My Green Shoes ...

Tanner and his green shoes go everywhere together. They are best buds! These treasures were discovered by my little 3 year old a few months ago when mom was going through the summer clothes getting ready for her Mom 2 Mom Sale. I made the mistake of asking him to try on the shoes to see if they still fit. Luck for me, they are going to work for one more season. It was love at first sight. (Apparently, he has no knowledge of the shoes from last summer) He wakes up asking for them. He eats breakfast with them, takes naps, and I have even found them in his bed. I can't really tell you what is so special about them, but if I would of known how much he liked them, I would of bought a few more pairs. Of course this season, I can't find them anywhere. I guess moms can't see the future. Oh, well. I can't help but smile every time I see my little Tanner and his favorite green shoes. So sweet!

Tanner's 1st Soccer Practice

Tanner had his first soccer practice last night and he could not of been more thrilled! Finally, after 2 years of watching soccer, he can get in on the action. He looks so big in his soccer gear that it makes mommy sad. They grow up way to fast. Like almost every event in our lives, drama occurred. Let me explain....

Steve (my husband) is coaching Kallie's team, so while dad was having practice, I took Emma and Tanner to their practice. We get to the field's, running late as usual, I grab the 2 soccer balls hand them to the kids and proceed to lock the van door. Tanner takes his ball in the parking lot and starts to kick it. When I turn around, Emma is frantically trying to tell me something and Tanner looks like he is about to cry. I soon discover that his soccer ball rolled under a car. No big deal, I thought, I will just bend down and get it. PROBLEM!!!! It has rolled under a Mustang and is wedged way under. Picture this, mom on hands and knees trying not to scream weighing my options. (I could send Emma under the car, but if she gets stuck, then what do I do? I really hope the owner of the car does not come around the corner.) I go back to our van to try to find anything that I can use to reach it. Everything under the sun is in my messy van, except what I need. Then I spot it. The snow removal brush thingy ... you know what I mean. After a few tries, I get the ball free. I look over at Tanner who is grinning ear to ear, "thanks, mom!" Now that I am dirty and sweating, lets go to soccer practice! Ahhhh!!!


It was worth it! Tanner had a smile on his sweet little face that never left. He was so excited to be out there. He was so proud of himself. During one of the drills, Emma and Tanner were teamed up to pass the ball back and forth. Tanner was having some trouble, but he was really trying. The ball would only go a few feet, no where near where Emma was standing. I heard her sighing in frustration, so I went over to encourage her. She turns around in disgust and says, "mom, he is just not getting this!" Emma can always make us laugh. "It is the first practice, Emma, he will do better next time." Good job Emma and Tanner. We are so proud of you guys!

My 1st 1/2 Marathon ... I did it!

My 1st 1/2 Marathon race is over and I crossed the finish line with 5 minutes to spare in my race goal. It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Now, even a day later, it is starting to sink in. "I just ran 13.1 miles. Wow!!" I haven't decided if I am happier that I did it or that it is now over. I will not lie to you - it was tough. I watched in awe when those Marathon runners started crossing the finish line. Wow!! I can't imagine running 26.2 miles. Crazy!

Let me tell you all about it ...

5:30 am - Alarm goes off. It is officially time to get up. I had woke up at 3:19am and 5:00am to make sure I didn't miss the alarm. Get dressed. Eat something small. Check and re-check my supplies: MP3 player, knee pads, watch, energy bar, gloves, etc. Check and check!

6:05 am - My running buddy arrives. Yes!! We are both nervous but excited. Arrive at the race. Start hunting for a parking space. (Always a challenge) Find a spot. Attach running bibs and timing chips. Check for wardrobe malfunctions. Head to the port-a-potties. Yuck!!

7:00am - Meet up with friends. Shivering from the cold and the nerves. Laugh and giggle, we always manage to make every race fun. Take pictures and pray!

7:30am - Get into the massive crowd of people and get ready to start. No turning back. Ready, get set, go....

I felt great from the beginning. I usually hit a wall between 4-5 miles, so I was waiting and ready. No wall. Yes!! At mile 5 we are starting to see the first racers getting ready to pass mile 9. It was crazy. They were really moving. At mile 6 (the halfway turn) we did a little cheer. Only 6 more miles to go. No problem. At mile 8, I had to make a quick pit stop at the port-a-potties. Five babies will do this to you. I was still feeling good, so I was very encouraged. My left knee and hip had been giving me a little bit of pain, but nothing too bad. By mile 10, with every stride I was getting a pain. I tried not to think about it and listen to my music. At mile 11, I took a 30 second break and walked to try and stretch it out a bit, but it felt worse to walk. When I finally saw the finish line, I was so happy. I crossed the finish line at 2:25.36. Yes!! My goal was 2:30. I did it!! At the finish line my family and friends were there cheering me on. It was a wonderful feeling. I am fighting some pain, but I am sure that I will be feeling better in no time.

Crossing the finish line. I look a little scary! :)

Getting a much needed hug from the family!

My running buddies - Keri and Nikki. Great job ladies!!

Kallie in her first race. 1.2 miles. Over 700 kids racing!

Great job Kal. 8:35!! Wow! We are so proud of you!