30 before 30

1. Go on a romantic, kid-free getaway
2. Take Mom out to a nice dinner
3. Put away $30 every month
4. Utah Summer Games
5. Family pictures
6. Lose 30 pounds
7. Read 30 books
8. Run a half marathon
9. Squat 295 
10. Hike the Y
11. Train to become a setter
12. Place in a tournament: Bs
13. Play in a tournament: As
14. Play in a tournament at Wasatch Beach
15. Play in a Club V all-nighter
16. Start playing the piano again
17. Read the BOM
18. Maintain a gratitude jar
19. Go on a girls trip
20. Try a Pinterest recipe at least once a month
21. Take Ry on an epic date
22. Quit my soda habit
23. Master a karaoke song
24. Go on a family vacation
25. Unplug for 24 hours
26. Successfully complete a 30-day challenge
27. Take Lolli to high tea
28. Wear everything in my closet at least once
29. Build my writing portfolio
30. Get pregnant

25th Birthday

So, it's been like 5 minutes since I last talked about myself and with my birthday right around the corner, I say it's time to get back on topic. 

As per tradition, I've compiled a birthday wish list. This should make it very easy for all you adoring fans to find me the perfect gift. 

You're welcome.

1) Park and Sun Spectrum ClassicVolleyball Set

You know, so I can call myself a REAL volleyball player...and so I don't have to depend on the mercy of my friends to invite me to be their doubles partner. Plus, there's a park just down the road that would be absolutely perfect for an outdoor setup. 

2) Double State Necklace

How adorable are these dainty little state charms?! Obvi I would need CA and UT. Though, I'd really like the HI charm but it's just the Big Island.

3) Sideways Initial Necklace

Again, so dainty and delicate. I can see this darling little necklace being a staple with any outfit. 

4) Mommy jewelry
Starting to sense a jewelry theme here. I really want something, though, with charms for my girls. 

I love this bracelet. I'd obvi need 2 stamped disc charms, 1 for the chuck and one for the fish. But I think the accompanying little pearl charm is so sweet. 


And this necklace was practically designed just for me. How perfect?!

5) Freshies
I used to not be into the whole wedge sneaker thing, but I'm really digging these Nikes.

And this non-wedge version

Better still, this vintage suede pair.  

And even after perusing this list, for which I've included links and everything, if you still can't decide what to get me for my birthday, go with a gift card. You know what Mama likes; Sephora, Ulta, Charming Charlie (ya know, for even more necklaces and jewelry) Forever 21, H&M.

I'll be sure to send out thank-you notes. 

St. Geezy Ain't Easy

Disappointing news: I've decided not to run the St. George marathon. I'm ashamed and embarrassed, as I've never bailed on a big race like this before. Sure, I've complained constantly and threatened to quit at every turn--and every incline--but that's just always been my process. I complain and whine my way through training then complete the race and boast about my epic achievement for the following 6 months. (BTW, have you heard? I JUST had a baby.)

This time has been different. From the beginning, I was never too keen on running this race. I was all but coerced into it by my friend Stuffanie. (Name changed to protect her identity.) The day of the lottery, I about threw up when I saw I had gotten in. But I put on my big girl panties, slathered on the Body Glide, and hit the pavement.

The first couple months of training went pretty smoothly and were--dare I say--enjoyable. I was already in relatively good shape as I had already been busting my butt to shed the pregnancy weight. I had a running partner, too, which made my long runs bearable. But as I started creeping up into higher mileage, things began to fall apart.

Not only was the training getting more difficult but finding the time to do it was becoming increasingly hard to come by. Since Boyfriend works like 32 hours a day, I didn't have anyone to watch the girls while I ran. I don't have a jogging stroller, Lalea isn't steady enough on her bike yet, so bringing them along wasn't an option. I tried running on the treadmill at our clubhouse gym. If I was lucky, I'd get about 3-4 miles in before the fish started screaming her head off and annoying the crap out of all the other residents. Even if she had cooperated, there's no way I'd attempt an 18 miler on a treadmill. I'd probably burn out the belt before I even finished.

When Ry was home, I'd sacrifice our family time to go out and run away the day, complaining the entire time...complaining when I got home...complaining at church the next morning. Lots of complaining. It just wasn't fun. Training wasn't empowering like it had been in the past. I was not the least bit excited about the race. I'd never not wanted to do something so much in my life!

So when I got the text from Stuffanie that she had to drop out due to some very unfortunate and legitimate reasons, I jumped all over the opportunity to throw in the towel, as well. One of the best decisions of my life.

I'm still disappointed, though, because I had already invested so much time into it. I had gotten up to like 14 miles, I think. Halfway there. And had a half-marathon been an option, I would have totally done that.

Additionally, the race fee was non-refundable and non-transferable. So there went $100. Not to mention I forfeited bragging rights. That's the biggest letdown of all.

Though, I've already run 3 full marathons making me 3x better than most people by default.

Winning.

Her Royal Chunkiness

When Lalea was born, she was nearly 6 weeks premature. She lost tons of weight and came home from the hospital as a tiny little peanut. She wouldn't nurse and she'd only drink a single ounce of formula at a time...then vomit it straight back up.

As she's gotten older, it hasn't been any easier feeding that child. She has annoyingly become one of the pickiest eaters I know. No wonder she's so skinny, she lives off nothing but Goldfish crackers and Gogurts.

Enter the little fish.

 
Anuhea was born at 37 weeks at the ripe ol' weight of 7 pounds. She was a healthy newborn and latched on to the boob immediately. She fed around the clock. She would nurse so furiously that she'd constantly choke...or more like drown herself. Slow down, Augustus. Save some room for later!

Out of necessity, we had to introduce Anu to the bottle. Her nursing days were over. She'd nurse for 2 seconds and when the milk wouldn't immediately start flowing, she'd scream bloody murder until you acquiesced and fixed her a bottle. She just couldn't be bothered to "work" for her food any longer.

Now that she's transitioned to pureed baby food, it's even worse. Girlfriend will go through 2 whole jars of food in one sitting. And if I don't get the spoon in her mouth fast enough? Yeah, she yells at me.

You know how experts say it can take babies up to, like, 20 times of trying a food for the first time to finally acclimate to and enjoy it? Not this chunky chubbetty. It's been love at first bite with every food I've offered her. Of course.

And after Miss Piggy is done with her 2 jar smorgasbord, she'll demand a 5oz bottle of formula to wash it all down. This child is eating us out of house and home!

One day, Lollers and Ry were talking about the difference in both girls' eating behaviors. Ryan says,

Lolli, you take after me. You're a picky eater. Anu is a chunky eater...like Mama.

I couldn't even be mad. It's absolutely true. 

Resurrecting the Champ

After a nearly 2 year hiatus, Mama is back in business.

Gird your loins. We about to run this!!!

A ton has happened since I took a break from blogging--more than I care to write about and more than you care to read, I'm sure. So, let's not dwell on the past. Besides, if you're reading this, you're either related to me or a friend and I'm sure you've already been stalking me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, trying to stay up-to-date on what's been going on with the Schoeny tribe. (You know, cuz the world revolves around me and who wouldn't be interested in this?! What?? You're surprised by my narcissism? Hmm, we must not be family or friends after all.)

But in case you've been living under a rock, here are the most important things that happened to Los Schoenys since we last spoke...

 Ryan is CEO of Goldman Sachs and a competitive body builder. He splits his time between our penthouse in SLC and condo in Zurich.

 

Claire earned her trophy wife status after combing out her dreads and going back to pretty hair. She is currently a professional volleyball player, both beach and indoor, and is favored to win this year's St. George marathon.

Lalea is a child prodigy. When she's not conducting chemistry experiments and balancing equations, she's reading her way through the entire Norton Anthology of American Literature. She's also an aspiring photographer and independent film maker. 

Anuhea joined the team earlier this year. At only 5 months, she's already showing signs of extraordinary musical talent with a proclivity to vocal performance. And since there's a strong correlation between musical aptitude and literacy, it's only a matter of time before Anu asks to borrow Lalea's copy of The Grapes of Wrath.

Like I said, this is probably old news to you all. I'm sure you've kept up with us via Forbes magazine and TMZ.

But I'm so glad to welcome you all back to my blog. I'm excited to start writing again and of course, I never pass up a chance or opportunity to talk about myself.

You're welcome.

Consider the Blessings

This year has SUCKED! I mean, legitimately, royally blew BIG TIME! 2012 was not kind to Los Schoenys. Pretty much everything bad that can happen or possibly go wrong, did. 

The events of this year have left me saddened, bitter, and empty. Trying to find some solace, I've recently made it a habit of reading the inspirational Daily Messages on the church website every night before bed. 

Just last night, I was reading through these messages and came across a talk given by the president of our church during the most recent session of general conference. President Monson testifies,

"...rather than dwelling on the negative, if we will take a step back and consider the blessings in our lives, including seemingly small, sometimes overlooked blessings, we can find greater happiness."

Soooooo, what you're saying is that I shouldn't crawl into a hole and throw myself a pity party, asking everyone to feel sorry for all the bad things that have happened to us this year?? Instead, you want me to not only move on but give thanks for the blessings that did seep through the cracks of this tumultuous year? Focusing on the good rather than the bad will lead to greater happiness, you say???? It doesn't hurt to try...

Amid all the unfortunate, devastating, and down-right bad things that happened this year, there are still many many things for which I am grateful:

volleyball friends

extended family

Goldman Sachs

our new SLC house

the Take Shape for Life program

Little Readers

In the Heights

curvy girl blogs

a new sister-in-law

a new nephew

prayer

the atonement

Of course there are many more things I am grateful for and have been blessed with this year. And it's important to be mindful of those blessings instead of drowning in the sadness of our calamities and trials. While it's not always so easy to see the silver linning when faced with adversity, it is comforting to know that there is a purpose for it all, and that our Savior has already suffered for us and, therefore, understands our pain and can help us through our trials. 

Know thou...that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all..." (Doctrine and Covenants 122: 7-8)

Bad things happen, even when we make good choices. It's part of the plan!

Still, the blessings are there. Help is there. We have to remember to look and be grateful for even the smallest of blessings in our lives. And when we're struggling to see the good or are maybe too overwhelmed by the bad, we can ask our Father for relief and comfort. If we do these things, we can and we will find greater happiness. 

I hope this Thanksgiving finds everyone comforted, fulfilled, and content. 

SLC Bound!!!

The time has FINALLY come!!!

WE'RE MOVING UP TO SALT LAKE CITY!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOO!!!!!

We found the most adorable house with even more adorable landlords.

Ever since I got to Provo back in 2003, I was dreaming of the day when I'd pack up and leave it behind. Well, that day is finally here. As of December 1st, we will be residents of Salt Lake City. Only 10 minutes from Ry's office and 5 minutes from the Gateway mall, our new house is close to all the urban hustle of the city but far enough removed to still feel suburban and homely. I'm already in love!

So excited to spend this Christmas in our own little home and amid all the holiday festivities that the downtown area has to offer.

Provo, I bid you effing adieu!!!!!

Los Schoenys, out!!!!