I think I solved my problem!!! I finally went to one fo those specialty shoe stores. You know? The kind where they watch you walk, check out your feet, and tell you what shoes are best geared for you.
Well, after spending like a gazillion dollars I walked out of the store with my new shoes and inserts AND a hopeful heart.
I wore them around the house for a few days to get used to them like the guy told me to do. Then yesterday I went for a 5 mile run... outside... not on my treadmill. Well, ok. I did 3 outside and 2 on the treadmill. I'm trying to ease into the outdoor runs.
Today? NO PAIN!!!!
6 weeks to go till the Frederick 1/2 Marathon!!!
I think I can! I think I can!! I think I can!!!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The best!!
I have learned the best lesson over the past year. Want to hear it? It's kind of a long story but if you got the time I've got the words.
Here it is... I learned to get over myself. I learned that I do not have to be "top dog" around here in order for things to work. I learned that being part of a great team is often times far better than being the best player. I learned to let go and enjoy myself even when I thought it was going to be a big old pain to do... (insert whatever fits for you here).
Let me tell you a story.
Once upon a time there was a young lady. Now this young lady wasn't all that young. She was out of college and trying to make it in the world. She had found many things in her life so far. Like she had found that she needed a Savior so she devoted her life to Him and became an active member of her church. She was blessed to be granted a job teaching first graders in an elementary school. Things were looking good everywhere except for one area in her life. She was lonely. She needed a companion. Someone to travel life's path with her. She prayed hard that God would bring along just the right person. She longed to be in love.
One day she went to church a little early to prepare the Sunday School lesson she was supposed to teach for the kids that morning. As she entered the church there was a young man standing in the foyer.
He was the kind of handsome that made her not want to look directly into his eyes because perhaps he would be able to see that she was thinking that he was good looking and after all this was church and she wasn't supposed to be thinking these things, right? So she mumbled, "Hello", and kept on walking.
Much to her dismay he followed her. Shoot! Now she would really have to speak to him. She found out that they had attended the same high school. Small world, huh? And she had known his sisters. They were triplets but she had never known that. The girls had never spoken of him. So she had believed that the girls were twins not triplets.
Our lonely young lady and this new young man started to get to know each other slowly. After several months they started dating and after a year they were engaged. A year after that they were married.
Now here's the thing... and by now you know that I'm talking of Todd and myself, right? (Please tell me that you saw that coming.) When we were married I always saw myself as the superior one or at least the leader in our relationship. I had been in our church for years before Todd happened along. I had a job teaching and supported him as he finished school and worked to get his teaching certificate. I was older. (OK only 1 1/2 years but still!) All these things gave me a bit of a superiority complex. I totally would have denied it but it's true. That's how I was.
Till this year.
Let me back up a little.
Last February there was a day that I broke down. I was at my end. Todd and I were just getting to the end of yet another season of him coaching basketball and I HATED it.
Yes I did.
I hated how tired he was all the time. I hated how late he got home every single day. And most of all I hated how he seemed to give his best to the team and work and all I got was his stinkin' left-overs.
So like I said this was February, the end of the season, and I finally started praying about it. I realized that the Lord was telling me that I was despising a blessing. It was a blessing that Todd had this 2nd job as a coach. This was not something that Todd was "doing to us" but rather it was something that Todd was "doing FOR us". This job was not a nuisance but a blessing. It gave us a wonderful extra income that some people would do anything for AND Todd loved to do it. How many people get to do what they truly love to do? Todd did!! And instead of being supportive I was being his biggest heckler.
I realized that if this was something that was important to Daddy then it needed to be important to his family. I vowed then that the next year the kids and I would be Todd's biggest supporters. We would go to as many games as we possibly could. I wanted to teach the kids what it was that their Daddy actually did and give them a first hand experience of what his games were like.
Then spring came. The principal called Todd in for a meeting and told him that his job was on the line. After the first winning season that this girl's team had in several years Todd had to fight for his job.
I remember praying and crying out to God. "Please, please let him keep it! Give me a chance to get it right. Give me a chance to be the supportive wife I have always wanted to be. Please don't let it end before I get the chance to show the kids the right way for a family to support their Daddy!"
God heard my prayer. Todd got to keep his job as the head coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Varsity Basketball team.
Flash forward to this past fall.
The kids and I went to the first game. Parents came up to us and introduced themselves to us. I prayed that the kids would behave. I fed them lots of treats. We cheered! I tried to figure out what the girl's names were. The girls won!! That was fun. Can't wait for the next game!
Keep flashing forward to a game this past January. I think it was the game against Damascus. All of a sudden I noticed that the crowd was huge. People were starting to notice that the girls team was undefeated. I remember things in flashes. The crowd cheering (there really has never been a crowd before). The kids pestering me for candy. Having to get up to find a private place to change Jake's poopie diaper (thanks Jake!). AND... look at my husband... he's in his element... he takes my breath away. This is a part of his life that I have never seen before. That's my fault, I know it. He really knows what he is doing. Not only that. He is good at what he is doing. Wow! All of a sudden it was like I was watching him being elevated right before my eyes. My perspective changed and I really started looking up to him in a way that I never had before.
The team won. Again.
Still undefeated.
They finished their season as the only undefeated team in the state of Maryland and went on to win the state title. In the state final they were down by 19 points in the 3rd quarter and Todd coached his very talented girls to one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed. They won 62-60! No one there will ever forget what they saw that night.
I will never forget.
I will never forget that I almost missed it. If I hadn't prayed to God. If I hadn't heard His instructions to me... I could have wasted this year like all the past years. I could have sat at home and hated it.
But instead I got over myself. I learned that it is OK for things to not be all about me. I learned that it is OK to be a part of the team. I learned how enjoyable it is to witness something so great happen to someone you love. To be so proud of them that your heart aches and wants to burst. To stand back and be nobody so that you can bask in the glory of the somebodies and truly be happy for their accomplishments.
I have a lot of "Thank yous" to pass out here:
First of all I want to thank my God. Thank you for waking me up to what you were doing and allowing me to be a part of it. Thank you for having a hand in all of this and not just granting us a winning season but an UNDEFEATED winning season. Thank you for granting Todd and the girls the talent to get them as far as they did. Let them never think for a second that they did this independent of You! Rather let them always know that You graciously had Your hand in this and blessed them huge... just because You are great and because You could!!
Thank you Seneca Valley Girls Basketball team for having the best UNDEFEATED season. Thank you for playing your hearts out at each and every game. Thank you for not giving up and staying in the fight when you were down by 19(!!!) points in the 3rd quarter of the state final game.
Thank you Julianna, Drew, Kyle, and Jake for letting me take you to so many games. You were so good and (most of the time) made it so easy for Mommy to enjoy herself. You stayed up well past your bedtimes many nights and enjoyed cheering, " UN-DE-FEATED, clap, clap... clap, clap, clap!!!" more times than I can count.
Thank you Nintendo for making the DS game boy thus rendering my children "video game zombies". Any chance you will be making an edition for 2 yr. olds in time for next year's season?
Thank you fans and parents of players who had the chance to sit near me and my children during the games. Thank you for telling me how well behaved they were. At times I did not believe you but it sure was nice to hear. Thank you ladies who Jakey flirted with. Thank you for smiling at him and being sweet when I know you really wanted him to stop bothering you so that you could watch the game too!
Thank you makers of lollipops and Skittles for making small bits of candy that could be portioned out slowly and if I was smart and paying attention could last a whole basketball game!
Thank you Ann and Al for coming to as many games as you did. Ann you are such an amazing example of a Mom who never tires of cheering her kids on. May I be as supportive of my boys (and my Julianna) as you are of Todd when they are adults. Al, thank you for letting Jake maul your hat during one of the games. May I buy you a new one?
Mom and Dad thanks for both watching the kids so I could go to a few games alone and also coming to some of the games. Your support means so much to Todd and I. I'm so glad we actually got Mom to enjoy a sports game!!
Mindy, you are a babysitting goddess! 6 boys under the age of 7 all by yourself??? Girl you are my hero!!! Thank you for supporting us with your help. I love you!
Family and friends who came to games, kept your fingers crossed, hearts open, or just plain prayed for the team... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Your loud cheering gave the girls the boost they needed on more than one occasion. Thank you for letting them know that they were not alone out there on the court.
Jim, thank you for assisting Todd this season. You helped to make a great season "priceless" just by being there for him. When can your family come to dinner?
Charlie, thank you for not yelling at the refs. too badly during the state final. Getting ejected from across the court from me is one thing but sitting next to me you gotta behave. As the coach's wife I have an image to uphold.
Jen and Jeff thank you for letting me call you after each game to rejoice about yet another win. You never once acted like I was bothering you.
Dear Todd,
Thank you for keeping your head during the game and bringing the girls back from a 19 point deficit. No one who was at the game will ever forget that comeback!! Thank you for showing us all that we must never give up. No matter how against us things look, if we persevere, turnarounds can (and WILL) happen! After all if God is for us who can be against us?
Thank you for being a man worthy of respect and a husband that I still want to be married to for the rest of my life. You have given me 11 wonderfully sweet years and you still take my breath away after all this time. I love you more now than I ever thought possible 11 years ago.
Happy Anniversary!
All my love,
Michelle
Here it is... I learned to get over myself. I learned that I do not have to be "top dog" around here in order for things to work. I learned that being part of a great team is often times far better than being the best player. I learned to let go and enjoy myself even when I thought it was going to be a big old pain to do... (insert whatever fits for you here).
Let me tell you a story.
Once upon a time there was a young lady. Now this young lady wasn't all that young. She was out of college and trying to make it in the world. She had found many things in her life so far. Like she had found that she needed a Savior so she devoted her life to Him and became an active member of her church. She was blessed to be granted a job teaching first graders in an elementary school. Things were looking good everywhere except for one area in her life. She was lonely. She needed a companion. Someone to travel life's path with her. She prayed hard that God would bring along just the right person. She longed to be in love.
One day she went to church a little early to prepare the Sunday School lesson she was supposed to teach for the kids that morning. As she entered the church there was a young man standing in the foyer.
He was the kind of handsome that made her not want to look directly into his eyes because perhaps he would be able to see that she was thinking that he was good looking and after all this was church and she wasn't supposed to be thinking these things, right? So she mumbled, "Hello", and kept on walking.
Much to her dismay he followed her. Shoot! Now she would really have to speak to him. She found out that they had attended the same high school. Small world, huh? And she had known his sisters. They were triplets but she had never known that. The girls had never spoken of him. So she had believed that the girls were twins not triplets.
Our lonely young lady and this new young man started to get to know each other slowly. After several months they started dating and after a year they were engaged. A year after that they were married.
Now here's the thing... and by now you know that I'm talking of Todd and myself, right? (Please tell me that you saw that coming.) When we were married I always saw myself as the superior one or at least the leader in our relationship. I had been in our church for years before Todd happened along. I had a job teaching and supported him as he finished school and worked to get his teaching certificate. I was older. (OK only 1 1/2 years but still!) All these things gave me a bit of a superiority complex. I totally would have denied it but it's true. That's how I was.
Till this year.
Let me back up a little.
Last February there was a day that I broke down. I was at my end. Todd and I were just getting to the end of yet another season of him coaching basketball and I HATED it.
Yes I did.
I hated how tired he was all the time. I hated how late he got home every single day. And most of all I hated how he seemed to give his best to the team and work and all I got was his stinkin' left-overs.
So like I said this was February, the end of the season, and I finally started praying about it. I realized that the Lord was telling me that I was despising a blessing. It was a blessing that Todd had this 2nd job as a coach. This was not something that Todd was "doing to us" but rather it was something that Todd was "doing FOR us". This job was not a nuisance but a blessing. It gave us a wonderful extra income that some people would do anything for AND Todd loved to do it. How many people get to do what they truly love to do? Todd did!! And instead of being supportive I was being his biggest heckler.
I realized that if this was something that was important to Daddy then it needed to be important to his family. I vowed then that the next year the kids and I would be Todd's biggest supporters. We would go to as many games as we possibly could. I wanted to teach the kids what it was that their Daddy actually did and give them a first hand experience of what his games were like.
Then spring came. The principal called Todd in for a meeting and told him that his job was on the line. After the first winning season that this girl's team had in several years Todd had to fight for his job.
I remember praying and crying out to God. "Please, please let him keep it! Give me a chance to get it right. Give me a chance to be the supportive wife I have always wanted to be. Please don't let it end before I get the chance to show the kids the right way for a family to support their Daddy!"
God heard my prayer. Todd got to keep his job as the head coach of the Seneca Valley Girls Varsity Basketball team.
Flash forward to this past fall.
The kids and I went to the first game. Parents came up to us and introduced themselves to us. I prayed that the kids would behave. I fed them lots of treats. We cheered! I tried to figure out what the girl's names were. The girls won!! That was fun. Can't wait for the next game!
Keep flashing forward to a game this past January. I think it was the game against Damascus. All of a sudden I noticed that the crowd was huge. People were starting to notice that the girls team was undefeated. I remember things in flashes. The crowd cheering (there really has never been a crowd before). The kids pestering me for candy. Having to get up to find a private place to change Jake's poopie diaper (thanks Jake!). AND... look at my husband... he's in his element... he takes my breath away. This is a part of his life that I have never seen before. That's my fault, I know it. He really knows what he is doing. Not only that. He is good at what he is doing. Wow! All of a sudden it was like I was watching him being elevated right before my eyes. My perspective changed and I really started looking up to him in a way that I never had before.
The team won. Again.
Still undefeated.
They finished their season as the only undefeated team in the state of Maryland and went on to win the state title. In the state final they were down by 19 points in the 3rd quarter and Todd coached his very talented girls to one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed. They won 62-60! No one there will ever forget what they saw that night.
I will never forget.
I will never forget that I almost missed it. If I hadn't prayed to God. If I hadn't heard His instructions to me... I could have wasted this year like all the past years. I could have sat at home and hated it.
But instead I got over myself. I learned that it is OK for things to not be all about me. I learned that it is OK to be a part of the team. I learned how enjoyable it is to witness something so great happen to someone you love. To be so proud of them that your heart aches and wants to burst. To stand back and be nobody so that you can bask in the glory of the somebodies and truly be happy for their accomplishments.
I have a lot of "Thank yous" to pass out here:
First of all I want to thank my God. Thank you for waking me up to what you were doing and allowing me to be a part of it. Thank you for having a hand in all of this and not just granting us a winning season but an UNDEFEATED winning season. Thank you for granting Todd and the girls the talent to get them as far as they did. Let them never think for a second that they did this independent of You! Rather let them always know that You graciously had Your hand in this and blessed them huge... just because You are great and because You could!!
Thank you Seneca Valley Girls Basketball team for having the best UNDEFEATED season. Thank you for playing your hearts out at each and every game. Thank you for not giving up and staying in the fight when you were down by 19(!!!) points in the 3rd quarter of the state final game.
Thank you Julianna, Drew, Kyle, and Jake for letting me take you to so many games. You were so good and (most of the time) made it so easy for Mommy to enjoy herself. You stayed up well past your bedtimes many nights and enjoyed cheering, " UN-DE-FEATED, clap, clap... clap, clap, clap!!!" more times than I can count.
Thank you Nintendo for making the DS game boy thus rendering my children "video game zombies". Any chance you will be making an edition for 2 yr. olds in time for next year's season?
Thank you fans and parents of players who had the chance to sit near me and my children during the games. Thank you for telling me how well behaved they were. At times I did not believe you but it sure was nice to hear. Thank you ladies who Jakey flirted with. Thank you for smiling at him and being sweet when I know you really wanted him to stop bothering you so that you could watch the game too!
Thank you makers of lollipops and Skittles for making small bits of candy that could be portioned out slowly and if I was smart and paying attention could last a whole basketball game!
Thank you Ann and Al for coming to as many games as you did. Ann you are such an amazing example of a Mom who never tires of cheering her kids on. May I be as supportive of my boys (and my Julianna) as you are of Todd when they are adults. Al, thank you for letting Jake maul your hat during one of the games. May I buy you a new one?
Mom and Dad thanks for both watching the kids so I could go to a few games alone and also coming to some of the games. Your support means so much to Todd and I. I'm so glad we actually got Mom to enjoy a sports game!!
Mindy, you are a babysitting goddess! 6 boys under the age of 7 all by yourself??? Girl you are my hero!!! Thank you for supporting us with your help. I love you!
Family and friends who came to games, kept your fingers crossed, hearts open, or just plain prayed for the team... THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Your loud cheering gave the girls the boost they needed on more than one occasion. Thank you for letting them know that they were not alone out there on the court.
Jim, thank you for assisting Todd this season. You helped to make a great season "priceless" just by being there for him. When can your family come to dinner?
Charlie, thank you for not yelling at the refs. too badly during the state final. Getting ejected from across the court from me is one thing but sitting next to me you gotta behave. As the coach's wife I have an image to uphold.
Jen and Jeff thank you for letting me call you after each game to rejoice about yet another win. You never once acted like I was bothering you.
Dear Todd,
Thank you for keeping your head during the game and bringing the girls back from a 19 point deficit. No one who was at the game will ever forget that comeback!! Thank you for showing us all that we must never give up. No matter how against us things look, if we persevere, turnarounds can (and WILL) happen! After all if God is for us who can be against us?
Thank you for being a man worthy of respect and a husband that I still want to be married to for the rest of my life. You have given me 11 wonderfully sweet years and you still take my breath away after all this time. I love you more now than I ever thought possible 11 years ago.
Happy Anniversary!
All my love,
Michelle
Friday, February 5, 2010
Julianna Turned 9!
So my daughter turned 9 last month. January 10th to be exact. I can't believe that this is the last year that her age can be measured with a single digit. Not only that but she's half way to leaving me (gulp, sniff, sniff). Half way to 18 when she will be an adult and ready to take on the world. How did this sweet babe grow up so fast? 
When asked what kind of party she wanted she immediately answered that she wanted a sleepover party. I kinda figured that was where we were heading. After all, all the birthday parties that she has attended in the last year have been sleepovers.
Todd and I talked it over and decided to throw her party over Christmas break before he had to return to school and his amazing basketball team (more about that later, Ann :) wink, wink!)
She had a great time with two cousins and one BFF. It was small but I liked it that way. They spent their time making jewelry, decorating cupcakes, watching a movie, and of course hamming it up for the camera!
When asked what kind of party she wanted she immediately answered that she wanted a sleepover party. I kinda figured that was where we were heading. After all, all the birthday parties that she has attended in the last year have been sleepovers.
Todd and I talked it over and decided to throw her party over Christmas break before he had to return to school and his amazing basketball team (more about that later, Ann :) wink, wink!)
She had a great time with two cousins and one BFF. It was small but I liked it that way. They spent their time making jewelry, decorating cupcakes, watching a movie, and of course hamming it up for the camera!
Monday, January 4, 2010
In case you were wondering...
Hi there! How are you? In case you were wondering... I'm still here!!
In case you were wondering... our family trip to Maine in September was one of the best family get-aways that we have ever been on. Todd and I realized that in 10 1/2 years of marriage all of our family vacations have been with extended family or friends. Not once till September did we all get away and stay by ourselves somewhere. Granted we had family to visit but they didn't stay with us or us with them. Get it? Now don't get me wrong, I love staying with friends and family. It's just that something special happens when it is just your own family. We bonded in a way that we never had before. It was so cozy and special.
In case you were wondering... 2009 was a great year! Not that you would know it by my numerous posts (ha ha) but still, it was a great year.
In case you were wondering... I had a great birthday!! I turned 40 in June with a surprise party thrown by my husband and my very bestest friends!
In case you were wondering... our family trip to Maine in September was one of the best family get-aways that we have ever been on. Todd and I realized that in 10 1/2 years of marriage all of our family vacations have been with extended family or friends. Not once till September did we all get away and stay by ourselves somewhere. Granted we had family to visit but they didn't stay with us or us with them. Get it? Now don't get me wrong, I love staying with friends and family. It's just that something special happens when it is just your own family. We bonded in a way that we never had before. It was so cozy and special.Hurray for "Team Cousins"
The dock from which Drew tried to push Reed and gave us all a heart attack!
The crew with Aunt Sue.
All of us in Bar Harbor.
Lunch after the 1/2 Marathon. I love Ann all the way in the back holding up her lobster.
Look... they can sit nicely together!
Our spot on the coast of Maine. Thanks Aunt Sue!! We loved it here!!!
In case you were wondering... we had a great Thanksgiving at Mom-Mom's and Al's house. We got to hang out with the Pagleys and Todd's cousins, Luke and Brianna.
The boys doing magic tricks in the kitchen.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The crew with Aunt Sue. All of us in Bar Harbor. Lunch after the 1/2 Marathon. I love Ann all the way in the back holding up her lobster. Look... they can sit nicely together!Our spot on the coast of Maine. Thanks Aunt Sue!! We loved it here!!!In case you were wondering... we had a great Thanksgiving at Mom-Mom's and Al's house. We got to hang out with the Pagleys and Todd's cousins, Luke and Brianna.
The boys doing magic tricks in the kitchen.Happy Thanksgiving!Julianna and Brenna.
In case you were wondering... Christmas was soooo nice! The kids got the Wii they have been dreaming of for years now and we were able to travel to Deep Creek Lake with Robin and Buff and their kids to go tubing at Wisp. We woke up the last morning to blizzard like conditions (the likes of which are rarely seen in my part of Maryland) which thrilled me to no end!! I love snow!!
Julianna and Britney.
Sisters.
Julianna and Britney. Sisters.Me and my Todd.
Me and my February boys.
Creepy is in this year... glad Todd didn't get that memo!
All the cousins including "Nakey Jakey" who is nose pickin'.
More sisters!
Jake enjoying the tube like a big boy!
Me and my daredevils!
(sorry no pictures here)
(again... no pictures here)
Creepy is in this year... glad Todd didn't get that memo! Jake enjoying the tube like a big boy!Me and my daredevils!In case you were wondering... New Year's Eve was quiet (New Year's Morning... not so much). We stayed home and enjoyed an evening in. Julianna got to enjoy a sleep over with her cousin Britney. I on the other hand got to enjoy waking up with Britney at 4:30 am to hold her hair as she puked several times till I finally called my dear brother at 6:30am and told him he unfortunately needed to come and get his sick little girl. Good times.
(sorry no pictures here)
In case you were wondering... I posted about a similar night last January. Must be my lot in life to get up in the wee hours with kids (some mine and some not) and care for them as they get sick.
(again... no pictures here)
In case you were wondering... one of my New Year's resolutions is to blog more!!!
You know. Just in case you were wondering!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Happy Birthday Daddy!!
Why we love our Daddy and why he is the best Daddy ever:
Julianna: I love you Daddy because you taught me how to play basketball and the other day I got 5 baskets while we were playing! I love you because you will always be my special Daddy! I love you because at our special nighttime snuggles I feel like I can talk to you.
Drew: Daddy, I love when you play games with me! You are the best Daddy because I can always count on you and you never let me down. I love you Daddy.
Kyle: Happy Birthday! I love you so much! I'm happy to be at your birthday! I love to do wrestling with you!
Jake: Dada!! Dada!! Ca? (car) Cu? (cup) Fufoo! (used to be Woofoo which means "dog")
Michelle: I love you Todd because you are a man of great character. You work hard to provide for your family. You make me feel like I am the most special woman in the world (or at least your world). You take care of me without questions or grumbling when I am sick or hurt. AND when I "forget" how to change diapers on the weekend you always remember :)
I love you honey! I can't wait for our date tonight! xoxoxo
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Out of the mouths of Mom-Mom's babes...
In honor of Mom-Mom's birthday I asked the kids what they love best about their Mom-Mom. Here are their unedited answers!
Yes Julianna's shirt is on inside out. Yes, Kyle is wearing his Bumble Bee Transformer costume. Yes, Jake and Drew are still in their jammies.
Julianna (age 8): I think Mom-Mom is great because she takes us all out for our birthdays. She is nice and very fun. She is a great friend and when you write to her she writes you back!
Drew (age 6): The first thing I love about Mom-Mom is that she always takes us out for a special evening when our birthdays are here. I love her because she sometimes always gives us gifts. She always makes me happy when I'm feeling sad!
Kyle (age 5): Happy birthday Mom-Mom, I love you so much that I'm happy to be at your birthday. I love Mom-Mom because she gave me the panda bear. I love M0m-Mom because she played "follow the leader" with us. Thank you for buying me something for my birthday!
Jake (age 1): When asked "Who loves Mom-Mom?" threw up his hands and said, "Meeeeee!!!" but before you get too excited that's what he says when you ask him who loves ice-cream or who loves daddy, etc.
Then he started to whine and cry because he has a fever of 102. Good times!
Yes Julianna's shirt is on inside out. Yes, Kyle is wearing his Bumble Bee Transformer costume. Yes, Jake and Drew are still in their jammies.Happy Birthday Ann!!
Today is a special day. Today is my mother-in-law's 70th birthday.
Sorry Ann, was that a secret? It shouldn't be. She's the youngest 70 year old I know.
I thought in honor of this special day I would pay a small tribute to this special lady.
I remember the first time I met Ann. I was a little nervous. Todd and I had been dating just a couple of weeks I think. I remember walking to the door of her home thinking about what someone had once told me. They had told me that you can tell a lot about a man by how he treats his mother. That how he treats her is how he will treat you.
Todd introduced me to his Mom and my nervousness evaporated. Talking with her was easy and comfortable. She made me feel so welcome in her home. She still does!
Watching Todd interact with his Mom made me laugh. They talked and joked so easily with each other. I could tell that he had so much respect and love for her. So this is the woman who raised this man! Yesssssss!!!!
For the first many years of Todd's and my relationship Ann's home was the meeting place for family get togethers. I always looked forward to going to her home. Sitting in front of the fireplace, eating good food, talking and laughing together. I was sad when she sold that house. There were a lot of good memories there.
Our kids love their Mom-Mom. She makes special time for each grandchild (she's got 13 now) on their birthday. She comes up and takes them out for lunch and shopping. Just this past week she took Kyle out. He asked every day for a week, "When is my date with Mom-Mom? Is it here yet?"
Just a few months ago she and Al and Uncle Blair all came over to our house to care for the kids so Todd and I could get away for the weekend. That really meant a lot to me. It meant a lot to Todd. The kids had a blast being spoiled all weekend long. When they left Jake cried for a few days. He had to get used to not being carried around all day long :)
This past Mother's Day my sisters and I had our sorta annual Mother's Day brunch. We invite our Moms and friends who are sorta like our Moms. Anyway this is a picture of Ann and I. I think it is like one of the only pictures I have of just her and I after all these years.
Anyway, I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Ann! You are a wonderful Mother and Mom-Mom and I love you. I'm so glad you are my husband's Mom. Thank you for all you do for your family. I hope I'm as "young" as you are when I'm 70. I hope you have a wonderful day!!
He, he, he! Just you wait till this weekend!
Sorry Ann, was that a secret? It shouldn't be. She's the youngest 70 year old I know.
I thought in honor of this special day I would pay a small tribute to this special lady.
I remember the first time I met Ann. I was a little nervous. Todd and I had been dating just a couple of weeks I think. I remember walking to the door of her home thinking about what someone had once told me. They had told me that you can tell a lot about a man by how he treats his mother. That how he treats her is how he will treat you.
Todd introduced me to his Mom and my nervousness evaporated. Talking with her was easy and comfortable. She made me feel so welcome in her home. She still does!
Watching Todd interact with his Mom made me laugh. They talked and joked so easily with each other. I could tell that he had so much respect and love for her. So this is the woman who raised this man! Yesssssss!!!!
For the first many years of Todd's and my relationship Ann's home was the meeting place for family get togethers. I always looked forward to going to her home. Sitting in front of the fireplace, eating good food, talking and laughing together. I was sad when she sold that house. There were a lot of good memories there.
Our kids love their Mom-Mom. She makes special time for each grandchild (she's got 13 now) on their birthday. She comes up and takes them out for lunch and shopping. Just this past week she took Kyle out. He asked every day for a week, "When is my date with Mom-Mom? Is it here yet?"
Just a few months ago she and Al and Uncle Blair all came over to our house to care for the kids so Todd and I could get away for the weekend. That really meant a lot to me. It meant a lot to Todd. The kids had a blast being spoiled all weekend long. When they left Jake cried for a few days. He had to get used to not being carried around all day long :)
This past Mother's Day my sisters and I had our sorta annual Mother's Day brunch. We invite our Moms and friends who are sorta like our Moms. Anyway this is a picture of Ann and I. I think it is like one of the only pictures I have of just her and I after all these years.
Anyway, I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Ann! You are a wonderful Mother and Mom-Mom and I love you. I'm so glad you are my husband's Mom. Thank you for all you do for your family. I hope I'm as "young" as you are when I'm 70. I hope you have a wonderful day!!He, he, he! Just you wait till this weekend!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Bedtime Blessings
What I treasure about bedtime:
~soft, half sung, half whispered lullabies
~little chubby hands in my hair and on my face
~gentle puffs of breath on my cheek
~kissing sweaty hair that smells of baby shampoo
~and savoring every second because... he is the last... and growing way too fast.
~soft, half sung, half whispered lullabies
~little chubby hands in my hair and on my face
~gentle puffs of breath on my cheek
~kissing sweaty hair that smells of baby shampoo
~and savoring every second because... he is the last... and growing way too fast.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Who let the Woof-oo out? Who... who,who, who?
Sooo... this morning I'm talking on the phone while the kids are all sweetly watching tv and playing down in the playroom.
Riiiiiiiiiiight!
All of a sudden my spidey senses started tingling... ok really I just looked up and noticed that the front door was wide open. That can't be good.
I realize that since no one is standing at the open door that the guilty party must have stepped over the threshold and made their (Jake's) escape.
I step out onto the front step and look down the sidewalk to see Jake running at top toddler speed (you know .00001 miles per hour) away from our house. For those of you who have seen Jake run: picture arms swinging to one side as his legs swing out to the other side!
I start to run after him noticing that my chest is bouncing quite painfully as I run. Why I'm still in my jammies with... ahem... no brassier on!!!! Heavens, what if the neighbors see?!
I scoop him up into my arms to shield my untethered chest from the neighborhood and he bursts into tears, "Woof-ooo!" He is leaning out of my arms and reaching with his arms towards... what, what did you just say? "Woof-ooo," he wails again!
I run to the house, "Penny? Penny? Where are you girl?" Oh blast it all! He let the dog out!
Just an aside here. In the past whenever Penny has gotten out she runs freely all over the neighborhood for a good 20-30 minutes. Sometimes seen, sometimes unseen. NEVER catchable till she is ready to come back.
I've got to find her quick! Where is my sweatshirt? (Note that the dog might be hit by a car and lying in the street but vanity still takes precedence here.) Where is Penny's leash? Got it!
I yell for Julianna to keep an eye on Jake, fling open the door and... THERE SHE IS! SITTING ON THE FRONT STEP WAGGING HER TAIL! Don't make any sudden movements and make her run off again!
"Hi girl, come here Penny!" Then I watch totally astonished as she sheepishly wiggles back into the house.
Unbelievable!
Mindy and Shawn, did you teach her to obey while we were in Maine? Because in the almost 3 years that we've had her this is a first. I mean it is so amazing that I am EVEN BLOGGING about it!
So that was my morning! How's yours going?
Riiiiiiiiiiight!
All of a sudden my spidey senses started tingling... ok really I just looked up and noticed that the front door was wide open. That can't be good.
I realize that since no one is standing at the open door that the guilty party must have stepped over the threshold and made their (Jake's) escape.
I step out onto the front step and look down the sidewalk to see Jake running at top toddler speed (you know .00001 miles per hour) away from our house. For those of you who have seen Jake run: picture arms swinging to one side as his legs swing out to the other side!
I start to run after him noticing that my chest is bouncing quite painfully as I run. Why I'm still in my jammies with... ahem... no brassier on!!!! Heavens, what if the neighbors see?!
I scoop him up into my arms to shield my untethered chest from the neighborhood and he bursts into tears, "Woof-ooo!" He is leaning out of my arms and reaching with his arms towards... what, what did you just say? "Woof-ooo," he wails again!
I run to the house, "Penny? Penny? Where are you girl?" Oh blast it all! He let the dog out!
Just an aside here. In the past whenever Penny has gotten out she runs freely all over the neighborhood for a good 20-30 minutes. Sometimes seen, sometimes unseen. NEVER catchable till she is ready to come back.
I've got to find her quick! Where is my sweatshirt? (Note that the dog might be hit by a car and lying in the street but vanity still takes precedence here.) Where is Penny's leash? Got it!
I yell for Julianna to keep an eye on Jake, fling open the door and... THERE SHE IS! SITTING ON THE FRONT STEP WAGGING HER TAIL! Don't make any sudden movements and make her run off again!
"Hi girl, come here Penny!" Then I watch totally astonished as she sheepishly wiggles back into the house.
Unbelievable!
Mindy and Shawn, did you teach her to obey while we were in Maine? Because in the almost 3 years that we've had her this is a first. I mean it is so amazing that I am EVEN BLOGGING about it!
So that was my morning! How's yours going?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Maine, running, Michelle Kwan, and the moon.
This post has been one that a year ago I fantasized about writing and for the past week and a half... I dreaded it.
It's time. I've got my kleenex in one hand and a glass of wine in the other... wait... scratch that... they are next to me as I type. I'm ready to share now.
There is a verse in the bible that goes like this: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
My hope has been deferred and I'm trying to be a good sport about it. Really I am. But I'm sad. Deflated. And (ask Todd) downright cranky!
Let me back up a bit.
Last year I posted about how inspired I became when I read Emilie's post about her running the MDI Half Marathon. I thought... no... I BELIEVED that I could train and do it too! So badly did I want to be able to train during the winter that I pleaded with Todd to buy a treadmill for Christmas. We did get the treadmill and my training officially began that day. I remember the date without even needing to look it up. Want to know what it was? Well, I'm tellin' you anyway! It was December 19! It's my blog... I can tell you if I want to ;) (told you I was cranky)
I loved the training! I looked forward to the long runs and reaching each and every milestone. I remember the first time I ran 7 then 9 then 10 miles. I love the burn you get in your muscles the next day from a good workout. Yep, I really, sincerely do!
May 3rd was the Frederick Half Marathon. I stressed that week about the rainy forecast, what to wear, running alone, and (excuse me while I get personal) what to do if a certain type of nature called during the race. All the while telling myself that this was just the "practice run" the real one was going to be in Maine in September.
The Frederick Half was an incredible experience! The rain held off till the half way point so that was cool and I found some unexpected friends to run with. I was on a high for the rest of the week after completing that race. I mean 8 months after deciding to do this I had trained and actually done it! Me! The notorious procrastinator!
Summer brought a bit of a rest time and before I knew it it was time to start training for the half marathon in Maine on the 19th of September. You know... my real goal.
Training went well up till I ran 7 miles. That was a good run. The next weekend I was supposed to run 8. I set out with my course plotted and my water bottles stashed.
I made it to mile 5 when all of a sudden out of nowhere pain assaulted my left knee. It was so sudden and startling that I didn't know what to do. I hadn't tripped, stumbled, twisted, or fallen. It was literally the difference between one step and the next. And it was excruciating! I walked a bit thinking... what? Maybe it would go away? Please Lord make it go away!
Walking felt fine. After a few dozen steps I tried to run again. No pain at first but then there it was building slowly and then suddenly excruciating!
I was 2 1/2 miles from home. I tried to walk/run till I finally gave that up to just limp home. Once home I sat to eat dinner. Then I tried to stand up... to find that I could put NO weight on that leg whatsoever. What was going on?
I iced it and took large doses of Alieve for a couple of days. (Note to self: remember to eat with ibuprofen!) AND I rested for the rest of the week. All week long my knee felt fine. It never hurt. I started walking on the treadmill. No pain. I ran a mile on the treadmill. No pain.
The next weekend our training schedule called for a 9 mile run. My thought was this: I'm going to try to run as far as I can. I'd like to run the whole 9 but let's see what I can do. After all the Half was 2 weeks away.
Soooo, once again I set out with water bottles stashed along my route. As I started to run I was so optimistic. I felt great. Nothing hurt. Aerobically I felt great. I can do this, I thought. Last week was just a minor glitch! Then I got to mile 2 and once again my knee betrayed me. I had to stop and walk. Like before I tried to run after walking a bit but it was no use.
I thought of Tom Hanks in Apollo 13, "We just lost the moon."
I thought of Michelle Kwan and the missed gold medals (that's plural folks!)
I know how they feel. (Yes I think to some small degree I do.) I hung my head as I walked and tears stung my eyes. I knew that if I couldn't run now that there was no chance for me to be able to run the Half. I just wouldn't have the training behind me.
As a matter of fact why even go to Maine? What was the point? I'll just stay home with the kids and Todd can go and be with his family.
So that's what I told everyone. I was staying home.
Except... for a year we have been telling the kids that we are all going to Maine. Todd has been training too and why shouldn't we go and at least cheer him on in his first half marathon race?
Maybe I could walk the 13.1 miles instead of running them?
I went to an orthopedic doctor who specializes in sports injuries. He took x-rays and could find nothing wrong with the bones in my knee. He recommended 2 things: 1- It could be an over-use injury brought on because I didn't cross train while training this time. So rest for a few weeks followed by gradually getting back to working out. Then if the same thing happens again he would send me for an MRI. Or 2- go straight for an MRI right now.
I opted for #1. And decided that for better or for worse I would walk the half marathon in Maine instead of running it.
So On Thursday the 17th we got up at 3 in the morning and headed for Maine. It was a 14 hour drive. With 4 kids. Who were fantastic. But still... God bless whoever decided DVD players in vans would be a good idea!
Maine is breathtaking! But I will post about Maine and pictures in another post. This one is all about moi. Sorry like I said, my blog!
Race day was beautiful. Crisp, clear, cold, and beautiful. Emilie met us there early. Walkers start an hour earlier than runners. I was not expecting to see her till the end but there she was. And I knew what that meant. She lives twice as far away from the race as from where Todd and I were staying. So she had to get her family up extra early to make it there for my start time.
Emilie, Thank You. (and of course if you just got there early because you are just anal and need to get places early do not tell me... as this post is all about me that would just ruin the tone now wouldn't it?)
Thank you for getting there early and bringing breakfasty things for the kids and seeing me to the start line. I think you are pretty cool and awesome and sweet. And I'm sorry that Drew tried to kill Reed. Really I am. But more about that in another post.
Soooooo... getting on with the story... before I knew it they blew the horn and we were off and walking. When I say "we" I mean me and all the other walkers that I did not know. That is until Marliese happened by and started to talk to me.
Somehow we just kept talking and walking and before I knew it the first hour had flown by! And I had walked 4 miles in that one hour! Then Marliese tells me that the last half marathon she walked she finished in under 3 hours! Earlier she had spoken of her daughter who is in her early 30's so I'm thinking that she's at least 15 years older than me. AND I'm struggling to keep up with her! Not because of my knee though. At that point my knee was holding out just fine.
It was mile 6 that started to do me in. It was all steadily up hill. My knee started to complain and I started to slow down. By mile 7 I had to say goodbye to Marliese. I knew that she had a time goal and I didn't want to slow her down.
It was then when I was alone (surrounded by walkers and by now runners have started to pass us by... but still alone) that I really looked around and started to take it all in. I was HERE. In Maine. Where I made it a goal to be. And it was breathtaking! And I was here! I might not be running. BUT I had a body that could walk. I could waste my time being sad for what I couldn't do OR I could spend my time praising God for what I could do.
It was so bittersweet that I still don't know quite how to put it into words. I'm thankful for what I can do but at the same time I'm sad that I didn't get to do what I dreamed and trained for... for an entire year.
I know it's ridiculous to compare what I went through to someone like Michelle Kwan or the astronauts of Apollo 13 but don't we all have times like that in our lives? Times where we plan and prepare and even train for a certain outcome only to have disappointment reign? How do we pick ourselves up and keep going? and even try, try again?
Hope.
Hope deferred makes our hearts sick. But a longing fulfilled? Why that's a tree of life! And what is a tree of life? Why it bears fruit with seed. Seed that when planted brings forth a harvest!
Soooo, I finished the half marathon in a "respectable" amount of time (according to my sister, Meredith) and went on to have a fabulous few days in the gorgeous state of Maine.
And while I'm trying to be a good sport and gracious about not being able to do what I set out to do... in a way I'm mourning too. I'm mourning the loss of my dream. I'm sad.
I thought of Michelle Kwan and how she smiled and interviewed through tears after she lost the gold. I remember commentators saying that she should be more poised. WHAT??? Seriously? For someone to be so passionate about something and then lose it... how can you not cry? Especially when you've given so much of your life to train for it.
So, I'm taking the time to be sad. After all, Christ said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
I think I'm done mourning now. Time to get back on the horse... er... treadmill.
The Frederick Half Marathon is coming up on May 2, 2010!
Here's to Michelle Kwan.
Here's to aiming for the moon!
Here's to hope.
It's time. I've got my kleenex in one hand and a glass of wine in the other... wait... scratch that... they are next to me as I type. I'm ready to share now.
There is a verse in the bible that goes like this: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
My hope has been deferred and I'm trying to be a good sport about it. Really I am. But I'm sad. Deflated. And (ask Todd) downright cranky!
Let me back up a bit.
Last year I posted about how inspired I became when I read Emilie's post about her running the MDI Half Marathon. I thought... no... I BELIEVED that I could train and do it too! So badly did I want to be able to train during the winter that I pleaded with Todd to buy a treadmill for Christmas. We did get the treadmill and my training officially began that day. I remember the date without even needing to look it up. Want to know what it was? Well, I'm tellin' you anyway! It was December 19! It's my blog... I can tell you if I want to ;) (told you I was cranky)
I loved the training! I looked forward to the long runs and reaching each and every milestone. I remember the first time I ran 7 then 9 then 10 miles. I love the burn you get in your muscles the next day from a good workout. Yep, I really, sincerely do!
May 3rd was the Frederick Half Marathon. I stressed that week about the rainy forecast, what to wear, running alone, and (excuse me while I get personal) what to do if a certain type of nature called during the race. All the while telling myself that this was just the "practice run" the real one was going to be in Maine in September.
The Frederick Half was an incredible experience! The rain held off till the half way point so that was cool and I found some unexpected friends to run with. I was on a high for the rest of the week after completing that race. I mean 8 months after deciding to do this I had trained and actually done it! Me! The notorious procrastinator!
Summer brought a bit of a rest time and before I knew it it was time to start training for the half marathon in Maine on the 19th of September. You know... my real goal.
Training went well up till I ran 7 miles. That was a good run. The next weekend I was supposed to run 8. I set out with my course plotted and my water bottles stashed.
I made it to mile 5 when all of a sudden out of nowhere pain assaulted my left knee. It was so sudden and startling that I didn't know what to do. I hadn't tripped, stumbled, twisted, or fallen. It was literally the difference between one step and the next. And it was excruciating! I walked a bit thinking... what? Maybe it would go away? Please Lord make it go away!
Walking felt fine. After a few dozen steps I tried to run again. No pain at first but then there it was building slowly and then suddenly excruciating!
I was 2 1/2 miles from home. I tried to walk/run till I finally gave that up to just limp home. Once home I sat to eat dinner. Then I tried to stand up... to find that I could put NO weight on that leg whatsoever. What was going on?
I iced it and took large doses of Alieve for a couple of days. (Note to self: remember to eat with ibuprofen!) AND I rested for the rest of the week. All week long my knee felt fine. It never hurt. I started walking on the treadmill. No pain. I ran a mile on the treadmill. No pain.
The next weekend our training schedule called for a 9 mile run. My thought was this: I'm going to try to run as far as I can. I'd like to run the whole 9 but let's see what I can do. After all the Half was 2 weeks away.
Soooo, once again I set out with water bottles stashed along my route. As I started to run I was so optimistic. I felt great. Nothing hurt. Aerobically I felt great. I can do this, I thought. Last week was just a minor glitch! Then I got to mile 2 and once again my knee betrayed me. I had to stop and walk. Like before I tried to run after walking a bit but it was no use.
I thought of Tom Hanks in Apollo 13, "We just lost the moon."
I thought of Michelle Kwan and the missed gold medals (that's plural folks!)
I know how they feel. (Yes I think to some small degree I do.) I hung my head as I walked and tears stung my eyes. I knew that if I couldn't run now that there was no chance for me to be able to run the Half. I just wouldn't have the training behind me.
As a matter of fact why even go to Maine? What was the point? I'll just stay home with the kids and Todd can go and be with his family.
So that's what I told everyone. I was staying home.
Except... for a year we have been telling the kids that we are all going to Maine. Todd has been training too and why shouldn't we go and at least cheer him on in his first half marathon race?
Maybe I could walk the 13.1 miles instead of running them?
I went to an orthopedic doctor who specializes in sports injuries. He took x-rays and could find nothing wrong with the bones in my knee. He recommended 2 things: 1- It could be an over-use injury brought on because I didn't cross train while training this time. So rest for a few weeks followed by gradually getting back to working out. Then if the same thing happens again he would send me for an MRI. Or 2- go straight for an MRI right now.
I opted for #1. And decided that for better or for worse I would walk the half marathon in Maine instead of running it.
So On Thursday the 17th we got up at 3 in the morning and headed for Maine. It was a 14 hour drive. With 4 kids. Who were fantastic. But still... God bless whoever decided DVD players in vans would be a good idea!
Maine is breathtaking! But I will post about Maine and pictures in another post. This one is all about moi. Sorry like I said, my blog!
Race day was beautiful. Crisp, clear, cold, and beautiful. Emilie met us there early. Walkers start an hour earlier than runners. I was not expecting to see her till the end but there she was. And I knew what that meant. She lives twice as far away from the race as from where Todd and I were staying. So she had to get her family up extra early to make it there for my start time.
Emilie, Thank You. (and of course if you just got there early because you are just anal and need to get places early do not tell me... as this post is all about me that would just ruin the tone now wouldn't it?)
Thank you for getting there early and bringing breakfasty things for the kids and seeing me to the start line. I think you are pretty cool and awesome and sweet. And I'm sorry that Drew tried to kill Reed. Really I am. But more about that in another post.
Soooooo... getting on with the story... before I knew it they blew the horn and we were off and walking. When I say "we" I mean me and all the other walkers that I did not know. That is until Marliese happened by and started to talk to me.
Somehow we just kept talking and walking and before I knew it the first hour had flown by! And I had walked 4 miles in that one hour! Then Marliese tells me that the last half marathon she walked she finished in under 3 hours! Earlier she had spoken of her daughter who is in her early 30's so I'm thinking that she's at least 15 years older than me. AND I'm struggling to keep up with her! Not because of my knee though. At that point my knee was holding out just fine.
It was mile 6 that started to do me in. It was all steadily up hill. My knee started to complain and I started to slow down. By mile 7 I had to say goodbye to Marliese. I knew that she had a time goal and I didn't want to slow her down.
It was then when I was alone (surrounded by walkers and by now runners have started to pass us by... but still alone) that I really looked around and started to take it all in. I was HERE. In Maine. Where I made it a goal to be. And it was breathtaking! And I was here! I might not be running. BUT I had a body that could walk. I could waste my time being sad for what I couldn't do OR I could spend my time praising God for what I could do.
It was so bittersweet that I still don't know quite how to put it into words. I'm thankful for what I can do but at the same time I'm sad that I didn't get to do what I dreamed and trained for... for an entire year.
I know it's ridiculous to compare what I went through to someone like Michelle Kwan or the astronauts of Apollo 13 but don't we all have times like that in our lives? Times where we plan and prepare and even train for a certain outcome only to have disappointment reign? How do we pick ourselves up and keep going? and even try, try again?
Hope.
Hope deferred makes our hearts sick. But a longing fulfilled? Why that's a tree of life! And what is a tree of life? Why it bears fruit with seed. Seed that when planted brings forth a harvest!
Soooo, I finished the half marathon in a "respectable" amount of time (according to my sister, Meredith) and went on to have a fabulous few days in the gorgeous state of Maine.
And while I'm trying to be a good sport and gracious about not being able to do what I set out to do... in a way I'm mourning too. I'm mourning the loss of my dream. I'm sad.
I thought of Michelle Kwan and how she smiled and interviewed through tears after she lost the gold. I remember commentators saying that she should be more poised. WHAT??? Seriously? For someone to be so passionate about something and then lose it... how can you not cry? Especially when you've given so much of your life to train for it.
So, I'm taking the time to be sad. After all, Christ said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
I think I'm done mourning now. Time to get back on the horse... er... treadmill.
The Frederick Half Marathon is coming up on May 2, 2010!
Here's to Michelle Kwan.
Here's to aiming for the moon!
Here's to hope.
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