Looking pretty clean, right? Well that wouldn't last long. The race went a little something like this. Up the muddy hill, around the bend, across the bridge, (this is about where they guys and girls split... they were clearly in better shape) over the hay bails, through the muddy mogels, around some trees, across some sketchy bridges, more mud, more hills, more mogels, this pit of muddy water with blue tubes you had to climb... I could keep going but at this point its a blur... and then finally to the 5K finish that ends in a slip'n'slide. Just kiddding.... we did the 10K! BACK to the race and down the hill. Watch for monkey bars, a foam piggy full of things to knock you down, the mud mines - they really did explode, walls to climb over, the military net, mud, mud, mud... it is all a blur again. Finally we make it to the slip'n'slide - for reals this time - and the 10K is nearly done. I got a little too much speed and almost died at the end. Then down the hill and through a rock filled water mud pit that gave me more scrapes than the whole raced combined - then the FINISH!
Luckily we found the guys quickly. We stood in line. We got some photos taken. We got our bananas and snacks. Found Adam - I was so happy to hear he had been drafted! Tested a sports drink from a vendor. And then to the ice cold showers. So cold I got a brain freeze from the water on my head. Oh what a feeling. But I would recommend it. Not the shower... the shower sucked. But I am a cheapskate and I would take ice cold water over a $6 warm shower. I would recommend the Dirty Dash. And I will be doing it again. But next time I will make sure Adam can run it with me - because I like him best.
Family and Friends
Getting a Little Dirty
6.20.2013 • Dirty Dash, Family and Friends, Fitness and Nutrition, Health, Running
Get your head out of the gutter. I am only talking about the dash - the DIRTY dash that is. This is my second time running it and let me tell you. It did not disappoint. Adam, my brothers, and our friends from Heber signed up months ago to run the dash and we had been gearing up since. And when I say gearing up... I mean talking about it... because none of us really prepared by getting in shape. Our racetime was 11:40. Sadly, Adam didn't get to run because that was draft day and he was still waiting on a call (sorry, Skinny... we will run it again in September when you are back home, who's in?!) but he rode up their and hung out like a champ. So here we are right before taking off...
All The Things She Said
6.03.2013 • Baseball, Chain. Train of thoughts, Dirty Dash, Draft, Family, Family and Friends, Mess, MLB, Moving, Thoughts
All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head... please tell me you know that song. If not. You fail. If you do, congratulations - you will move on to the next level test of coolness.
There are so many things running through my head right now. Like a big blurrrrr and flash of light. And so I am writing them down to help me out. Readdddddyyyy. ANNNNND GO!
There are so many things running through my head right now. Like a big blurrrrr and flash of light. And so I am writing them down to help me out. Readdddddyyyy. ANNNNND GO!
- The draft is this weekend. What the heck? How the heck did I marry an athlete? And how did he trick me into liking baseball so much? That is beside the point... because the draft is this week. And not only did I marry an athlete I married a man that will potentially make that his profession. I sort of freak out when I think about it and then Adam thinks I am crazy... but he thinks I am crazy in general so that doesn't matter too much.
- Talking about being crazy. Have you ever moved? I would assume you have because most people have at least once. Packing and unpacking is driving me crazy. I never realized what a pack rat I was until Adam told me we had to de-junk before we packed... because I didn't do that last time. So I brought a bunch of crapola with me from my single living quarters into our marriage. And this time I vow to have an organized home from the day we unpack.
- Because have you ever organized a home? Everyone on pinterest makes it look so easy... heck... my mom makes it look so easy. She always buys all these sorters and dividers at the dollar store. I wish I had inherited my mother's organizational genes... but nope, I got my dad's "lets make a pile" genes...
- My parents are coming down this weekend. For the first time in many many years they don't have to spend their anniversary at one of my dance recitals or at Miss Idaho - last year they had Adam babysit my grandma so they could sneak out for an anniversary dinner - and this year they get to do whatever they want. And what are they doing? They are coming to hang out with my family so we can all go to a soccer game and run the Dirty Dash.
- I ran the Dirty Dash last year and it was so much fun I convinced people to run it with me again this year since my friends from last year are out and about living life in Canada and California. The only difference from last year to this year is I am even more out of shape. Luckily, my Dad's hip has been hurting, so I have a walking partner when needed and I don't have to slow anyone down.
- Annnd... now it is time I slow down. I want to tell you a few more things though. Mostly that you need to go read my friend Sam's brand new blog because she is what I like to call a high-ten-larious. And also that I died my hair blond and I am starting Insanity... I think that it is important you know those two things about me as well. And that wraps up today's thought process. Peace!
Guess who is coming to hang out
with me today?
Ahhhh yeah! My parents are coming to town for my Dad's soccer meetings, which happen to be at the hotel I work at. They are here for about 24 hours only. So I my Mom and I will get to hang out while Dad is at meetings. And tonight we will all pretend we are in San Diego watching Adam pitch while we listen online and watch the tracker. Can't wait. SO pumped. I am going to try and keep them away from my house though... because I haven't cleaned it since the weekend. And it is bad. What do you do when your parents are in town? Do you always try to clean before they get there... or is your house already looking dandy?
Love,
Deidre
Las Vegas. Never a Disappointment!
1.16.2013 • Celebrate, Family and Friends, Miss America, Pageants, Sisterhood, Travel, Vegas
If you haven't gathered from all my previous posts. I was in Las Vegas for last week! And let me tell you... it was AWESOME! Not only did I get to spend a whole week just having mother daughter time but I got to see all my pageant sisters, do some shopping, and enjoy the pageant live. Our days went like this... wake up, eat at the $5 breakfast buffet (say what? FIVE DOLLARS!?), get ready, go to the trade show/the mall/dress designer's suites (hello Tony Bowls and Sherri Hill... best dresses), go eat, get ready for the show, go to the pageant, go to visitation to see Whitney (who did AWESOME every single night and I went up there just to sing her praises), go eat, laugh a lot, go home, go to bed. REPEAT!
Highlights of the trip? Seeing Miss New York be crowned Miss America, lyrical dancing the length of the Bellagio on the strip, free cell phone case, splits up the escalator, pedicures, laughing laughing and laughing, and spending time with people I love. I love Vegas. Is that weird? I know it is pretty dirty and scandalous But some of my best memories are there from dance competitions to mother daughter time. Vegas, you've got a special place in this girls heart.
Love,
Deidre
Highlights of the trip? Seeing Miss New York be crowned Miss America, lyrical dancing the length of the Bellagio on the strip, free cell phone case, splits up the escalator, pedicures, laughing laughing and laughing, and spending time with people I love. I love Vegas. Is that weird? I know it is pretty dirty and scandalous But some of my best memories are there from dance competitions to mother daughter time. Vegas, you've got a special place in this girls heart.
Love,
Deidre
Miss America 2013 || Sisterhood
1.12.2013 • Family and Friends, Love, Miss America, Pageants
There is one aspect that keeps me coming back to compete and volunteer in the Miss America Organization. Beyond the opportunities and more than confidence gained and lessons learned. It is the chance to live these special moments with the amazing women that compete. To build a sisterhood around a common passion to serve, perform, be an example and a representative, and so many other aspects of these pageants. There are a lot of people out there who think we are all crazy for putting ourselves out there to be judged, but we aren't crazy. Okay, maybe we are... but the memories we make backstage, out on appearances, and during rehearsal make up for it. The best times and special moments come from the sisterhood built as we compete, not from that final moment when we are crowned. The crown is nice, but the sisters are better. And I wouldn't be the titleholder I am without the girls that support, understand, and love me.
These women are the reason I stay involved. They are so inspiring and special. They work hard. They are an example to me. They are my friends, my family, my sisters. And that is why I came down to Las Vegas this week. Not just to live out every girl's dream and watch Miss America live. But to support Whitney, my sister. My friends Gen, Miss Idaho 2011, said it best, "Moments like this show exactly why I love this program and will never be able to leave!" I competed until I couldn't and now I am a volunteer for the organization. I love the sisterhood. I love these women.
These women are the reason I stay involved. They are so inspiring and special. They work hard. They are an example to me. They are my friends, my family, my sisters. And that is why I came down to Las Vegas this week. Not just to live out every girl's dream and watch Miss America live. But to support Whitney, my sister. My friends Gen, Miss Idaho 2011, said it best, "Moments like this show exactly why I love this program and will never be able to leave!" I competed until I couldn't and now I am a volunteer for the organization. I love the sisterhood. I love these women.
Love,
Deidre
Dear Gingerbread House,
12.21.2012 • Celebrate, Christmas, Date, decorations, DIY, Family and Friends, Holiday Cheer, Soiree
This week a bunch of my girlfriends from college had our monthly get together. It used to be a birthday dinner with just the girls, but lately we have started incorporating the husbands and dates... I know, we are so nice, right? Kidding... It is fun to go on a date night with a group of friends because it is like 5 dates in one as we all play catch up and chat. This month in honor of the holiday season we built gingerbread houses. And not just any gingerbread houses. Real ones. Because Michelle took the time to make all the gingerbread. Impressive. We had two houses and as the boys sat around chatting and the girls started decorating we decided... this should be a contest. Boys vs. Girls. And so the competition begins. Here we go!
It took the boys a little while to get started. They were busy talking about football with BYU's upcoming bowl game and the recent USU coaching announcement. So the girls had a little bit of a head start. But I was surprised, once they started going they REALLY got into it. The competition was on! Here are the finished products. Can you guess which one goes to which team?
Everyone at the house was pretty bias... obviously we all wanted our own house to win. So we put it to an Instagram (@lovetheskinnys) vote.
Everyone at the house was pretty bias... obviously we all wanted our own house to win. So we put it to an Instagram (@lovetheskinnys) vote.
Looks like left took the cake. I was honestly surprised by how many votes the boys got... not that they didn't do great, but take a closer look... There house is not as tall as ours. That is because their foundation crumbled and so their house turned into... as Sue would describe it, a hobbit hole. Chito says they clearly won, even if the votes didn't state that, because their house was more sturdy.. and we all said. No on wants a sturdy gingerbread house. They want a cute one. So let's take a closer look at the winners.
Wreaths, a snowman out front, a beautiful walkway, and icicles. Clearly, the right team won! We don't mess around. Sorry boys, better luck next year. Except next year, one thing is for sure. We will be buying the kits. Making gingerbread is super hard!
Love,
Deidre
Dear Date Night,
12.12.2012 • Adventure, Christmas, Dating, Family and Friends, Holiday Cheer, Night Out, Shopping
Last weekend we went on a double with our friends Chito and Michelle. And then we added one million other things to our to-double date list. I am glad our husbands get along and that we can go on double dates. Michelle and I have been friends since sophomore year. We started out as some sort of frenemies... a boy in our ward claims he brought us together, but I think he is the reason it took us so long to become friends. To be honest... Michelle's whole apartment intimidated me. They were all so cool! Well. Either way. Somehow we became friends through a series of random meetings, including me having to sit in her apartment one day (so scary!) while I waited for a locksmith to come. Since then... the rest is history. We ended up in the same major, we interned together, we shared books and a locker for junior and senior year, and we are both in the same career field now. now where was I going with this story? Oh, that's right. We went on a double date.
Ever since our double date to the state fair, which I swore I posted about but I just found it in my drafts, we have been talking about a roadtrip to Scheels. So our Friday night double date consisted of.... Christmas Lights at Thanksgiving Point, dinner at Chipotle, an adventure in Scheels, and after a drive back home the boys played Halo and Michelle and I went to Walmart to run an errand. So exciting, right?
First of all. Adam and I have had really great luck with Thanksgiving Point lights. This is the second year we have gone, and we always seem to pick the REALLY slow night so we don't have to wait in a line of cars a million miles long and we pick the pace we drive through at. I love the lights at Thanksgiving Point.
Scheels. What an adventure. And that is all I will say. Actually... I will say more. Who would have thought there would be so many opportunities for photos?
Also... the FUNNIEST thing happened at Scheels. There was some camouflage lingerie on the wall so Michelle and I were joking about getting it. Right as Michelle was saying, "I will get that for you for Christmas!" a lady in her... mid 60s maybe came and SNATCHED UP THE CAMO LINGERIE! And walked away just as quickly as she came. She must have been eying it.
Fun night. Great lights. Best memories. Do you like to go on double dates? Got any good ideas?
Ever since our double date to the state fair, which I swore I posted about but I just found it in my drafts, we have been talking about a roadtrip to Scheels. So our Friday night double date consisted of.... Christmas Lights at Thanksgiving Point, dinner at Chipotle, an adventure in Scheels, and after a drive back home the boys played Halo and Michelle and I went to Walmart to run an errand. So exciting, right?
First of all. Adam and I have had really great luck with Thanksgiving Point lights. This is the second year we have gone, and we always seem to pick the REALLY slow night so we don't have to wait in a line of cars a million miles long and we pick the pace we drive through at. I love the lights at Thanksgiving Point.
Scheels. What an adventure. And that is all I will say. Actually... I will say more. Who would have thought there would be so many opportunities for photos?
Also... the FUNNIEST thing happened at Scheels. There was some camouflage lingerie on the wall so Michelle and I were joking about getting it. Right as Michelle was saying, "I will get that for you for Christmas!" a lady in her... mid 60s maybe came and SNATCHED UP THE CAMO LINGERIE! And walked away just as quickly as she came. She must have been eying it.
Fun night. Great lights. Best memories. Do you like to go on double dates? Got any good ideas?
Dear Time Out,
12.04.2012 • Family and Friends, Gospel, Mom, Testimony, Weekenders
Remember a long time ago when I talked about Time Out for Women? Well... if you don't... Let me tell you what I said last time. "This wekend I am going to Time Out for Women with my Mom!" That was about it... and that was about... a month and a half ago. And when I was looking through my drafts I realized I never posted about it. Let me tell you, besides the fact that I got food poisoning, it was WONDERFUL!
The speakers were:
- Virginia. She was all about forgiveness.
- Sheri Dew. She talked about women in the Church and their importance.
- Chris Williams. He talked about letting it go, joining the Savior in healing, and saving souls. His big question was, "What burden can you lay at Jesus' door?" Because if we do that, He will heal us. Find out what Chris let go and what burden he laid at Jesus' door here.
- The Ladies from "Our Best Bites", Sara and Kate. They talked about looking for ways to serve and mother. And how life is more than being that picture perfect family.
- Brad Wilcox. His talk was all about names. Our name and God's name. And knowing God's name when we take it. He talked about thinking of the Savior writing His name across out heart just as Michael Angelo wrote his name across the statue he carved.
- Jon Bytheway. He said, "Regardless of your original intentions you will become what you surround yourself with." We need to surround ourselves with good things, good people, good music... just good in general. One thing he said that I loved was, "You are the average of the 5 people your surround yourself with."
- Emily Freeman. Her whole talk was based on this quoted, "Trust god enough so that you can trust his timing for us." - Neal Maxwell
- We also had wonderful musical performances from Jenny Oaks Baker, and she talked about the importance of family combined with Christ and the Gospel as well as not sweating the small stuff. And Mercy River, a group of three women. They talked about how Heavenly Father really loves it when we put our needs in His hand, letting him know He can calm us and looking to Him for hope.
This is my beautiful mother and I.
There wasn't much to take photos of. We honestly just sat and listened to wonderful speakers for two days straight. And this was the most scenery we got... besides the shopping at City Creek during lunch. I am so glad I got to spend those hours learning and growing with my Mother. She is beautiful and kind and such an inspiration to me.
Dear Thanksgiving Spread,
11.27.2012 • Family and Friends, Holiday Cheer, Idaho, Thankful, Thanksgiving
I know everyone has put their Thanksgiving decorations away and pulled out the Christmas tree... but I wanted to go back to last week's holiday because I loved it! Adam and I spent the holiday up in Idaho with my family. My Mom had me help a lot this year. I helped bake and cook as well as do all the table settings. And I must say, I was pretty proud of our work... so here you have it. The Edmunds' Thanksgiving celebration from table setting to serving table.
I love Thanksgiving.
I love being with family.
I love having an excuse to be in the same town as all my friends.
I love making pie.
I love decorating.
And I love the reminder that I have so many good things in my life.
What do you love about this time of year?
Dear Mom's Best,
11.26.2012 • Blogging, Charity, Events, Family and Friends, Night Out, photography, Service, Shopping
Last week I had the great opportunity to go to the Mom's Best event to raise awareness for the Utah Children's Justice Center. It was an incredibly inspiring night and just a good time. I am so grateful that Miss Gentri invited Elsha and I out for a blogger's night. I loved spending time with the two of them and I loved being involved at the event. The night went a little like this:
Walk in.
Sign in.
Rate some awesome Utah products.
Take some photos.
Win some prizes.
Eat some dinner.
Learn all about the Children's Justice Center.
Live auction.
Cheers.
And now for some photos.
Here are the vendors.
My number was drawn two separate times for a few awesome prizes. I walked away from the evening with a full bully, an iStabilizer, and two fancy slips. And let me tell you. These prizes are awesome. If you are looking for some Christmas ideas check out these two local businesses. I will be giving more details on both later. But the iStabilzer is very helpful for iPhone photos and videos and the Fancy Slips are handy for making all dresses long and modest.
This is the table settings and buffet table. Just to give you an idea.
This doll house is from the doll house festival held earlier in the year. All the houses are handmade and donated. There were four auctioned off at the end of the night.
Besides learning all the wonderful things the Children's Justice Center does the night was wonderful for bonding. I loved getting to know Elsha and Gentri a little better. It was fun being included in this good cause. The live auction at the end of the night raised over $4,000 dollars for the center. Sadly, I wasn't one of the buyers... I know, it is for charity. But what I learned that night is I have auction stage fright. My heart sank and my stomach hollowed every time I went to raise my hand. A lot of good items came and went and I walked away item-less... next year I will buy something for CHARITY! Next year!
Dear Thanksgiving,
11.22.2012 • Family and Friends, Holiday Cheer, Thankful, Thanksgiving, This Girl
Today is all about thanks and giving thanks. And today I am giving thanks for...
... and so many other things. Before we all run out to buy a bunch of things we probably don't need on the consumer's favorite Black Friday... let us spend some time to say thanks. Thanks for reading. Thanks for comments. Thanks for making me feel happy. Thanks for being you.
Love,
Deidre
... a studly husband that works hard and plays harder.
... sunrises and sunsets.
... the Flying J on my drive home so I can get a treat when I am sleepy.
... puffy Cheetos.
... parents that are loving and supportive.
... fresh starts.
... showers.
... friends. All of them.
... movie nights.
... dips, one handed or two handed.
... cuddling to sleep and good morning kisses.
... high fives.
... dress ups.
... growing up with only brothers so I am tough.
... my brothers.
... home videos.
... postcards and letters.
... Disneyland. And Disneyworld. And all things Disney.
... E woks.
... opportunity.
... public speaking.
... slurpees and snowcones.
... dancing.
... The Miss America Organization.
... fresh cut flowers.
... wrestling matches.
... an awesome and competitive family.
... the U.S. of A.
... cheese graters.
... the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
... and so many other things. Before we all run out to buy a bunch of things we probably don't need on the consumer's favorite Black Friday... let us spend some time to say thanks. Thanks for reading. Thanks for comments. Thanks for making me feel happy. Thanks for being you.
Love,
Deidre
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