"The miracle isn't that I finished. It's that I had the courage to begin."

~

Some people were born to run. They have the needed desire, drive, determination and ability. I am not one of those people. I am not a runner. I remember in middle and high school, getting terrible side aches and being completely out of breath for the one mile runs that we had to do for gym class. For me, it was torture.

So, why did I do this? Why did I decide to do something that in all actuality, I hated? I asked myself the same question every day of my training. I don't know if I can come up with one solid answer.

I don't see myself as a person with drive. I am a huge procrastinator, very unmotivated, completely unorganized, highly emotional and I lack just about every domestic skill there is. There are so many things that I want to change about myself. So many things that I see in others that I wish for myself. I wanted to feel like I could do something. I never went to college. In fact, I barely graduated high school. So, at times I feel like a very unaccomplished individual.

I know that being a wife and mother are and will be the biggest accomplishments in my life. I will never doubt that. But sometimes...the desire for more is overwhelming. I needed something.

When I started out, I was miserable. I was reminded with every sound of the crunching gravel under my feet why I hated to run. I cried a lot. I had an overwhelming fear of failure. I signed up in February with the knowledge that my $85 entry fee was non-refundable, but at times I didn't care about what I spent. I wanted to quit. Shortly after I started training, I got terribly sick for about 4 weeks. I couldn't run at all. If that doesn't put a damper on your spirits, I don't know what does. It was more difficult to start again then it was to start in the beginning. But I did. And I just kept at it.

Accomplishing this goal that I set for myself has been incredible. It may not seem like that much to most people, but for me it was huge. I pushed through sore muscles, aching joints and feelings of self doubt and I did it. I crossed that finish line with more drive and determination than I have ever felt in myself before. It felt absolutely amazing.

So, maybe, just maybe...

I am a runner!

4 DAYS!!!

Heart racing, palms sweating, nerves shot, questioning my sanity!

SCHOOOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER!!!

Last Day

I ventured over to the kids school to be there for a few hours of their last day of school. I am one of those mom's who doesn't volunteer...at all. So it is a HUGE thing when I get over there. Eileen was nice enough to watch the little ones, again, so I was able to enjoy it a little more.

All the elementary kids gathered in the gym for a special presentation for the Principal, Mr. Jensen and the counselor (who's name I have forgotten). Mr. Jensen is moving on to a school in Tacoma and the counselor is retiring. Believe me when I say that Mr. Jensen will be missed by everyone...especially the moms!!

Payton with his buddy, Josh.

THIS...is Mr. Jensen!

Mr. Jensen with the kids.

Payton's teacher, Mr. Ault.

Savannah's teacher, Mr. Coyner!

Savannah and Vandee

and Quinton...so cute.

Apparently this is the girl that has a crush on Payton...her name is Rachel.

The kids did awesome this year...I on the other hand did not. I will not even report how many tardies the two of them had. That is something that I promised the school secretary (and the kids) that I would work on next year.

Conquering Mountains

(OK...so they were hills, but they FELT like mountains)

Sound to Narrows 12k

7.46 miles

This past Saturday was my very first race on my way to the 1/2 marathon. The day started out really early and hectic. Trying to get all of us out of the house by 6:15 in the morning was interesting. The run was in Tacoma so I wanted plenty of time and didn't want to feel rushed. On the way up there, Jillian vomited all over herself. PERFECT! So instead of the fam coming with me to get all situated and watch me start, they dropped me off and headed to Target to get some clearance rack clothes for Jilli.

After that, Doug tried really hard to catch me at different points of the course...wasn't very successful because all of the roads were blocked off.

He was able to snap a picture of the back of my head. Can you see me? I am behind the tall guy in the blue shirt.
After driving all over the place, Doug was scrambling to get to the finish line. Payton decided to take a few pics.

This is my favorite one...CLASSIC!!

Yeah, this is me right after I finished. I felt really good. I was able to run the entire time, even up the crazy hills!!!! My official time was 1:24...which isn't anything spectacular, but I was more than OK with what I put into it.

It was a pretty incredible experience for me. When I made that final turn and knew the finish line was right there, I got a little emotional, felt an insane amount of adrenaline pump through my entire body and gave it everything I had to finish strong. Yeah..it rocked!

After finding the family, cooling down a bit, it was time for some relaxing and stretching. When I took my shoes off, I realized that I had put my right sock on wrong side out. Doug told me that since I did so good and felt awesome, I would have to do that from now on...as a good luck thing!

My friend, Rachel, was the one that invited me to do this race. She did amazing...really amazing!!

~

Now....only 12 days till the big one!!!

jillian quote of the day

~

Jillian: "Mom, here, I have a booger for you."

Mom: "Hmmm...thank you so much, Jilli."

Jillian: "That is NOT for your birthday!"

JILLIAN IS 3!!!

~May 30, 2009~

~

JUST...

HOLD...

STILL!!!
(My attempt at getting a cute picture of the birthday girl)

My friend, Ashley Ricks volunteered to make the cake. Jilli wanted a monkey cake, and then a princess cake, and then I can't remember what and then a monkey cake again. But I made the final call and Jillian was OK with that. The cake turned out super cute. My favorite part was the tree trunks made out of Rolos. MMMMM....ROLOS! Thanks so much Ashley!

I am a pretty terrible birthday party planner. So, thanks to everyone that was able to come on such short notice...again!!

I think everyone knows by now that Jillian is a little....let's just say, difficult sometimes. But I love her spunk and sparkling personality. And, I wouldn't have her any other way!! We love you Jilli Bean. Happy Birthday!!

The presents.

The song.

THE END!

THE FINAL GAME

~

This picture pretty much gives you an indication as to how the final game of the season was going. The boys were playing a team that they had won against every time they played them this year. But, the tables were turned and the boys didn't have their heads in the game.

Until the bottom of the 6th inning. Which in Rookies...is the last inning. I think that the coaches words of encouragement really sank in for them. He told them..."OK, LADIES!! This is your last chance." We thought it was pretty funny.
Anyway, to the exciting part. There were 2 boys on base with 2 outs and we were down by 4 runs. Of course, it was Payton's turn at bat. We thought..."Oh great. Payton is going to be the last out of the season." Yeah, we were being pretty pessimistic. He has had a pretty good year, but just strikes out sometimes, as do a lot of players. But, on the second pitch...he made contact, getting a double and bringing in the two boys. We started to get a little crazy, screaming and yelling and cheering him on. The next batter got a single, which sent Payton to 3rd. And then came Riley, who, if he makes contact with that ball it's more then likely going to be a home run. This time, it was a triple. Of course bringing in two more runs. So, we were tied at this point. Our hearts were beating fast, and the excitement was awesome. Until we saw our next batter, little Nathan. He is one of the 'little' guys on the team. He has only gotten, maybe 2 hits ALL season. But HE WAS PUMPED!! The coach gave him a little pep talk and told him to swing as soon as the ball was pitched...seeing as he is a pretty slow swinger. Well, he listened to the coach...AND SENT THAT BALL (and bat) SAILING!! He brought Riley home and we won the game. It was really amazing to see how his face lit up when he hit that ball. The coach grabbed him and threw him up into the air and set him on his shoulder. The rest of the kids and the crowd were cheering and whistling. It was incredible. Makes me smile just to think about it. Just this one game, made all the practices and games and tournaments all worth while.

The Final Base Race!

We were really proud of Payton this season. He made some good improvements and literally learned how to lengthen his stride!

Some of the players and the coaches wife tricked Conan into turning his back just long enough for them to drench him with the cooler full of water. I am sure that he was glad it had been a hot day!

One of the grandmothers brought silly string for all of the parents to attack the players with. It was so much fun!! It was everywhere.

Another trophy to add to his collection!

It really was a great baseball season! Good job, boys!

Tag!!

I think that I have done a hundred of these things. But I just love doing them. So, here we go again!

A-Attached or Single? ATTACHED

B-Best Friend? DOUGLAS

C-Cake or Pie? CAKE

D-Day of Choice? SATURDAY

E-Essential Item? LIP GLOSS

F-Favorite Color? DARK RED

G-Gummy Bears of Worms? WORMS

H-Hometown? ALAMOSA, CO.

I-Indulgence? BLUE SYMPHONY BAR

J-January or July? JULY

K-Kids? YES...4!!!

L-Life is incomplete without? LAUGHTER

M-Marriage Date? SEPTEMBER 11, 1998

N-Number of Siblings? 5. (2 BROTHERS, 3 SISTERS)

O-Oranges or Apples? NICE, CRISP FUJI APPLES

P-Phobias or Fears? THE DARK...and too many other things to count

Q-Quotes? "MOST FOLKS ARE AS HAPPY AS THEY MAKE UP THIER MINDS TO BE." ABE LINCOLN

R-Reason to Smile? THERE IS ALWAYS A REASON TO SMILE. YOU JUST HAVE TO DECIDE TO FIND IT!!!

S-Season? PROBABLY SUMMER

T-Tag 5 People? UMMMM....WHOEVER WANTS TO

U-Unknown Fact? I CAN MAKE MY TOUNGE BELLY DANCE

V-Very Favorite Store? TARGET

W-Worst Habit? PICKING AT THE SKIN AROUND MY FINGERNAILS

X-X-ray or Ultrasound? ULTRASOUND

Y-Your Favorite Food? MEXICAN...I think!

Z-Zodiac Sign? CANCER