To be the best Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend, and Runner I can be...God willing!

Thursday, May 31, 2012

They are growing up...

Emma and Jonah officially finished 3rd grade and Kindergarten today.  When I think about all they have learned in the past year it amazes me.  When I think about how much they have grown and changed...all for the better....I want to cry.  I am so proud of them for working hard each day and always doing their best.

Emma finished the year with all A's in the major subjects and all E's in the ancillary subjects.  Jonah earned all E's in his subjects.  Drew and I are super proud of them!  As important, if not more, than those wonderful grades are the positive comments their teachers gave us about how nice and caring they are!  Drew and I are blessed with amazing children!!
The first day of school
May 2012
May 2012...he has grown so much!
And, this big boy...Samuel...is going to be in Pre-K in the fall.  He is very excited. 
First day of Preschool
End of school this year
Finally, my baby, Elena, will start Preschool in the fall.  That will probably results in my crying!


My babies are growing up...too fast if you ask me!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Picking Berries

Do you know what is a great activity with a four and two year old in 85+ degree heat?  I bet you would have never guessed picking blackberries, but that is what my crazy self decided to do yesterday.  And, truth be told, despite the heat, it was fun!  To add to the fun was picking blackberries with Samuel's friend Greg and his mom. 

Elena and Samuel lasted for about 30-40 minutes.  That was long enough to go up one row and down another. 
Looking down a row...strawberries were in the middle of some of the rows
We picked plenty in that time for at least two cobblers or some other sort of yumminess!

Empty buckets
She did a great job picking the black ones only

He did not pick that one because it was red...only black ones mom!

All finished, hot, and sweaty!

Memorial day weekend in pictures

Our weekend was filled with lots of water activities.  I see no reason to do anything else when it is 90 degrees outside and we all love to swim!  Sunday was swimming at our friend's house.  These pictures were all taken before Jonah got hurt.




A safe crazy jump!
Monday I decided we should play with soft sided pools...aka baby pools!  Even at age 8 and 6 Jonah and Emma still like the little backyard pools.




This pool has sprinklers on the side which the boys thought made good fire hoses!
A little picnic lunch
It is so deep that Samuel had to hold his breath...hilarious!

Emma is bigger than the slide, but still thought this was fun.


Joy in the simple things!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Jonah's accident

Have you ever thought about all the little decisions you make or don't make in a day?  Everything we do all day long is a choice....get up or hit snooze, play on Facebook or fold the laundry, make dinner or order out, and the list goes on!  Then have you thought about how all those decisions impact something huge either in a positive or negative way?  I usually don't unless something traumatic happens, which is what happened on Sunday.

We went to our good friend's house for a swim party.  I decided to leave my purse and phone at home.  I did not need it.  We were swimming.

I decided not to take a change of clothing.  I had my cover-up and we live five minutes away.  Who needs dry clothes?

I did make the kids bring dry clothing.

I ate too many appetizers.  They were yummy!

Eileen and I talked about how the red pool lights make you think there is blood in the pool. 

I thought it was incredibly fun to watch all the boys do silly poses as they jumped in the pool.

Then Jonah hit his head as he tried to do a back flip into the pool.  And I mean really hit his head.  The moment he came to the surface I knew we were going to the ER. 

Jonah was changed...good decision to bring dry clothing!  He was warm!

I was wet....bad decision not to bring dry clothing.  I froze at the hospital. 

I had to drive home to get my purse and phone...bad decision to leave that stuff at home.  I WANTED to take Jonah so I told Drew to stay with the other kiddos.

Ironic that Eileen and I talked about blood in the pool.

We were at the ER until 10pm so it was a good decision that I had too many appetizers.

All seemingly little choices all day long had a huge impact on the rest of my day.  Thankfully those decisions did not impact the outcome of Jonah being FINE!  He was treated, received four staples, and is good to go.  But, I kept thinking about my choices all day long.  I don't think I could have changed what happened.  I guess the getting to the ER and being there could have been faster and warmer.

Still, I wonder how many other little...seemingly harmless...decisions I make all day have a great impact.  Am I aware?  Am I clueless?

I am so thankful that Jonah is perfect!  All is well.  But, I feel more aware of what I do, think, and say.  I hope it lasts because it is obvious that small choices have a great impact!


Friday, May 25, 2012

Super duper good news!

After waiting most of the day I found out this afternoon that I DO NOT have a hip stress fracture.  I just have bursitis and I will take that thank you very much! 

I was nervous all day.  The waiting of course played games with my mind.  My house benefited from my nervous energy...clothes washed, folded, and put away, floors swept and mopped, and an errand to Target completed.  All that occurred before I went to get my hair cut and colored.

Hearing the news that the MRI was clean felt like a weight was being lifted off of me.  I was so relieved and thankful!  A true answer to all my prayers since this running nightmare began.

Now, I can run!  I have to take it easy and finish my steroids.  If I have continued pain, there are other options.  That is for later and hopefully never.  I am just so freaking HAPPY!

I am going for a test run tomorrow morning.  Nice and slow before it gets to horribly hot and I cannot wait.  Laying out my running clothing was a great feeling!

And, to make today more fun, we celebrated the end of school even though it is not officially over until next Thursday.  To celebrate we had a "kid's pick" dinner.  Each child drew either vegetable, fruit, main dish, and dessert.  He/she then picked the food for that category.  Emma had main dish and picked ribs...no shock there!  Samuel picked vegetables and he opted for corn on the cob and brussel sprouts....strange combo!  Elena had fruit and I picked her favorite...blueberries.  Jonah selected dessert and he made a ice cream sandwich cake.

It was all so yummy and fun, which is the best part.  Making memories....

Hawaiian slow cooker ribs!

Ice cream sandwich then cool whip then crushed candy and repeat!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

When not running....

I had my MRI this morning.  It was the closest thing to running I have experienced since I stopped running.  I was by myself, lost in my thoughts, wishing for more time to myself.  All the noise of the machine drowned out everything else and it was just really peaceful.  Hopefully the results will bring me as much peace!

To be perfectly honest not running has been hard, but not as hard as I thought it would be.  There have been positives like
sleeping in until 6:20 each morning
less laundry
no achy muscles (I think all the steroids are helping with this!)
enjoying a more relaxing morning before Emma and Jonah leave for school
more time for cross training
more energy for house projects (like painting the front entryway this week)

But, as with anything there have been drawbacks as well like
not running
having to eat less and that has been really hard!
not running
looking at my treadmill 
not running
wondering if I have lost all the fitness and strength I gained this spring
not running

Obviously I love running and I miss it dearly.  It really is a part of my daily schedule.  My friends know that I love running and you all have been wonderfully sweet to me this week.  I have received texts, Facebook messages, and phone calls from friends just saying they are thinking good thoughts for me.  I appreciate all of it so very much and it really is very comforting!

God is good and I know this is all just part of His plan.  I have said many times that one of my favorite, favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight!

Those are such powerful words packed with great advice for living a full life.  I know God will take care of me and carry me through this.  He already has and I am ready for whatever the answer is tomorrow.  I have a plan to move forward whatever the MRI results and I am good with that.

This morning the DJ on KSBJ said she cannot imagine life for someone who cannot take their worries to God.  Well, me neither!  I am so glad I don't have to worry about that.  I am choosing to trust Him no matter how much I may not like it.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wednesday's dose of cuteness

Running is a huge stress reliever for me among other things.  Since I have only run 20 miles in the past 9 days (way low for me) my stress level is kind of high.  My patience are not very high.  So imagine listening to a two year old scream most of the morning for NO GOOD REASON!  I have no idea what her deal was.  All I can say is that it is a very good thing she is cute!


Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The hip report

I really wish this was going to a very "hip" report, but it actually is about my hip.  My right hip to be exact.  That pain in my hip that won't go away.  That hip that is now the cause of many tears.

My right hip has always been tight.  I have occasional IT band issues on that side.  That is under control.  My right hip hurt until I feel in February.  Then all was good despite not falling on it.  Weird!

About a month ago or maybe longer...I forget at this point....my right hip started to bother me.  It hurt off and on, but I could still run.  I stretched and rolled it more.  All seemed good until last Thursday.  It hurt so badly during my run that I called it quits and came home.  Today I went to the doctor.

I wish I had good news to report, but at this point I am having trouble seeing any positives.  Hence the many tears.  I either have a stress fracture or bursitis.  I am so hoping it is bursitis.

The x-ray of my hip did show a line on the ball of my femur.  That line could be a stress fracture.  That line could also be a growth plate line.   No, I am not growing; however, it could be a permanent line that just stayed there from when I was growing.  Actually, the line would have formed during a significant illness that required all my bodies energy to fight...fight illness and no growing and thus the line remains.  I did have such an illness so it is a possibility for me.

If it is bursitis, I take steroids for six days and rest.  I then take a prescription NSAID as needed and it should all be good.  See, that is why I want it to be bursitis.

I will have a MRI on Thursday morning.  I will know by Friday late morning if I have a stress fracture.  If it is a stress fracture, no running for at least six weeks.  Six weeks!!!!!  Those two words are the cause of many tears.

Now I just have to put it all in perspective.  But, that is for another day.  Today I am sad and that is just that.  Tomorrow is the day for the "big picture".

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Family fun at home

The past two weeks have been nuts. Jonah was diagnosed with mono and literally had a fever of 103 for five days.  He is finally on the mend.  Emma started getting sick this week.  She missed two days of school and came early on another day.   To top if off, my hip is killing me and I have not been able to run.  I am trying really hard not to worry about it too much.

I decided we needed to do something fun to make up for all the yuck!  Drew and I decided to have a family fun night Friday night.  Knowing that energy levels were low we planned a special dinner for our backyard.

We had a grilling night....all of our food was grilled and the kids could do it.  We had grilled corn, hot dogs, sausage, and s'mores.  We also had watermelon...not grilled.  The kids love to make fires and grill food.  It is like camping with only 10% of the work, which I love. 

We had so much fun.  The kids danced to music, ran, played, and enjoyed sitting by the fire with us.  Emma likes to organize events so she created a "welcome window" for us.


All in all it was a very fun evening.  The boys said it was the best fun ever!  I pray they remember these fun family activities when they are older!
Samuel helping daddy cut the wood







Elena was not a big fan of the s'more...all the parts yes....all together no!



Friday, May 18, 2012

Samuel sings

At Samuel's preschool there is a Christmas show and an end of the year show.  At Christmas time Samuel stood on stage with his arms crossed and a big scowl on his face.  He sang maybe two words.  It was actually hilarious!

Last night was his end of the year show.  We talked some during the week about perhaps singing this time.  Since he had practiced so much with his class, I tried to convince him to sing.

Well, let me just say that he sang like a crazy fool!  We could hear him and he sounded beautiful.  His class sang a silly song entitled "A tutti ta" (not sure of the spelling).  The song is funny because of the words and the motions.  Drew and I were so proud of him.  It was also obvious that Samuel was proud of himself too!

I also happen to think he looked quite handsome in his Hawaiian shirt!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Making lemonade out of big lemons!

This morning I woke up too early and set off on my 7 mile run.  2.3 miles later I was home and completely sad, worried, and frustrated.  My hip hurt so much that I could not run. It was just too painful.   My hip has been feeling good so I was also completely caught off guard by all the pain.  Where did it come from and why now?

I was in a total funk and knew I could not be a total crappy mom just because my hip hurt.  So, I did two things.  One, I decided to make a doctor's appointment and I go next Tuesday.  I will not run until at least Sunday.  I must be pain free.  This hip must get fixed!

Two, I decided we...that being Samuel, Elena, and I...needed to play outside today.  It was too nice to stay inside pouting about my hip.  So, I loaded their bikes in the van and off we went.

There is a very fun park with old school equipment that the kids love.  It has new stuff too, but it is funny to me that all the "dangerous" stuff that I played on as a child is what they love as well.  There are the three uneven bars, the spinner/merry go round thing, a crazy spider climbing thing, and the parallel bars.  It is total fun.  And, there is a mile long winding path where the kids can safely ride their bikes.

For 90 minutes we played, ate, rode bikes, and played some more.  It was a great way to spend the morning!  The spinner thing was definitely a favorite.  It made me dizzy and nervous to watch them, but they had no fear!

Elena cannot ride her bike very well.  She can reach the pedals and she pedals for a few seconds.  That makes for a long bike ride so I basically pushed her in that standing from behind position that ruins a back.  It was worth it because she was having so much fun!  Samuel loved being the leader for a change!



The spinny thing!

She was happy despite the look on her face!
Can we please go in?
This girl loves to swing and to go high!


Samuel mastered running in circles and jumping on when it was spinning fast enough!
Elena could not jump on, but she sure could get it spinning.
Let's go eat lunch!