little runners

And now I'm posting about MORE running. WHO am I? But this has to be said....

Grant ran his first race in 13:19. The Jr. 1 Mile. We had a great time together laughing about guns on top of cars and afterwards there was a big pink doughnut with sprinkles for his chosen breakfast.

And then I was invited to run the Jog-a-thon with my nephews Noah and Luke. Right away Noah introduced me to 4 of his friends. I believe it was the second one he ever so awesomely said, "this is my Aunt, the pro marathoner I was telling you about." I did not deny his claim. In fact. I think I nodded.

These two cute kids almost killed me. They are SPEEDY! I did take a breather for a lap per child but I'm pretty sure these kids were laying down 7 minute miles. They are so handsome, polite, and athletic. I'm very proud of them!

13.1 again

We did it! We made our time goal for the 2012 Rock N River Half! I am SO thankful for the running partners. I couldn't do the long runs without the support and fun they bring. Now Latricia and I are going on to train for the full! I am starting to like running... by mile 6 I really start to get into it! 

Right before

My finish time was a PR - 2:18:04 (17 minutes faster than last year!)

And we celebrated the rest of Lauren's birthday that night 

without the stress of a big run the next day! 

game on

I'm trying to rest up a little - this Saturday is my first grass volleyball tourney of the season and Sunday I run 13.1 miles in the Rock N River Race. Me and my two running partners are shooting for a 2:22 or less finish.

But we're also doing more then just running. My running clan and other friends from church have gotten together and are raising money for each mile of the race to give to "Courage to be You" a Christian home helping minors abused by the sex trafficking industry. As believers in Jesus Christ we aim to help those who need it and this is one way we know we can help!

If you would like to sponsor me I need three more donations. You can take Mile 3 for $10.00,  Mile 4 for $10.00, or Mile 13 for $30.00. If you would like to give to this cause to fight modern day slavery in America please leave a comment or contact me by e-mail for details.

If you would like to help in other ways research the subject and give what you can to help others trapped and hopeless or newly freed and in need.
www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/
www.madebysurvivors.com

running pals

I went on a run tonight and guess who joined me? I think he could work on his breathing a little. Mainly he was laughing because his shorts were falling down. I see a kids mile run in his future!

picture update

I've been behind! The warm weather is coming so the long runs are getting longer and the volleyball is up in the air more often. I have to share a few pictures... I have some awesome video clips but they aren't loading at the moment. They show Calli can count to 10, recognize colors, and call out quite a few letter names. Maybe I can share them later.

caleb turns 4 and he's pretty super

all the supers

Grandad helped just a bit with the lego transformer truck

circus circus!

we're up to 11 miles

swim lessons return

We enrolled Grant in swim lessons again. He's a lot less afraid of the water this year and was actually excited to go. So of course I couldn't leave it as an easy and wonderful experience - I signed up Calli as well. C LOVES the water but now we know she HATES swim lessons. She's forever afraid of the dreaded dunking. Turns out most of the toddlers hate the lessons, so today, the third lesson, all the moms sent the dads in with the kids. See I know what I'm doing! Tim accepted the challenge happily, except I guess I didn't tell him the extent to which Calli screamed and choked my neck last week.....he got a little worried she hated him! But, once again, an hour after the lesson she was saying, "water!" "swimming!" "fun!". It's the only reason I haven't completely thrown in the towel. I think swimming and potty training are my two least favorite things about parenting....oh and shots.... so pray for me this month.

and while I'm at it

I saw this picture in the old box and I had to post. Every bit of it is full of memories for me. This was a "dinner on my mattress" date. Some nice friends let me stay with them when I was homeless in Tennessee just waiting to marry my man. I think this is just about a week before the wedding. I was really happy...I mean I am really happy. :) Tim, you, and all the non-money you brought into my life, were SO worth it!

roommate

Well my college days are just getting further and further away! What is happening?! Recently my college roommate, and forever dear friend, stopped by the house with her family while driving thru from California to her home in Kansas. I had to pull out some old pictures.

THEN

NOW... because you might get it mixed up.

....we have multiplied!!!

Love you Amy! To which she would undoubtedly wink... or slap her hand on someone's thigh with a "pppphisshhh" sound.