steve will graduate, we will move in May, he'll take the BAR in July and start work in August. There is a lot to look forward to!

The end of 2010 was Merry and Happy. With so much family, food, games, food, laser tag, food, talking and food, how could it not be wonderful? It was great to take some time and reflect on the blessings and accomplishments of the year. One of my goals this past year was to not eat after 8 p.m. That is when the "munchies" attack. I stuck to it and feel great. I'm going to do it again this year. I also made it to the temple each month and went on at least one date with Steve each month. I like New Year's Resolutions because they help me re-prioritize my life. Anyway....

Our Christmas was splendid. Here it is in a nutshell.

Hannah
I was surprised, but Hannah actually understood the concept of opening the wrapping paper to see what was inside the box. She loved eating yummy treats and was trying to take it all in. Of course, she got plumb tuckered out by lunchtime on Christmas. She was very excited for her new toothbrush, her sock monkey, and animal crackers. She is a blessing!

Tyler
This year was the first year he really got excited about the Santa and presents. Tyler was thrilled with his Mag Formers magnets, Tic Tacs in his stocking, and his Buzz Lightyear suit. He LOVED all of the time with his cousins, and went to bed exhausted each night. Tyler is my energetic, smart guy. I love him!

Family
Steve and I loved him being done with finals. It was so nice to play and not worry about what he was supposed to be studying for. One evening we got some babysitters for the little ones, and all ten of my family went laser tagging for the night. There is nothing like 3 1/2 hours of laser tag to make you love your family more! Family is everything!