life's little pleasures we forget about sometimes

Aren't these the cutest kids? Oh whoops, how did that picture get there? Oh well I guess I have to blog about it now!JK

I think the last time I had a bike was when I was 14. For years that's how I got around. There wasn't anywhere I couldn't go on my bike. Mind you that bike was a BMX bike that I put together piece by piece. My friends and I used to make jumps, ride the canyons and take on the motocross trails. Crazy. I don't know why I'm still alive, but that was so fun. I also loved jumping on and riding to my friends, to the store, to the basketball court or to softball practice. Those were the days. Soon after that, I started going to HS, getting rides from friends, parents and eventually driving myself. No more bike riding. Fast forward 34 years. When I got on a bike again it all came flooding back. Whoo hoo! Many times on my Saturday training rides we climb up steep long hills, but oh how I love kicking it in the highest gear and cranking those pedals going down!!!! 45 miles per hour feels a lot different and more fun on a bike! Zooooooom! Sometimes I just plain let out a scream of pure joy! (I can't help myself)
Anyway I'm having a great time - wow just what I need, a new guilty pleasure.

Ya know, This bike of mine isn't really that fancy, it's entry level, but I found it pretty much brand new on Craig's list for a steal, after looking for about 3 months.

I think it's dumb how I'm so excited about it and how sometimes I just like to stare at it. But I can't help it, it's just so darn fun.

Download the Gardner Family's new rendition of "Carol of the Bells" and help fight Blood Cancer!

Hi Loved ones and blog lurkers! (We love you too)

It has been a fantastic Christmas season for the Gardner Family. Caitlin, Kamden and Tyler all were down from Utah to celebrate with us. (I love it when it is our year to have everyone home.) We did lots of fun things together. Caroling was an especially great time this year--having all the family voices was wonderful. Weston created a new arrangement of "Carol of the Bells" for us. Because it went over so well with all those that heard it, we took the time to professionally record it. We would like to use the song with two goals in mind. First, to share it with our friends and family and anyone else you'd like to pass it on to. Second, as a fundraiser for my Leukemia/Lymphoma Society 100 mile Sulvang ride. I'm quite behind in my fundraising goals and have my first deadline coming up Jan 22 (25% of 2700.00, you do the math! Not there yet!) So, we are hoping those that download the song would make a donation in appreciation. Our song can be downloaded by clicking on:
Gardner's Carol of the Bells


Donations (of any size, it all counts!) can be made by clicking here: Susanrides100


Many of you may not realize that I am riding in honor of my brother-in-law, Glen DeMarcus, who has been diagnosed with blood cancer. I'm looking forward to having his name embroidered into my jersey as I ride the 100. Help Glen- help me reach my goal!

Thanks So Much!

Love, Susan