Tomorrow is Race Day

Tomorrow I am getting redemption in the 10K.  Despite the wind and warm temperatures, I have decided tomorrow will be my day.  My attitude is the only thing I can control at this point and I plan to do just that.  Just to be fair, I will add that I really, really dislike this distance.  Do you sprint for 6 miles or what?  I can never decide and it is the worst challenge for me ever!

My coach gave me a plan.  I am going to run my plan and it will be my day!  Wish me luck!

Today I am thankful for:

1.  Great neighbors---Randy, Jamie, Kim, Leslie and their sweet kiddos.  They are all awesome, supportive, friendly, and helpful.  We could not be luckier!

2.  A playmate for Elena who is her age.  When you are 2, 3, and 4 I think that child plays mostly with the older siblings' friends.  It can be a challenge.  We are so lucky because our neighbor girl is three weeks older than Elena and they love each other.  It is fun to watch them be creative and play so well together. 

Aren't they cute?

3.  My bed---I know that probably sounds and is very selfish, but I love my bed.  I am thankful for it every night!  Can you tell I slept great last night?

4.  It is the weekend!  Yes, we are crazy busy, but it is my time of two days with my family.  We get to eat all our meals together, worship together at our church, play together, and work together.  I love the weekends!

5.  My health---I am feeling much better than yesterday.  Thank goodness since I am racing tomorrow.  In all seriousness though, I am healthy and strong.  I do not take that for granted!

Today's picture is of my first Christmas purchase.  I have bought gifts, but this is just a fun little purchase for us.  The kids were so happy!

Out of the mouth of babes

I think my children are hilarious.  Don't all moms feel that way?  These are some of the "wows" that have come out of their mouths recently.

Elena - "that is ridiculous" when talking about something at dinner.  Apparently I use that word too much.

Jonah - "Mom, my social studies book is old because it has pictures of past presidents."  After I finished chuckling at that statement I explained that social studies is history which is learning about the past.

Samuel - Our hot water heater has not been working recently.  The other morning he decided to take a cold shower despite being warned.  He told Drew "I can handle it."

Emma - She was explaining to me how a gymnastics skill evolves from just learning to perfecting it.  She said "it is like a seed that is planted and then is sprouts and grows into a beautiful flower." 

Seriously, where do they come up with this stuff? 


Today I am thankful for:
1.  A great morning run.  It was chilly.  My mile splits were at 9 minutes or under and it felt pretty effortless.  I wish all runs were like this.

2.  The bloggy world---Yes, it can be addictive and a total time suck.  However, I have "met" some amazing and inspiring runners and women.  I love reading their blogs, feeling encouraged and inspired by them, and learning from them.

3.  Watching Samuel and Elena play---I often wonder if I let them play too much by themselves.  Am I "ignoring" them by doing other things or by just watching them?   Today I did not feel that way.  They have such a special relationship.  I think it is because they are close in age and they spend lots of time together.  I hope they always have a special connection to one another.

4.  Leftover meals---Seriously, who does not love this.  I did not have to prep much for dinner and it was still a great meal.  Sometimes I think the leftovers are better than when first served!

5.  Medicine---I don't feel well today and I am so glad for over the counter medicine.  I have felt better since I gave in and took something.  Why I wait so long is always a mystery.

Today's picture is of Samuel and Elena being crafty...well kind of crafty.  I am not crafty at all.  However, I decided we were going to make crayon shapes with our old broken crayons.  Samuel picked out the cookie cutters and peeled the paper off the crayons.  They both were so excited to see their new creations. 

Peeling the crayons

Filling the cookie cutters

Waiting for the crayons to melt and take shape

The final product

A Letter to my Children

Emma, Jonah, Samuel, and Elena,

I have thought long and hard all day what I wanted to say about the 2012 Presidential Election.  My thoughts have been ugly, mean, horrible, depressed, discouraged, and hopeful.  You all know that Daddy and I voted for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan.  You all know that we prayed for them to win the election.  You all know how much we detest Obama and everything he represents and has done to this country.  We have not kept any of it a secret from you.

When I first woke up this morning I planned to let my thoughts fly.  It is my blog and is being written as a memory for us.  However, I decided that my ugly thoughts should only be shared with myself and with Daddy.  I don't want you guys to remember that.  I want you to remember something different about this election.

Today Samuel and Elena played at the playground after school.  They ran around like they always do playing some sort of crazy game.  I was reading my Runner's World magazine enjoying listening to their voices.  After a while Elena hollered for my help. She was attempting to climb up the "rock wall".  I told her she did not need my help and to take her time.  At the same time I was nervous that she was climbing this "wall" without my help.  But, I can't be there to help her or any of you all the time.  You all have to learn to help yourselves and to be good at it!  So I showed Elena what to do and let her do it on her own.  You know what?  Elena was nervous, but she did it. She climbed up that "wall" and was incredibly proud of herself.  Elena climbed again and again and was enjoying her accomplishment!

She climbed all the way up so she could slide down!

Last night more people voted to be led, to be carried, to be provided for, to be coddled, to be told what to do.  More people voted for less freedom, less choice, less independence.  More people voted for Big Government leading the way.

I am telling all of you...Emma, Jonah, Samuel, and Elena...you lead you!  No one leads you but you.  You are in charge of you and you make your own decisions.   Freedom is not free.  You have to task risks, chances, and be willing to fail.  When you fail, you get up and try again.  Failure makes you better and stronger each and every time. 

And, the president is not your God.  God is your God.  Jesus is the way, the light, the way to eternal freedom and life.  Don't believe anything else because it is a lie!

Daddy and I will encourage all of you each and every day to cultivate who you are and to be your best.  You were created by an amazing God and you all deserve more in life than what peopled voted for yesterday.  Daddy and I will give all we have to give you more and to make this country stronger.

Remember always that you are responsible for you...no one else!  You are smart enough, strong enough, and loved enough by your family.  Be brave!  We will support you always!

I love you sweet kiddos very much!!

Today I am thankful for:
1.  Emma--kind, helpful, brave, loving, caring
2.  Jonah--silly, energetic, funny, loving, fully committed
3.  Samuel--opinionated, determined, independent
4.  Elena--silly, funny, happy, loving
5.  Drew--strong, leader, loving, caring, steadfast

This morning I was in a foul mood.  How could so many people be so dumb and clueless?  I was trying really hard to be positive and into the kitchen walks Elena.  My goodness!  My day was instantly better!

Honestly, I combed her hair after her shower and it was all pretty.  What she did during her sleep is beyond me.  We all laughed at her.  Elena the Lion!

Voting Day

I am so glad that today was election day.  I am also so glad I live in Texas during election season.  If I had to watch all those horrible campaign ads for months on end I might lose my mind or give up television.  I hope it never comes to giving up television!

Today Emma and Jonah had off school.  So, I took all four kiddos with me to vote.  I did not wait at all and it was quick and easy.  Drew had to wait for maybe 45 to an hour because he went at 7am.  Either way we both did our civic duty.  I have spent much of the rest of the day praying for the outcome I have been praying about for months!

We had a fun day.  After our hot water heater was fixed AGAIN we headed to Chick Fil A for a special lunch.  Emma and Jonah often complain that they miss out on the fun since they are at school.  I decided they could have a fun lunch and we had not eaten there in a long time.  Then it was off to the horrible Wal-Mart.  That store makes me crazy, but I needed Italian shredded cheese and ribbon.   You can only buy that combo at Wal-Mart.  We survived and home it was for playing and movie watching.  I thought they deserved a little movie treat since I made Emma and Jonah do homework for most of the morning! 

We had such a fun day together.  I am really ready for the Thanksgiving Break!

Today I am thankful for:

1.  It came back to Houston yesterday and it was a glorious day.  It was chilly enough for long sleeves for my run.  I wore a light sweat shirt most of the day.  We played outside this afternoon and it was not hot.  It was just lovely!

2.  I am so thankful to live in a country where I get to vote freely and without issue! 

3.  I am again glad to have hot water.  I am not a fan of cold showers and neither are the kids. 

4.  I love our local Christian radio station, KSBJ.  I could not tolerate all the political talk this afternoon so we listened to great music all afternoon and evening.

5.  I love cooking with my kiddos. Tonight Elena and Samuel helped me make the dough for our stromboli, which was awesome.

Resting

Today was a rest day from running.  Last week was a recovery week.  I love how a recovery week during marathon training still has me running 41 miles and two speed work workouts.  Some recovery!  My week last week went like this:

Monday - cross train
Tuesday - 4 miles
Wednesday - 9 miles
Thursday - 6x800
Friday - rest
Saturday - 9 miles
Saturday - 12 miles (3 easy, 6 at GMP, 3 easy)

This week is a tougher week with more mileage, but the intensity is not harder.  That is only because speed work has been replaced with a 10K race.  It looks like this:

Monday - cross train
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 10 miles
Thursday - 5 miles
Friday - rest
Saturday - 10K
Sunday - 20 miles

Although the fall back hour did not work with my kiddos sleeping in on Sunday, I am excited that some of my runs will be in the daylight.  I am ready for that.  I was happy with all my runs last week.  This week I am really focusing on taking it easy until Saturday.   It is going to be way too hot for my liking, but I am hoping to run lights out!  I really want a PR and plan to collapse as I cross the finish line if that is what it takes.  We shall see!

My thankful list for today is:

1.  I am so glad the election is tomorrow.  I am praying for a decisive outcome because I am so tired of this election.

2.  I am thankful for meatless Monday night dinners.  The kids know it is our thing and I think it is something they will always remember.  That alone is not a big deal, but remembering fun things about their growing up life is a big deal to me. Tonight we had homemade mac and cheese with mashed cauliflower in it.  They liked it and had no idea I was being sneaky!

3.  I am thankful that Jonah is becoming a more adventurous eater.  I am totally lucky because they will all eat just about anything.  Jonah is definitely the pickiest eater.  But, last week he ate onions and loved them.  Today he ate orange pepper and liked it.  He also tried tomatoes, but he still did not like them...baby steps!

4.  Target----one stop shopping.  I needed diapers, gallon size baggies, fabric softener, and a birthday card.  I know I can get all that at Kroger, but it is way more fun to go to Target.  It is 8 minutes from our house and just so much more calm than the crazy grocery store. 

5.  Being a stay at home mom --- I do not miss working for one second.  I really do love being at home with my kids.  I am so thankful I greet Emma and Jonah every day when they get off the bus.  I like having my little helper, Elena, with me during the day.  I like all the distraction of dressing her baby dolls, coloring, etc.   I like helping Samuel with all his "projects."  Don't get me wrong!  Some days I can't stand my kids and I am sure they can't stand me either, but I would not trade it for anything.  The good definitely outweighs the bad.

The picture of the day is:

All the students at Haude participated in a mock election today.  Emma was proud of her vote and was excited to give me her certificate.  I am thankful her school is teaching the importance of our civic duty to vote.  Jonah voted too, but typical Jonah, he was much more non-nonchalant about it. 

Bike Riding

Drew has given up many bike rides because of my marathon training.  I am very grateful.  It really does take a team to train for a marathon.  Today Drew had the opportunity to ride and four little people wanted to go on a bike ride as well. 

So, being the awesome daddy that he is, Drew took three bike rides.  Elena rode in the pull behind cart on two of the rides.  What a great daddy!  I did what I do best....take pictures!

Why can't I ride my tricycle?

Emma patiently waited for the last ride of the day.

Come on dad, let's go!

Jonah is very proud of his camel back!

So, those were my pictures of the day.

Today I am thankful for:
1.  Our church....we have a wonderful, loving staff that preaches a wonderful message each Sunday.  Today's message to love your neighbor as yourself was especially time because of the election and the aftermath of Sandy.

2.  Drew---he is such an amazing daddy.  How great that he gave up his bike ride to share that time with Emma, Jonah, Samuel, and Elena.  What a gift!  I picked a good one!

3.  I went to the grocery store all by myself and that is always a gift.  It rarely happens.

4.  My bloggy friend Susan ran a marathon today.  She was supposed to run the NYC marathon and we all know what happened with that.  Since she was already in NYC she and her friend ran the 26.2 anyway.  Totally awesome and I love it!  So proud of her!  I am very thankful for her inspiration!!!

5.  I am thankful for fun treats on Sunday night.  We made homemade blizzards with leftover Halloween candy for dessert.  YUM!  I love that Drew bought a milkshake machine over 15 years ago because he thought it was cool.  We still have it and still use it to make fun treats. 

He kicked the ball more than once!

This is big.  Really it is huge.  This is Samuel's second season playing soccer and today he actually played.  He kicked the ball several times, he almost scored a goal, and he fell down going after a ball.  It is so fun to watch.  The best part was how happy he was after the game.  I think he really knew that he played today.  Maybe he liked it!

This is what Samuel usually does at his soccer game...nothing!

Today he got in the mix and played!

The rest of the day was not as exciting.  I ran, I cleaned, I played with the kids, I ran errands, I helped Emma with homework, and the list goes on and on.  I did get to watch College Football.  Oh, how I love Saturdays.  I love being with my family and doing whatever we want.  That was today!!!!

Today I am thankful for:
1.  My body giving me the strength to run.  I am so grateful that my body shows up most days and gives me what I ask of it.  Today was one of those days.  I wanted to stay in bed, but I got up and ran 12 miles...3 miles easy, 6 miles at GMP, 3 miles easy.  I did it.  Thank you body!  We are getting stronger!

2.  Our neighbors---we have amazing neighbors who love our children, take care of us when we need it, and bring us goodies as a surprise!  We are so lucky!

3.  College Football--I know this may seem strange, but I love it.  I love that there is a real passion for sport and perfection displayed on the field by young men.  They are not paid and they work hard for a sport and a college they love.  I have my teams I must watch every weekend, but really I just want to watch a great game or several each weekend.  To be 18 years old with such talent...oh what a gift!

4.  Donuts and no I did not eat one.  I had about half of one and regretted it for the next hour.  Yuck!  But, my children love them and they were treated to one after the soccer game.  They were so happy.  How fun that something so simple can result in such happiness for them!

5.  Rain---it rained this afternoon.  I love the smell of rain.  We all had to be inside and play.  It was fun and the outside needed the rain.

The picture of the day is:

The girls at soccer...Ashlynn, Elena, and Emma

Samuel

Jonah