100 miles or Bust

***WARNING***

(ultra long post)

My mom is seriously into Genealogy and has come across some of our woman ancestors. She came across this young 13 year old girls named Mary Chilton that traveled across the ocean, by herself aboard the Mayflower. My mother found the direct line from ME to her and there the digging began. My mother has found records that indicates she was the first to step off the grand boat and witness the beauty of her new home. Well the idea of this bike ride came from the journey taken by this young girl.

The day before we started the ride, my mom took me into her office and played a song about Mary. It's called "One Good Woman" by Sheri Call. It talked about what type of woman she must of been to have the courage and endurance to finish that journey. Of course we both sat there and cried like the babies we are. As I listened to that song I couldn't help but think of what lies ahead of me over the next few days.

I know to most a 100 miles, on a bike, over the course of 2 days might be a breeze. But, for me...this was a challenge to my brain. I have often fought with myself in terms of "mind over matter" on many different occasions. I doubt the strength of my mind so much and knew that this would be a challenge. Physically, I knew that I wasn't prepared for this either...but had been telling myself "YOU CAN DO IT" for the past 4 months. I was verbal to myself that I could do it...but that dang doubt kept creeping back into my mind. It's amazing what happens when you verbalize what you want, or want to do...even if the mind is unwilling to agree....it's like your heart takes over and it talked my mind into it.

During the preparations of this ride and all during this ride, up until one specific spot in the ride...a conversation I had with someone came to my mind. I was telling this person what I was venturing into and that it should be fun but exhausting as well. The person said "it's gonna kill you". That phrase crept into my weak mind, many a times, until I got to a hill that was looking awful steep. I remember thinking "is this going to kill me?"and it made me mad...I yelled

"this is not going to kill me, I can totally do this and survive". That hill and the ones that followed where a different experience after that. It wasn't that they were a breeze, but my attitude changed. Almost like a rush....I looked forward to going up them because I knew there would be a feeling of completion. And when I finished that hill...you better believe the arms went up in the air, like I was the Champion of the World. I might of even did a little dance while preparing for the next one. It's amaizing the moves that come out when Prince is playing on your ipod.

Okay, back to Mary, this strong young lady who happens to be my 8 or 9th great grandmother. After listening to that song and thinking about her enduring to the end of her trip across countless miles of water...I knew I could finish 100 blasted miles on my flippin bike.

Let me back up just a minute and write how this whole idea started. This bike ride idea all began about 4 or 5 months ago. My mother had a wild hair pop up when making a list of her 2008 goals. She had this brilliant idea to take a bike ride with all her daughters to show us how powerful and strong we all are. Her and my dad picked a route and set this goal into motion. She passed out an itinerary and prayed that we could all make it. Of the 4 daughters and 2 daughter-in-laws in the family....5 were able to make it, which is simply amazing. I thought about how I feel when my sisters get together, because they all live close and I am 9 hours away. I knew I would of felt sad if I couldn't of made it. I decided to take the 6th sister with us...via the computer printer. I printed a photo of my SIL, Nicole, so she could at least be in the pictures with us. So watch for flatNicole in the following slide.

I will give a run down of the trip.

JUly 20th...we stay in Hatch Utah at my SIL parents house. The house was beautiful and warm...and the view was amazing. They have 3 acres of gorgeousness that looks over a beautiful river, green fields and the pink tops of the Red Canyon Mtns. They feds us and sent us to bed. However, when we all get together...sleep tends to take a back seat. We all knew that we would be getting up at 5am and riding 50+ miles, but sleep was not finding us. I slept with Sisalee in a room next to Robbie and Helayna. We like to, well...I like to...take pictures of my sisters while their sleeping with some piece of food. This trip I decided the object would be flatnicole. Of course after my failed attempt...Bug and Rob had to try the prank on me. But like I said...sleep was hard to find....so they were surprised when they came into my dark room, (me pretending to be asleep) them pointing their camera in my direction and snapped the flash. When the picture came back on their screen for review there I was smiling at them. IT's all crazy to those who might be reading this...but to me, it's hilarious. And of course lack of sleep makes everything a bit more comical.

July 21st came bright and early....we woke at 5am, packed our bikes and belongings up and headed off to our drop off site. We began our ride at the "Y" by Ruby's Inn in Bryce Canyon. We had a prayer and started our journey. We pedaled about 15 miles to a cemetery named Widsoe. It's a small cemetery where we have many family members buried there. We stopped and did a Geo-cash under a tree. I never knew what a Geo-cash was until about 1 month ago. It was fun! We left whatever we had in our bags that reminded us of someone that was buried there. I left a bottle of pink finger nail polish...for my Gram Allen. She always had her nails painted pink. I left a nickel that was dirty like wood...because Gramp Allen and Gram Allen would always tell us to "not take any wooden nickels". Then I found a used Popsicle stick in my bag. I left that because I love them and I thought my little nephews would of shared them with me, if they had been there. Others sisters left objects that meant something special to them. We took a few photos and off we went again. We were moving right along and at some points we would get separated from each other. At those times, I was glad to have my ipod handy. It was nice to have some tunes playing in my head rather than the buzz of the tires on the long stretch of road. There were a few times that some where deep down in side of me...my inner drill team star came out. It was strange when it would happen...it was always in front of a captive audience.....COWS! I would be pedaling and my hands would come off the handles...shooting in the air, my elbows would bend and swing my arms around...I was a Tigerette on a bike. It was fabulous. although I would be dancing and singing out loud and then turn my head to 50 head of cattle just staring at me. Talk about deer in a head light.... I then found myself talking to them, because their was no applause or cheering after my dance..I told all those cow "YOU STINK, But YOU TASTE REAL GOOD". Then I just laughed at myself as I was cruizin down the road....by myself. I wish I could of got into those cows heads.

A fun part of the 1st days ride was flying down Black Canyon just north of antimony, Utah. It was fun. ...and didn't require any pedaling.

About 15 miles out from our stopping point....I had just about had it. I knew exactly where we were and knew how much farther I had to go. There was a point at 48 miles or so that I remember looking on the shoulder of the road, seeing nice yellow dried weeds and thinking.

"I am so tired, if I just stop my bike, keep my knees up on the pedals and just let myself tip over into those weeds, they will find me eventually." I had had it!
THEN came my big brother in his little car. He flew past me and made a quick U-turn only to catch up to me in minutes. He told me that I could do it and it's only 2 miles more. That gave me strength knowing I wasn't alone and someone was cheering me on.

We pulled in to the local town hall in Kingston Utah to the smell of dutch oven potatoes. My dad was preparing a feast beyond feasts for us. My mom had invited all of my aunts and girl cousins to meet us for a luncheon at the Park. That was a fun event..we ate, ate, visited and ate some more. Then later we ate the leftovers!

My mom had a massage therapist come down from SLC and give all of us some well needed attention. That was so necessary, for me and my legs.

This night...we all slept like babies! Wah Wah

July 21st....was such a different day. The time and miles flew by on this day. My younger sister and I decided at the beginning of this day that we would ride 10 miles at a time, together. We would finish 10 and then go on. We were absolutely going to ride the entire 50 miles but we were going to make it with a smile on our faces and be able to walk away from the experience with something learned. Right off the bat....my seat is jacked up and her chain falls off twice. So, we are miles behind the others. But...that was a great lesson for me! I focused on what was right in front of me and tried not to worry about anything or anyone else. I needed that. I do this to often in life and it was time for me to narrow the vision to what needs to be done, right then. Which were hills after hills! But like I said before...I got to a point in my brain that I was enjoying the hills because of the feeling I got when I was done.

What a rush!

25 miles was marked at Big Rock Candy Mountain and at this point we jumped on the old Rio Grand and Denver railway. They have takin up the tracks and layed a pathway that is about 7 miles long...along the Sevier River. It was an amazing ride between two tall canyon wall that offered shade for as long as we were there. I could tell that they had rain recently because of the landslides that were over the trail. My mother reminded me of the old Cowboys that use to ride in that canyon...good ol' Butch Cassidy and his crew. It was quite easy to understand why this was one of their stoppin grounds. It's was beautiful and you could see that there were caves and places to hide in.

Once off the railway/trail we hit a patch of dirt, muddy and rocky road. The state was working on resurfacing this road because you could see dirt movers and big water trucks running up and down the road. My sister and SIL were trying to chase one down for a bit of refreshment....but to no avail. I had torn emotions on this road.

1. It was so bumpy with the small tires I had, and having them totally full of air...made for an extremely rough ride.

2. The wet roads made for a fun ride because the mud would flip up off the tires right on my face and up my back...that was pretty funny and cooled me a bit.

3. There was this huge dog that lived at a little home right along this road and it was not happy to see me or 5 more bikers coming up his road. He took after me and at that point I realized I might have more that mud going up and down my back. I just about messed my pants! The owner called him back thrice times. He, the dog, would come after me and then go back to the owner and then again come to eat my leg and then go back to the owner and the last time...I thought for sure I am doing down. He got so close I just about nailed him in the nose with my shoe...but luckily for him, he retreated back to his owner. My dad had just pulled up in his truck and grabbed his collar for the following girls.

We made our way over the dirt road and into a little sleepy town called Joseph. At that point I saw a sign that read "Richfield 15 miles". That was totally do-able, in my mind. It came to my mind how I felt the day before at 15 miles left and so I was bound and determined to make this a better day. I was going to finish stronger. The whole day was a stronger day for me.

I knew that the Walmart at the south end of town was our stopping point and so when the south-side of town came into view I was feeling like a horse that was heading home. I knew I needed to get there and I was going to make it...but I was tired.

I specifically remember a stretch at about 5 or 6 miles out from our end mark. I was feeling REALLY frustrated! I could see 2 of my sisters quite a ways ahead of me. I could see 1 sister and my mom in between me and the lead sisters and then I could feel my other sister breathing on my neck right behind me. I was pedaling to try and catch my sis and mom, but couldn't see any progress made. And then I had this overwhelming feeling that I was holding my sister back that was right behind me. There wasn't much of a shoulder, so she couldn't pass me unless she went out into the road. She refused to pass me which made me even more mad. I wasn't mad at her, but the fact that I wasn't going faster and felt like she couldn't progress because of my slowness. It was getting to me. I remember concentrating on that feeling and trying to throw it off of me. Just getting rid of it. It sounds strange I know...but I felt it leave after about 3 minutes and just then I looked up and noticed something so miraclous. All my sisters and mother had stopped. They decided to stop and have all of us drive to the finish line together. It brought tears to my eyes. I can't tell you how much I needed that.

We formed a line of 6 strong woman and pedaled our way to the end. I could see Walmart and I could see that it was in spitting distance. The problem was we were only at 99 miles for the course of 2 days. The goal was 100 miles...what to do. We pull up into the parking lot, not stopping, and make a quick decision to go around the store. We pass my sweet dad in his truck with a confused look on his face. When we passed him we yelled..."we got 1 mile to go". When I looked in the cab of his truck I could see that he had bought 6 Pink roses to give his girls.

What a sweet man!!

We made our way around the store and saw a road that was obviously a mile or more. We headed up the road and made a quick U-turn to go back again.

On our way back I could picture Mary Chilton smiling and I could picture my mind being molded into something strong and capable of anything I want to do. I knew my mom saw the same thing in all of us, because we were both struggling to catch our breath from the tears rolling down our cheeks.

She is so inspiring to me!

We finally made it back to walmart at the same spot we passed my dad...and there were cheers and clapping and 6 happy hungry woman.

What an accomplishment for us! I am so proud of my mom and sisters.

I can NOT wait till our next ride!

The adventures of flat Nicole

this was a fun part of our bike ride. The only person in the mother-sisters bike ride that couldn't make it was my SIL Nicole. SO I printed off a picture of her and made sure she was in most of the photos. We might of been a little tired and exhausted....because it was quite funny when we were thinking of what we could do with this photo. Oh Nicole...thanks for the laughs...and you didn't even know it until we had finished 100 miles.

TTA 6-24-08

Last weeks TTA assignment is TASTE

Here are a few of my favorite things!

sour patch watermelon

sweet potato fries
Manicotti Speaks for it's Self rice & beans
Sushi
This is in Hawaii and it is YUM

Acai Bowls...yum-o I love all good food!

I am ashamed to say, I have a sweet tooth.

Sensitive Clarification

Today I was reading my last post and realized that in the #1 example I mentioned the loss of my Sisters Husband, my Bro-in-law. Then in the #3 example I mentioned a brother-in-law that passed on Fathers day.

I want to clarify that these are two separate Brothers-in-law of mine.

One is my sister's Husband(Daniel) and the other is my Husbands brother(Michael).

I don't know if this was appropriate or necessary to have to clarify, but I didn't want to take anything away from anyone that has been involved in their lives. And I didn't want to confuse anyone that read this.

Thanks!

June in Review & Monthly Motto

The monthly motto for June was ENJOY!

I have so enjoyed all that has taken place in the past 29 days. And I can't let this month pass, without making a few little notes about some of the events in it.

1st) Happy Birthday to Gram, Dustin, Elliot, Adlai, Dusky, Allison, Ammon & Sisalee.

I wanted to make a quick note about my Sister Sisalee. She is dealing with the trial of her life, the loss of her sweet husband. She is one of the bravest women that I know. When I get to visit her at her home, there is such a tender Spirit that dwells there. She's an amazingly Faithful person. Through her I am understanding the love that our Heavenly Father has for us. She is teaching me to surrender to the will of the Lord. Love to you, Sis and Happy B-lated Birfday!

2nd) On the 21st of June, Luke and I celebrated our 11th year Anniversary. It's been fun to see how time flies when your having the time of your life! We celebrated by attending a session at the Mesa LDS Temple, having lunch, seeing a few movies and just spending time with one another. This was a fabulous day.

*Thanks to Mimi and Papa for taking the kids home to bed!

*Thanks to the Bryce family for the use of their home!

3rd) The reminder that we can live Forever with our Family. We experience a loss in our family this month that reminded me again...this life is all about FAMILY. My brother in law pass to the other side on the 15th of June. I hate to say that I didn't know him very well. I had only been around him a handful of times. After hearing his life sketch from his sister and a tribute from his brother at the services, I wish I had known him better. I love one thing in particular that was said at his funeral service. His uncle spoke about how it might be difficult for some that he passed on Fathers day. But actually how wonderful it was that he went from one Father to another on this very day. And the Father that he was passed to is the one that loves us the most and knows us better than anyone else. That was so comforting to me and I know for others as well.

I know that this example might not seem appropriate for an example of ENJOY. However, I believe that one day we will all be reunited with our loved ones that have past on to the other side again. And to me I ENJOY that knowledge and to be reminded of that blessing! This lesson was just another confirmation to me that the ONLY way to live this life is in a way that we will be able to see them all again. And of course our loving Father that waits for us there.

Can't wait to see what July has in store for us!

TTA 6-17-08

I don't always feel like writing what the "Tuesday Tell All website" gives you as an idea...but they have given out the senses for 5 weeks, and don't think I can pass on any of them.

Really, I can't imagine being without even one of them.

Last weeks assignment was SMELL and my memory is provoked by smell.

When I come across a rainy day, fresh cut grass, a bar of soap, stinky fish, pine trees and even stanky trash, my mind starts flashing pictures of my past. Maybe everyone has this built into them, I dont know. One thing I do know is that my nose is an amazing device. Especially when your pregnant. I wish men could understand this phenomenon that happens when your belly is the keeper of a little human.

Let me share, if I may:

I will never forget this one morning I experienced while living in Ensenada, Mexico. I was pregnant, maybe 3 months along, with my first child...of course my nose is in hyper-mode. I remember waking up that morning slightly nauseous and for breakfast ate a handful of carrots. I walked to work every morning...which was only about 200 yards or so. But, the way I went was right along the ocean on a road that sat on a ocean wall, and there was almost always a slight breeze. We lived about 1 mile south from a fish factory...yikes to a prego nose.

The smell wasn't always there but with that slight breeze, yep you guessed it, it was there!

Some days you could choke on the smell and others days you never knew that it was there, except for the black cloud of birds that swarmed the huge building.

Well, this morning the smell was in the air. Then add, if you dare, the slight smell of sewage draining down the ocean wall that I was walking along. Again...that smell wasn't always there either...it just so happened that on that day, it reared it's ugly head.

So....as I get closer to work, the sewage smell is getting stronger and stronger. I notice my pace getting faster and the collar of my shirt goes right to my nose. I am looking around to find the horrible smell and where it might be coming from. ( It wasn't strange to see a dead sea animal on the beach, and those stink like something fierce) Well, it wasn't a deal animal. Oh....just a diesel tanker of raw sewage that had accidentally tipped on it's side and was seeping into the ground. NICE! I could see the workers trying to stop the leak, but I had come a little early.

At this point I am quite eager to make it to the safety of my sweet smelling, candle lit office. Just as I make it past that stench..I walk past the kitchen, just in time to catch a wif of them preparing for lunch. I am sure at any other moment, food would of been an amazing smell. But not right then...I was overloaded. And let me point out that this all happened at about 9am! Good Stuff.

Man...as nasty as it was..I will never forget the smells on that morning!

I remember laughing to myself once I reached my office. Then trying to explain it all to my husband at lunch. Which, lunch for me was another handful of carrots.

Sweet Love

I wanted to jot a little note about my Sweet Love!

He is the love of my life. I am truly a Blessed Woman. He is my best friend and an amazing Husband. He is a man of Honor, Integrity, Kindness, Humor, Work and of course blistering Hotness.

Besides all of these things that I see...he is an incredible Father to our 4 yuns. They love his face to much. They love to play with him, hug him, have time on their own with him and kiss him. I know it's calming for them to just have him around.

I see so much of my own father in him, especially when it comes to humor and being in tune with the Holy Ghost. He is an amazing book of knowledge when it comes to the Gospel. I always tell him that he will have to answer to the Lord for not teaching his wife all that he knows.

He comforts me when I am feeling like the world is coming to an end...tomorrow.

He calms me when I am stressed out.

He eases my mind when the day isn't going the way I imagined it.

He amazes me, daily!

I Love Him Madly!

My Daddy Rabbit

Let me introduce the ultimate dad....MINE!

He amazes me by his knowledge for just about everything. I tell you, there have been so many times as a child and many more as an adult that I have called him, just to have him tell me "it's going to be alright". Sometimes, actually most the time, I feel like if he feels okay about something or a situation...then it's just about like scripture to me. I feel so comforted by him...

I know that no matter what, my dad ALWAYS has my best interests in mind. He is a great father.

My dad taught me so much while I was growing up. Somethings I learned from my dad were things I wanted to learn like having fun, enjoying life, not taking myself to serious.

Then there are the things that weren't the best or easiest to learn, but you know you had to. Now...I am so grateful.

My dad taught me to have TRUST! My dad taught me to WORK! I learned that anything worth anything...takes hard work and sometimes a lot of time. I also learned how to treat others. My Dad is such a wonderful example on how to treat people. Even if you never see them again...you treat them with respect. I don't think I know anyone that has met my dad that doesn't like him.

With this respect he shows to others, he has friends all over the world.

Example) My parents came down to visit one wkend and we made a trip to the Temple. While we were there, my DAd spotted a man walking away from him. From the back of his head, he knew exactly who he was. He knew that he was a man that served in the Air Force with him over 40 years ago. They hadn't seen each other since there stay in Germany...but he knew him and remembered his name and all sorts of tid bits about him. I find that quite respectful!

My family teases my dad that there isn't a place in the world that we could go and he not recognize someone or find a way to make them a relative. If we went into a situation and he didn't know someone, he would soon enough.

It's strange actually, as I sit here and think about this whole deal and what I'm trying to explain ...my Dad isn't really the type to just walk up to someone and just start talking to them and prying into their lives. Don't get me wrong, if you make eye contact with him, he is bound to say something. But he isn't the type you see wondering around an area looking for a conversation. People are just drawn to him! It's the darnest thing!

Something else I absolutely love about my Dad is that he is a Wonderful Example of following the Spirit. It seems as if he lives his life quiet enough to be in tune. That is extremely hard with a family like ours, we are a loud family. But, he finds quietness inside that allows him to listen. I need to learn that!

I have tried, as an adult, to listen more! I have tried to learn more! It's a process, but I am watch'n and getting there.

The other day I asked my mom to send me a few pictures that I might not of seen before.

Pictures that might show me

something about my dad, I didn't know. She sent me these photos and I wish so badly I could of been the photographer and experienced what might of been going on right before this picture was taken. I love to see what a goof my dad was and then to see that he took his job seriously as well.

Well, I wanted to give you a peek at the person I call DAD!

An amazing, smart, handsome, gentle, kind, faithful man!

Love him!

Comments/Advice Needed!

I need your opinion on something.

I am in charge of a family reunion this summer and we will be heading to Sedona and Flagstaff, a day in each town. I have a few things planned, but could use some more ideas.

What is your favorite thing to do in either place.

Any hikes, shopping, restaurants or side freak shows (just kidding on the freak show, unless it's good) (just kidding on the, unless it's good, part...unless it's really freaky)

(just kidding, just kidding, just kidding, just kidding)

okay...back to the task at hand.

Let me hear what you have done up north in the beautiful pines or surrounded by the amazing Navajo sand stone!

Please leave me a comment or email me your thoughts on this matter.

rhallows@yahoo.com

Thanks for your Help!

TTA 6-10-08

Another Tuesday has come and I missed it by a day.
The past few days I have tried to be more conscious of what this weeks assignment is for Tuesday Tell All...and what I love about sound. I have tried to listen more through out the day and come up with a few cutesy ideas about sound.

But late last night the only thing I could think about was how much I enjoyed listening to my children, especially Creed sleep.

Please don't get me wrong...I love to listen to my children laugh, play, read, love each other and so on. But poor little creed could NOT stop coughing. Just about every other breath he took was a cough to catch his breath.

I took the kids swimming late in the afternoon and Creed was getting so brave. He went from sitting on the edge of the pool and falling into me to running about 10 ft away and then jumping to me.

One time I told him to "WAIT, don't jump, just wait". I turned my attention to Shelby to put her goggles on and all the sudden felt this 35 lbs sack of potatoes on my head. I felt and heard my neck crack and a thought flashed through my head in a fraction of a second. "What in the *&#% was that?" I instantly realized that the sack and crack was my little Creed jumping in to the pool, but ON my head first. I turned around and saw him trying to come up to the surface. I grabbed him and he was smiling from ear to ear.

Well, back to the sound of sleeping......

Long story short...he got too much water and had a terrible cough last night. He couldn't relax enough to stop coughing.

FINALLY....it happened and I was so enjoying that Sound!

SLEEP!

ps.. He sleeps with THIS book everynight and this morning, the nasty cough is back

FYI!

Just to clarify that my sister is such a great sport for letting me publish a picture of her that isn't (how do I say) the most flattering, for people that don't know her.

To me, it's flattering because I know what lies behind that box of milk duds and the windblown hair. She is beautiful, giving, intelligent, elegant and has such a great sense of humor. When we are together I usually end up laughing so hard I cry. Which was the case many times over while I stayed in Utah for nearly 3 weeks.

I am surrounded by wonderful sisters, but this post goes out to Bug.

I love you dearly and knew that you wouldn't egg me over it...maybe credit card swipe me, but not egg me!

Helayna Listen! cha cha cha cha

Tuesday Tell All is Saturday Catch up

Tuesday Tell All has been slightly delayed till today....Saturday! This weeks topic is about sight. They (the TTA blog people) say we can add photos or memories or whatever we want related to sight. So I went through a few of my pictures from the past month and then a few from years ago...so that you might see some of the things I love to see. The following are my top 10 reasons I enjoy my sight:

1. Sights like this remind me that I have an extremely handsome, funny, kind husband.

2. Sights like this remind me of when we were young, wrinkle less, just fresh into love, giddy about being married and excited about our new life.

10 years later we have a few more wrinkles, we are older, but we are still giddy and excited about being together.

3. Sight like this tell me that my children love and enjoy Mother Earth.

4. Sights like these remind me that I married a Worthy Man. (I dun good)

5. Sights like this remind me that i have an artist in the midst and I need to write a thank you card to Crayola for the washable watercolors they created.
6. Sights like this remind me that if you pack and organize accordingly ....you can pack all that belongs to you and your family in a storage unit. There was hardly an inch to spare.

7. Sights like this remind me that we will never go Hungry.
8. Sights like this remind me that I shouldn't...but I did (Thanks Dad)
9. sights like this remind me that I need to laugh more in my life, it feels so good.
Love you Buggy....you crack me up.
10. Sights like this remind me that there is still a little kindness in the world. My little Shelba helping her cousin, Abi, get some much needed refreshment.
I am so Grateful for my sight...with out it...I could not SEE!