Don't STOP

Just don't stop. After weeks, even months of working so hard and fighting your desires to just be lazy.... don't stop working out. SERIOUSLY.

I did. I had been building endurance and speed for months and it's all lost.

You challenge yourself and work your schedule anyway you can to be commited only to start all over.

First there was dad's wedding and then the kids started back into school... trying to adjust to new schedules and routines. That's all it took, 2wks of running down the drain. My last run was 5mi at a great pace...my best ever, 2wks ago. I ran over 27miles total that week. Today I struggled and struggled and STRUGGLED to get through a 2mile run. I mean struggled. The landscape and wind seemed to be moving by okay but when I tuned into my body I realized I was NOT moving. I could hardly get air. I felt like an elephant or something, with my legs weighing 1000lbs each. For that fight, as hard as I was pushing, sweating and forcing one foot in front of the other... I would have anticiapated a 6:45 pace (2wks ago). Today it was 8:14. That should have been relaxing... oohh but it was FAR from it!!!.

So again I say, if you're working out or planning to, even in the smallest of doses... DON'T stop. It's just not worth it. It's throwing everything away that you've already worked for.

How bad do you want it?
FIND A WAY. or pay.

WAAAAAYYY behind on Blogging

Wow, time really flies when..... okay really time always flies by. I have not blogged in over a month but it has been CRAZY. (as always right).

MY kids, MY kids, MY kids. Yes they are at the Heart of that......crazy. I did have to give up 3wks with them. It was an awful 3 weeks for me and from the sounds of it not better for them. I couldn't stand to be home for a second. Seriously the second I walked in the door I felt like I had to leave or a heap of tears would flood the place. Thankfully, I was comforted by a wonderful friend and if it wasn't for him... well, things could have been distasterous.... OH, which brings me to the fact that my body decideds then to get SICK... like mono sick. Okay, it wasn't diagnosed to be Mono but lets just say my body still has not recovered and that was 6wks ago. I couldn't move. My legs hurt, my throat was just awful and I had fevers for a week. So much for being comforted and staying out of the house. But, at the first opportunity I was outside running and breathing fresh air... nothing like taking time to recover. I tried calling my kids everyday. BUT was only allowed to talk to them on Tuesdays and Thursdays. How crappy is that? Some parents..... Well, I will say no more. My kids said they knew I called and had many feelings on the matter.

I ended up making a trip down to get them (wasn't suppose to happen that way) and couldn't have been happier to see their little faces. WOOO WHOOO!!! I was SO happy. Still AM. I have unfortunately been dealing with a ton of mixed emotions and such but they are HOME! We spent the first week snuggling every chance we could.... who am I kidding they've been home 3wks now and I'm still snuggling them every chance I get.

I did the CRIM. The 10 miles. My goal was to run it with a pace of 8:50/mi and I did an 8:55/mi avg. I was very pleased with that especially since I didn't have a timing device. I got to start the race with the incredible TRI for LIFE team!!! http://www.donatelifetriathlon.com/ that was a great privilege and I met up with them after the race. It sounded like they had a great run (and then did the Chigago Tri the following weekend-What a bunch of POWER HOUSES). I myself, even though very pleased think I could have ran it a bit faster... I can say that now, hee hee!

The following week was SCHOOL shopping for the kiddies. Only the necessities (some of which still exist). I love getting them organized and ready but it can make for long days. My daughter and I spent over 6 hours getting her ORGANIZED and READY. That little Turkey. Her room was a Nightmare. Seriously- A scary nightmare. But, we've got it undercontrol now and we are on top of it everynight. Mom layed a few new rules down and they seem to be working.. for now at least.

I also took the kids to see Thomas the Train.!! Owie's big day every year. He loves it. We won tickets off the radio this year (which was a blessing). It started out rainy but turned out to be a wonderful day. The kids rode in the caboose and had the best seats on board. They loved it. I have pictures I'll have to share soon.

This past weekend my DAD got married. I still can't believe it. Well, I can but.... my dad!
It was very beautiful in his backyard. Lots of fun. I can't wait to see the pictures (need to visit my sisters flicker). My littlest guy was one of the ring bears... his first wedding ever. He did so good and looked so cute. My cousin kept telling me he looked like a little G-Q. Haahhhahaha.

Soccer is in full swing and this year I'm coaching the youngest group. My Owie is so thrilled I'm coaching. It has been intersting. I've got a great group of kids. A few that just crack me up.

And yesterday was my kids first day of school. Yeah no pictures. I'm really slacking lately. My memory card has been full (found out at dad's wedding). My daughter was so anxious for her first day she was up at 2am again this year. I had to send her back to bed.

Woow!! what a quick update.

Another year older

These birthdays really are uneventful as you get older. I had a coworker ask me, "what do you have planned, you going out to dinner or...?"

Yeah-I'm gonna make myself a cake and then take myself out to dinner.

Not exactly.

The last birthday party I remember as a child was my sixteenth birthday. My mom was there, my Aunt Margo from Texas and her daughter Vanna, my boyfriend (ex husband now) and it was at my Great Grandparents house down the road from my dads. Yes, I had to identify that my mom was there because it's one of the only birthdays I remember in which she was. She gave me a 16" gold necklace that I still have and wear from time to time. My Aunt Margo had got me a gold bracelet to match.

Let's see... the next celebration or ackowledged birthday I remember wouldn't come until my 23rd birthday when my girl friend (God mother to my daughter), Angela took me to see my favorite country singer (at that time) Keith Urban. And we had SO much fun.

The following year I was in Mi and my awesome sister, Krista (love you too Chrissy) got me tickets to Country Thunder USA where I again got to see almost touch Keith Urban. What a GREAT birthday that was.!!!!!

This year was basically just another day on the calander. I don't feel any different. I did however, have to re-add it a few times to make sure I was telling people to right age. Hahaha. I started forgetting my age a few years ago.

My kids did make it great though. I can't believe there little minds. Owen when reminded on the ride to daycare by my co-worker said he had to give me my birthday spankings... I got six :-). Keagan had them hustle to clean the house when we got home. Kierrah did the bathroom, he vaccummed and swept all the floors, Owen picked up all the floors. I got the best hugs and kisses a mom could ever ask for on her birthday.

CAR POOLING

OH the benefits are so great.

Yes the obvious, I'm saving MONEY.

But, this morning for example I was on the schedule 45min earlier than my co-worker so I got dropped off at the door (didn't have to walk that mile accross our parking lot to the hospital), and she even brought me coffee!!! Hot Fresh COFFEE!

This is good living.

And good living is much needed here lately.

It's amazing sometimes how far the smallest bit of thoughtfulness can go or how much it can imact someone. You might not always know what's going on in someones life (she knows about mine) but, you can still help. Her simple kindness this morning after that week I've been having will be stretched and appreciated to great lengths.

The comfort of a 4yr old

He stands at the end of my bed. Mommy, dressed and ready for work walks around and sits right in front of him on the floor. He turns and takes mommy's head in his little arms and pulls it into his tummy.

Mommy says, "I'm don't feel good, I am so tired I just want to crawl back into bed and sleep"

He says, "Mommy you have to go to work and get the money, ok?" But, if you hurry up at work and pick me up fast at daycare I will snuggle you when we get home".

Mommy smiled, "that sounds perfect".

Much to say... little time

The other day after doing some much needed grocery shopping I decided (completely spur of the moment to do a run) so we swung by the track. I did a very rejuivinating 3 miles. I only had my cell phone to time but according to it's stop watch I was about 8 min 24sec pace. I can live with that. I met the current track coach up there who says he really needs a distance coach to help him out......hmmmmmm. We talked for a while and I shared some tips I've been reading. I told him we'll be in touch.

My kids are totally taking advantage of paranoid mom mode!!

Their bedtime has been pushed back the last 2 nights, they've all been piling in my bed and they ALL think they need their own blanket and their own pillow. So we somehow end up with 6 pillows, 6 blankets (non of which we're under) and 4 bodies... Mom usually wiggles to the end of the bed at some point (so much more room by their little toes). I feel like we can't do enough together. Last weekend we scheduled a lunch outing after church, the movie "UP" in 3D (very cute), bowling and the park. And the weekend before that I took them to the Drive in. We've been picnicing, minus the few days of rain and snuggling up together on the couch every night. I just can't IMAGINE not seeing their little faces for 2wks or more.

I was up til 3am this morning fretting over it. Just could not sleep. So many things come into perspective at that hour believe it or not.

Anyway, I recieved a phone call this morning... Good news. Really good news!! I can't wait to share it with those who...... well with my family and closest friends.

ALL I can say right now is THANK GOD! And Really...... I'm thanking Him.

scared mom

My gutt is in paranoid mom mode.

Bad enough I might not see my youngest two for 2wks; now I find out (as those who know my situation know-it changes by the minute) my oldest may have to forfeit his position on the AllStar team that he worked very hard for, and there may be no homecoming in 2 wks.

How do I cope?

2wks is SO long? I have never been away from my kids for more than a week. The one time they went down south to see their dad, I drove them. I stayed down there, so I was close. I can't go down there right now.

There's been threats that my calls won't be excepted. That's thinking like a mature parent. Take the kids away from their home, away from the one person who's always been there and don't let them speak to her. Seriously? My daughter said last night that I have to call her every morning and everynight. And I will. But, I can't make him answer.

It's not just me they'll be missing either. What about all their friends and family that is here. Kids hang out with their friends all summer long. My oldest two have already had several invites.

I'm so going crazy here. And I can't imagine what my kids will be going through.

I could go on forever but it's probably best not to share so much with the internet world.

If there is any words of encouragement or advice..... I'm all ears.

Where have I been?

Good question.

And many answers.

The usual work, cleaning, KIDS SPORTS (very time consuming) and well.... I better leave it at that. I tend to say too much.

So on the home front. I'm trying to clean like crazy. Dust bunnies and all. I need to go through and throw away what I can because hopefully (if things go right) I will be moving soon. The kids' rooms are in order we just need to go through that huge ridiculous toy box of theirs. Seriously they don't play with half of it. My rooms' night mare is all the CLOTHS. How do you part with them? And the shoes? If they are in good condition... and mine are. And these days nothing is out of style. But, I'm working on it.

Work is busy. Especially because hours were cut back. The good thing is it gives me more time for sports and housework and the bad thing.....OBVIOUS right?

Sports are taking a lot this year it seems. The first time for me to be traveling with my son's baseball, not his first year. Unfortunately because of school last year I missed quite a bit of that. And soccer. We were up there 5-6hrs last Saturday....6games!!!. But, it was fun. I have no complaints. I love watching them play.

With all this and having been sick a few wks ago I have not been running. :-( And I love to run. But, the good news is I may have found a new running partner and help with the kids at the same time. I need to sign up for some races though. There's one next month that apparently I shouldn't miss. So I need to get movin.

For now it's back to work.....

Parcel for the Park

A busy Saturday morning.

Ballet @ 10:30-11:30 (next town)

Baseball practice 12:30-2:00 (hometown)

Both following this mornings 5k race.
I was super excited for the race, more for my sister than me. It was her very first race (in her adult life) and she was more than ready. I was worried she'd try to keep up or not keep up with others since almost everytime we'd been out to practice I ran with her chatting her ear off and often times forget how fast I'd have her going. She told me not to worry about running with her because she knew she could do it. I knew it too.
My expectations for myself were to try and hold a 8 minute mile pace until the last mile, then pick it up to a 7:30/7:45 pace. Yeah... that didn't happen. When I took off on the start I had a little trouble starting the garmin and then I noticed I was running some 6minute pace....woooow Megan..slow it down girl. Everytime I checked it and was running too fast, I'd end up slowing it down too much. Or running it too slow and then speed it up too fast. I am terrible at keeping a steady pace. I really really need to invest in my own garmin for that reason. I kept my eye on what appeared to be a little boy between 8-10yrs old (kicking my butt) until the 2mile marker, rounded the corner and seen my sister-n-law. I didn't see my oldest sister and imediately started thinking about her. I wondered if she started too fast or if she'd found someone to run with or if I should have ran with her talking her ear off like I always do but....I kept right on, trying to work on my pace waiting for that last mile. I come out of the woods and seen my brother-in-law snapping pictures of me... I waved, smiled and kept running. After passing him I realized I was nearly at the finish, I could see it... totally bummed I kicked it up a knotch (so much later than I wanted to) and crossed the finish line. And as always the finish line is the best part only it was better than ever this time, because my three little ones were there with smiles and FLOWERS! (thanks Kenny!!). And that wasn't it. I got to cheer in both sisters! They did so good. My sister-n-law did almost 3minutes better than she was hoping for....thats SUPER. And my oldest sister.....I am SO PROUD of her....finished her first race, by herself, without stopping. YOU ROCK sis! (And I can't forget your more than helpful husband...he Rocks too).

So we rushed off to the other events of the day. I get home from Baseball just intime to catch my internet guy. He hooked me up and I check out the race results.... I got first place in my age group. Holy cow....us 25-29yr old ladies were a bit slow this morning. I really thought my time would have been much futher down the list but yeah I'm cool with it. And my sister-n-law was right up there too placing 5th in our group...We kicked butt!!! :-) My time: 25:42. 1st in age group, 13th overall females. 193 runners, 102 females.

I'll have to steel a group photo from my sister when she gets them up on flicker!

THANKFUL and OH SO BLESSED

This morning when I dropped the kids off at school I was given a GARMIN to borrow for my race. YEAH!!

wait, let me repeat that

YEAH!!. Seriously SO HAPPY about that. Anyone who runs with a big fat $5 stop watch from Walmart could understand my GREAT appreciation for a Forerunner GARMIN. So thank you, thank you, thank you.

Then I get to work and there is a huge gift bag on my desk.

Mrs. Paula is guilty.

She bought me a book Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul. With a beautiful handwritten message inside:

Dearest Megan,
You and I have shared many many "mom" stories. This is a great book
for short Reflections into that glorious gift the Lord gave us...."Motherhood"
You are the Best........I wish you Happiness......Courage.....Love
Paula
xxoo

In addition to that there were 2 more gifts in the bag. A beautiful Angel of Courage....the card reads, Bringing a triumphant spirit, inspiration and courage. The other is titled: Happiness and reads, FREE to sing, laugh, dance.....create!

I cried.

I just love her.

I LOVE angels too. I have a great collection of them at home.

Paula is just wonderful. I am so Blessed to have met her. So BLESSED and so THANKFUL.

A Friend

My co-worker, my frined, my.....

well

there are no words to describe her.

I love the women and she's moving on to new ventures in two days.

Every morning for the last year and a half I have sat with my coffee in hand sharing my life with her and listening to the many stories of her life.

This morning's story was about her husband on his first Turkey hunting trip. He's there now. So I shared a friends story of his (all to easy) first Turkey hunting trip that I've heard about a few times :-). Then somehow converstation was led to the meals that follow. She told her husband if he gets one, and expects her to eat it, he'd better not let her see it. I found that quite funny. I could easily see what she's talking about and how that'd grose one out......yet I remember, too many times, seeing a deer hanging in our garage-guts spilled open and a poodle of blood on the pavement below. YUCK. I didn't know any different and I ate the meat without question. Maybe it was never...."poor animal" because it was always "good job Dad" (or who's ever catch it may have been). The men and all their cheers, I'm sure, brain-washed us kids into believing it was all good. Matter of fact my step-mom, Aunt, and sister-n-law hunted with them. I think if I'd seen the animals alive and in their environment first my story would be slightly changed.

It's so much fun to work with someone you can just talk to. Easy conversation. That allows you to vent, or remenise or just see into someone else's life. It's been so relaxing.

Two women who've never once had any "drama" between eachother. Seriously. I'm not Lieing.

She will be so GREATLY missed.

I have told her I will now try to keep up with my Facebook as that will be our new connection. This will be a challenge for me as (1) my computer is down and (2) I am terrible at keeping up with Facebook.

But, I will keep in touch.

She has lifted me up and given me all the huggs I've ever needed when times seemed hopeless and lost. I have learned so much about her and her wonderful family, who I've I'd the pleasure of meeting on more than one occasion. She has shown love and kindness to my children......boy do they love her pool and those HUGE cookies she sends them. :-)

She's a best friend but more. Someone I knew I could trust. Someone I could confide in about anything. Someone who's given me much advice and tried guiding me/pushing me to do more. A mentor. A mother.

I love you Mrs. Paula!!!

And now I will stop there, because being the soft hearted mush I am, I can no longer see the screen through my teared up eyes. (I blame that on my dad! Thanks Dad. I inherritated his mushiness)

Here I go

In about thirty minutes I'll be leaving work to go sit with the big dogs. So scary. I will be at the mercy of a perfect stranger and she has no idea HOW much my emotions will be bundled around her every word. My stomach is knotted up to the extreme. It's that knowing I have no control over things. And knowing I've run off the one friend I will want to talk to most. I have a way of making things harder on myself.

yeah, good one Megan.

Wish me luck.

Words of Wisdom....or a fool (not sure which) not GOD...me!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it does not delieght in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails. 1 Cor. 13
-And it takes two.

YOU CAN'T REACH A GOAL IF YOU DON'T RUN IN IT'S DIRECTION.

NFL Draft

So on the way into work this morning I tuned into some talked radio. And lucky me.. ESPN was the only station to come in. Not that I don't like sports, I'm just so out of the loop it's hard to follow. Which brings me to some questions.

Listening to them discuss the upcoming NFL Draft was interesting but confusing. They were talking about this team getting 8th pick but they may decide to drop down.?. What? First of all what determines who gets 1st pick, 16th pick or 8th pick? Is it the teams rank.....how good they were in the previous season? I don't know. And why would they drop down? It sounded like they may get more guys that way, but I barely caught that part. These people asume their listeners are familiar with the process, which I'd imagine most are. Then they were talking about this team getting, for example Mark Sanchez (don't know em). Well, if they have 8th pick and Mark Sanchez is that good how do they know that team will get him? And it's obviously discussed on public radio so other teams know who this team and that team are looking at? I understand some coaches are looking for speed while others need someone with better passes but still letting every team get who they want puts them all at greater risk for losing doesn't it? or winning I guess...goes both ways.

How confusing. I know it's been explained to me before. I remember watching the draft a few years ago but I probably wasn't completely tuned into the process.

I'd like to be re-enlightened.
Jaime??

Strength

WHEN LIFE KNOCKS YOU DOWN TO YOUR knees JUST REMEMBER THAT YOUR ARE IN THE PERFECT POSITION TO pray.
unkown

Bad Run

Well, they are bound to happen. Right?

I do believe running is so much more mental than physical. And yesterday both systems were down. Physically I was still sore from my run Saturday after noon. A solid 8 miles. And maybe the 2 plates of nachos I engolfed minutes before played a small part. Mentally.... I was NOT in running mode. My mind was trying so hard to cope with so many other thoughts it bailed on the run. I wasn't even up to meeting everyone. I ran a good first mile with my sister-in-law then my sister joined up for another mile. They started walking at the start of the next lap... usually I hound my sister and tell her: "it's ALL mental, ......you can do it, ......don't stop" The words were lost. And I found myself walking with them the next quarter. In the end I ran 31/2 miles and walked a half mile................I felt broken.

YUCK!

This is my poor fella with Asthmatic Broncitis and Corneal Abrasions on his Left eye. I am going to read him book after book until he falls asleep in my arms.

He's not better yet

Well. Corneal Abrasions....doctor confirmed. They didn't find anything in his eye so whatever scratched it up is either hiding really well or did it's damage and ran out. He's got his own little pirate patch, some antibiotics and a follow up appointment tomorrow.

I talked to him on the phone and he said, "mama, it's not all better yet".
No. Nothing is better until mommy's there to comfort it.

He should be feeling much better by tomorrow with the ointment they use. I can start to relax a little.

THE MOMMY in ME

My youngest... little Oowie, is at the eye doctor right now. And it's killing me to be here at work. He got something in his eye yesterday, he thinks it's an eyelash but whatever it is it doesn't want to come out and it's irritating his little eye just terrible. Corneal Abrasions, I'm sure.

I just called to get the scoop only to hear their at the doctors. Thank GOD I'm no longer lactating because I'd have a mess everywhere with my amount of worry. LOL.

I know he'll be just fine and there's nothing to worry about. Actually I am happy for him that he won't have to wear his sister's sparkling bright pink sleeping cap anymore.

BUT-STILL......I can picture his big boy self trying to be brave and being completely terrified as the doctor comes toward his little eye.

Poor Fella... :-(
I can't WAIT to hug him.

Pieces of Heaven

I'm NOT a pink person. Yes, I do wear pink from time to time but I'm really not a pink person. I'm a earthy tones kinda girl. But, in lo of SPRING and the upcoming Easter holiday I thought I'd change the blog scene to something a little brighter. (Trying not to look outside at the accumulating SNOW...seriously what the heck?) Actually what caught my eye was the title of the background- Pieces of Heaven. I like that. I NEED pieces of Heaven. Plus, I somehow accidently managed to delete my old blog background.

Well on the note of HEAVEN. I thought I'd share a little something I have printed and posted on my desk at work. Some inspiration. (Among many other quotes)

Open My Eyes, That I May See
by Clara H. Scott

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Slilently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.

Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart nad let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.

Have you ever had those days where you feel like nothing you do is right? You misinterrpret EVERYthing, You feel like EVERY thing do and say is all WRONG? Yeah. Me too. And that's when I just recite these simple words to myself. If HE is my eyes, my ears, and the words I speak are only those HE would have me speak.........something would have to come out right!

But the key is to TRUST.

Twice... in the same day

Okay, this is rare. Very rare. Me blogging a second time in the same day!

After all that complaining about my computer I had to share....my friends advice helped. It's still not up to speed but at least I can get to a web site now. I even uploaded my pages to 52Sketches. YEAH!!!

Now I'm off to scrappin' with my little sis.

I plan to sleep in in the morning and then go for a killer run.

After that I have plans to ice skate and golf. Yes. ICE SKATE and/or GOLF. I'm sure I will have much to share after those events. Including broken bones!!!

Been Awile

There has been much to chat about but not much I'd share on my blog.

I have had a few really good runs since my last update. An awesome 8mile run @ a 9:22 pace which I felt SOOO good about until I heard a friend rattle off his incredable 12mi @ a 9:30 pace (I think it was) ......... either way it put my run to shame. My sister is up to an AWESOME 4miles. I am so proud of her and can't wait to push her around the track again. I ran that one with her and tried to run hard/sprint the last mile. I have no clue what our time or pace was.

As noted in my last blog. I still can't upload any pictures or pages from my scrapbooking weekend. I can't do anything on that darn computer. I've been told it needs to be wiped out, which makes me nervous but I'm at the end of my rope with that thing so I'm willing. A friend talked me through a few things last night that I can do. I'm going to give that a try tonight to see if he's right. It's worth a try unless I lose it and end up throwing it through a window.

I celebrated two of my babies birthdays yesterday. My little girl is 6 and my oldest boy turned 8. (Again many pictures to share but none of which I can upload. Okay-so it's obvious how irritated I am with that). We had so much fun. My daughter got a Bratz doll Runway with a makeup/dressing room/and snack bar. We lit that thing up and put on a show. My son wanted... "Backugon" balls? I found em. And he loves them. I'm not too sure about them. Basically they are these balls the size of a bouncy ball and you roll them over these magnetic cards and they pop open to reveal a little character of some sort. The game was as confusing as ever but like I said, he loves em.

My youngest is SICK :-( Very sick. He has Asthmatic Bronchitis which he manages to get at least once a year. We have snuggled up the last few nights and it kills me to be at work right now. He had what I thought was an allergic reaction to his medication yesterday... his drug allergies are a mile long.....so I spoke to the doctor this morning. The doctor is hoping it was a reaction to his infection and not his medication so told me to have his dad give it to him again. Now his dad is out in the boondocks 90% of the time with no vehical and my son's rash/reaction was on his FACE. So I am more than a little freaked out right now. I'm thinking of the possibilites of his throat closing...... eeehhhh. I hate being at work. I'm a mess. Biting my cheeks like an animal (as if that's going to help).

Computers....uugggghhh ugghhh

So my weekend was good, other than the fact that I missed my kids like CRAZY. But, I met many new people, laughed with family and friends.

AND

got 20 New Scrapbook pages done!!!!

The highlight of my weekend was coming home and trying to share them with the blogging community and my friends over @ 52sketches.

I got on my computer last night and seriously...SERIOUSLY it took 40minutes just to bring up the website and log in. I tried, STILL to upload but it FROZE during the upload process, locked up and shut down. I used to love that machine. NOW. I think I might hate it. YUP. I hate it.

So obviously that wasn't my highlight. Of course it would have to be seeing my beautiful children and their smiling faces. That always makes everything better.

Back in RUNNING Mode

I am SO excited.

Friday after work I ran with my sisters...just a few steps to get the heart pumping (less than a mile) then we did our usual 20minute workout.

Sunday morning I joined a few people (one of which I am extrememly fond of) for a long distance run. (LOL funny Megan.....yes, I'm laughing at myself). I was told the goal was 9miles. I was thinking since I jumped on that treadmil a few weeks back I might actually be able to hang in there for 6 or so. Yeah... TRY THREE!!! I was so happy when we hit the 2 1/2 - 2 3/4 marker that my running partner was cutting the run short on account of: NO Running shoes (yes, he forgot the most important gear-I think GOD was helping me out and planned that one). I believe our overall pace was about 8:45/mi...I have to check again though. The good thing was that I was running outside on the dirt/pavement, sucking the cold nasty air into my lungs once again....and I loved it. It instantly put me back in RUNNING MODE.

Monday after work I ran 5 miles at a 9 minute pace. I figured I need to keep the mood fresh and if I have another opportunity (hope I do) to run with others I want to be able to keep up. I'm sure no one will be forgetting their shoes a second time! Then it was off to my sisters for our lower body work out...30minutes worth.

A different kinda Night.

Laundry NIGHT!!! woo hoo! Gotta love it.

Actually tonight was one out of the norm. Usually it's the rush home, pick up the little ones, drop the stuff off at the door to start dinner, homework, baths and the tuck in routine followed by cleanup! Today was different. After work I went to Borders. Yes BORDERS the book store. I wanted to sit and check out a book that I've heard much about, no purchases yet but maybe soon. It was nice to just sit with a toasty drink and plum through the pages. I will be going back, that's for certain.

Then I went to a Bar 'N Grill for dinner. Yeah... I never do that either. I sat there at the bar, ordered a drink, wathced a couple basketball games (at the same time!), and had a yummy yummy meal. It was just Great. AND....I was invited to go back, next Thursday. That was nice.

My favorite part of the night however, was coming home to meet my three babies. That REALLY made my night. I'd only been away from my little guy one night and he couldn't have seemed more overjoyed to see me.......and me of him. Now 5yrs and 7yrs old may be getting big but apparently not too big to show "Mommy" how much she's missed in one afternoon. We did our usual routine of books, prayers and snuggles....until they were all sound asleep.

Then I, of coarse, had to catch Grey's Anatomy. Man, I'm hooked. I thought it was a great episode. Poor Derick. :-( I was considering shuting cable down, but it won't be easy....between Grey's Anatomy and 24, the ONLY two shows I watch.

So now I wait on the lovely drying machine. As much as I dislike walking in the freezing cold to do my laundry...I've had such a great day........I'm okay with it.

I RAN!

I got back from Sunday morning service yesterday and was just itching to get out of the house. Granted the house needed my attention with it's many messes....but no, I couldn't stay in another minute.

So I FINALLY went to the gym. Yeah!

I ran just over 5 and 1/2 miles with an avg pace of 9:40. And I am happily paying for it today. I can barely walk. Love that pain! I'd imagine I'm going to feel it twice as much when my sisters show up tonight for our routine workout. That's okay though.

I just hope it's not months til my next run.

YUM-YUM

I love cooking. Hate the mess, but love the result. I LOVE cookbooks. Hate when I can't remember what book, what page that one recipe was on but love the new inventive ideas and colorful photos.

Last night I made some Italian chicken with homemade sauce, some fresh garlic green beans, and pasta. It was SO yummy. And let me say, not just yummy because it's what I was craving and what I made but my kids ages 3, 5 and 7 asked for SECONDS. If that doesn't say it all just by looking at the menu........well, I don't know what other clue could possibly be given.

I was just bummed I didn't put my left overs away fast enough. We have the habbit of PLAY right after eating that sometimes I let our dinner sit too long until it's cleanup time (after the kiddies are all tucked into bed) and by then I refuse to keep food. I am so grosed out by food that's sat too long.

Anyhow I have a few other new ones I am excited to try, one for the crockpot tomorrow. I love those. I have trouble finding recipes that cook long enough in the crockpot for me to leave it while at work. So those are usually weekenders!

Thoughtful Surprises!

Tis the Season.

After another long day yesterday (haunted by a migraine from HELL) I drag myself back to work this morning with much pain still lingering. BUT!! An instant smile as I walk around the corner to my desk. And find.....a sweet Surprise all wrapped in pink. I'd take a picture to share but don't carry my camera around so we'll leave it at that.

I guess someone just wanted to make sure my desk wasn't left out this season... how thoughtful, unnecessary but thoughtful.

:-)

Long DAY

Today was just torture...there's no doubt about that. I was feeling ill the minute I rolled out of bed but was determined to go forward with my day. Until I got to work and my boss sent me home, wasn't that nice? I guess I was looking a bit rough. After puking my guts out, my dad came over for a visit. It was a really good visit. We sat with the T.V. off and talked for a couple hours. I love that man. When he left and I stood outside my door.....oh..I wanted nothing more than to go for a 8mile run (unlikely since my last run was in Septmeber/October, plus I had absolutely no energy anywhere within my body). All winter long I've wanted a treadmil so bad but with the snow melting today and the temps at what, 60 degrees? I could smell the running season approaching and it made me smile for a minute. Now, I realize this is Michigan and the winter ain't over yet.....but, I CANNOT WAIT for that first run. So dad left and I never felt so tired. I slept 5-6hrs. And woke up feeling worse...only because my body was still drained and I had accomplished nothing on a day I wasn't working. I hate that. But, it struck me with determination to get things really moving. And I will.

On a different note, I went shopping today and finally picked up a new Brita water pitcher thingy... my last one got broke. FYI-I was told that you can save over $100/yr just by eliminating water bottles.

My weekend

Well, new perspective isn't alway so easy. But I won't quite trying.

Friday night my little sis came over for some scrappin. I got one page done and she....well she was pretty taken by Episode IV of the Tudors.

Saturday...busy...busy...busy. I took my son to the first part of his basketball game (didn't realize times were off) til we had to rush off to my Daughters Ballet. From Ballet we caught lunch on the road, they love Subway and then straight to the roller rink. That was fun. I was so impressed by my kids. My oldest has his own roller blades so I expected him to do well but the other two had never roller skated. My daughter clung to the walls for dear life but had fun because they played some Hannah Montana Music!! whoo hoo!. And my three year, little guy got right out there. He held my hand for the most part but braved it on his own a few times. His cousin was there with him so he was bound to have a good time.

So after that we headed home and packed them up for an overnight at Papa's. And I headed out with my girl friends. (SO OVERDUE). I'm not big on going out and doing my own thing very often... I LOVE FAMILY time but it's healthy every now and then. We hit 2 different bars and I bailed on the third. I knew if I had anymore to drink I wouldn't be driving home. Matter of fact the last order I had was for WATER! It was fun. Sometimes there is nothing better than dancing until your legs are going to fall off...and that's what I did. My girlfriend and I were, for the most part, the only ones taken up the floor.

Sunday nothing went has planned or as I would have hoped but.....I guess that happens. It was a chill out day with my kids after meeting them and Papa for breakfast. But, good. We played games, snuggled for a movie and RELAXED!

....In a different LIGHT.

Do you take the time to tell people how you feel about them? Even if your not sure it's the right thing at that moment?

I've heard it said and I believe it's true that you should tell those special people in your life just how much they mean to you... why make them wonder or guess? It's so simple.

We have a patient (I work in the medical field) who had to deliver her twins @ the University of MI in Ann Arbor and both were born with stage 4 cancer known as Neuroblastoma. The mother (our patient) keeps a blog full of pictures and updates. As of her last post December 15, 2008 both were clear of cancer. Two very lucky very beautiful girls.

I mention them only because reading their story through their mothers' eyes is amazing and it's so unfortunate that it takes a tragedy or near Tragedy for people to see their lives as a blessing. To see their children and loved ones as a blessing everyday. They see how fortunate they are.....WE ARE FORTUNATE TOO. Fortunate that our loved ones are alive and healthy, fortunate to have people in our lives who care so much about us.

I challenge my self to try and see things DAILY in a new light, although I may never see it in the light that some have or do.....Nevertheless I will TRY. Which with things the way the have been lately will not be an easy task. I say that due to the never ending busy schedule (I've asked life to slow down but it doesn't listen), kids that can't seem to shake the flu, relationships that feel distant and confusing with every concious effort being made, college courses that REALLY need to get underway and SO much more. But, I'm taking on my new perspective NOW.

Photo Meme

Here it is, my sixth folder and sixth picture.

Kierrah only 6wks old on her very first trip to MI to meet all the family. What a baby...and how she's grown. :-(

Always sick

So my 3yr old was sick about 3 wks ago. I stayed home from work and kept him out of daycare for the day. He spent most the time on the toliet and recovered wonderfully overnight. However since then he claims on a daily basis he's sick.

Each morning I go in to wake him up, kiss him on his little forhead, "O-wee, wake up". He says, "are we going somewhere today?"

"Yes, buddy mommies going to work and I've gotta take you to daycare".

"I don't want to go to daycare"

"You have too, mommy has to go to work." (which I hate saying to my children)

"But, I'm sick he says."

Seriously every morning for 3wks. He even took it a little further the other day while I was in the bathroom trying to finish putting my makeup on.

"Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom and I bet it's going to be diarrhea."

"Okay O-wee, if it is you just show mommy" I replied. About 2 minutes later he opens the door with a pouty look..... "what's the matter buddy?"

"My diarrhea is stuck and won't come out, but I am sick and I can't go to daycare".

Bless his little heart.

And of course daycare says he's fine from the time I drop him off to til about 3pm and the last 2 hours of the day he's asking for me. Man...this sure makes work depressing. When you know your babies want to stay home with you that much and you just can't. I'll work my butt off to take care of them and ensure a future for them and by the time I can sit to enjoy their every minute of life they'll be going off to college seeking new things..... YIKES!

I'll just continue to capture each little moment I can, "..........my diarrhea is stuck..."

Under Construction

For some reason I feel compelled to get my blog in order before posting... silly I'm sure but that's that occational type A disorder. Soon I'll be rambling and posting pictures all over the place (I will Krista, seriously) :-)

I'm Back

About a year ago I had a Blog and I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed daily (almost) post. Most often there was nothing to say until my fingers hit the keyboard.....and then I'd usually ramble on too much.

After joining 52 sketches in 52 weeks I am excited to start blogging again. What a fun group of people...I HOPE some make there way to my new blog!!!