Moments with Emma ...

There is never a dull moment when you spend any amount of time with my 4 year old Emma. She has quite the personality, which comes from me, so I am told. She is always talking, asking questions, or just entertaining us with her humor. Here are a few conversations that we have had in the last few days ....

(In the car on the way to school to pick up the kids)
Mom, where do aliens live?
Aliens don't live any where. They are pretend, sweetie.
No, I mean do they live on our planet?
No, they are not real.
No, mom, you don't understand. I mean, do they live in outer space?
No Aliens. Really. No Aliens Anywhere!!
Ugh, I really wanted to meet one.

(This conversation took place in our living room)
Mom, when am I going to get a boyfriend?
Never!! Ok, not for a very, very long time!
Mom, I want Andrew to be my boyfriend. (Andrew is her cousin's boyfriend) Oh, wait. I think he is married to Lindsey.

No, they are not married. They are just dating.
(she smiles)
When I get to be a mom, can I marry Andrew?
Sweetie, you probably have not even met the man that you are going to marry. I didn't meet your daddy until college.

(slight pause to think) Mom, who is your boyfriend?
My boyfriend is Daddy!
No mom, he is your husband, not your boyfriend!!

(In the car on the way to school to workout)
Mom, are you going running?
Yes.
Can I run with you. I need to make sure that I don't get fat!
(laughing) I don't think you have anything to worry about, sweetie!


Emma, I love that you make me laugh. Thank you for your sweet smile and personaility. You brighten my day and I love being your mommy! Love ya!

The Kids at a Ball Game ...

The kids always find ways to entertain themselves during B-ball season. The fieldhouse is our second home this time of year. The kids love the freedom they have to run around and play. I love the energy that they release. My kids are still pretty young, so their attention span for a b-ball game is about 5 minutes. So they learn to be creative and play. The exception to this rule is Kallie. She watches the whole game from the bench, helping dad coach. She is learning whatever Dad will teach her. It is going to be fun to watch her play! She has her dad's competitive nature. (I am sure some of my competitive nature as well. :) At this year's Senior night, the kids had a great time. We had balloons ...

Confessions of an amateur runner ...

Today marks the end of week #6 in my 12 week training program for my first 1/2 marathon. Training has gone surprisingly well, but now I am getting scared. Truly, deeply scared!! On Friday, I mailed my registration form - the point of no return. No way am I going to back out now and waste my hard earned money (well, my husband's hard earned money.) BTW, thanks to my loving husband that totally supports me in this crazy plan to run a 1/2 marathon. He thinks I can do it. It always feels good to have someone on your side, cheering you on.

Today my training called for a 5-k Race, but I didn't find one, so I thought I would just race myself. The weather has been beautiful the last few days, so I was looking forward to a run outside in the sunshine. My body must of agreed with me because it felt so good to run w/o the treadmill :) I started so strong and felt like I was going at a pretty good pace. I decided to keep it up, just to see how well I could do. I almost fell over when I clocked my first mile at 8:41. What!!! Awesome!!! I was so excited, I believe I did a little victory leap. (Don't worry, I don't think anyone saw me) Now, for those "advanced runners" you may be laughing at my time, but to someone who usually averages a 10 min. mile, this was huge!! "In your face, treadmill, I knew that I was not running a 11 min. mile!" What is up with horrible times when I run on the treadmill? Well, that is for a later post!
Now when the excitement wore off, I realized that I could be in trouble. I was sucking wind and my body was screaming at me. I had to adjust my pace to finish, but I was ok with it. I finished my 5 miles in 47:53, under a 10 minute mile. Progress is an amazing motivator!! Week #7, watch out. I'm coming!!!

Confessions of an amateur runner ...

It was a cold one today as my friend Keri and I made our way outside to run our 6 miles. Maneuvering around mounds of snow has been a challenge as we continue to change our running course to keep up with our changing mileage. Taking a break from the treadmill is a must when running more than 5 miles. After being sick last week, I was worried about this week's long run. I took it easy on Friday, because my body was so sore!! My husband tells me that I am getting old, but I don't want to believe it!! (He is right, of course!!)
Good thing I had a friend counting on me, I was fighting the run. Once we got out there, it was not as bad as I had imagined. After the first mile, I began to feel my toes again. It was nice. Running with a good friend has many advantages, we talked the whole time and made our run seem much less painful. My legs were tired as we kicked to the finish, but we did it! Six miles, yes!!! After the run, I mentioned that we just need to run that course twice and then some to cover our 13.1 miles. We both groaned!!! Week #5 check, bring on week #6. We have made it to the halfway mark in our training. Yes!! A milestone.

Much needed snow day ...

Tuesday and Wednesday we got dumped with snow. This winter has almost been snow-free, so the kids were thrilled! A snow day is just what we needed after being couped up in the house due to sickness. As you can see, we made the most of it ...

I can't help but smile when I see this picture. Oh, to be a kid again!

I feel a snowball fight coming on!


Swinging is fun in any weather!

What a face! Are we having fun yet?

My favorite picture!!

Where has the fun gone?

Your eyes are beautiful, Rylee girl!!


Family bonding time!

Big sis

Some days managing the chaos of a large family can be pretty overwhelming. Our work as mom's is never done, no matter how hard we try to "keep up with it." But then, God gives us a sweet picture of why we do what we do. Thank you, Father. Today, I needed this!


When you play hard, you sleep hard. :)

Where have I been .....

How has it been over a month since I have written on my blog! Life must be crazy, but this is nothing new. Here is an update on what you have missed ...

I made a few New Year's Resolutions, some I am failing (like writing on my blog each day) and some that I am following. Yeah me. I talked myself into running a 1/2 marathon in April. I know what you are thinking, "she is crazy," but I really think that I can do it. I needed a real challenging goal to get me ready for 2010. What is more challenging than running 13.1 miles! Wow!! You are right, I might be crazy!!! Oh, well! The goal has been set and the training is underway. I called my sister for moral support, she ran her first 1/2 marathon last year. She gave me a great training plan and I am proud to say that I have been following it! I have run into a few bumps in the road, but nothing too serious. My first roadblock came a few days ago, when the flu hit our home. In a family of 7, it is a miracle if you escape the bug. I was not so fortunate. I have been in bed for 2 days and am starting to feel normal today. I told myself that maybe I could get in a few miles today to make up for missing 2 days of training. I quickly changed my mind when going up and down the stairs to get the laundry has made me winded. I guess my energy has not yet returned. I start week #6 of my 12 week training on Monday so I am praying for strength to get through Monday's workout.

So that has pretty much been my life for the last month. Training, being a wife, mom, teacher, and super hero. My days are packed. Hopefully, life will slow a little so that I can record it and remember these crazy, busy days. Talk to you soon!