New Home!!!

There are many times I look at our new home & realize where God has brought us from. So I wanted to share this beautiful testimony.

For the last 6 years we have been renting. Moving either every year or every other year. So when it was time to rent again. We started looking at buying. We prayed about it and agreed we would not force the issue. If it happened then this was where we needed to be. So in June our house hunt began. We looked at several dozen. Put an offer on one, it needed work before we moved in, but it was still a good size. The offer was rejected. That was hard to take. We "regrouped" our mind. Continued to pray. This was getting into the month of July. And we knew we had to find something soon. Our current rental lease was up on August 31st. We had 3 new houses to look at. I told my husband if these don't work then I'm done looking, and we'll just rent another year.

I walked in the house (that is now our home) and absolutely fell in love. This house checked off so many needs as well as desires of ours. I won't list every single one out. Although that is a part of the testimony. But the major ones that was like a reassurance that God is looking out for us were: When we put our offer on the other house that needed work we had talked about painting our master bedroom gray and replacing the doors to the doors that have character. We also looked at photos & we really loved the dining room ceiling with the tray sectioned ceiling. THIS HOUSE HAD IT!!!

Y'all - God knew our desires!!! When the other offer didn't go through, my friend said "that's ok, God has something better" ... but that's not how I was feeling at the time..... but HE DID!!!

The more of the testimony is our closing date of our new home was ON August 31st. That was the day we had to be out of our rental. And to top it off, they had a new tenant on 9/1 !!! Talk about stressful. So we told a few people to pray for an earlier closing date. We asked our Loan Agent if he could try for that. He laughed & said that would be a miracle. You see, the typical loan process was 45-60 days. And we were already getting it great on the lower end of that time frame (we submitted our offer on 7/20). Then Monday 8/22  our Loan Agent called me and said, can you do a closing this Thursday? 8/25 WHAT!?!? My Realtor called me and was just so shocked, he said a week is HUGE in the 'closing' world!! GOD IS AWESOME!!

There are several details I have left out. But that is our testimony.

And just to kinda put things into perspective, to those who did not see our first house we bought in 2006. I've attached a photo.

Believe in Your SELFIE

a fun tote bag I received for my birthday

This year (no, not a New Year's Resolution) I have been trying to do just this: Believe in your SELFIE. And no I don't mean posting more Selfies on Facebook or Instagram. What I mean is believing in myself that I don't need other people to approve of me.

Yes, I am the friend that untags myself in photos that I wasn't prepared for. Yes, I am the one in the group that makes people retake a picture because I don't like how I look. Aaaaand  I get joked about it often. I criticize everything about myself in the picture. My hair, my teeth, my weight. 

I scroll through the 'likes' on my photos and comments to see 'who has approved'. I mean, really, look at my blog name. I have issues. ;-)

This has taken me a loooooong time to actually admit this to myself. 

I'm not saying to not care about how you present yourself. I am all for taking care of your body, your health and your appearance. But not for the approval of others. Do it because you love yourself. *and on that note, ditch the scale, ditch the idolized size in your clothes. As long as you are healthy and happy. THAT should be the main goal.*

I pray I can teach my daughters this. And if I could teach every young girl/teenager something. It would be to love yourself. You will not find self appreciation by someone else loving you. You will look for self appreciation in your friends, in your parents and even in your spouse. It doesn't matter how many times my husband tells me he likes the way I look. If I don't like it, then it doesn't mean anything to me. And truthfully, in the end, the only person it is harming is.... you guessed it.... yourself. 

Your family and your true friends love you for who you are. Not by what you wear, or what your weight is. So don't feel like you have to have their approval. 

I'm not gonna stop posting pictures... cause I do enjoy staying connected with my friends and family. But I will stop obsessing over what I look like. And I will love myself, flaws and all. 

Building a Memorial

"And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever." Exodus 12:14 KJV

The NLT says this "This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD..." 

When I was around 3 years old my Granddaddy had a dream of me falling down a deep hole. He didn't normally have 'prophetic' dreams. But he was Holy Ghost filled. When he woke up it was still troubling him. So he told my Grandmother. They began to pray right then for me. After prayer they felt the need to call my Mom. (I can just see them now, each of them on different phones in the house, one of them being 70's green :) ) When they were on the phone with her she heard some commotion outside. They told her to put them on hold (now remember this was back when they had to pay for long distance calls) So my mom went outside to check on me. When she came back inside she said "Oh it's ok, Michelle just got her foot caught on a board that was covering an old well, but her Dad was with her, she's ok." That is when my Granddaddy began to tell my mom his dream and told her to get that well properly covered.

And every time I see this old thing I remember that memorial. That testimony my mom reminded me of. Actually every Sunday when I bring my family to that same church that I went to at 3 years old. 

I had the privilege of sharing this story with my children "...from generation to generation..." the other day. When I told my, Holy Ghost filled, 8 year old that if she ever feels like she needs to pray for someone that is the Spirit leading her. And there are memorials that I have reminded my own children of in their lives. And generations from now they will know the story of when Jayden was 3 years old, he swallowed a watch battery and his life was spared. When I have heard of several other stories of children dying from doing the exact same thing. 

Build memorials for your children, talk about them, celebrate God's blessings on their lives.

Running Skirts

The Bible teaches us (ladies) to be modest. This is not a blog about modesty, there are so many wonderful other blogs about that. But because of that conviction I wear modest apparel all the time. Within the last 3 years I started exercising, and if you have been reading my blog you know I have also been running & recently became certified to be a Fitness Instructor. I basically live in exercise clothes :) So I am asked a lot where I get my skirts. The short answer is "everywhere & anywhere". This blog will give the long answer :)

There are several websites that sell long enough skirts. Unfortunately those are anywhere from $40-$70*. And I don't know about you but I want more than one skirt in my exercise wardrobe. And being a 1 income family of 5, it's just not wise to buy that many at that price. Yes I could save up for them, but life happens and there's other things that require my money :-(

So I shop thrift stores. Just this week I found a Lululemon shirt ($60 shirt) for $3.75!!!  But we're talking about skirts here. So I go through the skirt section of the thrift store, and I feel every. single. skirt. I know what I want by the feel, then I check the tag. In my experience, my favorite exercise skirts are 95% polyester and 5% spandex.  When I am in the dressing room, I do lunges to see if it has enough stretch. I also found at Walmart some swimsuit cover ups. (mine do not have the ruffles) I just wear them on my waist. I also use them for swimming - I have 3 of them. They are a little more full than I like for running, but are good for summertime exercising.

I do have a few cotton skirts. They are not the best for summer time and they cling to my pants underneath. So I do not wear them during running.

I do always wear capri pants under my skirt so when my skirt comes up during exercise or running I am still covered.

I took a picture of my favorite skirts to help you see what to look for

1 - cotton - Old Navy
2 - this one is Lands End & PINK :) it is a fold over waist - similar link given above
3 - swimsuit cover ups - link given above
4 - running skirts nowadays have ruffles - I want ruffles too! so this has a small ruffle on the hem :) it is from Old Navy I just got it from the thrift store & it is made the same as #5 so I'm happy to have another good running skirt
5 - I don't know where this is from, but it has two slits on the side and I really like it for running
6 - this is a sports skirt, I think from REI, the brand is Patagonia. I just got it from the thrift store too. It is shorter than normal, so I just got it a little bigger so it will be on my hips not my waist. It has shorts built in & pockets.

This skirt I am SOOOO happy about. The company Running Skirts {below at #2} just released this pink polka dotted skirt. I LOVE polka dots & pink. So I found this skirt {below at #1} at the thrift store. The perfect fabric for exercising!!!! I can't wait to wear it.

Hopefully with this blog I have helped people out. And it helps me out, I don't have to type this whole message when friends email me asking :)

*the skirts you can buy online are here and here. I have not purchased these skirts from these sites. I did but some cotton ones from Kosher Casual, and they run small, so follow the size chart. They are also in Israel so the shipping takes a little while.

AFFA Online Group Fitness Instructor Certification Test - part 2

The online Practical Group Fitness Instructor test

You have a Proctor watching you. They make sure your work area is clear. There could be 1-4 people that they're watching. You can see the other testers. That was hard because I was worried if I saw them doing a particular exercise I would do it too and the Proctor would think I was copying. :)

You start off by doing a demo class. Two minutes of warm up, 4 minutes of cardio and a 1-2 minute cool down. The Proctor plays music. It was a little difficult to hear. I just tried to stay with the beat count in my head. After the time is up they tell you "ok go to the cardio portion". In this portion you do not have to talk. Maybe if it was just you, you may have to. Both times I took it there was one other person.

After that they tell you to do 2 exercises & 1 stretch for the following muscle groups:
Pectorals
Trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorisi
Deltoids
Biceps
Triceps
Hip abductors, hip adductors
Gluteus Maximus
Quadriceps
Tibialis Anterior
Hamstrings, gastrocnemius & soleus
Rectus abdominis and obliques
Erector spinae

Study this list before hand. Come up with what exercises & stretch you will do. Don't just wing it, you'll forget all you ever knew :) The first Proctor asked me those in that exact order, in that exact group. The second Proctor combined biceps and triceps & the tibialis anterior was combined with hamstrings. So the Proctors aren't all the same.  The key is: continue doing the exercise until they say "show me the next exercise" (this is where I messed up the first time. I just stopped after 3 reps) Again, the second Proctor was better, she told told me that at from the get go.

Then they will have you turn your speaker on and demonstrate an exercises showing 3 different levels. I recommend doing a strength. Cause with cardio you have to talk the entire time, that gets difficult. This is another area I messed up the first time through. Here is what you should do: Introduce yourself (with a smile) and then tell what exercise you will be performing & what muscle group it works. Start with level 1 - give cues! I did push ups so I said "keep your arms shoulder width apart.... neck in alignment with your spine ... keep a flat back" do a few of level one. Go to level 2... Give the same cues - and add some others "inhale going down, exhale coming up... Remember...." Level 3 - keep giving those cues, talk about what muscles you are working. [The first proctor said she wanted to know what I was doing if she closed her eyes] So keep that in mind. There's no such thing as too many cues (as long as it's correct :) )  Then you can end with "and that is how you do 3 different level of push ups [insert your exercise]"

When I finished the test the first time, the way her voice was, I could tell I wasn't going to pass. The second time through I was confident of the improvements I had made, and I could tell it in her voice. This test you don't know until about 48 hours later, and you get an email also.

I hope I've helped someone pass these tests :) and not deal with the heartache I did.

Happy testing!

AFFA Online Group Fitness Instructor Certification Test - part 1

In November 2013 I took the Online Group Fitness Instructor Certification written test. I failed it, by one too many missed questions. I cried when I clicked that button & it said "Unfortunately you did not answer enough right answers...." I cried like a big baby. It was an awful feeling. Then a week later I took the Practical Online Test. I failed that too! I cried again!!! It took me $75 and 3 months to get my courage back up to reschedule. And I PASSED!!!! So here are some things to help anyone else out there taking the online tests.

Watch the online lectures. Over and over and over again. Print off & fill in the Study Guide. There is this place that has flash cards & answers to the study guide. The flash cards weren't for me cause I just kept flipping to the other side too soon. Not enough self discipline I guess. The filled in study guide is a good tool. But I really recommend filling out one yourself. Something about writing the answers helps it get in your head.

What you should expect for the online test. Things you need: A laptop or computer with a webcam. A great internet connection. A clear working area. I was on a desktop so the "Proctor" (person watching me) asked me to grab a CD for the reflective backing & I showed him the desk. You have to "share" your computer with them they will make sure you don't have any other web pages open. You answer a few questions about your life. It's kinda erie because it asked questions about my house 4 houses ago!, and about my mother-in-law!!!?!?!? The second time I took it we had just moved to a new house so it was asking me questions about the previous owner... I failed that part of it. I felt dumb! I felt the need to explain to the Proctor that we had just moved & we were renting. She sent me through again. I got those right. Phew!

So after all that checking you click a button to take the test. You can't see or hear the Proctor during this (the second time I actually asked the Proctor "am I suppose to hear you?" she apologized). It's a white screen with little AFAA logos all over it. I have test anxiety so all that chaos on the screen was messing me up. I just had to get over myself :) There is a timer at the top of the questions. That was stressful too. (My palms were so sweaty the second time through)

You have 1 hour to complete 100 questions. All of the questions are multiple choice. No write in answers. Learn the Muscle Man and the muscle prime movers, very important. You are allowed to skip questions & if you have enough time at the end you can go back to them, otherwise they will be wrong. If you don't think you know the answer right away. Skip it. Both times I took pretty much the entire hour. When you click that last 'submit' on the last question that is when the news comes. <dum dum dum> To me that was the hardest to do after I failed the first time.

The second time through I only missed 12 questions. (you're allowed 20 wrong, an 80%) I was happy about that! You find out of you failed or passed right away. But you don't get the exact number of questions you missed until a week or so later. They send you an email.

Onto the Practical Test (next blog)

Longest Plateau Ever

Here lately I have had a lot of fitness disappointments. 

I have not lost a single pound in the past year & half. 

In November of last year the first time I took my AFAA Group Certification written tests & practical test I failed. 

The last four races I have raced I have not made PR's (personal record). That makes me mad. I am sick of hearing " you can't PR every race" I know that - but at least one more PR...soon!

I did finally pass my AFAA Group Certification. Although it took me a lot of guts to retake the tests. 

And I know what I have to do get faster. I have to push myself harder during my weekend runs. Then my hard will turn into easy, and then I can push myself even more. 

I know what I need to do to lose weight. It's just a slow process. I do enjoy the instant gratification after lifting weights. I see my muscles pumped up. And that makes me happy. 

There is no magic pill. No quick fix. But every disappointment I face is a new step to get me more in shape. So it's time to pick myself up and quit moping. 

Self-Discipline Confession

I lack self-discipline.

Some would say I have lots of discipline. I exercise most days. I wake up really early to go running, in the cold, rain, ice, heat.

I have a problem prioritizing.

For instance, the major things I need to do right now are: I need to pack up my house to move in 2 weeks. And I need to study for a Fitness Instructor Certification & take the test. Those two things have deadlines, and are very important. BUT at the end of the day, after I have done the typical household things - homeschool the kids, keep the house, laundry & dishes clean. I feel like I deserve some me time. My husband suggested not watching my shows on Hulu at night until I watch one online study video. My response, I deserve time to unwind.

Same goes for food. If I really want a piece of chocolate or soda - I don't withhold it from myself (all the time). I tell myself I've done a good job that day.

On Saturday the kids are being entertained by my husband & I have help in taking care of them. So I like to do crafty things. I should make myself pack a box. But I don't. I get out my craft supplies & enjoy my day.

I'm not writing this to get suggestions on how to prioritize.... it's just a confession :)

Death

In December of 2012 I found out that a little girl, Sophie, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I had known the family through a Mommy exercise class, but it was just a brief 3 months that we saw each other regularly. It was hard to take it all in. Having a little girl the same age. I didn't let my mind dwell on it too much. I couldn't.

In April 2013 a friend took it upon herself to plan a Fundraiser for the family's medical expenses. It was a huge success, very heart warming.

On December 29, 2013 Sophie passed away. A sweet, full of life, three year old. I got the news when I was driving back from vacation. I told my husband, he continually checked on me to make sure I was ok to drive. He said "just think about our healthy children" I cried even more, "that's the problem, it's just not fair, why did she have to be sick?" That night I let our 3 year old sleep with us without even trying to put her in her bed first. I watched her sleep. I kissed her cheeks. I stroked her hair. I begged and pleaded with God to keep my children healthy. I told Him I couldn't handle it, I was not the one to be tested in that way. Give me any sickness that would ordinarily go to my children. I know that's not the "Christian" thing to do. I know that's not how God works. He doesn't just "zap" us with sickness because He can. I know that. But it's all my human brain could think about.

This week in the store Mayci was a mess. All she wanted me to do was hold her. I was holding items to buy. I was holding her coat. And she was jumping up and down, crying, "hold me." I wanted to be the stern parent. I wanted her to realize she couldn't get one over on me. But then my mind raced to the mom of Sophie. She will never again be able to carry her girl through a store. After I made my little one stop pitching a fit, then I held her.

Today our exercise class was to wear our Bounce-a-Thon shirts so we could get a group picture. A piece of me didn't want to go to class. Because I knew that it would mean I would have to explain to my children why we were wearing them. My 8 & 6 year old would pick up on everyone in matching shirts. And I didn't want them to overhear anything. So I knew I had to tell them. This morning while getting ready, after I found their shirts, I sat them down and asked if they knew why we had them. My 8 year old said "it was to help kids who had a sickness that made them lose their hair". I reminded them who we had fundraiser for. I told them that Sophie died last week. My 8 year old's face just sunk. I could tell she realized what death was. I cried. I told them that we shouldn't be scared that it will happen to any of us. My 6 year old said "I'm scared of heights". (I can always count on him to say off the wall stuff during serious conversations) I told them that whenever they think about it to pray for Sophie's parents. I told them that her parents will be sad forever that she's not with them anymore. I reminded them that God never did this to her, He never wanted it to happen to her. And we have to trust that God will always take care of us. My 8 year old hugged me, we cried together. It was hard. I hugged my 6 year old as well. We went on to finish getting ready, then just 5 minutes later my 8 year old came to me & hugged me again. She made a card to mail to Sophie's parents that said "I'm sorry this happened". I told my older two not to mention it around my 3 year old. We have Sophie's picture on our fridge, my oldest said "so this is the one who died" My little 3 year old was right there and she said, with great emotion, "She's dead? I will never see her again!" and then a dramatic hands in the face cry (not tears, just a drama cry).

This last week has been a very hard week... and it does not even scratch the surface of what the Vincent Family is going through. Right now they are trying to raise money so they can have a proper burial for her. If you can, here is the link to donate money -  Sophie's Celebration

Please keep them in your prayers.

I am vain

Recently at my parents house I was looking through old pictures. There were some pretty awful pictures of me. Yes, some were in my awkward tween/teenage years. But there were some more recent in my adult life. 

There is this one picture of my Grandmother, my mom & my first child. She was just a month old, and I looked awful - words can't describe how torn up I looked :) I used to despise that picture because of how bad I look. Now I have grown to love that picture. I have that memory of my Grandmother meeting my first child. I have that treasure of 4 generations in a picture.

I realized, digital photography has made me vain (well, I made myself this way). The immediate, view the picture - double check my features - hair out of place, eyes closed, double chin <gasp> is getting to be too much. 

In the olden day pictures - I was just plain happy, it didn't matter if my gums were too big for my teeth. It didn't matter if I was laughing so big you could see the fillings in the back of my mouth. It was the true me, the one that my family & friends saw every day, and still loved me. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy now. I do have a loooooong history of taking pictures with friends and having to retake it 20 times to get one where you don't see all my flaws.

So although I'm not completely "healed" :) I am learning to accept my yellow fake tooth, bags under my eyes and my double chin. This is what I look like all the time. This is how my kids see me. This is who I am. So you will see more pictures of me looking real. Yes I will still edit pictures, yes I will still crop out some things, but I won't be the annoying friend that makes you retake a gazillion times anymore :)

I may or may not be guilty of saying this :)

 

Not So Proud Mommy Moment

A couple weeks ago my cousin posted this article

I read it and knew it was just for me.

I am a yeller. I yell at my husband. I yell at my children. I yell at my siblings. I have even yelled at friends. {disclaimer - some of my yelling is one quick line - "get in here and clean this room!!!!"}

After I read the article I knew I had to get control before I missed out on life-changing moments.

There have been times when I have yelled at my kids and they have been scared of me. I asked them why - I don't ever ever hit them when I'm angry.  But to them, I was scary.

My 7 year old one time told me she didn't want to "release the angry mommy dragon".

She also has started yelling at her siblings. And said she's "like mommy because she yells when she gets mad". When you see your child pick up on your bad habit it looks a WHOLE lot different.

So I sat my older two down, told them that I needed to change. My 7 year old said I couldn't do it. She didn't think I could go a day without yelling. {read above disclaimer} I told her I had to. And since then, there have been times I have yelled a quick sentence "LOOK WHERE I'M POINTING!" And my 7 year old will remind me not to yell. I'll apologize, and start over.

I admit, since I've quit yelling I say "seriously" a whole lot more to my kids. Like when they aren't looking where I'm pointing when I say "pick this up" .... But - it's not yelling.

I have done really well in the new me. That I'm proud of. And my kids have kept me in check.

So I am enjoying more hugs, making more silly faces and answering more 'why' questions.

Running Techniques

So since my surgery I haven't ran over 11 minute miles. That makes me very sad.

My half marathon pace was 10:30 which made me happy for that long of a distance. And my fastest 5K race was a 8:17 pace, so I know I can do better.

As I was running my lame 4.5 miles I was thinking about different

running techniques.

The Gazelle - I have a friend who has long legs. She runs exactly like

a gazelle - fast yet graceful.

The Effortless- I have another friend that runs fast but it doesn't

look like she's giving it any effort. She looks like she's just

jogging. Even when she has passed me & said she was dying, it still

doesn't look like she gives effort.

The Bouncer - Another friend of mine has a bounce to her step. With

her cute curly ponytail bouncing. She always looks adorable when she

runs.

The Beauty Queen - I have a beautiful friend that always looks

perfect. Her makeup is always in tack. She smiles beautifully for the

camera.

The Attacker - Then there's me. No I don't run like Phoebe in a

Friends episode. But I feel like I attack the ground. My feet hit hard

(not as hard as a Pounder friend I have). There's no bounce, there's

no gracefulness. Sometimes I feel like I can't even pick my feet off

the ground and they drag. I get nervous that I'm going to trip and

then the ground will attack me back.

So whether you are graceful or clumsy - it's ok. Just run!

Change is Inevitable

When we moved here in Fall of 2010 we were fully aware that our landlord was going to let us stay in our town house for 1 year. So when it got close to the first year she graciously said sure I'll sign for another year. We were so happy. We didn't have to move again! Then after 24 months she said sure again. Yay!!! 

Then we get a letter... saying she has prior engagements and she has to sell this in order to come out even. She gave us 45 days!!! I'm not gonna lie - I balled like a baby. I cried so hard. I even called my Mom (like a baby). Joel of course was the calm one. 

I was angry - 45 days - we have a family of FIVE!! To find a place - then pack everything up! Then clean this place! I was ready to chew the landlord out. I searched "tenant-landlord rules" and she actually only had to give us 30 days. SO I pulled myself together. 

Friday I dragged my 3 kids to four places looking for our next house. They were troopers. We were gone from our house from 8:30am until 4:30pm. And I got compliments on how well behaved they were. 

Monday we looked at 1 place physically and 3 more through the computer & talking to the realtor.

Saturday we're going back to 2 places to show Joel. 

I'm not looking forward to going through the kids toys and giving away a lot. I'm not looking forward packing up things. I'm not looking forward to learning a new address. I'm not looking forward to learning new routes. I'm not looking forward to changing my address in a gazillion businesses computers!!! 

I don't want to be that family that moves every 2 years - that just doesn't sound stable. That is my biggest fear. 

So here's to embracing CHANGE!!!

Seven Year Itch

Late 2008 and the beginning of 2009 began a slow, but very painful, slope in my life.

My husband of 7 years poured himself into his work. He was in his office day in and day out. He sometimes would work 48 hours straight. If he wasn't working then he was catching up on sleep.

He missed things that I thought were important. He missed family events.

I had to be the one putting a smile on my face saying "he's working again!". I began to resent him. I began to feel very unattracted to him, anything he said or did was like nails on a chalkboard to me. I began to feel like I was all alone. We had two children, but sometimes you just need adult interaction. I began to spend more time with my friends, so I wouldn't feel alone.

He didn't realize he was pushing me away. He didn't realize I cried myself to sleep so many nights. He didn't realize I needed more than just a "hi/bye" interaction.

What I didn't realize is, through my clouded, selfish thinking, he was pouring himself into his work because we were struggling financially. He was doing the only thing he was taught to do.... support his family.

Although 2008/2009 wasn't all bad. Good things did come out of it. He made his first iPhone app, which landed him an amazing job later in the year. We found out we were having our third child - a reconciliation baby.

There is a lot that happened during those times that I wish I could undo. By the grace of God it is all under the blood. In 2012 we celebrated our ELEVENTH anniversary!!!

There are times now when he works long long hours, but he makes sure he is home for dinner, and family game night every Wednesday. He makes sure he has plenty of fun with the kids. He makes sure we have datenights.

I just wanted to encourage someone. Be ware the 7 year itch. It might be 5 years, it my even be 10 years.

Don't be afraid of counseling! Or embarrassed to get counseling, like I was. If your spouse won't take it with you, get counseling for yourself.

Above all else pray. God hears your cry, even when you feel alone. God knows what is best, He has plans for you.
Don't pray for God to change your spouse, pray for God to change you!

Race Bib Portfolio filled

Here is my completed book.... 
well, I will continue to add more bibs.

to get this Subway Art read my last blog for the link to download.

they didn't hand out bibs for this one, but I didn't let that stop me.

I think my bib got mangled too bad to keep :( and I can't find a picture yet.

 

see I added a side note - I got recognized! :)

Team effort triathlon

one of the extra pages. This was a training program that I won first place when we did a 4 mile run.

MY FIRST HALF MARATHON!!!!

I added my older kids' first race bibs so I didn't have to worry about keeping track of the some other way.

Race Bib Portfolio

I saw a Race Bib portfolio on a running site, it had a cheesy picture, and the pages inside weren't that pretty. So being the crafty addict I am I knew I could make one look much prettier. And since it's so close to Christmas I knew I wanted my close running friends to have one too!

I made my own subway art with running mantras. I made it for an 8x8 sheet, here is the PDF for  Run Subway Art. This is one thing that I am so proud of!!!! And it was so fun making.

I learned a couple things during this project: I can't cut straight even with a paper cutter. I can't measure right even with a paper cutter ruler. Don't modge podge something that is printed from your ink-jet printer. Don't leave non-modged-podged book on the desk where little kids can get it wet.

Each portfolio starts & ends with a chipboard (found in the scrapbook page racks, as thick as cardboard). This is what I glued the subway art to.

Then there are 5 decorated pages, front & back. Then 5 white cardstock pages for extras. They are single hole punched and held together with binder rings so that more pages, or just bibs, can be added. On each page I glued a small paper with the words: Date, Distance, Time, Pace, Notes. I left room for them to write in. I made it so that they are ready for my friends' first 10 bibs & all they have to do is glue & write. Here are some color combinations I made for my friends. I just featured some of the favorite pages from the books (I made 9 altogether).

Black & Creme. One page with black glitter polka dots. One page with raised black 'leaves'. 

I absolutely loved the blues and greens color combinations of this one. 

Pretty maroons and purples. 

Paisleys - I love them! Blues, browns, greens.

Here is another greens & blues. 

Fun psychedelic purples, with accents of maroon.   

Blues & oranges. The bottom right paper was my favorite.

Some polka dots & stripes are always fun.

I had so much fun making these. And I enjoyed seeing my friends receive them. On every day, except August first, it is more blessed to give than to receive ;-)

Read my next blog with the pages of mine filled out (I didn't want to bombard this one with pictures). Post if you have questions about making your own!

Our Babysitter

This past August I began training for my first Half Marathon (another blog). So every Tuesday night at 5:15pm I would go to a track with my Kärna Fitness group and do sprint intervals, speed work outs, endurance training. It was H.O.T. in August. Ninety degrees some days, even at 5pm. 

My 3 kids were troopers and came to track with me, because there was no other option. My husband doesn't get off work until 6 or 6:30. And for the first 2 months of my training he wasn't getting home until 7pm or later. So after about 3 weeks of taking my kids in the blazing sun, I decided we had to get a babysitter. 

I asked a friend, she gave me a name of a college student. That college student gave me another friend, Hannah. I texted her, she texted back, she could do it!!! I was relieved! She could commit to the beginning of November. I was excited! 

I found out she was a third year student, so I figured she was responsible enough :) She was always on time, and I had to pry the kids off of her when I got home. :) 

I texted her and asked her if I could do a blog on her, she probably thought I was crazy. But here's the reason..... she was my kids first *real* babysitter. I have left them with family and super close friends.... but never a complete stranger! eeek! For the first 2 weeks my two year old was not very happy. And after that she was totally fine because Hannah was fun. All 3 kids would get so excited when they realized it was Tuesday and Hannah was coming over. When I would tell my 2 year old she would clap her hands "yay! Hannah!"

A week ago was my last Tuesday doing my training. The kids are so sad that Hannah doesn't come every week. We'll see her again though.

Hannah's last night with my kiddos

My Third Child

I didn't have pages torn out of a book, until I had my third child.

I didn't have marker on my walls, until I had my third child.

I didn't have toilet paper spun off the roll, until I had my third child.

I didn't have a toilet overflow because of said toilet paper spun off the roll, until I had my third child.

While on that subject, I didn't have toys thrown in the toilet, until I had my third child.

I didn't have a child stand on the kitchen table, until I had my third child.

I didn't have a child refuse to sit in her high chair, until I had my third child.

But that third child is one of the best things that happened to me. She is only 2 but she keeps us laughing. Her two older siblings just think the world of her, and she knows it. They seriously give in to her more. She was not a early walker, or an early talker. In fact there are a lot of things that she says that me & my husband just look at each other 'what did she just say!?!' She does a little dance that just cracks us all up. She gives us looks & makes facial expressions that make me laugh. While trying to potty train her I asked her if she was going to go potty today, she said "No. I went yesterday". When I told her to count to 10 for a video she said "1...2...10!!!".  When she finishes a book, instead of saying The End, she says "Amen". After I take a picture she said "no I want a bideo"

Someone once said to me, and I tell other Moms expecting their third child - "they add a third dimension to your family" And that is seriously the only way it can be described :)

I love my first born, middle child & third child all the way to the moon and back!

A little photo collage :)

First Day of School

I am home schooling my First Grader & my Kindergartener. (signs from here) This will be our second year home schooling. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.

Reading on FaceBook all my friends' chikdren starting school how they cried or tried to hold back the tears or were so sad to see them go. I never really got it. I didn't really understand why they were crying. Until today.

We joined a co-op. a community of home schoolers & you can choose classes that another parent teachers. My kids are both taking Science. Today my first grader went to her class first. Dropping her off was easy. She didn't need to tell me bye. She was too busy settling in for me to get a picture of her. I took the younger two and they played on the playground.

My Kindergartener was different. All last week & all today he kept telling me he was scared. I reminded him that his friend would be there. I told him that I could stay in the class if he needed me to. He said he did. We go to pick up Malayna and it's his turn. He's squeezing my hand, very nervous, he doesn't want to go. We wait for his friend to get there. I take him in the class. Find a seat (they're at a table). I tell him I will wait in the hallway until he doesn't need me (it's a window door) & I told him that we would be at the playground. He knew where that was - not far from class.  He's fine with that. So I stood outside watching him. The teacher handed out the homework to put in their notebook, it looked like he was getting red in the face almost about to cry, because he couldn't open his 3 ring binder. It overwhelmed me... I realize this is the feeling!!! The feeling of "I can't protect my kid from fear & frustration." I wanted to walk into the class & help him open his book. I didn't. He gets it open. He listens to the teacher talk. He glances out the door, sees me, smiles & waves. I smile & wave back and walk away while he's watching. I wanted to turn back to see if he was ok with that .... I didn't. After I picked him up he said "that was fun!!!" YAY!!! Success :) although he did say he was bored a little. That's a different story :)

Family Biking

So today is our first day of our family staycation. The first half of the week will be spent with the kids, the second half of the week will be without the kids and it will be our 11th Anniversary! :)

I envisioned this wonderful biking time as me & Joel would hold hands walking as the kids biked ahead of us. It was the exact opposite. But it kept me laughing and that's what matters.

starting out on the 1/4 mile trail

At the beginning

So we were just going to a 1/4 mile, nice little paved trail, where I go running most Saturdays. Joel had fixed Malayna's training wheels before we left, even carried a wrench in his pocket. 

A little bit into the ride he decided all 3 of the kids' seats needed to be raised. Good thing he had the wrench. 

Malayna didn't quite get the hang of balancing so Joel had to help her by riding along side. 

Mayci was rather funny, she couldn't reach the pedals so she was doing the Fred Flinstone way. She didn't have the steering down so she was going off into the grass. I told her "watch where you're going" she turned around and kept 'pedaling', I guess to see where she had been??? :)

Jayden said "when I get home I'm taking a bath because I am SO sweaty!" he was pretty good at pedaling. His training wheels were better.

So it was a lot of Joel helping Malayna, me helping Mayci. We did stop to smell the 'roses' a little. We saw a tree frog, tiny, that was camoflauged with the dirt. Mayci found a couple of leaves & tried to throw them into the river, while she was on her bike, on the trail. They didn't quite make it to the water.

Then the unthinkable happened.... one of Malayna's training wheels fell off completely! She was devastated! How could she ride her bike without the training wheels! whining....whining....whining.... by that time Mayci was done biking. She carried the water bottle, I carried her bike, helmet & Malayna's training wheels.

She was happy. She was galloping, singing "I'm carrying the water bottle" (not that clear). Jayden wanted a drink so she happily took it to him. Said cheese for the picture. She was doing great.

Then Malayna wanted a drink, she didn't ask for it, she just took it out of her hands. Mayci was not happy. She was pouting as she walked. Then she came to me "hold me Mommy" my hands were still full with everything, plus the water bottle because she was done with that.

So Joel carried Mayci, Malayna walked her bike, because Joel couldn't help her. Malayna was whining the whole time. Complaining how hot she was. Then Joel put Mayci down to help Malayna, we were almost there. Mayci plopped herself on the ground and was not budging, "Mommy, hold me. Mommy, hold me" So I did what any Mom would do, make it happen. So with the parking lot in sight, I carried everything I was already holding - her bike, helmet, Malayna's training wheels, water bottle & my iPhone. I carried her as she pouted the rest of the way. I couldn't let that moment slip by without a picture :)

So although we left with sweat dripping down us, whining kids, sore backs, it was a good little family trip!!! :) Will we do it again? probably not until..... the fall maybe :)