Our Family

Maile's 6th Birthday!

2012-02-21T16:00:00.001-07:00

The Party. 2 days before her real birth date....

We had a musical chairs Masquerade!

We did face painting, as well as pin the tail on the donkey.

The day of her actual Birthday. September 17th

She had a few friends over for sweet tooth fairy cake. It was soooo good!

First day of School 2011

2012-02-21T13:53:00.004-07:00

First day of school... pardon the sweaty look, I had just gotten home from running!

And the back to School dinner we had. So fun.

A beautiful Summer day in our yard

2012-02-21T13:44:00.002-07:00

Our front yard is a playland of sorts for the kids. Thought this picture looked peaceful and look close, you can see Brooks' head. He must have been chillin on the patio.
Summer 2011 in Utah was among the most breathtaking in my opinion.

And let's not forget last Spring when the Spanish Fork river flooded over a lot of it's banks.

The river trail....

A Summer recap!

2011-12-05T14:03:00.013-07:00

I thought I would take a moment and recap summer. I don't know that I have access to any pictures right now, but I will at least write down some memorable things.

June -Arts festival for my kiddos. Lot's of pool time. The 3 oldest went to swimming lessons at the Spanish Fork pool. Maile learned to swim on her own. Gavin officially does not need anymore swim lessons. He knows how to swim and swim well. Dallin may need one more summer of a couple of sessions to get stronger.

July- Lake Powell with our Wheatfill family. Oh my we had fun! It's always good to meet up with our Grandpa, Aunts Uncles and cousins in Page, AZ for some fun in the sun. However, this year it seems like we did a lot of driving around the first 2 days instead of beaching and swimming. I eat so much when we go. I came back like 6 lbs heavier (most of which was water weight but still). Our kids looks forward to it all year long. Our family also took many adventurous trips out on Utah Lake all summer long as well. We bought a wake board and our boys took turns learning to master it. They did well!

Shawn was unemployed all summer long. While we had plenty of money to live off of, it was still a rather scary experience trying to find new employment. We had no health insurance all summer clear until Sept. 30th. Scary! We did all those boating and capital reef national park trips without medical insurance.Living on the edge! We faired well though. Nothing happened to anyone. I think we had to take Brooks to the Dr. for an infection and that was it. I can spare 90$ out of pocket for that. One morning in August Shawn took our older boys fishing, and while at the dock he had a feeling to check his email and he did. He found a link to a new export manager job posting in Springville. -Just 5 minutes from our home. He was a little shocked! He texted me here at our house and asked me to jump on our desk top and email his resume. He then sent it from his phone right there at the Utah Lake fishing dock. About 3 loooong weeks later they finally interviewed him twice. And 1 1/2 weeks after that he was selected as the best candidate for the job. I believe they interviewed several hundred people and Shawn was the only one who was fully qualified. Simultaneously he had also interviewed at a semi-conductor Corporation in San Francisco, CA. Where he was also offered the position at that company. However, going off what his gut instinct told him, Shawn took the job near our home. I know the thought of moving to an extremely expensive area of the country weighed heavily in the decision. Also the fact that we live in a wonderful neighborhood and our kids are rooted here with friends and in school. We have a big beautiful yard and space for our kids to play. The homes in the CA area don't have much land. . I am grateful that my husband listens to promptings. He is better at it than I am sometimes. All is well now. It all worked out in the end almost perfectly. I can't forget that he was also able to keep his side business plugging along as well, that was something we were able to rely on too.

In August we took our kids to Capital Reef national park in Eastern Utah. Oh my, what a beautiful spot of land created so amazingly perfect. if you haven't been there, you must go. We took our kids on 2 hikes. One was a mini one, the other was about a mile and a half each way. There was a pioneer registry wall where some pioneer men in the area came through and scratched their names on the rock cliffs. There were also Indian hieroglyphs on the walls in another area. It was so cool to see. Our family had a great time together. We created some wonderful memories.

I ran all summer long, but after battling a nasty injury earlier in the Winter, it took me a great while to find my speed and my groove. I ran great times in my June and July races, but nothing spectacular. It wasn't until the end of July and August that I felt like I was back to my old self. I ran the Hobble Creek half marathon on August 20th. This is one of the biggest half marathons in Utah. It is stunningly beautiful running down this canyon! Words cannot describe the scenery and the feeling for me that day. I knew I was in top shape that week leading up to it. I was ready that morning as the race gun was fired in the canyon. I ran smart. I took it a tiny bit slower the first 7 miles. At mile 8, I downed a 5 hr energy and picked it up. I ran the rest of the distance in negative splits. All mile splits hovered near a 6:40 avg. My fastest mile being the last mile (13) A course volunteer rode by on a bike around mile 12 and shouted to me to keep it up! -That there was a female close on my tail. I didn't try to turn around or anything to look. I remember feeling so tired. I looked down at my Brooks shoes I was wearing, on the laces it says: DIG DEEP. I knew in that moment I wanted to dig deeper and race it to the very end. So I did. I found a 6:13 mile split and held my 6th female (of over 600) position. My best race of the summer! I ran a new half marathon record for me that day 1:25:04!

School started and my kiddos looked so cute! Maile started kindergarten and loves, loves, LOVES it! I am so proud of my kids and how well they all seem to do in school!

Brooks started preschool and he loves his teacher so much. He is doing so well and enjoys getting out of the house twice a week for school.

September- Shawn started his new job. There was a bit of an adjustment but he has settled in and we are grateful for his employment. Heavenly Father has truly watched over us during this year. It was very hard but we've grown closer and learned some things.

Oct. 1 -our family traveled down to St. George where I ran the 2011 St. George Marathon. This marathon is HUGE! 7000 runners! I was well prepared and so excited to have my parents and Sister and Brother in law there to cheer me on. Of course I was excited to see my own little family, as well as my friends who all got into it this year. I ended up running a 3:09 again. I was the 41st overall female of 2600 females. And 266th person overall of nearly 6000. I did fall into the top 5% of all combined marathon runners that day. It was amazing to me. The tremendous roar of the crowds in St. George truly made it an unforgettable experience. Can you imagine being loudly cheered for the last 4 miles to the finish line in a marathon? It was truly awe inspiring! Our racing bibs had our first names printed on them and so people were shouting my name as we raced into the heart of the city of St. George. Truly it buoyed me up in that time because I had become sick. I love running marathons now. There is nothing like it! The feeling of finding the courage and strength to keep running when you hurt, and the ultimate sense of accomplishment is unreal. I have learned so much about myself while running (everyday training) ....in ways I don't think I could have otherwise.

Little friends

2011-10-13T17:40:00.004-06:00

I've got to get my blog updated with past things from this summer. But for now, here's a cute picture of Maile and her friend Annie. Annie lives a few houses down from us. They are cute little friends. They play almost everyday!

Brooks is obsessed with doing things like his big brothers. Gavin just closed his season in football this year, he played awesome! Brooks wanted to be suited up in the pads all the time. Gavin would take him out in the yard and play pass with him and tackle him in the pads. It was pretty funny!

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

2011-10-03T12:17:00.007-06:00

My 2nd 26.2 marathon is in the bag. I ran the St, George marathon on Saturday Oct. 1st. I ran a 3:09:18 and was sick the last 3 miles before the finish. Before that I was well on my way to a 3:04 or 3:05. Dang! Oh well, I don't care about a race. I can run and I love and enjoy it no matter what. Now let's all repeat it: I CAN DO HARD THINGS! Yeah!

2011-09-02T08:53:00.004-06:00

Most days, except my long run days, this is what my garmin looks like when I get home and all done. Have I mentioned I love running? :)

Spanish Fork Arts Festival

2011-07-10T17:01:00.007-06:00

For 2 weeks in June, I had my kids registered for a class each in the S.F. arts festival. Wow! I was so impressed with what was offered as well as the actual classes they ended up taking.
Gavin and Dallin took a break dancing class and Maile and Brooks did a kinder art class. I was never able to get Brooks to go and stay, but Miss Maile totally flourished in the class because art is totally her element. She made really cute things and painted cute little pictures.

Gavin and Dallin enjoyed their break dancing each day. Gavin especially seemed to really advance in it. I am not surprised, he is advanced in almost anything he does. I often wonder if he realizes the gifts he has been given in this life? He never ceases to amaze me with his intelligence and abilities.
It was so good to see them perform the dances they learned at the end of the two weeks. It was so awesome! And seeing Maile's paintings and crafts were a treat to see. She really loves that aspect of life and we can tell!

I'm so glad I got my kids in the Art fest this year. I love this city!

You've gotta friend

2011-06-18T20:14:00.006-06:00

I have lot's of friends in my life that I just adore. I grew up in Orem until I was 15, then moved to Spanish Fork 3 months before my Sophmore year of high school. I've had many jobs, and met many people. I think I am a people person. Long ago through the example of my own Mom, I learned to make and keep friends. I am kind of a shy girl by nature, but I don't think I've ever had a problem with making friends. I consider it a notable attribute of mine. In my patriarchal blessing I was given as a 16 yr old, I was told that I would have many friends, and they will long to be in my presence because of my happiness. Well, I don't know how true that is, but I do make an effort to be happy and warm to everyone.
I am thankful for all my friends. I love you all. And espcially today for these two gals. They mean the world to me. My life just would not be the same without them. Heaven help us the day we don't live as close to each other. My world just won't be the same.

Is it silly to dedicate a song to them? I dunno but I'm gonna.

What matter most

2011-06-17T14:52:00.001-06:00

Little Graduate!

2011-06-08T19:40:00.005-06:00

Maile graduate from preschool the last week in May. It was so cute! The kids sang songs, counted to twenty in spanish, repeated the national anthem, sang the months of the year songs, the days of the week song. Ms. Heather handed out awards to all the children and touched on something they were good at. Maile was the first one to receive one. She was awarded the 'perfect pitch, great singer' award. Ha! We weren't surprised. Ms. Heather talked for a minute about Maile and how if they were off pitch in class singing, Maile would always be the one singing the correct tune. She talked about how Maile has a beautiful singing voice and is the next Maile Cyrus, but better! ha ha! We know this is true. I've worked with her since she was a tiny toddler at singing. I sit down at the piano with her weekly and try to teach her songs. (see a post from a month or two ago below). She does sing rather beautiful for a 5 yr old.

Anyway, Maile cried when we helped her realize that preschool is over for her. She doesn't quite get it and wants to return next year. Hard to explain that bigger and better and perhaps more fun things await her in Kindergarten at Riverview Elementary School. And she'll get to see her two big brothers there. I think she's starting to like the idea!

I had to take her back into the Dr. to get one last kindergarten shot requirement. They accidentally skipped over it at her 5 yr well child check in December. When I told her we had to go back, she immediately started to cry like a little princess. It broke my heart. She was so brave tho and was rewarded with a strawberry milkshake after wards. Fun little girl of ours....

I love racing!

2011-06-04T12:31:00.006-06:00

I ran my 4th 5k of 2011 today and shaved 43 seconds off my 5k time from exactly 7 days ago. My goal again this year is 5k under 20 minutes. I did a 20:03 today. I barely missed it, but it brought me so much joy as this means my FITNESS IS IMPROVING! I can't wait for more summer racing and training. I LOVE RUNNING!

Gymnastics Spectacular 2011

2011-06-02T20:26:00.007-06:00

This is the usual year end spectacular that Air Time does. I got Brooks in this year and he was so cute. Maile has blossomed in her class this year! She nailed more things this year than the precious 2 years. Shawn and I had a good laugh sitting and watching them.

Easter Morning 2011!

2011-05-08T16:08:00.004-06:00

City Egg Hunt!

2011-05-08T15:49:00.006-06:00

Spanish Fork City Egg hunt with the cousins!

A visit with Grandpa and Grandma

2011-05-07T15:02:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago my Parent's came up from St. George so my Dad could have his diseased kidney removed. After he had somewhat recovered they stopped by to visit. My Dad looked good, seemed tired, but he was alright.

Grandpa Campbell 6 days after surgery to have his right kidney removed.

Everyone needs a picture with their parents.

Our little artist drawing Gramps a picture

My Dad plays the guitar and so the boys wanted to show him what they've learned.

A jumble

2011-04-29T16:11:00.009-06:00

These are a jumble of pictures from the last 4-5 months. All taken on Shawn's cell phone. I'll try to caption them.

Brooks and Maile playing in the crazy snowfall this year.

Maile in Park City

Brooks so proud of his new Buzz light year bike.

Shawn is learning guitar

Dallin in Park City

Running with Maile

Playdoh under the trampoline.

Brooks is always pulling funny faces

Running with Brooks

Dallin and his friend Donovon fishing in the Spanish Fork river

Jumping Jax

Dallin, Andre and Gavin at the Spanish Fork reservior

Spring break at the park

At the river

Silly kid

I try

2011-04-17T21:26:00.003-06:00

I try to teach my kids music. We TRY anyway...... :)

Redone Room

2011-02-24T18:05:00.007-07:00

About a month ago I redid our bedroom. It had a red wall with black and white accents. I was done looking at the panic attack red wall. Seriously, I had a ton of panic attacks in my room and that red wall became the symbol of them! It had to go, no if, and's or buts about it. Good riddance panic RED! Hello soothing and calm! Love my new room! It is not all done, but I am so happy with what I have done so far.

I need a moment...

2011-02-22T15:01:00.011-07:00

.....to jot down what I have gone through the last 7 weeks.
I suffered an injury to my low back (si joint) and my pirformis muscle (in my glute) on January 7th. Presumably a running injury -over training, and just generally everyday bad posture. For about 2 weeks I could hardly walk, sit, stand jump. Nothing.
This has meant no running. I haven't run for nearly 7 weeks now.

I haven't been so down, so depressed, so lost in a very long time. My heart belongs to running. It has for a very long time. And this is the first time I have been injured like this from running, so it has been very hard for me.

But I have learned some lessons. I've learned that I need to take days off and cross train more. Stop pushing miles everyday for days on end. Cardiovascular wise I am able to handle it, but my joints and bones cannot. It has been a good reminder that part of my overall fitness regime needs to include more stretching. I also need to rest more. Go to bed early and get enough sleep. I have also learned that though my body has felt strong & powerful the last several years, my body is still a body, and I am not invincible.

I've shed lot's of tears. However, I think I am on the upswing. Everything is feeling much better. I can only keep my fingers crossed that I will be fully healed before the start of my 2011 race season. I am looking forward to training smarter and being successful. Keep me in your prayers.

Fun photo shoot

2011-02-16T14:11:00.010-07:00

I had my pictures taken a couple months ago. Oh my it was fun!

Feelings of Christmas

2011-02-05T09:47:00.015-07:00

What a wonderful Christmas it was.

My Dad

2010-12-29T09:35:00.010-07:00

Below is a recording that my Dad made in the early 1980's. He grew up learning to play the guitar. He ended up making his own guitars and kept the nicest one and played it my whole life.
I grew up listening to my Dad play and sing. He taught my 9 siblings and I the value and power of music. All of us have gone on to play instruments and sing. (I am classically trained on the piano).

It is very emotional for me to listen to recordings like this because I have always been very close to my Dad. I am his youngest Daughter and am a true daddy's girl. A couple of months ago he found out he has cancer in his kidney. He also is currently fighting prostate cancer, is in kidney failure, and has had stents placed in his heart in the last two years.

I am scared for the day my parents pass away. A part of me would die as well. I cannot say that my life will be the same. Is it wrong to pray for the 2nd coming of the Savior? So that I, and all those that I love can be 'twinkled' instead of witnessing or suffering the mortal death? Well, I do pray for that. I am very tender hearted about losing my loved ones, and very sensitive to death.

Every time I see my Dad now he seems a little bit older and a little more feeble, and it hurts my heart. I am so thankful I was born to him. He is a quiet man, but quite the man. He has taught me more than anyone in this life has, or ever will. Love you Dad. I'll always be your baby with 'brown eyes".

In case we missed you...

2010-12-23T11:34:00.004-07:00

Dallin's recital/Campbell Family Christmas Party

2010-12-22T22:06:00.008-07:00

Dallin had a Christmas guitar recital a couple weeks ago. He played a Johnny Cash song and also jingle bells on an electric guitar :) He's so funny! Good job Dallin!

A Campbell Christmas Feast

This year, I had 2 brothers move back to Utah County from St. George, and so we were
able to have a bigger Campbell Christmas get together. It has sure been fun having them back. We missed them, their Wives & Kiddos!
It wasn't to bad of a cold day so the little boys were outside playing football as my older brother fired up the BBQ. I didn't get many pictures, so here is a few that I got:

Cousin's playing football together!

My sister in law Brooke. She is due next month with her 5th! Wonder woman!

3 of my 5 Brothers. They were tickling Ray in the middle there. Teasing and taunting. I'm glad my family gets along!