Mom!...Honey!...Coach!...SisterRunner

Adventures of a Stay at home (working) mom

2012-02-07T12:39:00.000-06:00

OK, I have found Pinterest... which means I have SO MANY IDEAS!

A friend of mine made circle crayons....

so I jumped on board and made these...

So, I added a cute little saying... and TADA! Cason's Preschool Valentine's are done.

Now, keep in mind that I did a little test run the day before. After a huge mess, a oven fire, and 4 hours of Oven doing a self-cleaning (thank the lord for this invention).

I had a good idea of what to NOT do.

So here is the what you SHOULD do...

Recipe:

Reheat Oven to 360

Find a pan that is the shapes you want. (Mine was a sucker/cookie sheet mold)

Strip the crayons of the wrappers (regular size crayons only, fat crayons don't melt in the middle)

Crop crayons and mix and match as you wish into mold.

Foil a cookie sheet to place under the mold sheet (just in case)

And place in oven until melted. Took about 10 minutes.

Take out and let cool, then flip mold and pop out crayons.

Another Book that is after my heart

2012-02-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

So, over a year ago, I received this AMAZING book from my sis in law.

I LOVE IT SO MUCH, that I sent it traveling. Alas, I have never heard from it since the first mother it made it too. (thanks to Citymom- but where has my favorite book gone???)

So, I found out just this morning that those crazy moms that wrote "Run like a Mother" now have a NEW book coming out soon.....

"Train like a mother"

I AM SOOOOO EXCITED TO READ WHAT FUNNY THINGS THIS BOOK HOLDS!!!

Who is going to add this to their wish list???

It's a bird! It's a Plane! It's Super LittleMan!

2012-01-25T12:21:00.000-06:00

Yes! Here he comes to safe the day! SUPER LittleMan!

**Find awesome costume for sale HERE

I have been looking for a jogging stroller so I can get back to running. Since there is NO TIME to run during daylight anymore. The hubby leaves for work at 4am and I get home at sunset from Coaching. Between the hours of 4am and 530-6pm, I am at home with LittleMan. And without a jogging stroller, no running can commence. So after much looking, one came up this week, it is an hour drive but she is willing to take $50! YEPPIE!!!

before

InStep 5k! YEAH BABY!!

So, This blog may turn into a "26.2 B4 30!"

I have the perfect book to help along the way...

**Find Amazon link HERE

I'm Home..... all the time.

2012-01-17T08:37:00.000-06:00

So, it has been a full 2 weeks now that I have been a stay-at-home-working-mom. I have learned a few fun facts about being at home.
#1- Much work CAN get done with the tv on. ( I have found that absolute silence--mainly at nap time-- is a "no-go" for me.)
#2- It is about multitasking, THANK THE GOOD LORD that I am a master at this. (ex. Mommy, can you help me set up this train track?, Mommy, can I have some juice?, Mommy, I need to go potty. )
#3- I have found many tasks that have been awaiting completion or even starting.

Not-so-fun facts
#1- It can get a little lonely, even with a 3 year old at home.
#2- Laundry and cleaning house are always there to do.
#3- Again, I have found many tasks that need done.

All in all though, I have found great things with being home with my littleman. He has already had a huge breakthrough in toilet training. We aren't seeing the finish line just yet, but we are closer. He loves his new part time preschool and he is a big mommy cuddle-monster now too. Work is no longer a "stress" for me. But that does not mean that I don't have stress. Seriously, is anyone NOT stressed about at least something these days?

We finally purchased littleman a big bed. We found it at a friends benefit auction and I will be working on that the next months to get it ready. Stripping the stain, removing a few embellishments and re-staining. Work, but worth it in the end. I goal is to have it done in 5 months, when littleman turns 4 years. (and I turn 30...)

So, what advise do you at-home-working-moms or just at-home-moms have for me??????????

The new adventures of the home office.

2012-01-11T20:56:00.001-06:00

So, I am a week into my new job. Working from home, where I refuse to work in the dark basement (so my "office" is on the kitchen table, and sometimes the living room coffee table and .... well you get the picture. Thankfully, I have a wireless ALL-IN-ONE printer. So no matter where I am in the house, the documents print in the basement dark corner whole guestroom. :)

But today, I received my new file cabinet. And has most things goes these days... this is where I found myself at the start of a 2 to 3 hour project...

Yes, this is PAGE #1.... do you see where I am going here? I had officially found the first thing (and hopefully last or close too) that I don't like about my job. Following the NASA based instructions for a 3 drawer short file cabinet. Seriously, who comes up with this stuff!? Because my guess is that they need a good "clean out". Just saying.

So after getting everything laid out in neat, organized piles around my living room (yes, a little OCD with organization) I had the urge to ride off into the sunset. Maybe on this,

...........if Littleman would loan it to mommy.
Alas, I stuck to it, and after a many "mommy, if my monster trucks" And "mom, whats for dinners"... etc. i completed the task.

Littleman was so happy for mommy!

So, I stuck with and I conquered.

Next, only time will tell.

2012

2012-01-03T11:21:00.000-06:00

2012...
So much new going on...
New job...
New preschool...
New KINDLE FREE....
New Cross necklace...
New neighbors...
New daily schedule...
New lease at life....

I have already gone through my clothes and gotten rid of a lot. I have started organizing and setting up plans for projects and changes in our lives and home. I have started seeing things in the house that we just don't need. My obsession to stream line and to pass things to families that are in need more that my family. I want to move forward, and not look behind me. I want to LOSE THE WEIGHT. BE HAPPIER AND BE A BETTER MOTHER AND WIFE.

I am READY.

What are your plans for 2012?????

6 days people... 6 DAYS!

2011-12-18T16:17:00.000-06:00

So, 6 days, yeah.
Just ordered 2 gifts online for Wednesday delivery.
Have 5 more gifts to purchase in the next 5 days.
Contemplating one of those said gifts between one thing or another....
I am NOT a person that procrastinates at all. I am the planner, the do it myself, done early person. But when you are getting your family back on track after you were a one income home for 3 years, it takes living on the "paycheck" schedule. SOOOO can't wait to get out of that mode.

So, I mentioned a new path that I will be starting right after the New Year....
I will be working for the Kansas Association of Infant and Child Mental Health. ( www.kaimh.org )
Administrative Assistant from HOME!! WOOHOO!!
LittleMan will be my wingman, saving us a load on money on full-time daycare. And BigGirl won't need a place to go throughout the school breaks. Life will be grand. :)

So on the lose 15 lbs by Christmas. Well MAJOR FAIL. I am sad and pathetic, I know.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wow! December already?! What the...?!

2011-12-05T09:22:00.000-06:00

20 days to Christmas.
Yes, you hear me right.
TWENTY DAYS.
Are you done shopping? Because I am NOT. This year has been different for us in so many ways.
And getting back on track has been a challenge all on its own.
Changes are good they say, well some changes just plan suck.

So, in the holiday spirit, I am trying to lose 15 pounds by Christmas. I am watching the calorie intake and trying to get in as much calorie burning time as possible. Where am I in my goal so far... well, I have only 15 more pounds to lose! LOL!! Yeah, it isnt looking to good. HOWEVER, my FAVORITE JEANS finally got a hole worn into them, and not in a good place. So, do I spend money on another pair or do I work harder on the weight so I can ACTUALLY wear the huge tot of jeans and pants I have in the basement? I am going for weight lose.
PLUS- In 6 months and 22 days, I turn 30. So, I WANT TO LOSE THE WEIGHT!!
The goal is 50 lbs by that day.

Also on my goals list... A full marathon BEFORE my 30th birthday.

On the family front,
BigGirl is playing basketball now. It is so fun to see you learn, and yet so hard to not want to jump in a teach her when she makes a mistake. (But I dont. Good mommy, keep your big butt on that bleacher during practice)

LittleMan is still struggling with potty training, and is needing to get a bigger bed (those tall genes he gets from his daddy are annoying sometimes, will when money is concerned.)

We have the tree up, but we dont have the swingset up yet. My poor kiddos.

The Hubby is still working the job he started in August, he is just trying to make it through this first year, which is learning EVERYTHING. We are keeping our fingers crossed for that bonus this winter.

Me, well, I am on the verge of a NEW path very soon. More to come when it is confirmed. :)

Until then, I am still here, I am not dead. I have goals that I am determined to meet. And I am thinking about actually having a birthday party this year. THEMED AND ALL. More on that as it progresses too

ON A SIDE NOTE---
My great friend, Gunn, ran her FIRST HALF MARATHON THIS WEEKEND!!!
Las Vegas Rock and Roll!!
3:12:13
YEAH BABY!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK SEXY LADY!!!

The Journey Begins.

2011-08-22T18:18:00.000-05:00


(names have been changed to protect.. oh who am I kidding! LOL!!)

Here we are.

Twelve people traveling together.

To experience another country.

another culture.

another life.

The first flight was smaller, the next flight (as shown above) was larger.

And longer (13 hours).

Since there was 12 of us, the chances of having more of us together on a flight was great.

I am on the window, and then we are 4 more deep.

We had a lot of laughs on this trip.... and many started on this flight.

The three gals smiling in this picture and the one in pink is just 4 rows back.

These gals were the majority of the giggling all the way to Tokyo (where we awaited our last flight).

These three gals spent the majority of the long flight SLEEPING!

I do not know how they did this. I slept all of 15 minutes!!

At different points, I would open the window and take a gander...

this is somewhere in British Columbia.

(I only know this because they have GPS on the TV screens during the flights, telling you where you are.)

TOO COOL

COASTLINE!

Welcome to the open waters.

After 3 flights and 22 hours of travel time, we made it to Beijing, China.

It was 11:30pm local time (10:30am back home)

When we arrived, our ride was not there to pick us up yet.

We were fine, just hung out, and tried to make sure our buddy, Bert, was on his way.

At 12:30am, we found Bert and his friend Mark. They loaded up 12 people, 24+ bags, and few pillows and 1 Guitar into one 11 person van and 7 person wagon. It was also RAINING! And since we hadn't seen or felt Rain in weeks, it devoured it!

Keep in mind, if you ever travel to China, that you need to arrive in the regular working hours.

Otherwise, you will spend 2 hours looking for a hotel.

Wthe one you had reservations at decides to not take you

and 5 other hotels say they are full,

or turn off the lights,

or lock the doors.

So at 2am,

we all were welcomed into Bert's house

to sleep on the floor,

in bunk beds,

and on couch cushions.

And it was the best sleep,

SERIOUSLY.

And bless his wife for rising in the morning and making a yummy breakfast for 12 American strangers.

We did get into a better hotel that next morning and we started

Day One of our 48 hours Marathon Sight-Seeing in Beijing.

Stay Tuned.....

And my new address is....

2011-08-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

... haha, gotcha?!
No~ I did not move to China.
No~ I did not get lost in China.
No~ I did not lose my passport and have to stay longer. (however this did happen to a teammate-more later)
No~ I did not bring home a Chinese Baby (yet, more on that later too)

Yes~ I am home. And have been for 3 weeks?
Yes~ I had an AMAZING adventure.
Yes~ I will tell you ALL ABOUT IT.

However.....

I am overwhelmed with the
emotional,
spiritual
and physical
experience of it all.

I am still processing,
still understanding,
still finding the....
words
to tell the stories.

There is so much to say.
There is so much to share.
There is so much to show.

Just be patient, and it will all come out.
And more than likely, in bites and pieces.
In chapters, and not the entire Novel.
And to be honest, it may come over time.
There may be blogs in between about anything else, running, BigGirl's year of 1st Grade, LittleMans Adventure of still potty training, The Hubbys new job (YES THAT DID HAPPEN TOO!).. well you get the drift.

Thanks for understanding, and STAY TUNED....

146....

2011-07-07T09:45:00.000-05:00

........the hours until my flight takes off from ICT to start it's multi-stop path to Beijing, China.

481......

........the dollars I still need to collect by said hours.

1...........

........the times last night at I had an anxiety dream about missing luggage, wrong flight, late, etc.

4.........

.........number of times since this morning that I have started to freak out about leaving my family for 11 days.

11.......

..........the number of other people in my group going together

22.......

.........the number of hours (predicted by flight plan) that I will be travelling (in flight or awaiting flight)

9.........

...........the number of days that HE will teach me and lead me down HIS path.

What is in your plan the next 6 days???

WOW!

2011-06-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

This past couple weeks as been CRAZY!

I have made 270 burritos to that I sold for China Trip Donations.

I have attending many T-ball games of BigGirls and watched LittleMan climb the chain fencing in flipflops during them.

I have gone to the drive in movies for the first time with ALL 4 of us-- twice. First time was 3 weeks ago and it was FREEZING that night. Second time was Friday night and LittleMan ended up shirtless for the evening it was so hot and sticky. FYI---
Kung Fu Panda 2-- good
Rio-- LittleMan and I slept. The hubby and BigGirl enjoyed.
Cars 2-- We all enjoyed
Green Lantern-- I loved, Hubby enjoyed, BigGirl watched half (and she REALLY WANTED TO SEE IT) and LittleMan slept.

I celebrated my last year of my twenties with my little family on Friday (recall the movies). We went to the Twisted Cow (yummy serve yourself yougart joint) for Dinner, and had McAlisters Deli (yummy speciality deli food) for dessert. - it was my birthday and I wanted a backwards dinner. I also enjoyed getting 2 new ULTRA CLEARANCE wicking tanktops (good for humid china) and 1 Pink Breast Cancer Fishing pole from the Hubby and kids.

I also celebrated LittleMans 3 year birthday. (again the movies), and a party yesterday with grandparents. Complete with a 3D Thomas the Tank Engine Cake. YUMMY!!!

My folks also decided to put their large above ground pool up.... in our backyard this year. I am telling you, if I didn't work a full time job outside my home right now... I would TOTALLY be one of those moms that floats her afternoons away. Ahhh, such a nice dream.

Also, last week I accepted a new coaching job! I am no longer a High School Assistant Softball Coach. But now a 4 yr College Assistant Softball Coach at Bethel College. Plus here, besides the HS to College upgrade. It is a few more months a year (fall and spring) that I can enjoy my passion. It is a little more pay, so that will allow me to make a change from my full time job in the near future. Which in turn- gives me more time at home with my kids (and time to RUN) in the off season!! Off season is mid october-end of january, and mid may thru end of August. Holiday season and summers.... ahhhhh how nice that will be. :-)

The Hubby is still job hunting with his new degree.... pray for him to get an offer SOON.

And last but not least, CHINA IS 16 DAYS AWAY!!!!! I am only $836 short of my goal funding. I am telling you those family recipe burritos WERE A HIT! Such a hit, that my mother has confidence me to do another batch this week for next week delivery. Meaning that with 10 days until my flight takes off, I will be wrapping and selling for burritos!! OMG! But that father of ours has been amazing. Without him, I don't know where I would be in this path today.

So- $836 dollars in 16 days. I have trust.... do you?

ps-- someone close to my heart is awaiting an answer for a new path for her. please pray for her to have an answer soon.

Wichita River Run

2011-06-09T12:55:00.000-05:00

This past weekend- 3 of my family of 4 ran a race at the Wichita River Run!

There was even a couple Flash Mobs (Freeze Flash Mobs)

Aviation Church Freeze Flash Mob.

I started the morning off with a 10K. My watch decided to stop some way thru... so I am guessing a time of 1:15 ish. IT WAS HOT AND STEAMY AT 7:30 am!!!

The Hubby did the 2 mile, and limped his 2-time post surgery knee across at 30-31 minutes. YEA HUBBY!! He even made it in the newspaper!!!

The Hubby is the big guy in white cutoff just to the right of center.

If you have a keen eye, Hubby is 7 rows back right of center.

Can you see Hubby here?! LOL!!

BigGirl did her FIRST race! It was about a half a block long, and no time. But she received 3rd in her heat. ** I have a short video of her race.... if I can figure out how to get it off my phone and onto this.....

She is READY TO RACE BABY!!

LittleMan was a great cheering squad!! And the three of us went home HOT and with little medals.

BigGirl and LittleMan awaiting Daddy to run by!!

Can't wait until we are a running family of 4!!!

SOME DAY... SOME DAY!!!!

47

2011-05-27T11:45:00.000-05:00

Yep!
47 days!
China is right around the corner and I am only sitting at 24% goal met to go. I have great faith that he will provide.

So... BigGirl spent her first day of summer sick. Yep... puking up a storm.

Why? Do you ask? -- Well NO IDEA. She is still sick today, day 2 of summer break.

The Hubby is still J.O.B. searching, and while he has been wasting time waiting... he finally put in my livingroom ceiling fan/light and the wall switches for it too. :-) I am SOOOOOOOOO happy now! Awh- a cool breeze in my livingroom means less A/C time needed so far. And I can see better too. Stupid 1970s houses that didnt put in ceiling lights. Ugh.

Hubby has also been spending time helping his mom at the farm, making dinner, doing laundry, etc etc etc. h, don't worry though, I have a list of things to keep him from boredom. LOL!!

I have been working on something new.... more on that later once I know it is solid. But... FUN FUN FUN!!

What does your holiday weekend look like??

51 DAYS.... and PANICING!!!!!!!!

2011-05-23T11:49:00.002-05:00

My Volunteer team leaves for ZhengZhou China to work at an Orphans summer camp, and as I am SO VERY EXCITED, I am also PANICING.
AWHHHHHHHHHH!

I am sitting at only 18% of my fundraising goal to be able to go on this trip!!

WHAT?!

We completed our first group fundraiser dinner this past sunday. And as it was a success, earning each member of the group $150, it still leaves me in a big whole. I know God will prove for me. But I am a "planner" and having the faith to wait this timing is AWFUL for me. I guess this is his way of teaching me patience. (I understand, but it is still hard!)

So, here is me again putting this out there.....

If you feel the pull to help me show children without families love, compassion and support.
Please write checks to "Bring Me Hope" ****This is a TAX WRITE OFF, BTW****
and mail them to:
Kirsten Horton
**Click here for information**

Thank you for anything you can do, even if it is just commenting that you are adding me to your prayers.

CON-Graduation!

2011-05-13T12:45:00.000-05:00

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT THAT THE HUBBY GRADUATES!!! (finally- lol!)

And here is the College Graduate....

Somethings just don't change with age!

It's he just a doll!!?

So seriously, here is The Hubby.

He will be a graduate in a few short hours.

He will get to celebrate like he is still in his 20's.

He will get to walk in a graduation ceremony for the first time ever.

He will get to wear the cap and gown.

He will get to hold a diplomia.

And then he will be told to "GET A JOB!"(hehe)

No really, I am never proud and excited that he has achieved this goal he set for himself.

I am also very happy that this will finally be over.

And that soon I won't be the only steady income in this household. :-)

SO CONGRATS TO THE HUBBY!!

(AND ITS ABOUT TIME!)

And the winner is........

2011-05-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

...... #19 Kristen at runningwhat? CONGRATS KRISTEN!! Email me your info and I will get this in the mail asap!!!! (kirstendyan@yahoo.com)

Thank you to all that entered!! I have another great giveaway coming very soon!!!

Right after I get The Hubby through his College Graduation next week, and BigGirl through the end of Kindergarten, and myself through the end of Softball season!!! Much more "fun" me coming, and less "stressed" me around the corner!!! And many new races, faces, and news this season!!!

Also, I will be taking any donations you feel like sending to me for the China Volunteer Trip I am taking this summer to show love to orphaned children. Just email me for my address. All donations are TAX DEDUCTABLE when checks are written to "Bring Me Hope". I will collect them and get them off in lue of my travel expenses. A giveaway will be given to a random donating submission on July 1st.
Learn more about that HERE.
I have $3250 to raise by July 1st!!! Please, Help me help the lives of others.

OMG.

2011-05-03T12:49:00.001-05:00

So this past Sunday, I got in Half Marathon #7... Johnston's Wichita Half Marathon.
It was a last minute choice to not do the OKC Memorial Half, due to $, $$, and $$$. Oh, and my nice hotel I like there was Full.

Turns out, it was the BEST CHOICE I have made all month! OKC was delayed due to WIND, RAIN and Lightening. So sad for them, but dodged a bullet for me. And saved money sleeping in my own bed.
**Read here for the complete experience of a runner in OKC that day

Highlights were....
1. I ran a part of Wichita that I had NEVER known was there. WOW. That is a challenge.
2. It was a cool beautiful day (minus the head wind on the second half)
3. The homeless people along the path were just waking up for our footsteps. (except that unfortunate man that was waking himself up... if you get my drift, ugh.)
4. My sis n law and bro n law were running it too. I never saw the bro n law after the start line until the end. And my sis was in view until mile 2.5. LOL!
5. I finished 48 seconds past my PR. (2:33:08) so it was my 2nd best time so far.
6. I enjoyed some inner thigh cramping while in the truck heading home.

I let the Hubby and the kids sleep in and not come out in the early morning cold. We had spent all Saturday at the Kansas State University Spring Football Game and gotten home late that night. So, I have a nice sunburn too. (Granted I was GREAT with bathing the kids in sunscreen all day.... kinda forget about the parents.)

SO---- GIVEAWAY NEEDS AT MIDNIGHT TOMORROW!!!! GET IN NOW!

I need you!

2011-04-27T13:21:00.000-05:00

Bring Them…

Love. Compassion. Friendship. Understanding. Companionship.

Bring Me Hope.

Hello, my name is Kirsten. I am a wife of one, a mother of two, a sister of a few, a friend to many, a daughter, an aunt, and a follower. Being all these people to so many has prepared me for a bigger task at hand. I have much love, wisdom and support to share with others. This year, after having a “Bring Me Hope” speaker come to my church, I made the decision to share myself with others in dire need. I will be traveling with a group of 12 amazing people this July 13-23 to Zhengzhou, China. We will be volunteering our love, support, listening, and knowledge at a Summer Camp for Chinese Orphans. Many of these children have never known a parent, a sibling or even a friend. There are many stories of children being found as infants left to die. There is a lot of hate in their young lives.

What I am asking is for you to help me get to them, to show them love and compassion; and to show them a path to start healing their hearts and souls. I am need both financial and prayer support.

My costs are:

Camp fee (lodging/food): $750

Airfare: $2,000

Train/Travel/Incidentals: $500

Grand Total: $3,250

**All donations are tax deductible through the “Bring me Hope” organization.**

Any help I can get is great appreciated. I believe that another force is pushing me to teach, love and show support for these young children and the translators. I hope that you can help me get there.

*Please write all checks to “Bring me Hope” and then mail them to me at:

Kirsten Horton

1200 Columbus Circle

Newton, KS 67114

Thank you from the depths of my heart and soul.

**My giveaway is just around the corner**

Easter Sun Run 10K

2011-04-26T14:19:00.000-05:00

I had the Easter Sun Run 10K this past weekend. And the hubby and my BigGirl had there first ever registered 2 mile walk. (yeppie!!) **LittleMan just enjoyed the Crusin' Ride**

I had a good run, except for the little fact that they marked the kilometers and not the Miles. So I was all confused and thinking "Crap! i am rockin' this thing! 59 minutes here I come!!" Until marker #7 and then it hit me, "these are freakin' kilometers!" AWHH. So, after I kicked myself in the ass for pushing harder than should have too soon. I crossed the 10K with a 1:09:46... still a PR for me.

So I changed my shirt, put on wind pants, cheered on my friend Liz for her 2 mile run (like 20 minutes YEPPIE) then lined up with the Hubby, BigGirl and Littleman (in the stroller). We started out and the Hubby was POWER WALKING! So, I sent him on his merry way with LittleMan and had a nice walk with my 6 year old BigGirl. She kept telling me how she wished we could run.... (say WHAT?! thats my girl) so we decided that we would do a 1 mile run together this week and see how she does. So after the Hubby crossed at like 33 minutes!! He and Littleman turned around and headed back for us. we crossed around 45 minutes. Yeah BigGirl! She power walked her little behind across the finish and was happy to head for food.

All in all a good saturday morning :-) And a great Easter weekend.

On the calendar, Wichita Half Marathon this sunday morning.

AND HEY!! Don't forget about the SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!!!!

Are you Suka?

2011-04-21T09:21:00.001-05:00

Suka: In Eskimo: meaning "Fast"

Suka: My running buddy (except for lately due to wacked out ability to get body out of harness when a passing vehicle gets too close to us.

Suka: A Siberian Husky male lover dog.

Suka: The family pet that caught and killed a fluffy bunny that we have been watching every morning hop around our yard.

BigGirl: Our beautiful daughter that yells "SUKA'S GOT SOMETHING!!" and the states "COOL!" when the Hubby goes out to investigate.

LittleMan: Our Son that is in awh over the fact that his daddy is carrying a rabbit by his hind legs and it is so long. And then the son that sadly tells his daycare teacher about Suka "catching" a bunny rabbit. LOL!

The Hubby and I: The parents that are in awh of the speed and quickness from Suka and trying not to laugh at the entire situation!!

The Hubby: The parent that decides to say "Thank Goodness it wasn't the Easter Bunny!" to the kids.

Myself: Is thinking..... Why would you say that? I can't believe the kids are so tough about this. I was excepting a very upset BigGirl-- guess this mommy was more than a little off about that! LOL!!!

GOOD MORNING ALL!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!!! AND HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!!

Ps. Dont let your dog catch and kill the easter bunny. ;-)

AND DONT FORGET THE SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!!!

Keepin' it lite

2011-04-20T11:26:00.000-05:00

In the hopes of keeping things lite today........ HAAAAAAAAAHAAAAHAHAHAHA!

I am a Coach (3rd in my life), High school softball. Last night, the "other side" of Coach Horton came out.

I found from a friend of mine last night that The Hubby has a waitress at our local Pizza joint that has a little crush. She is married but apparently my man is just too HOT! (Yeah for me and my hunky stud selection!)

The SURPRISE GIVEAWAY PACKAGE is coming along nicely! I am having a blast choosing items to spoil someone with! I am even going to add another way to entry:
IF YOU ARE A NEW FOLLOWER- 1 ENTRY!!!
IF YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU FOUND ME: 1 ENTRY!!!

So- keep those entries coming!!!

Secrets

2011-04-16T16:19:00.000-05:00

My fav blogger aka my sis in law (yes I am biased) did a "Secrets" post yesterday. So, I thought since I am at home, with a sleeping LittleMan and the Hubby and BigGirl are out herding cow (for real) I would let mine out. For those of you that know me, many may not be at secretive.

I hide candy (mainly chocolate- but not right now, lent time you know) around my house. But when my kids ask for a treat, my answer is 80% "no- have an apple/grapes/banana". *and then I sneak a chocolate.

I prefer a quite empty house for me, my fancy coffee and a book. But can often be found starting a family dog pile in own living room.

I am a professional and thus dress as one. But I still dream of getting my pink punk hair back daily.

A garden is something I REALLY want to grow- but I kill everything that is ALREADY beautiful so how would I even get something to GROW.

I hate attending showers/home parties- but I love shopping for the gift/goodies. (How does that work?!)

I want to own a white Porsche 911 Turbo with a sunroof so I can go FAST! But I wouldn't give up my Tahoe for the world. :)

I want to travel everywhere with the Hubby- but I don't want to do a THING without my kids. Huh?

I love weddings....... for the cake. ;-)

Soooo...... that me! What about you?

Don't forget about my GIVEAWAY!!!!

Just stay out of my way!....... unless you want a GIVEAWAY!

2011-04-14T10:39:00.001-05:00

Yep.
That is right.
It is one of those days.
Steam is sepping from my ears.
My eyes are bulging out of my head.
My hands are flying everywhere when I speak. (making typing a little difficult)
But you have all been there a time or two, right. RIGHT?!

Ok- so my emotions are out of control today. If there is something going wrong, or someone to make upset with me, APPARENTLY that is my job this week.

SO- TADA! (insert tongue sticking with raspberry sound included)

Why today of all days you might ask. Well, I HAVE NO CLUE!

And in spite of my temper and need to want to throw something, I see 2 men running today. And for a moment, I feel peace.

Then, I feel jealousy and anger. I mean look at them. Chatting and laughing while they sweat purfusly and release them daily anger in this peaceful act of running. I ~~want~~ Need that today.

Then, I feel sad. I was mad because 2 men took time out of their lives to enjoy the company of a friend while doing something that makes them feel good. What is wrong with me?! I could be them if I only MADE myself MAKE time. I am beyond words with myself... for that moment.

So I dropped my LittleMan at school and headed towards work, where I got to see the happy carefree men enjoying their morning. And I decided right then. I NEED MY RUNNING TIME. It is a daily necessity. Period. I MUST make time for that, or my stressors have no healthy outlet. I have signed up for the Easter Sun Run 10k this saturday. The Wichita Half next sunday. AND the hubby has decided to join me in the Kansas City Warrior Dash 5k. YES YES YES!!!!

And in the midst of this all....... A GIVEAWAY!!!!!!! It will be a surprise package sent straight to your door. A little bit of HAPPINESS to brighten your day. Maybe it will be your "bad" day and it will be just what you need. What is in the package you say?? No way! That is what will make it a surprise!!

WHAT YOU NEED TO ENTER:
~~1 comment about something or someone that made you say "Hey! Snap out of it! You can do this" etc.
~~1 comment each for posting my blog link on your blog page/facebook/twitter

**update**The SURPRISE GIVEAWAY PACKAGE is coming along nicely! I am having a blast choosing items to spoil someone with! I am even going to add another way to entry:

~IF YOU ARE A NEW FOLLOWER- 1 ENTRY!!!
~IF YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU FOUND ME: 1 ENTRY!!!

A random winner will be chosen on May 4th!!! SO START POSTING!!!!

Just a funny--

2011-04-07T12:06:00.000-05:00

A High School classmate of mine is in training for her first Marathon. (your can read more about her here) She has done halfs, 10k, 5k, etc. But this past weekend she did a half. She is a teacher, and one of her students did his first 10k race (outside of school events). The story he gave the next monday was too good to not share with you all!!

Finally, I must share this story from the weekend’s race. Part of me can’t believe it’s actually true, but I laughed so hard when this kid was telling it that I had tears in my eyes. One of my students ran in the 10k race this past weekend. It was his first ever race event like this. He is accustomed to cross country and track events. (Side note: he actually took second in his age group.) The concept of water stations, where volunteers stand on the side of the road with cups of water, was new to him. He said he saw all the other pack leaders grabbing cups on the run and drinking them or pouring them over their heads. He thought it looked pretty badass, and in an attempt to be like them, he grabbed a cup mid-stride and dumped it on himself. It ended up being lemon-lime Gatorade and so by mile 2 he was covered in sticky liquid. His headphone cords were plastered to his neck and face and his shirt was glued to his body. It gets better. He came up on the aid station at mile 4 and decided to try again. He grabbed a paper cup from a little girl standing by the table, and even though he said he thought it felt a bit warm, he was going for a second try at the “badass water dump”. It was coffee. Yes, coffee. No clue why the little girl was holding coffee, or how he didn’t notice, but he claims she was holding it out like all the other volunteers. So he ran the last 2 miles of the race covered in coffee and Gatorade and still managed to place second. The class had MANY questions for this student as you can imagine. So at two separate aid stations, he twice poured a liquid on himself that wasn’t water. What an awful first race experience.

Hope this gave you a laugh today!!
Keep Running!
And I promise I will get a new blog and GIVEAWAY in this week!!!! STAY TUNED!!!!

His Hands of Hope

2011-03-24T10:39:00.001-05:00

Well- that big decision that was being discussed at our house. A couple weeks ago, the choice was made. I will be going to China with a group to volunteer at a Children's Orphange Camp.

It is a wonderful opportunity and one that I feel drawn to being a part of. I have never traveled outside the USA, well if you don't count a Canada day trip in my middle school years. (Which, really you shouldn't, you didnt even need a passport to cross the border for a day back then.)

So, here I am, starting a new chapter in my life, and this year, I will be traveling without the hubby. If you recall, he is graduating College in 51 days. (but who's counting?) Therefore, he will be back to the workforce thereafter. (three cheers for the Hubby!! and a large margarita for me.) So, as much as he wants to join me on this new experience, alas he must wait until another time.

Here are some wonderful details.... (but keep in mind that things are still being decided)

1. The group is looking at 3 locations to volunteer at.... but we are aiming for Xi'an.

(please don't ask me to say this word outloud)

2. We will be volunteering the week of July 18th-22nd. However, I don't know when we will actually fly out or home. The flight time is 24 hours total. With a flight change or two along the way.

(Do you think they allow running laps in the aisles on the planes??)

3. I have recruited a good friend on mine to take the Hubby out for "our" anniversary. Since I will be halfway around the world on July 19th. *Sorry babe :-(

4. I can't afford this "trip" on my own dime. I am going to be looking for any donation to aide me on this journey. The stay at the camp is $750 for the week. And the flight is looking to be around $2000-$2500 round trip. Any assistance I can gain is a blessing.

If you would like to help me get to the camp, and pass on love to the Orphans there, Please email me at kirstendyan@yahoo.com I would be happy to answer any questions further and to the best of my ability.

I am only "running" the path at was laid out for me to follow.

***Learn more about the cause here***

Keep Running.

A sad day for me

2011-03-15T17:39:00.001-05:00

My Tahoe got to return home from it's long long LONG stay at the Vehicle hospital today. But apparently, it missed it's friends. So, this afternoon it went back for a check up. We are awaiting the results.

My "critter", no this is not an animal, but a softball girl that I have spoken of before on past blogs (recall the "death student" photos) well, **deep breaths here** she quit the team today. I thought she was kidding for about 10 seconds, until the tears started flowing down her face. I still don't know what to say, except, I already miss her. She was part of my first freshmen class, my first year of coaching, and we is welcome to return if she ever wants too.

For now- that is my day. Tonight, I am AGAIN being an Professional for the Seniors Exit Interviews tonight. (Why do I agree to this again? Am I not stressed and busy enough? -- insert "duh" smack in the forehead here)

Run on.

Somedays I wish.....

2011-03-13T20:58:00.001-05:00

It is Sunday night- my kids are in bed (half hour early since we are time adjusting), the hubby and I just folded and pick away 3 loads of laundry (there in one more left), the dogs are relaxing inside, the basement is clean from another weekend of playtime, the backyard is clean of doggie doo-doo, the house is "phicked up" (no- I did NOT say clean), I have 4 new books by the bed and one from the library (5 total but only 4 left to read).... do you see where this is going yet?
We are 2 weeks into Softball season, the BigGirl has 12(?) weeks before summer break, the Hubby has 10(?) weeks before college graduation (and hopefully a J.O.B. again), LittleMan is being SO DIFFICULT with potty training (he will be 3 yrs in June), we are getting closer a a Big Wonderful decision (more to come soon!!), and Oh yeah- It is RACING SEASON TOO!!

Oh the brain (but not registered yet) are Emma Creek Womens 5K in April, Easter Sun Run in April (10K), OKC Memorial in May (half), Wichita RiverRun in June (10K), Warrior Dash KC in July ("3.1 HELLISH MILES"), what is missing...... MORE HALF's and a Tri Sprint! That is what my goal list says right?! What is standing in my way.... oh STRESS and LIFE.

So here I am on a Sunday night- wondering "what happened to my weekend?", "What happened to my sanity?", "What happened to my life?". I want MORE, I want serenity! I WANT is more like I NEED!!

So, looking around at everything I need to do/say/try- life would be easier as a "house mommy". But then my sanity might be the only problem-- oh that is where the hubby and my running comes in!!!
I have 1 year and 3 months before my 20s are gone.....

The neverending story took a turn....

2011-03-08T13:08:00.000-06:00

....A BAD TURN.

We got some ice 13 days ago. I was headed out with BigGirl to church for her game practice.

We never got there.

We were maybe 1/2 mile from church and were getting off the 360 degree on ramp to Highway 50 and once we were on the Highway, we never had control. I was going MAYBE 25 mph. I moved onto the Highway and we started fish tailing IMMEDIATELY. After I dont know how many slipes across the long bridge in both lanes. I prepared my daughter calmly for the impact that we were going to have.

In the end, we were heading east and we came to a stop heading southwest. In the middle of a bridge.

I remembering seeing a large truck coming at us and I realized it would hit BigGirls side of the Tahoe. I was frantic in my head how I could switch her places. But that truck never hit us. (GOD BLESSED MIRACLE)

We ended up hitting the bridge side with the passengers front then it slammed us around for the passengers rear. Tahoe sounds worse than it looks.

In the end, BigGirl bumped her head on the window after last hit. (SHE IS 100% FINE!- BLESSING! Not even a bruise.) We were both in our seatbelts and her in her booster.

So 13 days later- I am still driving the rental (VERY NICE rental- thank you insurance) I really miss my Tahoe. I am hoping it is ANY DAY NOW.

Softball season has started- so I am NEVER home and REALLY busy getting the kids covered for pick ups and care until hubby or I can get to them.

LIFE: CRAZY!!!
Kids: WONDERFUL
Hubby: 67 days until GRADUATION!!
Tahoe: Still at the Doctor
Dogs: handling the crazy well
Folks: BEING WONDERFUL HELP
BigGirls BFF's dad: ANOTHER GREAT HELPER

On another note-- I think the Motherhood of the Traveling book (aka TMTB) is M.I.A If any news comes, I will be sure to post it here.

Also, Flat BigGirl seems to be M.I.A as well. Actual BigGirl is quite sad about this and if anyone knows anything about this please message me.

In todays conclusion- Hubby and I have been talking and praying about a mission of possibility this week. When that decision has been made, I will tell you all about it here. I will be looking for help from you all if that time comes.

KEEP RUNNING!

The Never-ending Story

2011-02-24T13:07:00.000-06:00

Running? What is that?
The weather can't decide if it is a wicked winter or the beginning of spring.
So, running outside is not happening much.
Then since the weather is wacky, the health in my house is wacky.
My poor LittleMan has spent more time this year sick than healthy. Today, I am sitting on the couch awaiting the results for him to either have Strep throat, Influenza or BOTH.

Then there is my BigGirl would is my little busy bee. She goes to Awana at church once a week. But this week, she goes twice because she is going to compete in a competition on saturday. AND indoor soccer started this week, and it happens to be the SAME night at Awana. So 25 minutes at soccer practice and a race to church for Awana. But will I take away anything from her growth? NO WAY!

I start my High School softball season on MONDAY. Which means I am a crazy ass wacky mom for 90 days. And my sanity will be border lined as well.

The hubby is 88 days from GRADUATION!!!!! He is AWESOME!!! He started his 2, YES TWO, Internships this week. (ROCK OUT HUBBY!!!)

So, thanks to my dad (retired Popa) and BigGirls BFF's parents... my kids are covered for being picked up and cared for until either hubby or myself is home. I actually have calendars set up for them for make it easier (and keep my mind at ease that they aren't missed or forgotten)

So- Sanity- my neverending story. Family illnesses- also my neverending story. But HOPE- I am trying to keep HOPE to the future. I am proud of my hubby. And I am proud of my kids. They keep ME HAPPY.

But, running, I am missing my running, and I having races on the mind. So running, next week, I will be adding you to my INSANITY!

Extreme Makeover!! Home Edition!

2011-02-21T18:14:00.001-06:00

YES!
THAT IS RIGHT!!!

ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition is in the area! And I decided to lend a hand, and arm, a leg, whatever!

Here I am at 530am, after a fast breakfast, a large coffee and it is COLD. But I am READY!!!

Here is my first sighting of Paige, Jillian, Paul and Ty!!

Paul and Ty (doing the acting thing)

There is a scene that we "send the family off" and "fake a demo" (since this family rents a condo currently. They needed a WSU spoof. And that is where this I come in! CHECK OUT WHAT GOT ME AN INSTANT HIGH FIVE FROM TY!!!!!!

I am just the SHIT! LOL!!

And of course, who can say "no" to a photo op with me now?! THANKS PAUL!!!!!!

AND JILLIAN!!!!

I had such a great time on my first 12 hour shift, that after coming home and watching my BigGirl shake her thing at the high school dance clinic varsity basketball game, I slept and went back for MORE!!!!!

Paige wasn't big on photo ops with fans- so I got this.

And I got this photo of house on day 3! FREAKING AMAZING!!!

So after moving lots of wood, cleaning up after workers, doing a little acting (without pay of course) and building a floating floor from the VIP viewing section, and MUCH MUCH MORE. I had a great time. If it is ever near you- JUST DO IT!!!

Condolences

2011-02-16T15:53:00.000-06:00

Today is a sad day.
A day that dreams are shattered. (at least my dreams)
A day that the average runner is pushed down on the asphalt.
A day that I will HATE the rest of my mobile life.

"FEBRUARY 16th, 2011: I HATE YOU!"

Yes sir bob- B.O.S.T.O.N.

I will never run your race. I will forever find it untouchable.

Not only is qualifying not in my reach, but now you are making it 5 minutes harder to do so.

Not only will I never get to register if I ever did qualify, I better beat that extra 5 minutes with 20 minutes faster so guarantee a registry.

Yes my runner friends.

A sad SAD day for us average folk.

SO- whats your thoughts?

**btw- exciting news coming by the end of the week. Stay Tuned!!

Melting Icicles

2011-02-11T13:12:00.000-06:00

Yesterday- I complained.
I spoke to Lemons and Apples.

Today- I am going to watch the Icicles Melt.
Yep- Large, dripping Icicles.

I had a couple suggestions yesterday for my Lemons.

#1- Chuck the Lemons back at someone.

I must say, this is my favorite. Just chuck them back! Demand they be returned! Refuse to be bearied in the pile!

Chuck the Lemons. (Thank you Cnyther)

#2- List my Graditudes.

ok- I can do that. So while the Icicles melt- let me reflect on the positives....

We will call this the "Apples"

APPLES:

-The Hubby is in his last semester of school and has yet again received the VP Honor Roll!
-BigGirl is an over achiever in Kindergarten and is only half way through it. (she asks me every few days when she can move to First Grade)
-LittleMan is finally over the worst of all the illness and has a plain old cold currently. But he's HAPPY!
-She have helped out a good friend this past 3 weeks by keeping his huskie. (thought is the apple-situation has become a big lemon)
-I may not be the happiest in my current work, but at least I DO HAVE A JOB.
-I have great folks that are always there to help anyway they can. (emotionally, or whatever way)
-My oldest brother has moved back to the area to find a "new" start. And I keep finding out in new ways, just how much he respects and looks up to ME, the little sister.
-My father-n-law #2 (if confused by this, just ask me, a little story) is doing small improvements lately and I have volunteered my time no less than 1 saturday a month to keep him company.
-I have found ways to laugh at the small things again. (Like when LittleMan decided to cover the kitchen floor in 2 dozen fresh eggs while daddy was moving snow, sissy was in next room watching TV and I was at work-- sadly daddy forgot to take a picture until halfway thru clean up.)
-The 1 night a week that I get to watch 3 hours of (semi-non- interupted) Television with my hubby.
-How the hubby and I have gotten better at talking about everything... still a work in progress, but wont it always be
-how even though I dont enjoy my job, I DO enjoy my co-worker and how we talk about ANYTHING and laugh a lot most days.
-I have WONDERFUL BFF's, Rach who just moved from 3.5 hours away to 30 mins away!! And Gunn who has always lived a few blocks away, but she is almost ALWAYS available to trips to shop, eat, a drink or a movie.
-I have a AMAZING hubby who is always supportive with knowing I need my outtings with Gunn or my day with the Father in law.
-I have a hilarious and supportive Sis in law that I believe God wanted me to be connected to for life.

So I guess there is a lot of Apples in my basket. Sometimes it just takes someone special/important in your life to remind you to look for those. (Thanks Shana) So, for today, while I watch the Icicles melt out my window at work, I will think about the Apples. And just how blessed I am to have those.

Lemons- not always for lemonade

2011-02-10T12:36:00.000-06:00

Have you ever noticed how life can give you lemons? And then people tell you to make lemonade. And maybe you don't want lemonade. So you make lemon bars, lemon cake, lemon drops. And then sometimes life gives you SO MANY LEMONS, that you can't dig your way out of them. That they take over your life, your thoughts, your SANITY!
Why is that?
Why does life throw you lemon after lemon after lemon sometimes?
Why must a person, ANY person, go through so many struggles that you can't see the light outside the pile of lemons?
Does God feel that the Lemons will teach us to push thru the sourness? The lip pukering, face squishing, teeth peeling sour of disaster.
I, personally, am sick and tired of Lemons. It is NOT summertime, aka "lemonade season". I need warmth, comfort, an Apple.
I need an Apple.
The fruit that keeps the bad away. (An apple a day keeps the doctor away--- oh and I am not calling doctors bad, just to clarify)
I want normal.
I want sweetness.
I want Apples.

This past month has been lemons.
Lemons.
Lemons.
LEMONS.

The Hubby is in his last semester of school (the light thru the pile)
Then my Tahoe went to the shop. ($400) *Lemons
Snow is coming! I love snow!
Then there are multiple days of no school. But I still have work. (some lemons)
Then the heater goes out and this is hubbys schooling, but since not certified until May- he can't order the part himself and fix. (bill not recieved yet) *more Lemons
3 days at my folks house (great folks, by day 3 I really missing "our" space/place- but great folks)
4 dogs kenneled in cold house alone *more Lemons
Then heater is fixed! (awaiting bill)
First night home- LittleMan spends 10pm-early am hours puking all over bed multiple time *more lemons
Then stuck in house with below zero temps (more lemons)
Help with Church Nursery and all the easy babies are sick/cranky/teething/needing and we have get four 3 months and youngers in too (Lemons)
Another Snow storm comes through (17 plus inches)!!! yeppie
again no school expect I work (lemons)
I applied for a job I really wanted that would allow me to have summers off with kids and work school hours
And I didnt get it (lemons)
Stress with multiple sides of Family issues (LEMONS)
Arguements between hubby and his bff (Lemons)
Littleman has had 2 rounds of Antibiotics this month & is going BACK to the doctor tomorrow (LEMONS)
I took Suka out for a much needed run BEFORE all this snow, and 2 blocks from home he has a freak out, and get out of his very tight harness!! How is that even possible?! Luckily, I got a sprint workout following him home. THANK GOD he ran home.

So- Lemons, puckering awful Lemons. And I dont have an outlet for this tension, since running outside with 17 inch snow and none-cleared roads is IMPOSSIBLE here. And the treadmill and I are arguing.

Any thoughts on what to do with Lemons?
Notice how great BigGirl has been? No complaints here for her. :-)

Complaining Done.

No- to make you all wrong- I have NOT fallen off the edge of the earth!

2011-01-19T18:33:00.000-06:00

I know... I KNOW.
Forever right?!
A whole 2 months! Really?! I mean REALLY?!
I didn't mean to cut you all out. Seriously, life just took over for the holidays and the EVERYTHING.
So here we are-- how about a quick "up to speed"

I made Thanksgiving meal... the ENTIRE THING.... ALL ALONE..... It was a combo of Pioneer Woman Cookbook, and Real Simple Thanksgiving issue. IT WAS AMAZING! No, I am not just quoting "the cook" (aka myself) I am telling you what the others said.


Nothing is complete without a nice wine (or 2)

Around this same time.... we had BigGirl lose her FIRST 2 TEETH!!! The first one was at a restaurant with my dad, myself and BigGirl. I asked to see it real fast- gave it a lite snap and it came out right before her chocolate cake came! LOL!!

#1 bottom middle left

Tooth #2 came out when she was trying to eat an Apple. CLASSIC!!


#2 bottom middle right

Needless to say- good thing the tooth fairy was prepared for the first 5 teeth. Those Gold dollars are a special trip to purchase. :-)

Next we had Christmas- which meant lots of BAKING!!! We make Sugar cookies together every year, and this year decided to add gingerbread cookies.

6 trays of cookies (one is under the middle tray)


3 more trays

TOTALING 11 & 1/2 DOZEN! WHAT?! (** footnote- we threw away a couple dozen 2 weeks ago)

Then we have Christmas morning breakfast... I prepare it the night before (keeps me busy while we await the late late late night tree and stocking filling) I made HOMEMADE Cinnamon Rolls this year from Pioneer Woman.... one word- AMAZING.

Recipe made 2 tight fit 9x12 pans- next year will spread out to 3- 9x12

I also make a breakfast casserole, coffee, juice, hot chocolate. YUMMM....

To be selfish- I will just show you what hubby got me for Christmas....

Gotta love a new bondiband and running glasses!!

I then took a load of coupons and store cash and purchased these...


Earbuds, Gu's and Tempos!

.... the earbuds are to go with the New Ipod Nano that I received from my folks for Christmas. :-D

Over Christmas LittleMan discovered the Original Superman movie on Instant Netflix.


SUPERMAN!!

Did you know that the like 6 year old Superman in that movie is shown completely naked. You see his little junk in the trunk and everything! WHAT?! I was beyond words for a period of time?! How was THAT ok back 40 years ago??

Then we spent New Years Eve out with a girlfriend of mine (it was her birthday and she is single). That is the first time we have gone out for new years without kids in 6 years! WOW! We went to dinner and then to a theatre that serves alcoholic beverages to your seat (large leather recliners with a table to one side and a cup holder and a button to push for your server) while you watch a movie. This is the $8 Three Amigos 32 oz drink of mine. NICE. See the milk dudes behind it.... note: do not eat milkdudes and drink tequila. No Bueno.

32oz for $8~!

So, holidays- check! ** for your relieve- I left out all the stress, crying, sweat and guts. Your welcome.**

Now-
First, Kickboxing is AWESOME! And it totally KICKS MY ASS!! YES!! I FOUND A VERY STRONG LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP!!

Second, I have an interview TOMORROW for a great job....stay tuned for more on this.

Third, we have snow, and we are getting ice tonight.

Fourth, softball is a little over a month away

And I will get back soon with a giveaway, HOPEFULLY Part 2 of the Motherhood of the Traveling Book, and much more. Just keep reading, watching, laughing at me, whatever.

Sometimes happy feeling come from the most odd places...

2010-12-08T17:56:00.000-06:00

Quick back store: For those that don't know, I am a Pharmacy Technician (currently- I have a Business Degree but this economy doesn't let everyone keep their actual JOB)

So- today I was at work, and a patient came into work and for what? Not their medication. It was to talk to ME about running and races. He is a 60+ year old man, that has recently dropped around 100lbs. And he has also become a VERY nice man, unlike the horrible angry man he was before. Last time he was in to get his medications, he was sporting a new local 5K long sleeve shirt. I commented on it and asked if he had walked/jogged it. His answer, "yes!" and he really enjoyed it. I told him about other races and when they were coming up. He wasn't interested at the time, and so passed on my info.

But TODAY- he came in just to talk to ME about races. I gave him the local running club website (because he is actually an internet savy older man, and he was happy to get any info I may come across from time to time. It made me feel needed, running savy (LOL!!!-snort-LOL!!) and I have never had anything make me feel so awesome in a while.

So, I am back to another fun fact. I have a couple girls from my High school days that have been asking my advice and information on running and races this past few months. The first girl still asks me questions from time to time. Like what shoes, gear, running stores, etc. But her first half was going to be this past October with me, after paying for the race, she bailed on training and the race.

The second girl is doing well, she asks me advice on staying motivated and what to do thru the winter, etc. She has signed up for her first half marathon in May already, and is planning on seeing me there. I fully believe that she can and will do this for herself.

Where am I going with this? Well, all this makes me feel like a support leader. Someone that is helping others help themselves. And why is this so intriguing to me? Because I can give you the right answers, but I am hard at following through them myself! I can fill you quota for answers to any questions- and all great complete answers, but I rarely follow them myself. I try to tell myself that having the knowledge base is key to helping anyone. And the knowledge base tells me that ALL INDIVIDUALS WORK DIFFERENTLY. Including myself.

Ex. Question: It is so cold in the winter, how do I stay motivated to keep running, and when the treadmill is boring?

Answers: You can load up on ColdGear wear and keep pushing outside, maybe get a running partner to MAKE you get outside first. OR you can move the treadmill in front of the TV and run during a favorite show or movie, load audio books on your ipod that you have been dying to read, put the treadmill in front of a window that gives you the outdoor scenes or a busy street or your kids playing outside.

Ok- so out of all those answers, what do I do??
1. I have all the ColdGear- thats doesn't get used.
2. I have the treadmill in front of the TV, but I can't make it past 30 minutes myself.
3. I don't own an ipod to load books too (maye that my problem- hummmm)

Do you see where this is going? So know I ask you, is giving advice to others about running a bad thing or is my knowledge from thousands of books, magazines, and blogs too great a talent to waste??

My next venture to get thru the winter starts tomorrow...... KICKBOXING AT 6am!!

HAPPY 1 YEAR RACING ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

2010-12-01T19:02:00.000-06:00

Ok-
this is going to be short and sweet.

Happy anniversary to me
Happy anniversary to me
Happy 1 yr racing anniversary to meeeeeee
Happy anniversary to me!

I celebrated my anniversary with my hubby, in Tulsa OKLAHOMA.
I ran the Route 66 Half marathon............the end.

ok- so maybe not the end, but my performance was THAT AWFUL TERRIBLE SAD DEPRESSING (you get the picture) that I was mad sad depressed..... anyway.

But I have one thing to say in my defense...... 1 mile straight up .25 miles into the race. (totally understand now right)

And to end my 1 year, another young man died. It happened in Dallas in March, and now Tulsa. This young man was 27 years old! Only a year younger than me!! So- when I passed this guy at mile 10 getting massive CPR- I had to push back my tired, hurting body from crying crying crying! God sure has interesting times picked out for some people, and it is so sad that a family has to go through that.

So you can imagine what happened when we got home from Tulsa-- my mom FREAKED OUT! And she has demanded that I get a complete checkup (including heart check) since many problems run in the family.

Anyway- my time was sad, the death of a young man as sad, my race photos were scarey sad (I will not be posting ANY OF THEM- so dont even ask)

But I will say this. I got to meet Allie! A favorite blogger buddy and her hubby and kiddos. I must say- for the length of time that we (including my sis in law and her hubby) were all eating dinner and talking talking talking, her kids were AWESOME! And were at the lengths of quietly falling asleep at the table. Unfortunately for Allie- we started running together from the beginning, her long legs pulled her away from me at the hill. And I slowly watched her leave my view. But at mile 5, I caught up to her and her injured ankle was losing her battle. And I heard at the end, that at mile 6, she got to catch a ride in a police car. SAD day for Allie too. But maybe Germany will bring something new (since that is where they are moving too.

So 1 year down- 6 half marathons completed- and 4 states marked off the map!! What next?? I am working on that!!

Stay tuned for the continuing journeys of Flat BigGirl and the Motherhood of the Traveling book.....

The exciting adventures of Flat BigGirl Continues!!

2010-11-14T11:30:00.000-06:00

Julie and Flat BigGirl at the famous Gold and Silver Pawn shop in LAS VEGAS!

Flat BigGirl even got to see the Hoover Dam!!! (I believe Tim was giving her a hands up LOL!!)

The adventures continue....!!!!
Flat BigGirl has made her 2nd stop!
She was sent to Julie and Tim Book (more cousins) and they took her on their vacation to Las Vegas!!!
Where will she go next???
STAY TUNED!!!!!

The exciting adventures of Flat BigGirl

2010-11-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

So, have you ever heard of the story about "Flat Stanley"?
If you answered YES- then you have kids, are a teacher, or a just a great book eater
If you answered NO- well short story version- There is a book where a kid named Stanley gets flatten and become as thin as paper, so his family concludes that it would be cheap for him to travel- via the postoffice mail.

Well- BigGirl's kindergarten class is doing just that. (minus smashing my kid paper thin)

BigGirl chose to send hers to her FAVORITE city first.

CHICAGO!!!

Luckily, we have some great cousins that live there and agreed to "hotel" Flat BigGirl.

Here is Flat BigGirl in the Lincoln Park with Adam and Heidi!! Does it look like she is having the TIME OF HER LIFE?!

So, they feed her, cared for her and sent her on her way.

Next stop.... stay tuned!!!!

The Motherhood of the Traveling Book: Chapter 1

2010-10-28T21:50:00.002-05:00

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

Lodging: Hotel Mueller

House Mother: CityMom

Doots was interested in TMTB

CityMom's Review:

Review - Run Like a Mother

Let me begin by clarifying – I am not a runner. Oooo, nooo, not a runner at all. Passing runners on my drive into the office does not make me want to run. Seeing professional marathoners on TV or at actual races does not make me want to run. And even when my motivation to flex the old muscles is there, and I’m in shape and feeling great and ready to go Go GO: that does not make me want to run. Hit the gym yes, but run: no.
That said. I started running because it was free, and easy to do at 5am.
This book is great motivation, and if I were actually a runner, I think it would get me through all those painful, hard runs and bad days and look forward to my daily run. I have since joined a gym (because shall I say it again? Not a runner. Love my climate control, my elliptical, my television and magazine distractions…). But! The words of this book still echo in my head, because the book was that well written. It was fun to read, it was full of lots o’ info - and motivation that I can still use no matter how I exercise, to get me ‘in the zone’ and keep me from seriously maiming myself in my own idiotic way.
I thought it was witty that it was broken into 26.2 chapters (nice nod to the marathon there). The writing style was very sisterly/friendly, which is such a big help when you’re trying to train/get back in shape after baby. Training, running, working out – it’s hard and tricky to figure out post-kids. This book was just what I needed to keep my motivation going and remind me why, exactly, I’m setting my alarm fro 4:45a every morning…

Thanks so much Kirsten dear! The book is a-traveling now, I am honored to be its ‘first’ ;)

CityMom also wanted to share this MANTRA

Thanks CityMom for the being the first B&B stop on The motherhood of the Traveling book's tour!!! I hope you enjoyed it and got as much out of it as I did.

So, where do you think TMTB will be next?...... STAY TUNED....................

Exhausted, Sick and whatever else God throws at me

2010-10-25T19:22:00.000-05:00

There is my update list...

1. BigGirl has conquered the 2 wheel bike
2. BigGirl has conquered the crash and burn (2 elbows and 1 knee)
3. LittleMan has started his crying painful growth pains in his legs.
4. LittleMan has started ANOTHER new diet to try and conquer the "toddler diarrhea" he has had since birth.
5. Judgement house is halfway through at church and it has been wonderful and EXHAUSTING!
6. I have been in bed sick since around 2am this morning
7. I had an opportunity arise this past week and I am awaiting the next step (if I get that chance)
8. My EX-best friend is a.............(I will let you pick the right word)
9. I have read a GREAT book from my MOM2MOM at church. AND IT WILL CHANGE OUR HOME!
10. Can't find a "within driving distance" half marathon for December!! HELP ME OUT!!

BEST DAY EVER-- oh yeah a giveaway winner too!!

2010-10-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

O.M.G

Seriously, I don't have anything better to say about my day, 10/10/10.

ok- maybe not QUITE this....

We are going to attempt a SHORT way thru this day, here goes.....

6am- I am up and going through the race day motions.
630am- Hubby awakens and gets moving
645am- I let dogs out, whom are both loud and awaken kids.
650am- Kids up, getting dressed and given a snack
7am- Dogs inside and re-kenneled (sorry loveys)
715am- Loaded in Tahoe and headed to Wichita
716am-730am- All singing and dancing in the car (hey gotta wake up somehow)
740am- Pass exit thinking race is next exit.... see people, go back and can't find parking...
7:49am- Hubby drops me off alone 1 or 2 from start line.
7:55am- In pack and waiting. (thank goodness for smaller cities)
8:00am- We are off
8:09:58am- 1 mile down (huh that why I can't get my breathing set! slow it back a bit)
8:20:23am- 2 miles down (ok- still feel a bit pushed, hummm.. )WHOA! GUY DOWN! Tripped on orange cone blocking for traffic. He is up and running again, I try not to look at him legs that HAVE to be bad.
8:31:03am- 3 miles down (hey there is Andy! ANDY!!!! A: KIRSTEN!!! GO!!!)
8:31:10am- HOLY SHIT!! We are to run straight up a HUGE LONG HILL!! WTH?!
**stop reading watch**
4 Miles down: running through rich people housing for next 3 miles.... no one I know
5 Miles down: wave at one of my softball girls dad cheering on his wife ( have GU #1)
6 Miles down:...............
7 Miles down: Out of rich housing and CRUISING BACK DOWN THAT HORRID HILL
8 Miles down: Starting to be very lonely. I am 20 minutes from home and NO ONE (not even kids and hubby) in sight yet.
9 Miles down: Tell myself that I am doing good, still not checking watch for calculations on time, just to see how long have run.
10 Miles down: Hey I am here BEFORE 2 hours.... huh.... thats weird (feeling like my mojo is going out so have GU #2)
11 Miles down: HEY!! HUBBY AND KIDS!!! BigGirl runs with to give a high 5 and I am gone again.
11.5 Miles down: Ambulance hauling away girl running down. :(
11.8 Miles down: HIRED PHOTOGRAPHER tells me to hurry up and get out of the picture?! My responds to him "UNBELIEVEABLE!"
12 Miles down: WHAT?! 2 hours 15 minutes?! WHAT??!!! I could brake 2:30?! I was praying to get 2:39:59!!
12.1 Miles down: Where is my mojo already?!!
12.2 Miles down: Ok, be realistic. You want to break into the 2:30 somethings. Just finish. Breaking 2:30 was NOT the plan.
12.3 Miles down: Man! I really would have LOVED 2:29:59
12.4 Miles down: Dreaming about me breaking 2:30.
12.5 Miles down: STOP IT. Just Finish already
12.9 Miles down: SPEED SPEED! WTH?! Bridge incline. bridge decline- long fast stides!! Past people!!
13.1: PRICELESS 2:32:25 PR BABY!!!!

This momma is FREAKIN' HAPPY!!

ok- it was harder than I put, the race needs a major makeover. Inaugural and all, but seriously- did you research other races and how these bigger one work?? (I have already facebooked them my "suggestions".

But let me say "2:32:25!!!!! P freakin' R!!!!!"

Little Family picture TAKE 1


TAKE 2

BigGirl, my mom and myself

BigGirl and ME!

LittleMan totally wiped out! I KNEW it wasn't ok to make your toddlers run 13 miles! LOL! JK!


I thought this photo said a lot. Thanks for all the great pics mom with your big special camera!!

NEXT RACE: ROUTE 66 in TULSA, OK on Sun. Nov. 21st!!

**********************************************************************************

Now, the WINNER OF THE 1ST GIVEAWAY!!!!!

*#8 Cynther F. at Brillance Wasted!!

CONGRATS GIRLIE!! You have won the INJINJI Micro Socks. Email me at kirstendyan@yahoo.com and we will get you squared away!!!!

Thanks to all that have joined in my first giveaway!! (And the 56 comments!!) The "LIST" will be started now and come in the future for you viewing. Welcome to all my new followers and I hope I am not to boring for you! LOL!!!

Pre-Race (night before) 10/10/10

2010-10-09T20:49:00.000-05:00

I did my packet pick up and now here is my race wear setup:

plus my RoadID- got missed in the photo-opt

I did my carb load dinner (homemade by ME) after water logging my day away:

White Sauce Mushroom Spaghetti with homebutter oven hot bread

And now the question, what movie to watch before bed?? The other 3 are for my "RECOVERY" tomorrow!

Get Him to Greek, Frozen, Robin Hood, Dorian Gray

HAPPY THURSDAY!!

2010-10-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

I have a half this weekend just 20 minutes down the road! OMG- a race that is not 3 hours or more away!! WHOAHOO!! This is the medal I will be sporting afterwards.....

...Nice huh? Mine will be the red (half marathon) one. But still, it is different and will be a nice add to the collection!! And since it is SOOOOO close to home, I have ~~threatened, forced,~~ nicely asked all my family and friends to come ~~yell at me~~ cheer me on. So hope to see everyone there!
*post race to come soon*

Also- a quick note, there is only 84 more hours to get in on my firste ever GIVEAWAY HERE!!

Giveaway from SHUT UP AND RUN!!

2010-10-05T18:04:00.000-05:00

The crazy wonderful blogger, SHUT UP AND RUN is doing a series of giveaways that go along with the Subway Jerad guy. CHECK IT OUT!!!

Fall tidbits- Class Reunion

2010-10-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

It's been really nice outside this past week. And the routine every night when we get home is to eat- right away. (ex. door opens- kids go in, mom steps in with first foot, kid looks at mom and says "I'm hungry home, I want a snack." -- you all know the feeling, anyway)

So, one night we came home, repeat story, let dogs outside and I decide they can have a picnic. (aka mess outside for once) I was the best mom ever that night! LOL! All about the small things.

Tonight, we have dinner inside, and it isn't too common that my kids eat together in SILENCE. Tonight- they did. So I snapped a pic. BigGirl is eating the salad she made HERSELF at the salad bar tonight. It consists of: cheese, olives, croutons, egg, cold peas, and 3 strawberrys. And LittleMan just snuck that cheeser face in.

Suka (and half Ruby)

I thought I would throw in a pic of Suka (and Ruby) tonight, just to show he is surviving us. :) And he is getting better on the "running buddy" job. Still car-fearful, BUT keeps moving now just not the most fun for me. (aka 4.58 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes! SLOWS MY DOWN) But he is getting better.

On to the show--

Last night was my 10 year class reunion. I was skeptical as to what it would be like. And it was a refreshing surprise. We had MAYBE a 1/4th of the class attend. And everyone (95%) has grown up and just came right on up and asked how you were, etc. It was nice. Thanks to my step-sis-n-law (whom was in my class too) we had an evening overnight off of the kiddos. She did not wish to attend the reunion, so she took our kiddos overnight. THANKS SIS!!

We spent 4 hours at the dinner/dance reunion at the yummy mexican restaurant. Then we loaded up a friend and her hubby and headed to the sports bar. Run up with another HS friend there and loaded her up to head to a country "gathering". It was so REFRESHING to have the mix of people. AND this mommy and daddy didn't get home until 330am! 5 hours later- dogs are howling to go outside, and we are up trying to get ourselves ok enough to go pickup kids.

But hey- hubby was the DD. (I LOVE YOU BABE!!) and the night was really fun. I am still recouping 14 hours later, but the kids are being great about us being "sick". ;-)

Natalie "MOOSE" (HS BFF) and myself

Myself, Natalie & Leslie

So moral of story--
1. I recommend everyone goes to their class reunion
2. Having a Shot or 2 before you go is SO OK. (thank you Patron Silver)
3. Talk to EVERYONE!

GIVEAWAY ends in 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!

#5 and #6 on in the books (well the checkbook)

2010-09-30T23:13:00.001-05:00

It is official!
Today, I finally got registered for Half marathon #5: Wichita Ingural Prairie Fire Half Marathon!!
and Half Marathon #6: Williams Route 66 Half Marathon!!

Does my checkbook feel a little lighter? Yes.
But does this runner's heart go a little stronger? HELL YES!

Here we go! Finishing the year strong!

Weight lost to date: 10 lbs (it is SO FREAKIN' HARD to bust past these 10lbs!)

Run time goal for Wichita: 2:39:59

Run time goal for Tulsa: 2:30:59

Sanity intact: NAHHHHHHH

HEY!! DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY (here)!! IT IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!

Runner & Dog, to the starting line!

2010-09-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, today was the day that I finally trusted Suka enough (and had finally purchased a twice-smaller- harness) to go for a trial/practice run. We got out and down a few blocks and he was "heeling" good. So I started a jog. He kept right up.
(only had to walk a little faster, not a trot or a skip but WALK. dogs suck)

We got a half mile from home and had our first "freak out" episode. C.A.R.S. He is a little frightened of MOVING cars. (that he is not in himself)
this makes me sad to think that he had a bad experience that I am glad I don't have details of
Anyhow- he did his usually (name sake) spin out and laying down.

THANK GOD FOR THE NEW HARNESS.

I stopped, said "Suka, enough, lets go" and started jogging again. He jumped right back in. So imagine this seen a few more times in 2.8 miles. And an episode of not paying attention to the task at hand and walking right into me. (another freak out session) He started to learn to pattern, fell when I was turning a corner or crossing the road. Have a longer road to deal with on the "car" problem. But atleast I realized that I CAN and WILL jog faster next time. I was breathing good and felt I should have been going harder.
HOWEVER it could have been the 55 degrees and a breeze outside in September in Kansas!! IT FELT GREAT!!!

Wish us luck tomorrow morning!

Drum Roll...... TADA!

2010-09-22T21:42:00.001-05:00

TADA!!!!!!!!!!!

This is what happens when you are SO EXCITED to get your new running buddy picked up (that you have been waiting & getting ready for the last 5 days) from a town 30 minutes from home. You rush out of work on a friday evening, you jump in your Tahoe to rush to the Shelter in Hutchinson, you yell at the traffic on the 2 lane highway you have to take, you pass dump ass drivers going 55mph in a 65mph for no good reason, you make it with 15 minutes to spare BEFORE the shelter closes for the night.

You are SO HAPPY!! You meet your hubby and his new buddy outside the shelter. You load the dogs up in eachothers vehicles and drive into the town to hit the local Petco before heading home. At the Petco, hubby notices his buddy is popped a stitch and is slowing bleeding from her morning spaying. So hubby loads his dog up in his car and heads to the farm to have her checked out.

I finish the shopping with my new buddy, and we get 10% off our whole purchase for saving a shelter dog. YEA! We load up and head back towards home. We decide to stop at the farm and check on hubby and his buddy. We few minutes later we are ALL heading home in our own cars. I make it first down the dirt road, 1 mile away from mom-in-laws farm.... well you can see what happened.

It is 7:30pm. It is almost sundown. Spare tire is NOT coming down from under the Tahoe, safety latch is corroded. (are you freakin' kidding me)

long story short.... 2 GREAT local Friends, 1 mom in law, 2 dogs and 4 & 1/2 hours later...

Old tire off, new tire on, tahoe dead, tahoe jumped, on road home.

Pick up kids (OH YEA! THANKS to plans of having the kids stay at sis n laws and my folks so we can "run fast" to get new buddies, the kids were NOT with us for this "event"), get home, dogs to kennels, kids in bed, us in bed..... 1:30am.

Now- enough complaining for now....

MEET MY SIBERIAN HUSKY, SUKA!

(Eskimo name meaning "Fast")

and SHIT! IS he EVER!!

This is Cody's House Buddy, another Australian Shepherd, Ruby.

Suka is IN LOVE with Ruby.

In truth, Suka is Ruby's Bitch. It is sad really, and making it hard on me to get Suka to understand that I am the "Alpha" and not Ruby.

Oh, and Ruby, well, she is still deciding on her love for Suka. Right now, he is kinda her "security guard". Which she doesn't need in this house! LOL!

And Yes, that is a football toybox in my living room... it is how LittleMan has toys in livingroom and the dogs don't eat them.

BigGirl is IN LOVE with both dogs. However, she comments on how Suka is the prettiest. So, he means to love you back too. And he is spoiled, he gets to love on the couches. Ruby doesn't even try.

Ruby knows that playing with LittleMan can sometimes get her doggy treats. Since he askes me for them often now. Overall, both dogs are GREAT with the kids. I have been having trouble with Ruby mostly. Suka just followers her suit, so even if I spend mucho time with Suka, if Ruby walks into the room, he gets right up and follows her out. SUCKS for me right now, but work is worth the reward.

On a side note: I got myself a her haircut. Yeah- I hate taking pics of myself. CHEESE!

And in the mail this week, I recieved my FIRST Rock and Roll Encore medal. For completing 2 Rock and Roll half marathons in this calendar year. It is PRETTY! ALL silver in color and a white ribbon.

BTW!!!~ GIVEAWAY DEADLINE IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love ya, Tomorrow, your only a day away!

2010-09-16T21:31:00.000-05:00

Yeah! That's right! I got one! A running buddy! A 4-legged beautiful male running buddy!

What is he you say?

Well that you will have to wait to learn. Sorry, but it is only fitting that you see us together at the same time that you get to meet him.

Yes, HIM. I know, I wanted a female. But this handsome guy NEEDED me. He was dumped. Can you believe it?! DUMPED. Oh, and that's not all. He was obviously had a hard life. And by most likely a male human. (since he was a little shy for us all- you know me, 2 kids and hubby) But he would go hide when hubby walked in. No matter how loving hubby was trying to be. Poor thing!
*don't worry handsome, I was heal you on the inside, and you will love from our house! Heck, we even got you a female partner. No, she is not the same as you, but she will love you too! -did I throw you all for a loop there!! Yes 2 new dogs!! Hey more love to go around!

Ok- watch for my post this weekend!!!!!

The BIG debate part 3

2010-09-12T20:00:00.000-05:00

ok- we have made a decision!! We are both happy with the choice AND we might even need to get 2 eventually. I am pumped! We even went to look at 2 that are at an Animal Shelter in the near by town of Hutchinson. (Where our state fair is...which started this weekend-yes we went)

So- WHAT ARE WE GETTING FOR MY RUNNING BUDDY/FAMILY LOVING DOG???!!

I am NOT telling yet. Nahnah Nahnah Nah Nah!
Mad yet??

Let me explain.
What we have learned from this experience is that things change. We don't/can't spend much on another dog right now. So if we can't find the specific breed in a shelter or rescue that is near by, then we may have go through this debate again.
Totally praying that this does NOT happen, after all this was a hard decision with LOADS of research to find the right match for our household.

So-how did today's venture out to meet & greet these dogs today go?
Like my life- sucked! There were 3 dogs there.
#1- approved adoption TODAY
#2- a pending application already so we are 2nd in line
#3- 2 pending applications already so we are 3rd in line

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
nope not kidding.... God will prevail!

Yes, God WILL prevail... he decides when and whom.
Dear God, please keep in mind that 1 have already been jumped by a dog while running alone. Just saying. Amen.

SO--- more to come (they say by tuesday) STAY TUNED FOR MORE!!!!

**DON'T FORGET MY GIVEAWAY TIME IS RUNNING OUT!!!!

KState vs UCLA

2010-09-10T21:23:00.000-05:00

So- yes, for those of you that do not know, my blood runs purple (through and through). And No, I did not get to attend college this wonderful school in Manhappiness (Manhattan) Kansas. BUT I did get to go on hubbys recruiting trip!! I was treated as purple royalty that day (well, hubbs and I were a package deal). I did have lunch with the entire Coach Bill Synder Family and we did get to WALK OUT ACROSS THE FOOTBALL FIELD AT WARM UP!!! OHHH YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!

Ok, deep breaths......

So, we attended attended the opening game this past weekend in manhattan. We wildcats played UCLA. Let me just jumped to the end real fast.... WE KICKED SOME BUTT!!! (31-22)

We tailgated with my BFF and her friends.

*pre-game, post-rum, LOL!!

*Isn't this couple HOT STUFF!! (me and the hubby)

We met up with Sis n Law, Mom n law and bro n law & girlfriend at our seats!!

Shana and Penny (sis and mom) *Don't know what mom was doing there??

Shana and I pic number 1....

Fighting with the shadow from the sun... and thought you might like to see the game behind us.

*nice sunburn later that day on my nose and forehead!

Willie from last year (2009) was sitting infront of us.

(Shhh, he wasn't suppose to tell us, that is why he has no face here)

We did a little shopping before the game, I got some purple football beads, a $5 tee shirt, an adorable light knitted socking style cap (will not be keeping my head warm, but will look cute in the fall!) and the KSU Nike Tempo shorts!!!

The Hubby got a tshirt and a hat.

Anyway, we had a great time all together. Ate some great food and we were even sobber by the time we headed the 2 hours drive home. NICE.

Ohhh-- and if anyone asks, Mom in Law BOUGHT her purple bead necklace, atleast that is what we will tell people if they ask.

(the true story, she forgot she had it on her neck while we were shopping, and then we walked right out and forgot about it. opps! I figure we are even with God, since they took away my candy I wanted to carry back into the game. Right?!

The BIG debate Part 2

2010-09-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

Ok- I have heard all your comments.
But Sis- what is the terd-eater?

I have read the Runners Magazine article.

This is where I am now...

I miss my Aussie. He was a great dog.
I DONT miss the long hair shedding on my retro dark brown shag carpet.

I would like a short-hair dog. But, I have a hard time falling in love with them.
I had a Chocolate Lab when I was 10yr (a christmas dog in the box, jump out and lick your face puppy- he was finally put to rest this past year- he was 17 years old x7 = 119 dog years)

I found an adorable Great Pyrenese 1 yr 7 month lady at the local Humane Society. SHE IS GORGEOUS!

I also have been told that my mom-n-laws Aussie may be prego again.

This is where we got Dakota (our lost to heaven aussie)

SO NOW WHAT???

I want a buddy sooner than later, but am undecided on my venture.

I NEED INFO! Comments! Suggestions! Experiences! Whatever!

The BIG debate...

2010-08-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

Last week I went for a 6 mile run through out my town. A little over 2 miles of it was on our great bike path (aka rape path- past a specific point and time of day) ANYWAY- at one point there was a biker and a skate boarder in front of me. We ALL come upon a fisherman and his dog (looked to be leashed). The dog sat and watched the biker go by, then the skate boarder go by, then when it was my turn- I get attacked on. WTH?! Mr Fisherman yells for his dog and I keep running by. About 20 paces later, my fear kicks and I start to realize what just happened.
I decide to keep this bit of info to myself ( aka away from hubbys ears until I can sugar coat it OR have resolved the program for future- dont want to scare him or lose my running) for a bit.
Then, the following Saturday, my little moms running group consisted of JUST ME. Apparently there was a little 2 mile run hosted by the high school cross country team going on for a fundraiser on our bike (rape) path. I missed it. But I decided that I would still get in my 2 Trail laps at the college. So 80% of this trail is SECLUDED. After I hit this SECLUDED area, my heart started to race, my ears and eyes were darting everywhere, I noticed that I had forgotten my RoadID, at one point I thought I say a dog in the corner of my eye! (dead tree stump-nice) Needless to say, I stopped after lap1, got right in my car and took a deep breath. NOT COMFORTABLE!

So - I went home, sat down, told hubby about the dog jumping me on the bike (rape) path, then told him about my freak out Trail run ALL ALONE and that is why I was home early. We decided- I NEED A RUNNING COMPANION. AKA: DOG.

Ok, So I want this...

Blue Great Dane

And hubby wants this...

Mastiff

What one is a better running companion. What I have heard is that a Great Dane is "happier" "Hyper" and a Mastiff is "slower" not the best running buddy but a good scarer.

So- what are your thoughts?? Or even- what would OR do you run with as a 4 legged buddy? Do you know someone that needs to adopt a 4 legged friend out? Or sell at a low (poor people) price??

Motherhood of the Traveling Book!!

2010-08-26T14:41:00.002-05:00

For my 28th birthday, my sis in law (you can meet her here) gave me the book "Run Like a Mother" I have recently completed it and was SO entirely FULFILLED by it that I wanted to share it with my friends, and their friends and so on!!

SO- here is what is happening with my precious book. ~sis, i love you for gifting me this wonderful book, I am temporarily sharing the love and will hope to see it back in my arms in the future.~

I will be sending it off to a Mother Runner Friend in Lawrence Kansas tomorrow. Inside the cover, I will include the readers directions of usage.
#1: My name, address, and email.
#2: They are to read it the book (timely) enjoy it, breath it in, take a picture of it with them, the kids, their running shoes, whatever!! THEN email me their thoughts, best parts, the picture, etc AND to whom the book is headed and where. (needs to be a running mommy to really get the entire book btw)
#3: Each participant will do the same. And someday, the book will HOPEFULLY find its way back to me.

During this process- every time I get an email, I will blog it and MAYBE even have a giveaway or 2 (or more) corresponding to its travels.

Fingers crossed this all goes well and that my BBF (Bestie Book Forever) has a traveling good time!!!

DONT FORGET ABOUT MY GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW!!!

In my dreams!

2010-08-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the phrase is "in YOUR dreams" but hey, I don't know one person that has ever dreamt about ME running, but myself.
Yes- it has happened.
I have officially dreamt of myself running.
And to make it crazy, I was running a MARATHON. I haven't even done that yet! So this is a SIGN I have decided. But first let me tell you how c~~razy~~ weird my dream was....

#1 I was running a marathon
#2 My sis in law, motherrunner & her hubby, fatherrunner were running it with me... the weird part: I BLEW them away in speed (HAAAHaaaaaaaa- never happening!!)
#3 This marathon course consisted of actually running THROUGH peoples houses every so often.
#4 At the turn off for the marathon runners (must have been a half too) I turned off into a warehouse, where they took crazier than highschool portrait photos of you (ex. hercules in heaven with angels scene)
#5 THEN they check to see your idea and check what college you were registered with (WHAT?! COLLEGE?!) Apparently I was registered with some catholic sounding school (dont recall name- and I am not even catholic!) and not what my College ID (yeah- apparently I had one on me) told them. Don't know what college it said by the way. SO they kicked me off the marathon at that point (somewhere around the halfway point. And NO ONE would give me a ride to the finish- AND they won't let me run it.
Then I woke up.
WTH?!
What would you take from that??? Please let me know your opinions. I don't know if it is a sign to NOT do a marathon or TO DO a marathon.

AND don't forget about my GIVEAWAY HERE!!!

On a side note: BigGirl Started school last week. Kindergarten!! And on day #2- she says " Mom, I dont need you to walk me in anymore." WHAT?! So, holding back tears, I drove up to the drop zone, and let her go- after a hug a kiss in the car ofcourse. Where did that time go??

Old Settlers 5K (rebound from vacation)

2010-08-16T07:09:00.000-05:00

Ok, I will admit that it has beena TOUGH return to exercise since the little Chicago vacation. I have had my share of HIT AND MISS workouts. This morning, I FINALLY pulled myself out of bed at 5am to drag my vaca-comma butt to the gym. Don't get me wrong, I have attended my Thursday & Saturday morning running groups, but the gym has been harder for me. Now- I didn't work my butt off like usual, I decided that today my goal was to get there and spend an hour. Get my unresponsive body to move at 5am, PERIOD. A nice walk on the treadmill, a nice medium cycle and than Legs day on weights. (that is my most favorite lifting day)
So, ok, I got up, got there and did something. Horray for me.

This past weekend, I aided my Sis-In-Law, MotherRunner, with keeping her kiddos while she and FatherRunner (her hubby) ran the Georgetown/Idaho Spgins half in Colorado. The kids were easy, polite and great, ofcourse. And we are always hapy to lend a hand when needed. I helped with the paper route, took care of dogs/cat, and even got them up at 6am on Saturday for the Halstead Old Settlers 5K Run. (race was at 730am but we had a paper route to do first) LittleFoot (their daughter) did the 2 mile Run. And she did very well, snagging herself the 3rd place metal for the age group. BigFoot (their son) ran the 5K. He is a teenage, so I was happy to keep him in my sites ( a few blocks ahead of me) until around the 1 mile range. Than he was GONE, POOF, never to be seen again until the finishline. He did good as well, snagging the 2nd place metal for his age group.

I came around the corner for the final 3 blocks, and I could see BF and LF waiting for me at the finish. It was a cute experience, my little cheering team. LOL! So, I did well, getting a PR of 33:03. But alas, no metal for me. (5th or 6th in my age group) Someday I will quit telling people about the race and then MAYBE I will metal. LOL!!!

The rest of the weekend was filled with friends, a "teaser" rain shower and a lazy sunday filled with movies.

The weekend ahead is filled with hubby's first day back to college (today), and BigGirls first day of Kindergarten (Thursday). What is in store for you??

BTW- don't forget my GIVEAWAY here!!!!

Keep them Running in!!!!!

2010-08-10T18:06:00.004-05:00

Ok-
Today is the day-
The day that I am taking a leap-
A leap of sheer faith-
Faith to keep moving-
Moving towards a great Start-
Start to the big list I need from you-
From you, all the GREAT runs in your area-
Area being your town/state/continent-

SO, throw them out there everyone! Give me your most fun, always sold out, must do once your lives races! Halfs-Fulls-Trail Races-Sprint Tri's-Even you ULTRAs!!!

Because I am starting today! I am making my list! The list that gets me to ALL 50 STATES! Even Different Countries!

The Goal.
My first Marathon in the next 2 years. (Expires August 10, 2012)
My first Trail Race in the next year. (Expires August 10, 2011)
My first Sprint Tri in the next 2 years. (Expires August 10, 2012)
My first Ultra in the next 5 years. (Expires August 10, 2015)
All 50 States in my lifetime (Sorry can't predict that date)
And at least 1 other Country in my lifetime. (again sorry)

SO- repost this on your facebook, or blog, or tweet, whatever you have!! And lets see what I can get planned!!

And a random blogger will be winning: INJINJI MICRO TOE SOCKS!!!

*Color and Size will be chosen by winner

*Every Race post is an entry

*Tell me you Linked it with your blog, facebooked it, tweeted it- each one is an entry
*Become a Follower- one entry

GIVEAWAY ENDS OCTOBER 10TH!! (This is a good 2 months to get me something good! And to get me some more followers! LOL!!!)

Undecided

2010-08-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

So today was my mom's running group. We were running the Bethel College Trail 2 times around. On the first lap, we had a little chit chat. We talked about other runs we want to do, for example Rock n Roll Vegas is December 5th and I think that my sis-n-law and I should take a fast weekend and go run it. And we talk about bloggers we read and races they just completed. (see we do love you all!!) And we talked about the Banana (muffin top) outfit I wore this past weekend in Chicago RnR. Apparently wonderful sis n law likes the outfit and thinks it looks good. She incouraged me to go back and look at the photos from my first half marathon this past November. So I did,

I can show to compare for you, since that photographer has an actual copyright block. But she is right. I did wear clothing that was larger. Pants and a longsleeve tee, with a larger regular teeshirt over that. I was not ok with my look. I don't look like I have lost weight, but the working out has redistributed it. I am more comfortable in my look. I wear what is better for me and not better at hiding necessarly. And for the first time in years (we are talking at least 8 years) I am 100% ok with shredding my shirt after a long hot run. Chicago almost got to see that! LOL!! But I was so exhausted and needing to get back to hotel to check out fast, that I didn't give myself the time to loss it.

So, I guess what I am saying is that even if I am not photo perfect yet, I am still feeling better about myself. Maybe soon, the muscle build will slow and the fat loss will increase, thus showing a difference on the scale. Or at least I can pray for that to happen soon. I have been playing with the same 10 lbs for the past 3 years, I need to get over that hump.

So run on friends, and watch out for running bananas!

Chicago Part 2: Race Day

2010-08-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Continued...
After sleeping with the leech (BigGirl), I awoke with the sound of my blackberry alarm "I wanna be a Billionaire so freakin' bad!! Buy all of the thin...." ahh sorry there. I quitely got up, got dressed,

**note to self: never wear this outfit again until the muffin top is ALL GONE. You will see why in the below pictures.

..went through my morning regiment and had my peanut butter natures bar. I walked out the door and awaited for the SLOW elevator. I was happy to find it open after only a few moments and was able to get one with another runner, it stopped on a another floor and picked up 3 more runners. Awhhhhh the early morning runners make me sooooo happy. :o) When the door opened, we headed outside and down a couple blocks to the start liner and our corrals.

When I got to the corrals, how happy was I too see that not only were they empty (not opened for runners yet) but it was a straight shot from my hotel to my corral. No walking forever until I got to my sad and lonely corral. * I pulled corral 25 out of 29 this time. Pathetic, right. I did meet a few great gals while awaiting the start, then awaiting the 40 minutes after the official start to the start of my corral. YAWNNNNNNNN.

During that time, I found out that there were a handful of celebreties in the race... Jason & Molly Mesnick(the bachelor), Jake Pavelka (the bachelor & dancing with the stars)*yucky guy*, Kelly Bensiman (Real housewives of NYC), Giuliana Rancie (E! news), Andrea Powell (The Gates), and Al Roker (morning weather guy). *more on these coming, but can you guess which 1 celeb I beat? Don't strain yourself, it is a no brainer. Another sad moment for me.

Ok, and we are off!
Mile 1: 10:55 Woohoo good start
Mile 2-3: I am telling myself to make this good, the 5k is the first text message to family about my time!
5k: 37:04
5k-Mile 5: Keep going strong! My kids and hubby are right around the corner waiting for you!!
Mile 5-6: Where are they, Where are they, Ohhh "Sweet Caroline, bom,bom, bom" HEY! There they are!! HIGH 5s!!!!
Mile 6: 1:17:03
Mile 7: Getting beat here, just don't look at your watch, need mile 8, Coffee Bean Gu at mile 8.5....
Mile 7.75: ICE!! Wohoo!! DEAD BEAT TIRED! A little fast walk and ice in my water.
Mile 8: My legs are so heavy, just keep moving, HATE all the people that are already running along the lakeshore (mile 10-finish)

Mile 9: Coffee Bean GU!!! Ok, turn towards last 4 miles. Look at watch, 2:39:59 MAYBE POSSIBLE.

Mile 10: 2:11:38 Pass the Gu station. Take the ice cold sponge! Try to move faster.

Mile 10.5: Look at watch, push harder. Lots of weaving, this SUCKS!
Mile 11: Look at watch, damn! Try to atleast cut ahead of 2:46:09 (last race time)

Mile 11.75: Girl down... not me. 3 people stop with her, I speed up to...
Mile 12: .... and tell the Crew to send for help
Mile 12.1: we are on a freakin' wall to wall curving sidewalk. I can't weave around anyone anymore. Shit!
Mile 13: Try to speed up the hill since the walls around gone... haven't looked at watch in a while... I now I am f 'ed.
Mile 13-13.1: My usual Sprint to the finish is non-existant. I am done. Just look for family, wave and cross the line. I didn't even throw my hands up for the Rock Star photo finish. I am feeling totally pissed at myself already.
Finish Line: 2:53:26 (Pace: 13:14) I spend the rest of the day, oh hell who am I kidding, I am still running over in my head what I should have down at mile 7 to have given me a better chance for my 2:39:59 or better goal.

So, I am VERY hard on myself. I am not looking for a handout of "you did great" "you did it, I can't/did't/would have stopped...etc" I am just a natural competator. I am always hard on myself. That is my way of life..... welcome to my world.

Back to the race;
I loved having my family there to actually see me finish this time around. And to see me during the race too! It was great! I was disappointed by the finishline grabs though. It consisted ICE COLD TOWELS (fav!! and best part), NOT COLD water, NOT ENOUGH cytomax (didn't get one), Some oranges that they were STILL CUTTING, popcicles that were half melted and half broke to the ground before I got it to my mouth, 2x2 inch protein bars that were GROSS, and ohh yeah- that was it! What the hell?! So I headed over to the beer garden to get my free beer..... no way in hell was I going to wait 45 minutes or more for a free beer. I need to get moving to the hotel to get out of the soaked clothes, take a shower and get us checked out in 45 minutes time.

ALL IN ALL: I need to get in another half asap to make my time better and myself feel happier.

Ok on those celebs: Well the only one I beat was Al Roker...... 3:20:58. All I have to say is "WAY TO ROCK IT AL!!! CONGRATS!!! MAYBE I WILL SEE YOU AT ANOTHER SOMEDAY SOON!!"

E! News: 2:20:05
NYC Housewife: 2:21:40
YUCKY Jake: 2:23:05
Married Bachelor stars: 2:42:05 (they ran together the whole time!)
The Gates: 2:44:31

The Winner Patrick Rizzo 1:06:19
The Female Winner Tera Moody: 1:13:36
Both Illionis natives

A little review...
The Injinji Socks!!!

THEY DID THE JOB!! Just a small blister on the small toe and a tiny one under big toe! BAM!

As for injuries....

.... A major rubbage (burn from shorts that have never done it before) on the inner left thigh.

The Day ended with getting checked out of hotel, taking the bus to Union station, eating a Lo Carb burrito salad from a "like chipotles" place at the station along with a bowl of white chocolate TCBY!!
Then a 12 hour+ Train ride back home.

GOOD BYE FOR NOW CHICAGO!!

Worst part: falling asleep in window seat with hubby and sleeping littleman on his lap. Waking up to asleep right foot and cramping right leg, jumping up to fix the issue and not being able to move... sleeping littleman on hubby remember. Totally didnt drink enough water saturday. But a little after 3am, we got home. Got the kids back to bed and ourselves too. And was woken at 9am from kids. Spent 2 hours in our king size bed with kids watching Happy Feet. Then suffered though the rest of the day before back to the grind Tuesday morning.

The End.

Chicago Part 1: The Wedding and Vacation

2010-08-02T21:38:00.000-05:00

Stayed up all night getting the house spotless (or close to it), we set out to our first train ride. Amtrak out of Newton at 3am to Chicago Thursday Morning. Kids were excited when we woke them up to get to the station. But after maybe a hour, they were both out cold again for a few hours. Must be nice to be under 4 feet tall.

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa were a nice distraction for the kids too. Having 4 adults to wrangle 2 kids under 6 years old. There were a couple movies watched on the laptop. A game or more of Uno. Lots of playing with Truck, Tractors and Combines. A good amount of time on the Nintendo DS. Some book reading. Some music listening and phone playing. And of course some napping. All in all a descent trip there.

We arrived to our first hotel, The Willows on Surf Street in Lincoln Park district, just after 5pm. We got settled and heading to my cousins rehearsal dinner at a Little Mexican food place just less than a mile walk. It was yummy. (plus MARGARITAS!!!!-- the kids had virgin strawberry daiquiri's) We walked back- however I was exhausted and Margarita filled, to amazed I make it back- to the hotel, showered, bathed and to bed. I was out in 10 minutes flat, easy. (just ask the hubby, apparently the kids were up a while. **sorry babe**

Friday morning, we got up and all 6 of us (my 4 and great gparents) headed for a little walk to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park. It was KID AWESOME!! Lots of things to learn and lots of hands on things!! We all even played with it all. It is a MUST STOP for anyone with younger kiddos, or adults that want to learn about being green and nature. :o) And there was an AWESOME Butterfly room!! They are everywhere and anywhere, and you have to check your body before you can leave the room. There was a cool bench on our way out, so BigGirl decided to "become the sculpture". So Beautiful.

**this was the least expensive place we attended on the trip: 2 seniors, 1 child (BigGirl), 1 free child (littleman), 1 student (hubby), 1 educator (me- hey the school district gave me an educators ID for coaching!)= $29!!!**

After the museum, we went for lunch at a place that a very savvy friend of mine suggested we go (lets call her CityMom) Lou Malnati's Pizzaeria. It was about a mile walk, LittleMan slept the walk there and the majority of the 30 minute cooktime wait. Smart kiddo. They have TO DIE FOR Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. We ordered "The Lou" with the World Famous Buttercrust. (Mushrooms, fresh spinach, sliced tomatos, with mozzarella, romano and cheddar cheese. HEAVEN!

** FYI- the mail their pizza's anywhere in the USA!

After yummy lunch, we headed back the to hotal to relax, shower and get ready for the wedding. We ran into some relatives a block from the hotel. So I ran a couple errands with a cousin and sent the family back to the hotel. So 30 minutes to and hour later of SPEED walking around the shops, I can feel a good blister on my right foot and good rubbing in the croch area. G.R.E.A.T. I get right back to hotel, take shower, deal with blister (thank god for my flat flat flat sandals that I am wearing with long dress that night) and apply BodyGlide to rubbage. I get the rest of the family ready and we are out the door, into the shuttle and off to the wedding about a mile down the road.

**no shuttle will be bringing us back, we taxi or walk it. (damn blister)

The wedding is beautiful, a few tears are shedd (not mine thankfully), the appetizers are yummy (fried squid!!), the OPEN BAR is gracious, the kids are deal-able, the dinner is SOOOO GOOD that I can't finish my meal, the cake a yummy layed white AND chocolate, with raspberry jam and chocolate cream fillings with white icing. The kids fall asleep before the first dance starts. So the great gparents offer to take kids back to hotel to bed, so we get them a cab and off they go. Hubby and I stay to dance and OPEN BAR (remember) for another hour or so, then we walk back to hotel. (Blister is healing nicely already, by some miracle and the rubbage is too! WOOHOO!!) We get back and kids are sleeping in gparents room, so we each crash in a different bed.

** I know, but I was BEAT and relaxed from the OPEN BAR. And hubby wants to watch TV a little that doesnt involve cartoons.

Saturday morning: We get up and check out of the first hotel. Sad to leave the wonderful area and really nice hotel, but there is more to do, and the next hotel is literally 1 block from Grant Park -the ROck N Roll 1/2 marathon location. So we get a Taxi and we are off to the Travelodge Downton Chicago. We get there and we can't check in until after 3pm, but they have a luggage storage service in a secure room. So we leave it all and start our day. We are having a family day (aka my 4 only- great gparents on their own). So, my 4 decide to go to see The Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower). We only have a short walk, maybe a mile. We arrive and are told the wait so far is about an hour. (this is from security thru all the works to the exiting at top from elevator) No problem, nothing else to do. However, we get thru security fast! I accidentally cut about 20+ people in line (seriously, accident and no one said a thing-only know because hubby pointed it out about 2 minutes later- whoops). We purchase our 3 tickets (plus 1 free LittleMan) = $44. We skip the "info" movie, and get in line to the elevators, after maybe 20 minutes, we discover that it is going to be revolving doors, we ask a worker what to do, and there is a stroller/wheelchair door, YES! We skip past 60+ people, aka NOT cutting, we have a reason to be ahead. :o) We get in the elevator with 29 other people (yes I counted) and we head up 103 floors! And crap it is fast, you just keep yawning or something to keep your ears pooping. And at each level that you are as high as another tall building, like the Eiffel Tower, it tells you that on a little TV in the elevator. NICE Distraction. We get to the top, and well, the picture talk for themselves.....

The Willis Tower

reflection from the mirrored elevator ceiling of willis tower

**we did spend the $22 for the professional skydeck picture of us, if I get it scanned soon, I will post it in another blog.

We leave the tower and walk a half mile to a bus stop that will take us to the McCormick Place so I can get my race registration done. I try to shop a little at the Expo, but to crowded and kids are getting hungry, antsy, etc. So I leave spending nothing in there. WOW.

A stop along our walk

We grab a cab from there to the Shedd Aquarium. When we get there a few dollars later, there is a nice outdoor cafe with tree shaded tables in the park area. NICE. So we order the nice thing on the CityMom's must eats, Chicago Dogs. They are onions, peppers, dill pickle, tomatos, and maybe more stuff hotdogs. THEY ARE YUMMY!!

The kids have pretzels, our chips, and we have been downing the water all vacation so far. Major help on the money when you aren't buying drinks!!

We then head over to the Aquarium, wait FOREVER in the Stroller/wheelchair line. (Many strollers) We get in and it is AWESOME!! Their are 3 Floors! Tons of things to see and do, yes hands on with a few things, like star fish. A 4-D 15 minute movie experience. We choose Happy Feet, and it was good. When water splashed on the scene, it did at us too. When bubbles were on screen, they were at us too. When someone got poked in on scene, our backs did too. The floor shook, the lights changed colors, etc. We spent a few hours in the aquarium, and we could have spent a couple more easy.

**Purchase our 3 tickets (+ 1 free Littleman) = $74.

large a** anaconda!!

My FAV pic!! Octopus!

We were so tired, and we still had to check in at the hotel, find dinner somewhere close, and get my race morning stuff ready. We are taxi'd back to the hotel, only about a mile or so. But we were beat. We got into our hotel room, and I wanted to cry. It was such a dramatic difference from our fancy hotel to this one. This is one of those hotel that you dont bring kids, it is just a night sleep (not a good night sleep) and hot water. And it was a TIGHT fit. We were 7 stories up in a teen-digit high building and the 2 elevators were small, we had to wait for 4 elevators before we could go downstair to find us dinner. By this point, I was on the verge of tears and/or a massive angry fit. However, we got downstairs, walked a couple blocks and found a cute cafe 2 blocks down, The Artist Cafe. (It has a website, amazed by this considering the authentic style of it) I had my pasta- yummy, the kids shared a cheese burger platter, and hubby had a Ruben platter. Made it through dinner and got back to the hotel. Great Gparents got back and took the kids to their room for a bit so I could try to breath and get set for the mornings race. We finally got to bed, each taking a kid, and somehow got to sleep. Worsts nights sleep either of us as even had. I had the BigGirl "leech" sleeper, and Hubby had the LittleMan bedhogger........ to be continued.

Awhhh!! Where is the silver lining to my Chicago Family Vacation!!!!!

2010-07-25T16:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, let us start this blog off with a run down (haha run...sigh) of my weekend.

Curtain Call!!
Pull back curtain.
Scene: Friday 1130am

I get a call from LittleMan's daycare, he BEGGED to come inside from playtime. (Crap- I would too if I was being forced to play in the 90+ degree temps!) He then laid right down. Not long after that, he vomitted. G.R.E.A.T (hello, the Frosted Flakes Tiger is back!)
So, hubby is in the middle of major machinery issue with grandfather and his mom. (oh yeah, when he isn't a student, he works at BOTH of these family farms.) This leaves me, mommy, to leave work, where we have a "fill in" boss to tend to LittleMan.
Exit Scene.

New Scene-
Need to get back to work, hubby still not home to "switch me". My mom is available. Only 1 hr 20 mins left of work. Ugh.
Exit Scene.

New Scene-
It just happens to be BFF sleepover for BigGirl at OUR house. My hubby doesnt want to disappoint, so we have her over. (Keep in mind, we have sick LittleMan too) In walks BFF and LittleMan vomits right behind her on my carpet. G.R.E.A.T
Exit Scene.

Evening went alright. LittleMan went to bed on schedule, thanks to dramamine and ibuprofen. Girls had dinner, played inside and out, had our little campfire in the back porch and made smores. Showers, nails painted, braided hair, bed (after many laughing-talking-getting up, etc).

Next morning, girls got up, I made breakfast, they played, LittleMan up, fever back, sinuses have joined us now, eyes matted with goop bad. G.R.E.A.T
I miss my morning workout at the gym.
I get everyone settled in time for my 9am Run Group. I go, talk to mom on the way and decide LittleMan may have pneumonia!! *Reminder- leaving for 4 days in Chicago on Thursday morning (9:05- no one there for run group) decide to go back home get LittleMan and take to ER.
Good news, just a sinus infection. A antibiotic filled (took the FREAKIN' ever at Pharmacy), decongestant purchased and headed home.

It is now 11am.
I have a haircut at 1pm 20 minutes away in Wichita. Mom is going to pick me up, I will have maybe a good 45 minutes to work out if I go NOW. I pull out of driveway, phone beats, mom will be at my house at noon to pick me up. G.R.E.A.T

Drive downtown to check for cheap Railer Gear (my high schools stuff that I coach softball for). None.

I drive home, 11:30am. Send hubby to take BFF home with BigGirl. LittleMan hangs with me while I shower and get ready to leave.
12:05- no mom, no hubby and BigGirl back. (bff lives 3 minutes away.)
Call hubby- almost home.
Hubby pulls in driveway- Mom right behind me.

I leave to haircut and spend all afternoon running around wichita picking up last minute trip items.

Jump to now, BigGirl spent all day and night at BFF's. (double spendover weekend before school i guess)

LIttleman is eating again! Yeah!!

I have done and putaway 5 loads of laundry (mostly Littlemans sick towels-yum) I load left.

I have packed the kids bag.

I have packed MY side of our bag (including my running gear bag for Chicago Rock N Roll!!!)

I have borrowed mom's huge Coach Handbag for my purse/goody bag for train. (thnks mom!!!!!)

I have made out the lists for all bags and gotten some ribbon for mark everything we will be carrying with us. So we make sure we have OUR stuff off the Train. (I know, I am so smart right!!)

well, time for dinner, and TRYING to relax.
PLANNING For a hard workout at the gym monday, tuesday and wednesday morning.
THEN CHICAGO BABY!!!!!

Fun stuff

2010-07-20T19:23:00.002-05:00

Hello all! This has been a fun last weekend!

My hubby and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary yesterday, and since it was on a Monday, we decided to go out on Friday night. I took him to HuHot Grill. He had never been and LOVED IT.

**HuHot Grill- Mongolian style: Grab a bowl like in a buffet- add your meat choice, your noodle choice, your veggies, and your sauces. Hand the bowl to the Grill Guys and they cook you food while you wait a few minutes in line. They hand it back to ya and off you good. You can go back as much as you want too!

We then decided to "window shop" to walk off the calories we just enjoyed. Well, Dicks Sporting goods is a couple stores down. So we walked over there. To our great surprise, it was SIDEWALK SALES!! 50% already marked down clearance!!! YEPPIE!! I purchased Cody a purple golf shirt for $8

(Happy Anniversary babe!) And he purchased a Neon Yellow DriFit running shirt for me for $20. (Happy Anniversary to me-- mine wasnt a clearance item obviously)

We finished the night with a couple friends and a couple drinks ;o) and then headed home at 1230ish. We were home and asleep by 2am.

*Kids were at the folks for the night, yeppie!*

I was to get up to meet Running Group at 9am, needless to say- hubby spent 10 minutes trying to awaken me fully at 10am to go get kids. He was awakened by the folks calling us to see if we were ok. Since the hubby was to get the kids at 9am while I was running with the girlies. (whoops!)

So we got around (20mins to get out the door) and got to the folks. We found out when we got there that the kiddos decided to get up at 530am for the morning.

*They are usually 7am risers OR LATER-- sorry grandma and popa :o( Needless to say, gma had to awaken the youthfulness within her that morning.

We decided after we left the folks, that LittleMan was going to HAVE to get a haircut. So, we headed to Wichita for his 1st HAIRCUT!!

Let me remind you of the "before"- this picture is actually that morning at gma's bathroom...

see those long loose curls....

This is LittleMan at the BEST kids haircut place ever!! Instead of a chair, it is a carousel animal

(aka "you have to hold on to not fall off and that means your hands are not getting the the way of the haircutter-- greatest idea ever #1)

Instead of a mirror, there are flat screen TV's playing Disney Movies (Greatest Idea EVER #2)

I had to actually put the camera in front of the movie to get this shot! LOL!!

LittleMan after the got his first haircut!! The Loose curls are gone-- HOWEVER he still has them naturally!!! A little persperation or water and they spring right back up!! WOHOO!!

In keeping with the BIGBOY theory for LittleMan that day, hubby and I decided (after LittleMan got his leg stuck in the rails) that it was time for the Toddler Bed.

Test #1-- (night time) OUT COLD!! NEVER GOT UP until morning, where he then could not open the door to his room, so continued to knock on the door and say "Mom, where are you?!" and "Daddy, were are you?!" TOO FRECKIN' HILARIOUS!!

**Note-- he has taken daytime naps and more nighttime, and he stills STAYS PUT!!

A FEW THINGS:

I went out to running group last week and my FAV carrybag had a "chewed" thru handle on one side. I tried to "rig" it, but alas- no good. So I started to get angry with my mom- in -laws dog who was the only thing under one bed for weeks. So, I tell my hubby about it that evening, he then confesses that it was him and the Vaccum that killed my FAV bag!!

Ok, now, feel bad for having bad thoughts about dog.

Feel pissed that hubby didn't tell me RIGHT AWAY.

Then, feel bad for getting angry because it is "just a bag, it can be replaced"

SO- I replaced it that next saturday! This bag is even better in its own way, it is a bright color that will be visible on bike rides, and it has a 2nd pocket! BONUS!!And I even got myself a new window sticker for my Tahoe!! You have to LOVE stopping at your Fav Running store, mine is "First Gear" in Wichita. And when I walked in that morning, it was PACKED with people.... it was Asics Shoe Sale Day.

Talking about gear, makes me think about my sad running buddy.... my hat. My hat has been through a lot of sweat and grind. HOWEVER, this past summer it was gained a new side.... the dyed hair sweat. The Pink dye that my softball girls put in has been lowly coming out when I sweat... And my hat has decided to love it up. Thanks good buddy!

One last FAV to brag on....

...INJINJI MICRO TOE SOCKS!! These babies are GREAT!! They are to help prevent blisters around the toes. (which I ALWAYS get on long runs- I even get caluses and they still get blisters UNDER them-SERIOUSLY!) So, these great socks have been my savor, however the real test will be in the Chicago Rock N Roll half a week from Sunday! If they pass that, then I am buying myself 50 pairs!!! Ok, maybe not 50, since they are $12 a pair and I am currently still the only income in our house for the next year. But I WILL get more INJINJI!!!

alright- that is all for me- keep on keeping on!!!

Not dead.................yet

2010-07-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know, it has been like 9 days since last post. But I have been a BUSY BUSY BEE.

Alright, seriously, I have been really utilizing my Bday gift from the parents. (If you all recall the 1 year membership to ANYTIME Fitness) I have been busting my ass big time!! However, I got a little pissed, to say the least after 2 weeks of this place.
I go in for 1 hour. (otherwise rising BEFORE the Butt Crack of dawn, drive my 10 minutes to AF and work out for EXACTLY 1 hour. (this is my MUST DO- makes me keep moving regardless- 60 mins no less)
I spend HALF my time (30 mins) doing cardio- bike, treadmill, elliptical. And then 30-40 minutes doing CARDIO weight lifting. *Less weight then I could MaxOut on put that I can move swiftly to cut more fat while still rebuilding muscle.*

So, 2 maybe 3 weeks, trying not to really think about it in time. But I have been weighting myself daily (i know- big NO NO) and I freckin' GAINED 2 lbs two days ago. (however I noticed it was gone this morning)

OTHERWISE-- NO WEIGHT LOSE YET. Still need to drop 50 lbs. **And I have been eating good, no junk, no sugar loads, no caffeine (cut that over a year ago), good portions, small dinners, fiber heathly breakfast and snacks.
SO, here is my problem.................WHAT THE HELL!???!!!

Suggestions anyone????

Ok, so the Athletic Training skills seem to NOT apply to ones-self

2010-07-08T12:30:00.001-05:00

**These are not mine, just wanted to set the mood :o)**

So, I went to College, initally for Athletic Training, do to things unforseen (cough...dickhead...cough... jerk...cough... of a head trainer) I did not complete my college career that way. Sadly, I was the TOP of my class, broke the school record for time/perfection on ankle tape jobs (I still hold this record as far as I know, since I totally will not be calling that *cough...ass wipe* man anytime soon.) and I TOTALLY MISS IT.

**On a funny side note, I have a cousin that DID complete his A.T. career and is working now as a Trainer. We often send eachother pics of ~~gruesome~~ AWESOME injuries! He is a father of 2, both of his kids this past year have fractured a bone, and both went a day or so unforseen. But they got casted and healed and back to rights now**

So following my cousins lead, I went out a couple/few weeks ago and played Slow Pitch Softball on my hubbys team. Well, I hurt my Left Quad while TOTALLY ROCKIN' that night!! (Just ask my hubby, I kicked some major GIRL POWER ASS!!)

Anyway, I took some Ibuprofen for a few days. It still hurt. Minor odd leg movements made my eyes tear and my gut churn. (We are talking foot on the couch and it slightly rotates out *envision movement toward indian style sitting* and it shoots PAIN across (inside to outside and then slightly up) the Quad!!!

My response: "HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!" (sorry, but that was BAD!!)

After that, the rest of my day was horrid! I couldn't move any which way. So I heat it up, since it is not swollen. A couple 20 mins heating sessions and Ibuprofen later... more comfortable. Still have to be careful while sleeping though.

A few more days pass... a lot more... we are good.

I go though my weights LEG heavy days. Still good. I am thanking the heavens that it must have just been a strain.... but I am still thinking that it was an awful pain that was hitting one specific area/way. Otherwise, not consistant for a strain. BUT HEY! I am better right?

WRONG! I head out for the July 4th 5K. I am doing alright, not my best time, but fine. When 2 girls try to pass me SPRINTING! I am not good for this, so I sprint right back!
3 strides later- Quad is PISSED OFF! I slow it down.

So, today I did my A.T. studies and find that, YES, I did tear my Quad.
G.R.E.A.T.
Only cure, R.I.C.E for 2-3 weeks. Well, I am a few weeks out, but pretty much starting from scratch.
SHIT.
Chicago Rock n Roll half is 3 & 1/2 weeks away..... sigh.

Happy 4th of July (a few days late)

2010-07-07T09:33:00.001-05:00

If you can't beat the rain, then join it!!

Yes, It rained ALL WEEKEND! On the 4th, it rained from sun up to around 8pm. Then it continued AFTER fireworks.

So after Nap time, (well LittleMans- BigSissy was still out cold) we played in the rain.

*in this pic, LittleMan was DEMANDING that daddy go back to the porch. LOL!

They watched Cars drive though the "street pond" for awhile.

Then turned to "cheese" to mommys camera!

And once we were all dry and back inside, LittleMan got silly! (BigSissy's glasses- she is still sleeping...)

RUNNING-

I got up and did the Chisholm Trail 5K that morning, it was only a medium drizzle rain at that time. And the temp was good, quite humid but good. I didn't do that greatest... 34min 45sec. But I did it none the less. However some girls decided that they were going to sprint past ME at the end. So, that is SOOOO not ok, I kicked up the speed and about 3 strides in, my still healing Left Quad said "Back the f#*k off woman!" So, I listened- pouted a bit- and slowly crossed the line.

But hey, I finished without ripping my leg off! LOL!!

How was your 4th?

PS: we got 4 inches of rain in 36 hours!!!!

Look Who's 2!

2010-07-02T21:16:00.001-05:00

As you may have recalled reading already... LittleMan turned 2 years old last week!! Where did the time go? We are potty training!!! (horray- diapers are finally going ot leave my house..... ok, a few tears with that too..... no more babies in my house)
We are talking back (times out are stacking up on our house)
We are EVERYWHERE! WANTING EVERYTHING! LOVING SISSY (I must have been pleased with magically kids- or that fact that they are 3 years almost 4 years apart is GREAT!)

Ok-- on to the party....

We had our "cake lady" (if you are local and don't know Brenda, shot me a line-she should be on your speed dial) what a MosterTruck Cake. It wasn't just AWESOME & HUGE, it was YUMMY!!!! (I know MotherRunner- you are SO JEALOUS that you missed out on this one!)

He was spoiled ofcourse, not only did he get his own cowboy boots, but they came with Wranglers and a hat too! (we have to dress him up for pic of that all soon)

He got Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Sissy got Jessie. So we are all playing with those. And to haul them around.... we got him a JINORMUS ( a little Elf movie line) Dumptruck. This sucker is massive and it is GAURNTEED FOR LIFE! Even better!!

I did want to mention one thing here.... LittleMan is great "rip" into gifts kid, but he is also very good at "deligating" the opening and getting out of the gifts. See..

...Uncle D is such a good ~~helper~~ sport. :o)

There were only a couple fo-pa's of that day....

One, LittleMan is NOT the wonderful, easy picture taker like his sissy.

Two, NO ONE was on time for this party. Great Gma was 15 mins late. And my folks were 45 minutes late AFTER texting me 1 hour before party time to see if they needed to bring anything like Ice, cups, etc. THEN they proceeded to take a nap, both of them, and we only awakened by Hubby calling them 30 minutes after party was to start to see where they were. So, my ~~anal~~ organized self was not very happy that afternoon.

Here the pictures were purchased for LittleMan's big #2...

The one on the bottom right we got in a 8x10 in black and white. It is adorable.

Here are a couple that is REALLY FUNNY so I thought I would post...

"Got Poop?"

"Gotta Pee, Gotta Pee, Gotta Pee"

Total ECLIPSE of the Heart (Jimmy Kimmel Style)

2010-06-30T09:53:00.001-05:00

So, Yes, I was one of the CRAZY people to watch the Entire Twilight Saga (thus far) last night in the Theatre. (Well, hubby was one too- what a trooper, he REALLY loves me!)

So at 630pm, after winning tickets (FREE PEOPLE) to this event. We were at a Dickinson Theatre (no Warren) and the first thing we realized was...

You spend $5 a seat morE at the Warren Theatres for the LEG ROOM. TOTALLY WORTH IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE! I was stuggling with it at 5'5'', poor hubby is 6'5''- again, he REALLY loves me.

You spend LESS money at the Warren for Bottled Water (we are talking a regular size BW at the Dickinson Theatre was $4.50!! WTH?!)

You spend Less money at the Warren for ALL CONCESSION items AND you get MUCH BETTER popcorn there too! (Seriously we are talking a JUMBO popcorn full of the broken crap that is usually only at the bottom.)

After the first 2 movies (lots of teeny=boppers screaming and talking) seriously? I never did that during a MOVIES. Maybe watching The New Kids on the Block in Concert at age 7... just saying. We finally got to Eclipse. It was Great. Best movie in the series yet. Followed the Love story to the key. --which the the main point in all the books anyways. Totally can't wait to buy this one to add to our "Horton Family Video Rental".

I would suggest that if you want to see this movie, quietly. Go to a morning or very early matine'. Before the kids parents are around to take them to the movies. Heck, go alone if you like. I have done that many times. (cut work early, go late or take the day off all together, and go to as many movies as you want! No one to bug you, or worry about =, just you and the movies- priceless)

More to come on the running/workout front and the summertime activities/chicago trip planning/post LittleMan bday...

It was my birthday and I'll sing if I want to, dance it I want to, run if I want too!!!!!

2010-06-25T13:08:00.000-05:00

Well, Yesterday was the big 2-8! Awh... that SOUNDS young! So, I had a great day! (even though I had to go to work) When I was heading to work, I got a voicemail- my parents singing "my child version" of Happy birthday. You know... Happy Birthday to you, happy Birthday to you, you look like a monkey and smell "one like too". Ok, so maybe I was a little TOO determined at the age of 8yrs that I had the words RIGHT and everyone else was WRONG. (insert image of child with determined on the edge of tantrum face here)

So, later at work, I received these....

...hand delivered from my grandmother and my daughter, along with a small Blondie Cake (which I cut into 3 pieces to share with my co-workers) Sorry, no pictures of the cake, it didn't last that long.

I also received 30+ birthday wishes on facebook from friends and family. Gotta love the easy method for people to greet you daily.

I spent the early evening after work, watching my daughters Tball game. Then we all went to my folks for takeout (didn't want to haul kids to a restaurant) CHIPOTLE!! And for dessert, LEMON MERINGUE pie!!!

For gifts this year, I had received a purse from my Grandparents....

my RoadID from my parents, a year membership to the new Anytime Fitness in our town, and a Wii game (this is really for the kids)

And my daughter MADE me a gift this year...

The hubby and I didn't do gifts to each other this year. We are happy to spend the money on something else, like a movie together, a race I may want to run (BRING IT CHICAGO RNR!!), a softball tournament he wants to play in, etc.

And on the running front, well, lets just say, I will get back on the wagon tomorrow.

And tomorrow, well that is LittleMan's 2yr birthday!!! So MUCH AHEAD!!

Pictures!

MonsterTruck Cake (just wait until you see this!)!

Visit to see Popa Jeff!

Party time!

I think we wants his own cowboy boots this year too!!!

(I believe gma Penny is on this one!)

(LittleMan was in BigGirl's closet! She left her door open, and in our house, that means FREE ROAMING for LittleMan!! LOL!!!!!!)

Warning: Serious questions ahead!

2010-06-20T20:59:00.001-05:00

OK, sorry this won't be funny (like the last post- you may want to read that one again after this to equal you back out) But I just got home from my evening at the farm. (we are a harvesting family) I got on Facebook to see what was up, because I have my littleman in bed, my husband out on a combine and my biggirl staying at the farm overnight. And the first posting I read was this...

"Well the class of 2000 has now lost 3 members since graduation, R.I.P *Billy Bob Tom".
*I changed the name to protect the innocent*

OK, read it again...

WHAT?! I just say this guy LAST WEEKEND! I just played softball against this guy LAST WEEKEND! I just said out loud to a few friends LAST WEEKEND that I hate being around this guy! *Yeah, I am just a thoughtful, loving, sincere person.

Then I find myself upset. What is wrong with me right? I knew about the other 2 deaths. Suicide and death a childbirth. I wasn't effected by these death. So, OK, lets be honest here. I didn't KNOW these first 2. I Knew who they were, but I didn't KNOW them, hang with them, whatever. But *Billy Bob Tom, well, I knew him. I mean, I KNEW HIM. Not to the FULL intimacy level, but hey, halfway from 3rd base. Now, It wasn't a Proud time in my teenage years, it was the "tree hugger, post broken ~~cherry~~ heart boyfriend, freelovin', do what I want" area of teenage year. (yeah I know, I will have my kids on lock down-- well to be honest, I was a SAINT compared to the hubby and his "extra curricular high school years.)

So I think where I am going here, is this one is different, a little closer to home. (totally) To top this death off, it was a Suicide, and this is the 2nd this year from us. My hubby had a friend end his life this winter hanging from a tree across the street from the Kwik Shop on night. He was found when the sun was coming up from a driver coming off the interstate/highway exit on the other side of the tree.

But where I am going is this, this last 2 years, maybe 3. There have been a MULTITUDE of suicides in our little area. Mostly teenagers. But a few YOUNG adults. *aka under 30 years* What is happening to us, the world? Why are this youngester (well, people no older than me) looking for a way out? And in this case, Billy Bob Tom was NOT alone. He had kids, a family, people, a life (or so it seemed).

It makes me wonder ...
where these people were,
why didn't they see the signs?
What can I do?
What can we all do?

This is what I will be pondering..... any thoughts?

**As a side note- there have actually been 6 deaths from our graduating class all post graduation (10 yrs so far), 4 of which have been suicides.

2010-06-18T12:40:00.003-05:00

Today, I was checking the local running website for another run I could do close by this next month or so. And while checking it out, I found a local (20 minutes away) half-marathon! I was excited!! I could add another Half to my yearly goal!! So, I pulled up the bulletin and read about it.

Now, I know this area well. Plains, flat & hilly (closer to that area), BFK (ya know, bumm f ' ing Kansas), etc. So, when I read the description they had posted of this run, I couldn't stop laughing!! I mean SERIOUSLY! If you know what Marion County Kansas is like... well, just read this...

Course Description:

Come! And run the Run for Your Momma Half-Marathon on a fun and challenging course of pavement and country roads. The course features a variety of both hills and flat lands! The Run will take you into the Norman Rockwell setting of the City of Marion. You will wind around the popular family destination of Marion County Lake with its commerative CCC Workers Statue, and beautiful examples of classic hand laid stonework of the 1930's. Experience pastoral scenes of prairie, growing crops and cattlle grazing all while being treated to the melody of native Kansas Birds. Watch for them perched on fences as you breeze by!

Hills!

Tornados are always possible!!

It's it just magical!!

The Local Womens Group... Just kidding, maybe.

Anyway, just wanted to share it bit of HILARIOUS!! And if you know the area, please- I want to know if you LAUGHED LAUGHED and LAUGHED some more!!!

If you aren't from around here, tell me about a race you may have thought the same thing about!!!

My Race List

2010-06-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

Ok, After reading BW's Race Post today, I thought I would post my own. It is a compiling of all the race I have done, however, I do NOT have all the times. In the Beginning (no watch) AND at the Walks, I didn't time those. So, here ya go...

6/2004: Wichita Heart Walk 1 miler (Very Pregnant with BigGirl)
6/2005: Wichita Heart Walk 1 miler
6/2006: Wichita Heart Walk 1 miler
5/2007: River Run 2 miler
6/2007: Wichita Heart Walk 1 miler
5/2008: River Run 2 miler
6/2008: Wichita Heart Walk 1 miler (VERY PREGNANT with LittleMan, he was born 10 days later)
4/2009: Emma Creek 5K 32:24
5/2009: River Run 10K 1:09:14
11/2009: GobberGrind 1/2 Marathon MY FIRST(walked almost all with not prepared Cousin) 3:23:24
3/2010: Dallas Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon 2:51:46
4/2010: Oklahoma Memorial 1/2 Marathon 2:47:08

Sadly, I have missed the 5/2010 River Run 10k this year. I was hoping to beat an hour time frame.

I am signed up for the Chisholm Trail 5K this July, the Chicago Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in August and the
Prairie Fire 1/2 Marathon in October. And I am planning on doing the GobblerGrin 1/2 Marathon again this year-RUNNING this time around. (maybe cousin can sleep, shop, or get a haircut while I run this time) :)

Keep hitting the ground!!

just a couple things

2010-06-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

I have a picture of my little family (minus me- taking the picture obviously) from the Heart Walk this past weekend. (before we did a 5K)

Mine are the Three in the middle (no idea who the smiling lady and boy are behind them)

Also, I wanted to share one of my early Birthday gifts I recieved from my parents...

...LOVE MY RoadID!!!! It is a MUST HAVE for anyone!! Athlete or not, it is a good idea!!

(I chose Orange since it is bright and I don't have any running clothing that is that color. So it will be noticable)

I will post some pictures of my BigGirl at Tball soon. And I will get back to my "HARD CORE" soon!!!!

FUN FILLED WEEKEND!!

2010-06-14T14:07:00.000-05:00

Well, this weekend was fun filled and I AM EXHAUSTED AND SORE!!

Friday, we stay home with the kids that night and rented the movies:

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

and

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE

Both Movies were GREAT!! Ths kids were mesmerized by Alice in Wonderland. They watched the ENTIRE thing just sitting together on the couch. It was Wonderful!!

FROM PARIS WITH LOVE was good too. (We put kids to bed for this one) It was enough action to keep you interested, and ofcourse Jonathan Rhys Meyers is always nice to look at. yummy.

We then went to bed and got up around 6:45am to head to Wichita. My mother is the Wichita Heart Walk Director for the American Heart Association. She is AMAZING at her job and has gotten many awards, bonuses, etc for it!! We were in Wichita by 8:30am and all 4 of us ( well little man road in the stroller and our girl had a 1 mile shoulder ride on hubby) walked a 5K. It was humid out, so sweating was a given unfortunately. When we were done, we took my teenage brother (yes, I have a teenage brother, we are 13 years apart and NO ONE in between. Story Short- the parents finally stopped trying, and BAM, baby brother.) and headed home to unload a seat and stroller fromt he tahoe. We then turned on a movie in the Tahoe, and headed to halstead to pick up 11 bags (16 bags total) of sloattered beef. And we are talking 3 foot bags here. And it is FROZEN. We hauled those to the farm in Burrton and unloaded into 2 deep freezers.

So, workout saturday- check! 5K and weight lifting/moving weights

We then feed the kids, brought my brother home and picked up 2 more bags of beef. After that, we ran around the house like chickens with our heads cut off for the next hour to get kids to nap and changed/ready for an ALL NIGHT SOFTBALL TOURNEMENT!!

So at 2:45pm, my aunt was there to kids sit. We drove an hour to Wellington and played Softball at 4pm, 6pm, 1030pm and 3am!!! We lost every game, but we had fun!! I was amazing!! (well-hell, it is me< LOL!!) We then headed home at 4:15am and were home by 5:30am. When we hit Wichita, it started POURING RAIN! And when we got home they were putting up High Waters Signs all over! It had rained 6+ inches from after we left home until a few hours after we got home!! So, we took showers and crashed in bed for a couple hours until the kids got up. SO TIRED AND SORE!!

That afternoon at 230pm, I went to see Sex and the City 2 with my mom.

THESE WOMEN ARE CRAZY!! I TOTALLY LOVED THIS MOVIE!! BETTER THAN THE FIRST!!!! A MUST SEE!!

SO, minus some more TOTALLY EXHAUSTED, LAUNDRY FILLED, RUN TO STORE, RUN TO THE FARM TO CARE FOR ANIMALS AND CORRAL AN INJURED HORSE TO GET HIS WOUND CARED FOR WHILE ANOTHER STORM IS LIGHTENING ABOVE US ** and we are in a metal surrounded corral, so smart**, that was the weekend. And now it is Monday and I am SO SORE that when I sneeze, I moan with pain. But hey!! It is worth the pain to drop the pounds!!!

Time is a changing

2010-06-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

I was noticing today that Little Man's hair has grown a TON in a year. (well, actually, less than a year) I am looking at the family picture was had taken in October and he had peach fuzz. You know, the bearly there, top of a peach.

Well that is not the case anymore, he has HAIR! Wavy Curly Long adorable Hair. And yes, I know, he is a boy. But isn't long hair IN for boys?

I just dont want to cut it yet. He looks so adorable. And someday, he will be asking me for a green mohawk (which, knowing me, if it is not close to anything like Christmas, I might just give in.)

So, on that note, I took this picture of my little girl after Tball practice the other night...

... now, she has long, wavy, curly hair as well. But it hasn't passed the thin baby hair stage yet. And she has asked me if she can get a hair cut. But she has a few front calic's (spelling) an it is finally almost all able to to in a braid or ponytail. And it is summer, so her hair being on her neck is not a good idea.

So.... question.... am I being a bad mom? Selfish mom? Greedy mom?

Hummmmmmmmmmm...............................

Back from State...

2010-06-07T19:12:00.000-05:00

So here are the girls!! (taken through the fence, yes, but they are there all the same!!

The large dugout was HOTT!

BB was up to bat, and while she never ACTUALLY swung at this ball. I thought the Pic was too cool!!

I had to add another Dug Out pic, because "Critter" -The far left side of picture. She was having a "vomitting" moment, and I kept catching her in the midst of throwing up in her mouth!! YUCK! I did send her outside the dugout a time or two. LOVE YA CRITTER!!

E-MO striking a pose! BatterUP Chick! (Notice the other team is in all white- yeah.

A little "regrouping" inbetween innings.

OK, this pic IS cool if you know the story. This is a FEW CLOSE (AKA-- yelling coach close) play against us at First base. They girl overly stretching out her Vajayjay, she gloving the ball by her left foot. Butdo you notice all the dirt trail on your right side of the picture?? THAT IS MADIDIE'S DUST! Cool pic huh?? (AKA-- not my Madi, mine is 5yrs old not 15)

OK, a little more team time, and through Coach Gunn in too.

This was our little speech time after our 2-0 lose to St. Thomas Aquinas. They were #1 Seed and we were #8 Seed. SO a 2-0 lose is VERY GOOD. (just to fill you in a bit) Our 4 Seniors were saying there last "Thanks" (Tears... yes many. All I can say is I have some Major Shades and they were NOT coming off anything soon that day.)

Senoir Mona and Coach Gunn hugging it out! AWh!!

Seniors Erin Boston (left) and Erin Mosiman aka E-Mo (right) **Just wanted to mention.... see the Pink hair, it ain't just me!!

The Last BreakDown as 2010 NHS Softball Team

2010 NHS Varsity State Softball Team

We always have to throw in a GOOFY!!

My Crazy Van Load home!! left-Critter, Maddie, Mona, and Olivia

We made the Girls clean off the Vans on the way home. They were decorated by parents for state.

Maddie and Olivia (they took my camera for awhile, atleast the pics aren't bad.

Well, this is DISGUSTING THOUGH!!!!!!! See, Mona doesn't like it either.

Goodbye Dakota Bear

2010-06-07T18:34:00.003-05:00

This was Dakota Bear Horton....

He was a Great Dog, a family Dog, a caring Dog, a Loving Dog.

Madison's crawling partner. (Yes, he would CRAWL too- Hubby taught him that)

Madison's "hearder" while she learned to walk.

Madison's Nurse while she healed from her broken leg.

Madison's "circus trick" Dog. (aka would CLEAR the 3 Foot baby gate & a 3 foot baby Madison EASY)

A well trained (born trained) Dog. **He always stayed in the yard, by our side, or in the truck**

He was our First Dog.

We got married, had our first baby 15 months later, bought our first house 4 months after that and added Dakota to the family that same month. He was just a few months old then. So Madison and Dakota grew up together. He will be missed. He was only 6 years old, and no where near his end. But whatever happened to him, we hope he didn't suffer.

WE LOVE YOU DAKOTA BEAR!!!

Memorial Day Things

2010-06-03T11:56:00.000-05:00

I promise to get a big post on here soon with my State Softball Info.... but right now, a little Memorial Day Info.

I spent my Memorial Day relaxing with Walking Pneumonia at home with movies. (Dear John, True Blood Season 1 & 2) But today I read, randomthotschick's blog and there was something there I liked.

Somewhere in Iraq, the soldier's spent Memorial Day morning running a 10K...

...it was about 104 degrees too. But look at them go!! They are all runners/athletes/mothers/fathers/sisters/brothers/uncles/aunts/friends/coworkers and they still have the heart to show their spirit in 104 degrees!!! (Three Cheers for all our military!!!)

SO I HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED THEIR MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVITIES!!

A second thing I liked from randomthotschick's blog was this....

...the metal given this September at the Virginia Beach Rock N Roll Half Marathon!!! I am now praying for a ~~winning lottery ticket,~~ ~~miracle from god,~~ the financial means to go to this run in September!! Because, lets be honest here, wouldn't you want that hanging on YOUR wall?!?!?!!!!

**You may have noticed my lack in activity this past few days.... let me remind you that you just read about my walking pneumonia. So, does the "walking" part count? LOL! I will get back on the horse very soon. I mean, MotherRunner (my sis in law) just challenged me to the 100 miles in June Just Do IT! So that is a challenge, and I don't back down from those!!!

Here we go...we think we can, we think we can. we think we can...

2010-05-28T07:39:00.001-05:00

So, here we are Friday morning, EARLY. I woke up an hour+ early with stuffy nose (and anxiety for the road trip ahead, or maybe just getting police escorted through our little town for the first time in my life) So, I quietly got up, showered (aka cleaned out the sinuses), got dressed, dried hair, and finished packing. I have taken out the trash, had a few text messages and now just awaiting getting my kids up and out the door before me.

With the extra time this morning, I thought I would share a little something "bright" with you...

Yep, that is me. And Yep, that is my real hair. The girls decided at our "Night before big game" pasta dinner to do a few more dyeing jobs. Mine was about gone from the last time, so I wanted to add just a LITTLE more. Well, this is what happens when you allow Senior Highschoolers to do your hair. A little OVERBOARD. But hey, I am a gothic girl at heart (if you read my versatile blog and recall this) So I can pull this off, right. Funny how it took me until I was almost 30 yrs of age to do this. Hummm, think that means anything?

What might be more "interesting" is the next picture...

This is one of the other coaches, he promised the girls that if we won Regionals, he would dye his beard. He even shock hands with them on it. This is a preliminary picture, but he DOES do the whole thing, mustach too. LOL!!

So, now I hear the alarm for everyone else in my house to start getting up. I hear the shower running already for hubby. And that means it is about time for the kiddos to get around and out the door. Then I have one last tanning appointment and off to State we go!! Police Escort through town and ALL!!! BUOYAHHH!!

WISH US LUCK AND PRAY FOR AN AWESOME WIN FOR US TODAY!!!!!!! Until later....

Hard Core Continued...

2010-05-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

In the desire to keep rolling "Hard Core". My workout yesterday was not for the weak. After 2 & 1/2 hours in the HOT HUMID LESS THAN NOTHING BREEZE of a day Softball practice (and yes, I do more than stand there and yell.) I then proceeded home. Once there, I MOWED OUR HUGE LAWN- ALONE! The sweat was pooring down me so quickly, that I about took my shirt of and tied it to my head. Alas, I thought better of myself (or my neighboors anyway) and left it covering my "not so great tummy.
After completing the lawn, I went inside, took a quick shower and started up again. This time grass/weed/bugless. I did 5 loads of laundry, folded and put away. I put away the dishwasher and reloaded it. I made a pan of brownies for the Softball pre-state gathering tonight. And I put 2 kids to bed that had thankfully eatten dinner at grandma's before coming home. AFTER all that was done, I reheated a hamburger patty, added a little ketchup and shredded cheese, and made myself a healthy smoothy. Then I washed 2 movies that were due back to the rental store today!
So, my night was crazy. This morning I thought, "wonder if I dropped any weigh yesterday?" and I stepped ont he scale..... 4 lbs!! In one day!?! WTH?!
So, I added that day to my dailymile.com page. Totally worth it!!

so-- STATE BOUND TOMORROW!! HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND FRIENDS!!!

**if you were wondering, I watched Extraordinary Measures and Everybody's Fine. Both tear jerkers, but decent movies all around.

The Versatile Blogger

2010-05-26T15:01:00.000-05:00

Well, MotherRunner (aka sis n law) tagged me for the Versatile Blogger as well as randomthotschick. I feel blessed that MotherRunner thinks I can ~~control,~~ ~~not stress,~~ handle my crazy life!

So, 7 things about myself.... this might get ~~weird~~, ~~gross,~~ ~~crazy,~~ interesting.

#1- I am a READER! I hard core, multi books a week, Reader. Whether it be teeny boop books (twilights etc.) to Adult fiction (Dan Brown) to parenting books to the occastional ADULT short story (you know). I LOVE BOOKS! Bless my husband for putting up with this "fun fact" about me. Because when I read, 90% of the time, the world is on "MUTE" around me. (you get the picture... "Babe, you know where my -insert something manly here- is? **maybe 10 minutes of him standing infront of me waiting while I finish a section/paragraph/whatever before he gets and answer*)

#2- I am a MOVIE FREAK! (MotherRunner- you know, you "Rent" from our family video store ** this is NOT the well konwn chain, but our house) We did the Netflix for a while, I watched them faster than they could get to me. I hate that I can't go to the theatre more (WAY INSANE PRICES!!), but I secertively dream about being a "Movie Mom" and get these production companies to pay me to watch and rate their movies. Maybe someday.... sigh.

#3- I still long for being an Athletic Trainer. My 2 years starting college to be such a person were cut short by a horrid (for lack of a much ~~better,~~ ~~appropriate~~, totally and completely life ruining word) Head Trainer that was a total ~~shi....~~ well you get the picture. I crave to see the gorey accidents up close and personal. ** Like when my father in law was in his accident, the Trainer in me wanted to see it all. The daughter in law in me cried on the inside a lot, and had many emotional overloads. (well, make that, I STILL have emotional overloads.

#4- I have the ~~occastional~~ constant need to sing & dance. Just anywhere, everywhere! If the music is right, I am grooving on the inside. (My daughter however is grooving on the outside!! Thats my girl!!) My hubby used to be the same way. College was fun for us. Now I just look at us as, OLD. I would love to go dancing. I have asked him to take a couples dancing class. Both these get "NO"s. So, for now, watch for me on the race, who knows, maybe the blond click beside you that is singing and dancing will be me!! (Or my sis in law if her hair is brown!!)

#5- I have a fun "gothic" side. Yes, I do. and I L.O.V.E it. Currently, thanks to my high school softball girls, I have NEON PINK streaks in my hair. THEY ARE AWESOME! I LOVE THEM! I WANT MORE!!!! To top it off, my kids are a little goth too! My daughter has the cutest outfit that SHE picked out. And my son has many Rocker Shirts and we are letting his hair grow to hopefully have a fo-hawk soon.

#6- I envy MotherRunner. (ok sis- dont cry here) I want to do a job I love, while helping people. I want to be able to bring my kids to school and pick them up myself daily. I want to run at 8am or later. I want to run with my husband and hate him for being faster than me for a few minutes/hours a day. I want to be laid back while still being "mom". I want to know I can take a fast trip with a friend for the weekend for Chicago. I want to be the "FatherRunner/MotherRunner" marriage of our friends. (Ok, I am starting to believe that we are already this. The Big "D" is happening all around our friends.) I want to feel happy cooking, taking my kids all over town to all their things. I want it ALL!!!!! **Ok I am done with that now. :o)

#7- I am a FIGHTER, ATHLETE, ALWAYS STRIVING TO BE THE BEST, TO TRY ANYTHING & EVERYTHING, TRAVEL EVERYWHERE! For example- running races, longer races, multitude of races, triathalon in the future is a possibility, I have lifetime goals, yearly goals, personal goals, family goals, things I want to try at least once, things I want to get better, faster, skinnier, healthier. This is what I like best about myself.

NOW- Who wants to sponsor me through it all!!??

Tuesday

2010-05-26T10:07:00.000-05:00

My workout consisted of coaching softball in the extreme humidity and 90 degree weather for 2 hours. Plus a 20 minute session of more sweating in the tanning bed. I know, I worked so hard! ;o) But I did sweat off something, right?!

Monday

2010-05-26T10:05:00.000-05:00

My workout consisted of running 2 miles on the bike bath after softball practice. It was hot, humid, windy, not fun. But hey, I got it done.

Hard Core BOUND!

2010-05-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am ready for this. Summer is here (yes, humidity and all-ugh) and I am more determined than ever (also known as- my high school reunion is just a few months away) to get in AMAZING SHAPE and DROP THAT WEIGHT!

I do realize that it is something that many women want to do in their years, but I am determined!

Reason #1: My baby is getting ready to turn 2 years old next month!!
Reason #2: My little girl and getting all grown up on me (t-ball has started-- yes, mommy is proud!)
Reason #3: I AM NOT OLD, not yet anyway. I may tell my hubby that he is, but hey 5 years difference allows me that honor.
Reason #4: My high school reunion is this October and I would like to look SOMETHING like I did in high school- hey who am I kidding, I WANT TO LOOK BETTER!! SMOKIN' HOT BETTER!! ARE YOU WITH ME!?!
Reason #5: My cousin's wedding is this summer and we are going to Chicago to celebrate with them, so I want to have "Vacation ready, body approved" status. LOL!!
Reason #6: I feel so amazing when I get into the workout groove! I love it! "Endorphins make you happy and happy people just don't shoot their husbands!!" (yeah, Legally Blonde moment)

Anywho-- I was reading and getting great ideas from "Runners World Magazine" this weekend. And I started making plans to run these races I was reading about. So I have started a "Race Wish List" and someday, I will get them all in. I will start posting daily what I do, and I will also get my list of races added in too. Be watching for more!!

Scream, Holler, Yell, Dance, Jump.....

2010-05-19T09:20:00.000-05:00

...This is just a few things I did last night, when my NHS softball girls WON THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!! STATE HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10K BOMBED

2010-05-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, so saturday mornings run was not as expected. I ran it with just my sis-n-law and what we thought would be a quick hr, was not.
Mile1- 9:11
Mile2 (just short) 9:25
Mile3-6 stopped timing. My chest started tightening up, due the the nice fast (too fast for me) mile plus we did. So the remainder was a stop and go until we were home again. We finished it somewhere in the 1:20 range. HORRIBLE!!!

We were about 1/2 mile from home and reliezed that I did NOT have my inhaler (still trying to get used to having it around) and that neither of us were carrying a cellphone! Nice.

We did however get to chat a lot and that is something that I cherish having with my sis-n-law. We are a lot alike in our thoughts most days. It is really refreshing and fun! ;o)

SO, the goal for me this week is to TRY AGAIN! With music, in town maybe (instead of my country route), with my inhaler and maybe a phone in my butt pocket. So, I will update you later with HOPEFULLY a goal met!

My saturday morning personal 10K (makeup for river run)

2010-05-12T10:28:00.001-05:00

This saturday morning at 8am, I will be running my own 10K. I missed the River Run last saturday and I really wanted to have a personal best at under 1 hr. SO-- if you would like to join me or cheer me on, I have connected the map of my route. ALSO, you may contact me if you want to as well.

RUN ON!

Trip from 1119 Cr-817, Newton, KS 67114 to Columbus Ave & W 12th St, Newton, KS 67114