Is it okay? + WEEKENDING Highlights (and a lowlight)

(Pants, shirt, bra, earwarmer, sunglasses, shoes)

On Friday night, I had a few different offers for fun/long/hard/adventurous runs to go to on Saturday morning.  I kept trying to tell myself just to set my alarm and get myself out there to do one of them because it is exactly what I used to do ALL of the time.  I couldn’t convince myself.  There is a time and a season where that stuff sounds fun, but then other times where running easy at 10 am sounds like the best idea ever… and also times where other hobbies and passions take the lead in our lives over running.  Andrew and I were questioning how in the world we trained for ultras a few years ago in the middle of winter… but at the time, it was fun and exciting!

No need to force it… Running is my hobby, and I’m guessing it is the off-season for many of us, so give your body/mind that off-season it deserves, and I will too.

When you are running along, and the wind blows some of the snow off the branch, it lands on your neck and slides quickly down your back… it’s winter in Utah!

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That sun was heavenly and makes all of the difference in how you feel during a run.

It was 20 degrees, but because the sun was out, I just needed one layer.  Twenty degrees in the dark = five layers for me.

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The weekend was a busy one.

We had the nutcracker to attend.

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The girls first requested that we go for pasta.  We all ordered spaghetti at La Dolce Vida.

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And then we went to the theater.  This was Skye’s first time coming with us, and she did incredible.  We weren’t sure how things would go, but she barely blinked and wanted more when it finished.

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These three went to In-N-Out and the bike/sporting goods store while we were gone.

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And then we met everyone at the gymnastics gym afterward.  My St. George brother was in town for the weekend, so all of the cousins got together here:

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Next stop—> out for pizza at Fat Daddy’s Pizzeria.  We have been hooked on this place lately.  Below pizzas were not ours… we are a cheese/pepperoni family and have zero adventurous desires for anything added on top.

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We wanted to take my brother here because we knew he would go crazy for the shakes.

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On Sunday we had everyone over for breakfast and then they joined us for church.

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After church, my friend Kelsey and her family had us over to eat.  I met Kelsey in college and we have been friends ever since.  We had the best time with them.

She made amazing alfredo with chicken/asparagus/peas and these homemade breadsticks were heavenly.

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Skye was in heaven sipping an Italian Cream Soda with her meal.

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This couple has completed so many amazing races and Kelsey will be running her first Boston in April!

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And some sad news… Beck can no longer get his tubes today (because of them now not being able to fit him in) but we are hoping and praying that it will happen this week still… he was hurting again yesterday.

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Toppings on pizza or keep it simple?

Where are your race medals?

Any plays/shows that you go to each year during this time?

A debate in our family right now, please fill in the blank from the song Rudolph:

You’ll go down in history, like _______________!

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54 comments

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Such a fun weekend!! All that yummy food is making me hungry haha.
Poor Beck, hope they can get him in soon. I had chronic ear infections when I was little, I didn’t get tubes but got my tonsils out when I was 4 and it helped a lot. It’s so painful, I am really sensitive to cold, etc so I feel for Beck.

I was looking at the NF boots you recently shared, reviews say to size up as they run small? What do you think – did you size up a half or full size?
Have a wonderful day

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Seriously, we had a lot of good food this weekend ha! Now back to boring food that I have to make myself today;). Oh wow, you had to have your tonsils out!! I am so so sorry you’ve had to go through all of that. I would go up a half size! I actually have them in my normal size but half size up would make it so that I could wear thicker socks with them. Let me know what you think of them and I hope your day is a wonderful one. Thanks Ashlea!

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Good morning Janae! I am so sorry to hear about the delay for Beck, poor little guy! Fingers crossed it happens soon. I cannot believe the size of that shake, does your brother go into a sugar induced haze or does everyone partake?
Toppings on pizza-jalapenos and cheese if it is purchased for delivery. If am making it then green olives are the star. Bring on all the salt!
I have half of my medals hanging in my office (little daily reminder to move my butt) and the rest I had given to my nephew years ago when he was little and loved wearing them around.
I used to go to NYC for shows every year during the holidays but with all the messiness back there right now I am going to pass this year and watch all the holiday movies saved in my Prime watchlist.
I had to laugh on this one, as I had to sing the whole song to determine what my answer would be. Isn’t it wild how these tunes flow out of your brain somewhere? I honestly can’t remember the last time I sang the song, yet there it was. For me, the answer is “George Washington” :-) Will be curious how your poll ends up on this one!
Have a great day!

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Hahaha I think he would have gone into that haze if he ate it all himself! Many of us shared with him! Jalepenos… Andrew would LOVE that combo. Okay, I loved reading that you gave medals to your nephew when he was little for him to wear around. You are an amazing example. It is looking like most people say, ‘George Washington’ but I was taught Columbus! Thanks friend, you too!

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Oh noooooooo Beck I hope they get you in soon. You’ll feel so much better.

Um that pizza place looks amazing. Just the pizza looks great and then the milkshakes? Sign me up.

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I was literally thinking that the next time you come to Utah for work, this pizza spot is where I will be taking you! Thanks, friend! Hope your Monday is a great one!

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Aw poor Beck! I hope they can fit him in soon, crossing my fingers for you all.

I definitely prefer simple pizzas but every once in a while I like to explore. There’s one place in Philly that has a Nashville hot chicken pizza and WOW. When you come to Philly I will happily introduce you to this place because the food is delicious and it’s super cute inside too.

So cookie baking update since I know you’re on the edge of your seat ;) I did my tried and true recipe but made it with gluten free 1 for 1 flour and some vegan butter to make them gluten and dairy free for my friend. They don’t taste exactly the same but they’re pretty close. So if you want some please come get them since I still have a ton even after giving a bunch away lol.

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Thank you, Maureen! We were so so excited to get him in today! Okay, I will take your opinion seriously with this pizza if we come out… it sounds like Andrew’s dream pizza too. I HAVE been on the edge of my seat. I need those cookies and that recipe. Hope your day is a beautiful one!

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Here’s the recipes:

5.5 cups of flour, 1.5 cups of sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder. Sift together. Cut in 1.5 cups of softened butter. In a measuring cup or small bowl whisk together 3 eggs, 6 tablespoons of milk and 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Start with a fork and then use your hands to mix together. If necessary add in a little more milk to bring together. Put the dough into two balls then wrap and put in the fridge for minimum 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 and once preheated, roll out the dough to cut into shapes and bake 8-10 minutes. To ice I just mix together powdered sugar and milk to make an easy icing and you can die it whatever color with food coloring.

Personally I do 8 minutes but I prefer a chewy cookie. I always do a small tray as my tester for the first one just to make sure. Also be prepared for a LOT of cookies. We made about 90 with this haha

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YOU ARE THE BEST!! I have to try this. Thanks so much for sharing and the more cookies, the better!

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Like George Washington! I’m in Florida so maybe there could be something to your east coast/west coast thong. Please please please send me snow!!! I would give anything to not live in florida.

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Give me all the pizza toppings! But sometimes a simple sausage pizza really hits the spot. And we sing it “You’ll go down in a history, like George Washington!”

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I’m not sure why we were taught ‘like Columbus’ because it seems like everyone else was taught ‘George Washington’! Hope your day is a great one and you get the perfect pizza soon. Thanks Corrinne!

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Oh poor Beck!!! I really hope they can get him in this week!
Looks like such a fun weekend!
We definitely like toppings on pizza, but I can be very picky. We currently have been liking buffalo chicken pizzas and pizza with chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes… But every so often, just a pepperoni pizza is perfect.
We had a fun family weekend too. We all got to see my brother-in-law’s new mountain house in Lake Arrowhead, and it is amazing! Then we all went back down the mountain to Redlands, where my in-laws live, and saw The Canadian Brass play their holiday concert. It was really good, and just a really great day spent with family. The weekend was busy and fun, but I couldn’t squeeze in my long run. But that is ok!
Hoping Beck is doing ok! Have a good Monday Janae ?

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Thank you Wendy! I don’t think he can handle another week of this pain! Okay, I think I could very much love that buffalo chicken pizza. That sounds really good. Oh my goodness your weekend sounds like it was perfect! I’ve been to Lake Arrowhead and it is incredible. Yes, it’s that time of year where running is kind of coming last and that is okay! Thanks friend, you too!

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The song ends with” like George Washington! “

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We were taught like ‘Columbus’ and when my brother-in-law said ‘like George Washington’ we were all shocked that there was a different variation hahah. Hope your Monday is off to a great start!

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I’m with you on the pizza toppings- I like to keep it very simple. This weekend I got to go an opening party for a new pizza shop/cocktail bar and they let us sample all of their pizzas- all of the plain ones were by far my favorite! All the toppings just make it soggy..yuck.

Curious what other people will say for Rudolph because I only know one version- GEORGE WASHINGTON!!

Happy Monday! Have a great week :)

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Oh I bet that was a blast… I want to go to a pizza opening party! Yep, toppings add so much soggyness. I think you just made me realize why I just like cheese. Thank you for clearing that up! I had only known like Columbus until my brother-in-law said George Washington and I felt shocked that there was any other version. Thanks Gretchen, you too!

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I’m surprised by all the George Washington answers! I have never heard that version. I grew up saying “like Columbus” but occasionally I’d hear “like Charlie Brown.” ? BUT I just asked my 7 year old and he said George Washington, haha! Now I’m wondering where I was when apparently everyone else was taught that version!

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That’s what I was taught but I think I love the Charlie Brown version most now ha. I’m wondering if this is an east coast, west coast thing?!? Hahah thanks for sharing Gina and I hope your day is a beautiful one!

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Aww I’m so sorry Beck can’t get his tubes today :( fingers crossed for another opening!!

I thought the line was he’ll go down in history like George Washington!

I’m simple with pizza too. Occasionally I’ll try a pizza with a ton of toppings, but plain cheese or pepperoni is the usual!

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That’s what my brother-in-law says, we were taught ‘like Columbus.’ SO weird haha. Thank you so much, really hoping that he gets in this week too! Hope you get some cheese pizza soon. Happy Monday Mariah and I hope you were able to get all of your homework done this weekend!

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You’ll go down in history, like football.
I have no idea why that’s the ending I’ve heard growing up. I’m from Oregon, so maybe it’s a regional thing.
Poor baby Beck! This all must be so hard on him, and of course you as well! You both are in my prayers!
You all look like you had such a great weekend. Reading this makes me so excited for all the fun Christmas things that I’ll get to do with my little boy in years to come. He’s 6 months old now, so this Christmas for him is really all about twinkle lights and crumpling wrapping paper.

P.S. You gotta try slices of fresh tomato on pizza. I know it sounds redundant, but it’s a game changer.

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Like football… okay, I have never heard that one but I’m liking it ha. It’s your first Christmas with your little man, this makes me so happy! Seriously, doing these traditions with them is the absolute best… I’m excited for you! Okay, I actually fulllllllly agree with you that fresh tomato is the best on pizza. It just has to be a really good tomato. I hope your Monday is a wonderful one, Courtney!

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I’m sorry to hear about little Beck’s ears. Hoping they can fit him in soon!
Me and the kids like mushrooms on our pizza, and that’s about it. My husband is more adventurous, and actually makes really good pizza at home.
I keep my medals and Boston jackets in my closet. I should put them out, but it’s one of those things I haven’t gotten around to. I recently took my medals out of the closet to show my boys. My oldest was amazed — “you won all these races, mommy?” No, kid, I didn’t , but I’ll let you believe I did ;)
Growing up, I always ended that bit of Rudolph with “George Washington”
Have a good day, Janae!

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Thank you Stacey, we are waiting so patiently for a phone call! We need to learn how to make a really good pizza at home like your husband. Oh I loved reading about what your oldest said about your medals, he sounds so so sweet!
That’s what my brother-in-law was taught but we were taught Columbus?!
Thanks Stacey, you too!

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Well my husband would agree with all the George Washington answers but I always grew up singing Like Lincoln! and I think it fits better ;)

My favorite pizza is pepperoni black olives and green peppers. Yum. But I will eat most any pizza, love to try them all!

We had a Nutcracker tradition for a while, but haven’t returned yet since COVID. We once went to a local dance school production in Lexington, KY where the smoke machine overdid it during the battle scene and you could hardly see anything – it much have been over 10 years ago and we still make references to it, it was hilarious.

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Like Lincoln… Oh I haven’t heard that one yet but you are right, it fits much better. I hope you get some pepperoni/black olives/green peppers pizza asap! Oh goodness, that would have been crazy to experience haha… I hope that never happens again! I hope that you are able to watch Nutcracker this year. I hope your day is a great one, thanks Karen!

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George Washington? What’s the alternative???? haha

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We were taught Columbus and I was shocked the other day when my brother-in-law said GEORGE WASHINGTON! How did I go 35 years without ever hearing that?! Hope your day is a great one, thanks Mollie!

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We always said “Like Pinocchio!” I’m surprised no one has said that yet. Funny, I didn’t know this was a debate. Now, I’m going to ask everyone I know!

I’m going to the Nutcracker this week with my running friend and we’re so excited to do something together in real clothes!

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Pinocchio is what we always said too and I was surprised it wasn’t mentioned. I grew up in the Midwest. Maybe it’s a Midwest thing??

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I grew up in the South. Who knows?

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That’s the way I learned it too!

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Hahah it really is so fun to hear what everyone was taught! We were taught Columbus and then my brother-in-law said George Washington and we all thought he was crazy;). Turns out there are a bunch of variations haha. Hope your day is a beautiful one!

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We always did Pinocchio with the “had a very shiny nose- Like Pinocchio!” Line, not at the end.

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Praying he gets his tubes soon! My guy got his on last Monday and so much happier! Love the spaghetti pic!!

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I am SO happy that your little guy was able to get his tubes last week! It’s so good to hear that he is doing so much better now. Seriously, those two girls live for spaghetti! Hope your day is a beautiful one!

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Poor Beck. Hopefully soooon!

“You’ll go down in History….. like George Washington!!!”

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Thank you Nikki!

I am definitely in the minority here, I was taught ‘Columbus’ and just learned a few days ago that there are different variations ha. I hope your day is a great one!

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bite your tongue, every day is a run day, a day without a run just isn’t the same…but yeah…some days, there are other things….just began a challenge of running eery day until the end of the year, so I kind of have to and have a reason, and my wife, kids, co-workers, random strangers says that I’m easier to deal with after a run…..when they through my shoes out the back door, I think I’m being told something

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Hey Warren! I agree, ‘a day without a run just isn’t the same’…. I think my entire family prefers me going before they even wake up ha. I love that we can all relate. I hope your day is a great one and that your run was a wonderful one!

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Good morning, Janae! So disappointed for Beck. Lots of prayers going out to you all and everything crossed in hopes he can still get in sometime this week. Good for you respecting this season of your life as running goes. As they say – running will be right there waiting when you’re ready for more.
I am all about the vegetable toppings if we go out for pizza. If I’m making it at home, we usually just go with spicy sauce, banana peppers, and black olives. My BF will add meat whenever he can get it – that’s why he likes having other people go out for pizza with us!!
The only Rudolph response I know is the one I grew up with…Columbus!
Wishing you a wonderful Monday :o)

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Thank you Janine, we sure had our hopes high… now just hoping it is this week still! YES YES YES, it’s always waiting for us when we are reading for it. I hope you and your BF will have a pizza night soon and that’s what I taught but it looks like we are in the minority ha. Thanks friend, you too!

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It’s so funny that you mentioned training through the winter for your trail race because I was looking at the exact same race yesterday and started to go through your posts about it! I was considering the 25k, but I’m not sure I’m quite at that mileage yet (even though it’s only 15 miles, I’m taking it reeeeeeal slow because I always tend to over do it)!.

Mmm now I want some pizza! My fave growing up was a simple pepperoni and black olive.

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I generally won’t turn down any pizza slice, but we usually do “clean out the fridge” style pizzas – mozzerella, feta, bell peppers, broccoli, sauteed onion, corn, olives and sausage on 1/2 for the meat eaters. I even love a Minimalist Baker recipe that uses a butternut squash sauce, veggies and vegan parmesan (at first I thought pizza with no cheese was illegal, but it’s really good!).

Sending all my hopeful thoughts to you and Beck!

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Hi Janae! My running medals are on my Christmas tree this year! We don’t have any ornaments yet but this looks quite festive.
I hope Beck feels better soon, poor guy.
I’ve been doing easy running too coming back from injury and it feels fun again. Have an awesome day!

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Poor Beck ☹️ Did you find out anything from the food allergy testing?
Have you reached out to Dr. Bennett to ask him about Beck?

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OMG- I’ve never heard “George Washington” as an answer. So funny! I’ve only ever said “Lincoln” or “Elvis”. ha!

Hope your kiddo gets relief soon.

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I love the nutcracker…..Looks like such fun! Sorry Beck is still not feeling well.

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“Running is my hobby “

I love that quote. Very important to remember, especially when it seems more like a task. It’s part of life, augments life, but love, faith and family wellness ALWAYS win.

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Hey! Sorry beck has to wait. Must be torture for you as a momma :( but it’s good that a solution is close at hand!

Question – are masks just not required anywhere in Utah? If so, that surprises and worries me. I’m a primary care doctor in an adjacent state and I’m getting so sad seeing folks get sick as the covid numbers worsen. I imagine Andrew has a unique perspective too as a nurse.

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Like George Washington! I’m in Florida so maybe there could be something to your east coast/west coast thong. Please please please send me snow!!! I would give anything to not live in florida.

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