S.C.U.M.

What is S.C.U.M. you ask? It is the name of the coolest Dirty Dash team. What does it stand for? Someone's Coming Up Muddy. That is a pretty mild description of how we really were after the race. I had mud under every toe nail, dried into every wrinkle on my skin, and could practically taste it in my mouth. Did I have a good time you wonder? ABSOLUTELY! Who wouldn't have a good time running 3 miles while hurdling over hay bales, running tires, climbing over walls, crawling through tunnels, and wading through a pool, all in the mud while being sprayed with cold water? Good times indeed.

My friend Whit and I before the race:

Part of our team after the race. I should have gotten a picture of my skin to show how truly dirty I was. I felt like an elephant with dry, old skin!

That day created quite a few lasting memories. And I will always remember how much I loved my hot shower when I got home!

Lucky Number Seven

Seven years ago this Saturday Steve and I got married. I thought it would be fun to share my favorite pictures from each of the last seven years.

On our wedding day June 4, 2004. To say we were excited was a total understatement! I don't know if many people know this, but we both said we knew we would get married after our first date. CRAZY!!!

During the first year, we were most happy just to be together. Whether it was hiking, camping, doing dishes, or studying in the Engineering buildings on campus, we just loved being together.

Our second year brought graduation from BYU, moving to Boise, getting to know a new city, and a new job. One of my favorite things about Steve is his love of exploring...despite my occasional protest!

In 2007, our third year of marriage, we had the greatest change ever...Tyler! I am pretty sure that Steve kept me sane during those first few weeks with a newborn. Tyler made us a family!

In 2008, we were still enjoying Tyler, Boise and our home. But we left Boise to return to law school and start a new adventure together.

Our fifth year of marriage brought another bundle of joy. Hannah joined our family. Steve and I really learned that we make a great team. We have an unspoken language between us. When we are trying to get somewhere with the two kids, he knows his job and I know mine. Somehow we get out the door on time and with everything we need.

In 2010, Steve and I realized we have to make time for ourselves our else we'd go crazy. These two beautiful kids brought us closer together, yet at the same time they take all of our time. We have loved looking forward to at least one date a month.

That brings us to 2011. This is our seventh year. It is going to be a lucky (blessed) year for us. First we went to Hawaii. Next came graduation, a move, and a job in Salt Lake.

And who know what else this year will bring? I guess that is the best thing about marriage, you never quite know what will come next, but you are blessed to know you will face it with your best friend. Happy Anniversary sweetie!

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu

Well folks, our time in Provo has about 48 hours left. I'm pretty darn excited. Don't get me wrong, I will miss a few things. Obviously, I will miss the people that we have become friends with. Friends make life worthwhile! What will I miss about Provo, besides great friends? Two restaurants in particular. First we have Bombay House. The best Indian food. It really is the best. My mouth is actually salivating as I write this. The second is called La Dolce Vita. It is simply the best Italian food I have found. Maybe I should have eaten breakfast before this post! YUM.

Before leaving Provo, we also had to have Tyler's preschool graduation. I have to admit it seems sort of silly to have a graduation (especially because he still has another year of preschool.) However, I was not prepared for how cute Tyler would look singing all his songs with the actions. I couldn't have been more proud...except maybe if he hadn't tried to climb his teacher's tree in the middle of a song. He must be his father's son! Tyler really loved preschool this year. It was quite entertaining to see him learn new songs, make new friends, develop his coloring skills (he told me that his teacher hung his picture upside down...I think only he could tell) and begin reading.

It is sort of sad leaving what has been our home for the past three years. We had many milestones in our town home! We started and ended law school here, brought home our sweet baby girl , and watched Tyler grow up. While I am sad to leave our "home", I am incredibly excited to see what our next home will be like, and the people we will meet. So, thank you Provo for the good times and watch out world, here come the Pulleys!

All in a day's work

Do you ever have days where you just sit back and do nothing? Me neither. I dream about having those days! Life never stops and neither do the "chores." You know, the daily grind that has to be done. I swear, I am just trying to stay caught up. It seems especially crazy with us getting ready to move in 11 days. Right now, a given day will consist of the following:

Surprisingly, I get up at 4:55 a.m. to work out. It is early, but at least I have two hours to myself.

Almost falling through the attic, and busting up my shin trying to bring a desk down. OUCH! That picture doesn't do the bruise justice. Don't worry, Tyler made that face of his own accord...which brings me to my next daily task.

Keeping up with, feeding, and cleaning up after two energetic, sweet, mischievous, funny, loud and lovable kids. Yes, that is Hannah hiding in her closet. It is her spot of choice lately.

Laundry. I have barely put away the last load of clean stuff, and I already have at least another load formed. How does it multiply?

Packing boxes. Steve and I try to spend at least one hour a night packing. After every night we realize how much more packing we have! Can you find Tyler?

Trying to find a few minutes of the day with my honey. Just over a week ago, we actually got a babysitter so we could go to the grocery store and then go for a run together. Unfortunately, my face always gets that red while running. Oh, well. I love you Steve!


And the list goes on. I am actually amazed at how much you can accomplish in one day. It sort of feels good to look back on your day and see how much you've done. Don't get me wrong, I hope to see a day, in the not too distant future, where I can sit back and relax for a bit. As for now, we will keep on keepin' on!

A firm believer

I am another year older, as of yesterday. I would like to be able to say I am wiser too...we'll see! I don't really mind getting older each year. Maybe I will change my tune when I turn 50 or something. As for now, I am pretty darn happy with my life. I firmly believe in celebrating your "birth week." Why limit the fun to just one day? Well, I had a pretty great birth week.

It started off by attending BYU Women's Conference with my mom and sister. While I'm not the kind of person to get all sappy about "bonding as women", it is uplifting to attend classes that strengthen me as a wife, mother and daughter of God. We try to attend every few years, and I always love the time I get to spend with Kristin and my mom.

We also celebrated finally being able to put Hannah's hair in pigtails. Now if only she would keep her bows in! Notice the only way we could get a picture of her was to literally corner her. Wiggly girl! I can't complain though, she officially loves nursery after only two weeks.

On my birthday I was able to have a combined family party with Steve. Now that we are parents, it is a good thing we have a lot of helpers to get our presents open! Among the loot were a month's worth of date nights with babysitting by my mom, a seriously awesome handmade purse by my sister, a Kindle from my honey, and a lot of texts and well-wishes. Funny story: I told Tyler I wanted him to listen all day for my birthday. He looked at me and said, "For my birthday, I just want a present." Little does he know that obedient children is the best gift of all!

(isn't this purse the cutest ever!?!)

To finish my birth week celebrations, I had a great lunch today with my husband. We tried to ignore the kids and focus on each other! If only it were that simple. Now it is back to being a responsible mommy again. Speaking of which, I need to go change the laundry;)