New Beginnings

Today is already October 2!  I can hardly believe that the year is almost over.  It is finally starting to feel like fall.  School is well underway and we are successfully into our new routine.

I blogged a few weeks ago about feeling my life needed a change.  I am still praying lots about that.  I know I have yet to figure out what all the changes for me and/or for my family will be.  But, there is one thing that I do know.  After much prayer and consideration, I have decided that blogging is not going to be my thing for a while.

Even though I love writing my thoughts, sharing my family adventures, and tracking my running progress this is just not the time for me to blog.  For many reasons...none of which I plan to share....I am signing off.  My time and energy needs to be focused on other things and people in my life.

I have so loved "meeting" other bloggers and developing those relationships.  I still plan to read blogs because I feel so inspired by all of you!  Thank you for encouraging me in my journey!

Until another time....

Feeling like a BAMR...

Friday this appeared on the ZOOMA racing series Facebook page...


It had the caption "No excuses this weekend."

I chuckled when I saw it because I knew I was scheduled to run 7 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday.  I also knew it was supposed to rain all weekend.  This is why I got a treadmill last year.  I can run inside when it is cold and rainy.

Saturday when I woke up it was lightly drizzling and I got my treadmill ready to go.  I really hate to be wet!  I checked the radar again and saw heavy rain was coming.  Drew said I should run outside and I caved.  I decided to run in the rain.

Off I went in the light drizzle which was a lovely distraction for the humidity.  Three miles into my run it started to pour.  I started to head home.  Just short of two miles later I was one block from my house and it was just drizzling again.  I had a choice...keep running in the rain or change and hit the treadmill to finish.

I decided to only make one set of clothes dirty and keep running in the rain.  When I began my run I passed a gentleman that I see almost every morning.  We both agreed we were a little crazy.  I saw him again after the downpour.  This time he said we were really earning it today and I so agree. 

Running in the rain is not easy.  It is slippery.  I was worried about blisters because my feet were so wet.  I was worried about chafing because I was soaked.  Things that sometimes ache were very achy.  But, it was all worth it.  Looking back at my run, I really enjoyed it.  It was cleansing in a way.  I felt more refreshed after those 7 miles than I have in a long time.  It reminded me that I enjoy running and I enjoy it a lot!  I was definitely feeling a runner's high when I finished.  I also felt like a Bad A** Mother Runner for running in the rain.

Finished and soaked from head to toe!

Do you know what else happened?  I ran fast.  Well, fast for me at this point in my training and I was happy!

The end of birthday madness...argh!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was Jonah's final birthday celebration.  Last weekend we were in Galveston for a mini vacation and our family celebration.  Tuesday was the real deal and there were cupcakes.  Today was the friend party!  This momma is ready for a birthday break!

I am a big believer in small parties.  I don't like the stress of lots of kids.  I also think my kids get overwhelmed with too many friends at a party.  It is no fun for anyone.  I set a limit at three friends.  Well, we ended up with five, but it worked well.

I did not allow myself much time to plan for this party.  On Thursday at Target I decided on a Pirate theme mostly because the items were on clearance.  Jonah has always liked pirates so I knew he would be really happy with my plan.  He was!  So after two hours of shopping, internet searching, and random other planning our party was planned!

Our little pirate station

I just love this sign

Yes, I baked yet another cake.  I am so over baking and I never thought I would say that! It was delicious and eaten by all!

For the party, Jonah wanted to play outside, but the weather altered our plans.  Knowing it was going to rain, I decided the boys could play Mario Cart on the Wii.  They all loved that.  Then they watched Scooby Doo Pirate Adventures.  It was a nice quiet time for them and it allowed me to finish preparing the food.

For dinner the boys had pirate ships (hot dogs in buns with a celery and cheese mast and flag), fish, little ships (apple and orange slices), and blood punch (Sprite with Kool aid ice cubes).  It may be cheesy, but I love themed food for parties.  The boys thought it was so fun especially the drink.  They enjoyed watching the Sprite get "bloody".  The joy of simple things is wonderful!

After opening presents, it was time for cake.  I hope one of Jonah's wishes comes true!

Everyone received a little "loot" when they left.  I got lots of compliments on the goody bags, which I had so much fun putting together.  I bought plain bags and decorated them with pirate stickers.  The were filled with pirate crayons, pirate mazes and word searches, candy, granola bars, and jibbitz bracelets (the things that go in Crocs). 

All the pirates!

Jonah thanked me for his party and said it was lots of fun.  I love that he enjoyed the simplicity of just playing with his friends with a fun little twist.  That makes my momma heart so happy! 

Happy Birthday Jonah....until next year!

Lululemon newbie

Today I ventured into Lululemon for the first time.  My friend had a gift card to spend so I very generously offered to go with her.  I have looked at their stuff online and seen people wearing their items at races, etc.  It is nice stuff.  There is no disputing that.  However, I have a pretty strict policy on how much I will spend on my running clothing.  If I cannot buy it at Target, I don't wear it.  That is pretty much it.  I like the C9 line and I feel like the super expensive stuff is just a waste of money.  I would rather have three shirts than one for the same amount of money.  I pretty much think that about all my clothing and shoes.  My only exception is sneakers.  Those are definitely worth the money.

Lucky for me Drew will buy me expensive running clothing and I do enjoy it.  But, is it really necessary?  Well, today I caved.  I bought myself a nice little tank for running.  Living in Texas, I can wear this thing 9 months out of the year.  It is cute and feminine, don't you think?

The front...I love the light pink color!

The back sold me....LOVE!

Unfortunately it is going to rain all weekend.  I refuse to wear this pretty little thing in the rain so I will have to wait until next week to try it.  I am super excited!