√ #4 on my invisible bucket list!

#1 - open water swim in a triathlon (conquered 06/20/10)
#2 - scuba diving with my son (06/26/12)
#3 - swimming with a shark (06/28/12)
#4 - HALF MARATHON (conquered 10/26/13)

Let me preface this with - I don't actually have a bucket list.  But sometimes things happen in my life that I think, "If-I-had-a-bucket-list-this-would-be-on-it!"  Today was one of those days.  I ran a half marathon, please read ran/walked! I started strong, running more than walking but then I got stuck in what seemed like the biggest curve toward the half-way point that did not appear to be ending, EVER!  It finally turned and I had reached the half-way point, turned around and realized that all those hills I had hauled butt down I now had to run up!  I ran, I walked, I ran, I walked, I made some friends.... At mile 8-9 they blend together, I hit "the wall" the only thing that got me through was knowing that B&K were at mile 11 waiting for me.  So I ran, I walked, I ran and ran some more.  I came up with witty comments that would make my kids laugh when I ran past them but then I could only say, "EVERYTHING hurts!  Everything!" when I got to them.  Witty comment #1 - dang how long is this 5K?!

Half Marathon = everything hurts!  I finally rounded the corner, I could see the finish line, I heard my friend Joy yell my name and then BAM - both of my calf muscles clenched up and instead of smiling sweet and yelling in victory I winced in pain and yelled, "mymusclesjustclenchedupohmygoodness!"  It sounded just like that all drawn together and no breathing because the finish line was right there and I wasn't stopping!

As I crossed the line all I could see was the banana in someones hand and I wanted one, 5 minutes ago!!!  So I went on a search for a banana!

That's my story!  I'm sticking with it - I completed a Half Marathon to raise money and sponsor kids that need to be adopted and I am proud of myself! 

Butt First (ha ha ha)

The story behind the video!  B got a new camera - a go pro.  Underwater, sports, action camera!  Mucho fun!  This video was one of the first he took at the pool in our hotel in Springfield - when we sat down to watch it his response to this video was the best.  "Well, that wasn't quite how I expected that to come out!"  Hilarious!!!

Running...

I'm continuing to attend boot camp on a regular basis however in addition I have now added a half marathon training program.  I am excited to say that I have consistently pushed past what I thought I could do.  I've never been a runner (my high school classmates could attest to this).  I like to share that I was the one that always got in trouble during running because I wanted to walk and TALK!  Running was for when someone or something was chasing you!
Today I went to boot camp and we had our fitness test - the dreaded timed mile.  I have had good miles, bad miles and other miles that fit somewhere in between.  I knew today was a timed mile because I inadvertently saw it on facebook... dread!  I knew that pretty much everybody including my husband who has been coming to boot camp a lot more regularly lately) was going to kick my butt.  I try to remind myself that I'm just trying to beat myself but I've reached that time that I don't think that physics is on my side!
The run began and I was moving!  I took off too fast and could feel myself getting winded, I worked on maintaining speed and calming my body.  It worked and when I got to the end I gave the last little bit all I had left when suddenly someone was passing me on the right, just at the very end - Jason!  Flying past me to earn a 9min, 41sec and I came in right behind him at 9min, 46 sec!  The good news is that my last run was 9min, 57 sec!  11 seconds faster.  Three things: 1.) Proud of my husband, 2.) Proud of myself, 3.) Unkind murderous feelings for that goober that went flying past me in the last seconds!  ha ha!
Finally - today was a run day for my half marathon training. I was supposed to run/walk for 40 minutes and I hit right at 3.4 miles - SO... after my "fast" mile I was thrilled that I could even breath to do another 3+ miles!

By the way the half marathon that I have signed up for is:



 

 I am praying that next week I can meet some of the children at For His Children that will benefit from this marathon.  I plan to put a picture of one these lovely children on my back and run for them. 

A - 5 Things

A - Day 4 of Challenge

5 Things
A #1 - She will always be the boss of BKZ and they know it even though she isn't aware yet.
A #2 - She joyfully helps fold towels.
A #3 - Her giggle makes everyone giggle.
A #4 - Reader!  She loves to read!
A #5 - She loves God and she will tell you so without any hesitation.

May 2007

April 2013

Z - 5 Things

Day 3 of Bible Study Challenge

5 Thing
Z #1 - My Z-man is always full of energy.
Z #2 - He is sensitive and loves to give hugs and kisses.
Z #3 - He laughs all the time, sometimes at things I would rather he didn't laugh at, but we all love to hear his laughter.
Z #4 - Early bird - I never have to wake him up!
Z #5 -  My computer geek, Jason, has a mini me, his name is Z!  I love how similar they are in their passion for all things computer.

May 2005

April 2013

K - 5 Things

Challenge Day #2 (if you don't know the challenge review the previous post)

5 Things
K #1 - She shines from the inside out, her love of all people radiates!
K #2 - She's brilliant, but would never brag or show off.
K #3 - She's taller than me and this makes her smile and stand up even taller!  Be proud, oh tall one!
K #4 - She watches cheesy movies and TV with me and not only does she not complain she appears to enjoy our cheesy movie/TV time.
K #5 - Watching her love her younger siblings is a true and unbelievable treat.  She loves them with her whole heart and they are lucky to have her watching over them. 

January 2000

April 2013

B - 5 things

I'm in the middle of a Bible Study - No More Mommy Meltdowns - K picked it out for me, hmm wonder what she was trying to tell me.  Two things that I've been assigned to do, Read Proverbs1-31 in the next 31 days AND sit down and write 5 things about each of my kids that I love... so for the next 4 days I will share with you (my faithful blog audience) my favorite things about BKZA, my fearsome foursome whom I love!

B #1 - I had the pleasure of scuba diving with B and it will always be one of my best memories. 
B #2 - He's got a great sense of humor and when he smiles, it is so incredible!
B #3 - He enjoys sports and I love to watch him play. 
B #4 - He still gives me a hug when I ask for one (I'm careful to ask only when he doesn't have friends around)
B #5 - He has a great appetite and is not squeamish about trying new foods.

 

 

January 1998

March 2013

Father's Day 2013

I have been blessed beyond measure by the men in my life!  I had the most incredible grandfather anyone could ask for - he was stern but loving and guided me through 30+ years of life.  How wonderfully blessed I was to have him teaching me for so long. 

When I was 9 years old my mother married my Daddy (Al) - he loved me unconditionally, provided me with hugs that were second to none and made me laugh often. 

My Dad is generous, kind (don't tell him I said so) and although ornery I know that he loves me.  I am truly blessed by him in my life as are his grandchildren. 

G'pa Harold in action with the grandkids!

Finally, I was blessed to marry a man that adores his children and makes parenting so much more fun and entertaining than it should be.  We laugh at most of the same things, sometimes I shake my head at what he laughs at but in the end I know that we are a team and I can tell him anything and everything (sometimes I think he'd prefer that I didn't feel that comfort).

In addition, Jason brought with him another wonderful father to my life, my fil (John) - he also has brought a lot of laughter into my life and brings a twinkle and a smile to my children's face just by being in the same room. 

Cartwheel :)

Summer Swim League -- Z made it!

This was Z's first year on the Summer Swim League.  After B&K went through it I always said that Z&A would follow suit, it is great exercise and it relieves my mommy mind when my kids are at the pool.  I know that they are stronger swimmers because of all of the practice they get.  It has taken us a little longer to get Z into it, he's never been a huge fan of putting his face in the water (even during a bath).  Today was his VERY first swim meet - it was the last one before the championship meet but it was in our subdivision and I think that made him feel a little better.  He had a great time and did a great job - so you know what that means?!  He got to pick what we had for lunch and that rockin' kid chose Subway!  Love him tons!!
Check out the pictorial proof.  Sadly I am not able to upload the video - I'm not giving up but it is not on this post.  Will continue to try - or check out FB.  

 

Documenting the Cat

Hobbes the cat has been in our family since we became a family.  He moved in to our home in July of 1994, 5 months after Jason made the greatest decision of his life (marrying me).  You can do the math I'm sure, but to expedite the process this cat is 19 years old!  I've noticed that lately he spends huge amounts of time in front of my pillows on the bed.  Normally not an issue if you don't have a problem with cat litter sprinkled on your sheets and an occasional sheet changing hairball issue.  However, today I felt challenged to document how much time he spends in this position. 

10am

11am (B bravely removed the pest from his perch)

11am (returning to perch)

12pm

5pm

9pm 

As you can see we missed a space of time there.  In order for this research to earn the Nobel Peace Prize I will need to spend more time following my subject.  Until then... isn't he a cutie?!

Epiphany

Three weeks ago I was talking to my favorite 15 year old and I had this epiphany.  I have worried, stressed, bounced up and down, and generally been consumed with my weight since I was the age of my eldest.  This was frightening and frustrating in the same moment.  I don't want to live with this hanging over me anymore.  I have had several really great moments in my life where I looked at myself and thought, yes I'm on my way but I've never felt like I really GOT there.  I'm ready to be there. 

This picture is from 2008 - one of the times when I felt like I was on my way.  

I am well on my way - eating better (still making mistakes here and there) but so much better AND I've been consistently going to boot camp at VRT Fitness.  In the last 13 days that they have been open I have been there 14 times.  I am so happy with the choices and decisions that I've been making and I'm ready to keep making them so that I can keep up with my family for  a very LONG time. 
Encouragement and positive peer pressure is greatly appreciated & accepted!  Thanks friends!

4 kids and a blog

I was looking back at my blog and realized how much it has changed, how much I have changed (some ways good, some ways not so good). 
I started this blog when A was born and I was a stay at home mom.  I had time on my hands, I had a clean house (although it was a constant job with Z&A home and underfoot).  I walked to school every day to pick up my kids, I wasn't worried about students knowing where I lived. 
Now I'm working and a lot of my blog posts include my personal favorite past time - sorting through grandma and grandpa's belongings.  I don't have a clean house, exercise is hard to find time for, I'm always running out of time and my blog does not have montages anymore, my picture taking has definitely become lax. 
Today I am walking down memory lane - hoping to find where I belong right now.  I feel a little lost at the moment.  I know I still want happy kids, to be healthy and have a clean house.  Somehow everything else has begun to interfere with those things.  I am going to post some pictures, so you know that we are all still here and the kids are growing and learning and then I'm going to go clean my bathroom, check the weather and possibly go for a walk.  

 B bowling with the youth at church

 Learning to ride a bike

 Reading her new Kindle

 Cute with our new curlers

A fun new "toy"