Blessed with Full Hands

7 Quick Takes

2012-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

1. Our dog has gotten into the bad habit of circling the table once the boys are done with their meals. And, she has been caught, putting her front feet on the table and grabbing food off! Today, my oldest left the lunch table before he was done and came back and his plate was empty . . . Rosie struck again.

2. Last night was the first meeting of a Women's Book Club at my house. We are reading One Thousand Gifts. I had read it before, but it is one of those books I could read again and again. We had a great time and I loved hearing other's insights on the book . . so much fun.

3. I am running a 1/2 marathon this Sunday. Although I know I can transverse the distance, I am mentally NOT into this race at all and am really wondering why I signed up for it in the first place.

4. The Shamrock Marathon is in 49 days and I feel so unprepared. I had hoped to go into my second marathon with more miles and more speed under my belt, but I do not think it is going to happen. I have read Born to Run, but I doubt this girl was born to run marathons. I feel like there is a fine line, for me, between running healthy, and getting injured. And I have to keep everything in balance to run injury free. I have said this before, and I really mean it, my 26.2 shoes are done after March 18th. Of course, that may change once I cross the finish line . . .

5. Homeschooling- We are in a good groove with it right now. It consumes most of my time, but that is OK. The boys are happy and doing well, so I, too, am happy.

6. My 8 yr old has the sweetest heart!
I think everyone in my house knows that I would love a fireplace. I like the warmth, look and feel of a fireplace. Well, on one of our errands to Lowe's, I stopped to look at the gas and electric fireplaces that they had. J began to ask me lots of questions about them. He pressed me to pick my favorite. While walking through the rest of the store, he asked if Lowes had a web site. Later, at home he asked, "Is Lowe's website www dot Lowes dot com?"

Now, I did not think any of these questions were strange. He even asked me where I would put the fireplace if we got one. I told him that that was the problem, we have NO room for something like that. Well, later, after dinner, J looked at me and said "Mom, if we had enough room, I was going to buy you a fireplace with my money in the bank."

I teared up. The boy is so sweet. Later, my hubby even said that J asked him to wake him up once I went to bed, so that he could show my hubby, on the computer, what he wanted to buy me. I love that boy!

7. I have absolutely nothing else!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Created for Care Fundraiser

2012-01-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share that Created for Care, a group that runs retreats for adoptive moms and is passionate about helping children throughout the world, is selling many items to defray costs for their retreats. Here is a link to their store and here are some of teh items they are selling:

On Waiting

2012-01-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to a book party for a priest friend who had his second book Living the Beatitudes:A Journey to Life in Christ published last fall. The party was hosted by another Catholic author. And, after the cake was cut and people were sitting quietly, the host of the party began to speak. He began to talk about how great this book is and how insightful so much of it is. Then he began to share quotes from it. And I felt as if he chose two of them for me:

"Waiting is the training ground of trust."

"Beauty is the crescendo of waiting"

Now, although we have this book and my husband has read it, I have not (sorry, Fr. B). But that night, I sat with the book while my hubby and I sat down to attempt to watch a movie and I scoured the book for the above quotes. Too shy to ask the host for the pages for these quotes, I skimmed page by page until I found them. And after I found the first quote, I was confronted with line after line about waiting. I read on.

You see, I am not very good at waiting. I could blame our culture and its "gotta have it now" mentality, but I know I know better than that. This is just a personal flaw of mine. When I know God has me or my family on a path, I want to be at the end right away. I do not want to wait for whatever it is to happen. I want it to happen as quickly as possible. The perfect example: the adoption process. Once we realized that it was time to start the process, I was ready and too eager to get the process started, get the home study done, and bring home our next child. Tomorrow would be nice. But, the adoption process does not work that way. God does not work that way.

For some reason I felt it coming during Advent. I felt like it was a slowing down of all the processes that were going on, the things I wanted to have happen NOW. But after hearing the words of Fr. J. Brian Bransfield, it hit me . . . It is a waiting.

"The one who truly hopes is not concerned about time."

"Waiting is growth's second name"

"Beauty is the crescendo of waiting. Because it looks forward, waiting already begins to illumine trust. Love matures in waiting's pause as a substantial bond is forged that opens ways into God of which we never dreamed. As we wait for God, something is revealed about him that can never be revealed in any of our achievements."

Waiting

As I prayed more about waiting, I began to reflect on Simeon. A great example of waiting with hope. He, a holy man, filled with the Holy Spirit, was told, by that Spirit, that he would not see death until he saw the salvation of Israel.

He would see the long awaited Messiah.

I reread the scriptures.

I wonder, how long did he know that he would look upon Jesus before he actually did see Jesus? A few months? A couple years? 20 years? Years of waiting. Years of expectation to see God. Waiting in hope. Waiting on the promise.

But, what strikes me the most about Simeon is when he actually got to see Jesus. Luke says he held Jesus.

Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled;
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people;
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Isreal. Luke 2:28-32

Beautiful. Amazing. I wonder how I would feel just to be in the presence of the baby Jesus.

But then the human side steps in . . . Wait a minute. Simeon was waiting for the Salvation of the people of Israel. In simple terms, that is BIG. But, he did not see Jesus perform miracles. He did not hear Jesus preach. He did not witness Jesus die on the cross and conquer death on the third day.

He saw Jesus. A small baby. Dependent upon Mary and Joseph. Yet, filled with the Holy Spirit Simeon SAW the Messiah in the tiny baby he held in his arms.

And, I wonder if I would have seen HIM in that tiny baby if I were there that day.

And I wonder about the others in the temple at that moment. I picture it as being busy. I am sure others heard Simeon's words. What did they think? They, too, were hoping the Messiah would come. But, I bet like me, so many missed the Babe because they were looking for something greater. Looking, watching for God to MOVE. Looking for God in the earthquake and the storm. Instead, God came in the whisper. He came as a little baby.

How often do I miss God in the small things because I am looking for Him in the big?

Simeon saw simply because he was called to wait. His waiting opened his eyes to see God all around him. So that when God-became man, he was attuned to the Spirt and saw.

" . . . waiting can become a prayer, a secret door that was always there right in front of us, in an obvious place but overlooked for so long, that leads to God."

This is why God is calling me to wait right now. Wait on Him to move, yes. But more importantly, so I can wait on Him and allow my eyes to be opened to Him more fully, everyday, in the obvious. Encounter Him in the overlooked beauty of my daily life.

Thank you Fr. Brian, for your beautiful words and for allowing God to speak through you, to me and to so many others.

All unmarked quotations are from Living the Beatitudes:A Journey to Life In Christ by J. Brian Bransfield.

Wordless Wednesday: My Epiphany present

2012-01-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

So happy to have a treadmill at the house now!

One Thousand Gifts

2012-01-08T04:54:00.000-08:00

440. playing times attack with my boy
441. the knocking sound of a large woodpecker
442. creating more practical space
443.school books ever present

444.fife and drum lessons
445. finding the perfect fife instructor for J
446. kind emails
447. light streaming on the kitchen table and fun with shadows
448. slowing down
449. sun shining
450. beautiful weather
451. the "chiks" of Team Tough Chik
452. little boy play
453. a January day that is too nice to be inside

454. guns and sneakers on a dirty floor
455. little hands holding crosses

456. muddy hands
457. the hospitality of a stranger
458. the beauty of unpacking Scripture

7 Quick Takes

2012-01-06T04:53:00.000-08:00

1. This week has been a rough school week. Both the boys and I have had a hard time getting back on track after having a week off. I am so glad to be back to our normal routine and will be happy when we have settled back in.

2. Gluten Free Experiment - I am almost done with my first week of going gluten free. I thought I would crave bread this week, but I have not and it has been much easier than I thought. I have also had virtually no sugar this week either. Instead I have had yummy foods full of nutrients, color and flavor . . . all the natural kind. I think avocados are becoming my guilty pleasure . . .

3. I have wanted to change how we eat, as a family for a while. For the most part, we eat healthy foods, but we need to really make some more changes. We are on our last two boxes of cereal and then no more cereal for the boys. This week, I made other things for breakfast and then they were allowed to have cereal as a snack. I started prepping them that that will not be have cereal anymore. So far they seem OK with the idea.

4. I seem to get random injuries. I do not like to post about them all the time because I am afraid people will get tired of hearing about it. Or, I will be told I should just give up running. Well, about 3 weeks ago I partially tore an abdominal muscle. I did not do this running!! (Stay away from core machines at the gym!!). Anyways, I was told no running, no exercise for two weeks. It was horrible. I started back to exercising a little last week and then actually ran this week. I feel sluggish, but am doing any extra cardio I can to build up my endurance again.

5. Twitter. Do any of you tweet? I have a twitter account and follow lots of people. Lots of people even follow me. But I never tweet! So, if you do tweet, please tell me, do you like it?

6. Adoption. No new news yet. Have 4 families to speak to over the next couple of weeks before making a decision one way or the other. We are still leaning toward the waiting child list in China with a specific agency, but another possibility has presented itself that we are looking into.

7. Having fun with Blogger. I have actually learned how to add tabs and pages to my blog!! I feel like I am getting just a bit tech savvy.

Have a great weekend everyone!

I'm a Tough Chik!

2012-01-05T07:54:00.000-08:00

I have gotten emails about it . . . seen other bloggers mentioned that they are a part of the team . . . checked it out myself and finally, last week, I decided to join this amazing team:

I am now a member of Team Tough Chik!

And I am excited! I get to meet, encourage and hang out with some amazing runners and I get to help promote a great company with a great purpose in supporting women.

Keep on Counting . . .

2012-01-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

Getting back to One Thousand Gifts . . .

This list is short and sweet as it is starting over, but counting on . . .

430. "one man's trash . . . ": getting a needed item for our kitchen face lift to work
431. my gym membership
432. getting to run again
434. brothers who love each other so much
435. a fun New Year's Eve celebration
436. a great start to 2012
437. prayer with relatives
438. prayer with my hubby
439. following God's leading and learning to wait

2012 Goals

2011-12-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to formulate these for a few weeks now. And my goals for the new year span many different areas. So here we go:

1. Daily prayer time in the morning.
Last year, at a Holy Hour, the priest mentioned 7 Daily Habits for a better spiritual life (from St Jose Maria Escriva) :
1. Morning Offering
2. Spiritual Reading/ Scripture Reading 15 minutes a day (12 min spiritual reading/ 3 min Scripture reading)
3. Holy Mass
4. Recitation of Angelus or Regina Coeli (Easter)
5. Rosary
6. 15 min mental prayer
7. Examination of Conscience at end of day

So, my plan is to, by the end of the year, do all 7 of these each day, with the exception of daily mass. The boys and I will go to daily mass once a week. As much as I would like to go everyday, it is an interruption to our school schedule and I have found that the more structured we can be with our school time, the better and faster it goes.

2. Rejoice in the Now
This comes from a lot of reflection through Advent. I touched on it in this post, but never really gave any details. Anyways, this is what I feel God is really telling me to focus on right now. Rejoicing in the NOW. Rejoicing in my husband, in my boys, in my house, in homeschooling, etc NOW. The most practical way I can do this is to start up my Gratitude journal again. I may just read One Thousand Gifts again.

3. Read all the books on my "To Read List".
Buy NO MORE BOOKS until all those books are read!

4. Homeschooling -
I think that we have improved so much in this area since the beginning of 2011. So, I am going to continue the trends and Goals we set for 2011 and add:
1.Become a bit better organized. I want to plan better on my part.
2. Have fun with it and make learning fun! Follow more of the leadings of the boys. More field trips.

5. The house-
There are a million projects I would love to get done in the house, but a few are a "musts";
1. Finish the kitchen- our mini-remodel has been in process for months! By the end of February, it will be done. Painted cabinets, new counter top, painted walls and a new floor!
2. Paint our bedroom- the pink needs to go!
3. Put new flooring in the spare bedroom upstairs

6. Running-
Run my second marathon and then I think I may hang up my 26.2 shoes! I am finding that marathoning may not be for me. I stress when little set backs hit my training plan. I need to see a chiropractor each week during training. And my foam roller becomes my best friend. Plus, just the amount of miles I need to log takes time away from family that I do not like.

I think I prefer the half marathon so much more. Once at that distance, I have found it easy to maintain half marathon fitness. Plus, the distance is great .. . the races are done fairly quickly and I can actually plan a full day for the rest of the day because I am not wiped out!

My half marathon goal for the year: a sub-2 hr!

So, here is the plan of races for the year:
1. High Cloud Snapple Half Marathon (1/29) - registered
2. Shamrock Marathon (3/18)- registered
3. Columbia Iron Girl Half Marathon (4/29)-planned
4. Frederick Half Marathon (5/6)- planned
6. Marine Corps 10K (10/?) - probably
7. Annapolis Half (11/?)- probably
8. some fun jingle bell jog
** Notice No late spring/summer races . . . . I am not a summer runner!!

Like last year, I want to run another race with J. All of these races are close and no travel is needed except for the Shamrock Marathon. I am doing this because we really need to tighten our budget up for . . .

7. Adoption
If you are a friend IRL and have seen my Facebook status, you know that we have put in an application to an Adoption agency. Well, after the orientation call, we have decided to go with another agency. It has nothing to to do with the agency itself, it has more to do with who will do the homestudy. So, we have not contracted with an agency yet. But, will probably do so soon. Our plan is to adopt a Waiting Child from China. Maybe I will write a post about why we feel led in that direction, but for now, unless God leads us in another direction, we will most likely be traveling to China in 12-18months! But for now, my goal for this is simple. Just to continue to have the whole process covered in prayer and led by God. Oh, and to have the whole adoption financed without too much stress!

8. Get up early and work out first thing in the morning
I was good at this for most of 2011, but by November, I became a night time gym rat . . . and it is so hard to break that cycle. So, my goal is to be at the gym by 5:30 AM each morning.

9. Eating
I am writing this one last in hopes that most people will have stopped reading by now, so I will not have to be accountable to it but, I am going gluten free for at least January! I have been wanting to try it for months and am now ready to take the plunge . . . so for the next couple days, I may go on a bread binge . . . I LOVE warm bread with butter . . YUM!

I think that is it!! I pray that you all enjoy the rest of 2011. May you be abundantly blessed in 2012!

How did I do this year??

2011-12-28T04:33:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of this year I wrote this post about my goals for the year. Since we are coming to the end of 2011 and 2012 will be quickly upon us, I want to review how I did this year with my goals:

1. Pray more. Pray the divine office every morning. There is something about the rhythm of the Divine office that I need and crave right now.
~ We got a subscription to Magnificat which helped tons with this. I started most days with the Magnificat and daily mass readings.

2. Make a Holy Hour once a week.
~ I started well with this one, but did not do a good job with it once summer hit!

3. Regular date nights with my hubby.
Could have done better with this one too. I knew when I started to really want a date night, that meant it had been too long since our last one. But, we do got out a good amount together!

4. Read all the books on my “To Read” book list.
Did not do too well with this one. I read a lot this year, but the problem was was that my "To Read" list grew faster than I could read the books!

5. Continue to strive toward my “ideal day.” This one is much more abstract but encompasses many other things to make it happen. My ideal day means:

                    a. Getting up early and exercising first thing in the morning (5:30 AM at the latest)- Did well with this until I hit Oct/Nov/Dec. Got into the habit of running or going to the gym at night.

                    b. Come home, get ready for the day and eat and pray BEFORE the boys wake up. -For the most part, I did well with this one!

                    c. Start school by 9 AM at the latest.- Check!

                    d. Do not even turn the computer on until after school is done for the morning.- Did it! And boy, did it make the mornings go so much faster when I did not have the computer to distract me!

                    e. Have reading time with all the boys.- Did this most days!

                   f. Have special time with A (since he seems to get lost in the shuffle while we are doing school). - Did fairly well with this one too! I realized that he NEEDS special time to help him be on his best behavior everyday.

                  g. PLAY with the boys. Play a game. Play tickle tag. Football. Whatever. We just need to
                     have fun and laugh. - Check!

And although I call this my ideal day, it is not a perfect day and therefore totally attainable each and every day. The key is consistency in the morning. If I can start my morning off right, most things fall into place the rest of the day.

6. Attain my goal weight. - No Comment!

7. Be less anxious. I stress way too much. And, really, if I do #1, 2 and 3, I will be a lot less stressed!

I think I did better on this one . . . . what do you think, hubby???

8. Plan dinners once a week for the whole week. Pick clean meal options. Plan every meal for the day for myself the night before. -
Most weeks I did really well with this and am happy with my progress.

9. Invite more people over.
Still not great at this, but I really did much better with this that in previous years.

10. Running Goals.
a. Run my first Marathon on March 26, 2011 - Did not happen due to the death of my Grandfather. But got to run my first marathon in April instead!!

b. Run at least one 5K with J this year. I LOVED running with him and he is asking to do another race, so I am sure we will run together again soon! - Did it and loved it!!

c. Run the following races (This is a wish list of races . . . we will see how many I will actually run, but I at least want to be in shape to be able to run any of these):

           i. ~~Cloud Snapple ½ marathon (1/29)~~
           ii. ~~SunTrust National Marathon (3/26) -~~ Ran the Garden Spot Village Marathon instead (4/9)
          iii. ~~GW Parkway 10 miler (4/10)~~
          iv. ~~Marine Corps Historic ½ Marathon (5/15)~~ or the Williamsburg ½ marathon (5/22) - Did it!!
         v. Zooma Annapolis 10K (6/5)- Did it!
         vi. ~~Baltimore 10 miler (6/18)~~
        vii. ~~Marine Corps Marathon (10/31)~~ . . . . changed to the 10K and then could not even run it         due to hot water heater problems . . . could not leave kids alone with babysitter!
        viii. ~~Cold Turkey 10K (11/20)~~

OK, crossing out all of the races I did NOT run looks pathetic, but this is what I did accomplish in running this year:

1. Ran my first marathon

2. Ran 2 half marathons

3. New 5K PR

4. New 10 K PR

5. New half marathon PR

Overall, I am happy with how I did in 2011! Now it is time to make 2012 even better!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours! May you have a blessed Christmas Season!

All I want for Christmas . . .

2011-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

is my two front teeth! My oldest can sing this one this year!!

Rejoice

2011-12-22T18:40:00.000-08:00

Rejoice

A word that has surrounded me this Advent. In a conversation. In mass readings.

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul,
Isiah 61:10

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
Luke 1:46

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice always.
1 Thes 5:16

I will stand at my watch
   and station myself on the ramparts;
I will look to see what he will say to me,
   and what answer I am to give to this complaint.

I heard and my heart pounded,
   my lips quivered at the sound;
decay crept into my bones,
   and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
   to come on the nation invading us.
Though the fig tree does not bud
   and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
   and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
   and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
   I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 2:1, 3:16-19

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!
See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.
Zec. 2:14

Rejoice in the NOW. Rejoice in the trials, gifts, laughter and tears of the moment. For all is a blessing from God.

This is the better

2011-12-20T04:39:00.000-08:00

I think God is trying to drive home a lesson to me this Christmas season.

Like so many others, we live in a home. We purchased this house several years ago. My dream home? Far from it. Although it is big enough for us, it often feels small and cramped. There is strange stucco on the walls in the hall way. Paneling in too many rooms to admit to. A powder pink bathroom with wall paper. Metal kitchen cabinets with fake wood paneling. And a kitchen floor that is peeling up everywhere. I am well acquainted with my home's flaws.

I have dreamt about moving to a bigger, nicer house. I have dreamt about totally remodeling this one. But, seven years later, we are still in this house. And the only remodeling we have done is to add more dents to the kitchen floor, stains to the carpet, and holes and dings to the walls.

Maybe I am having "The Seven Year Itch" with my house. But, this year, more than others, I longed for a remodel. I longed for a new home. And the more I longed, the more the "I cannot have anyone over" feeling grew. It has always been there. This strange embarrassment over our home not being perfect. But, this year it was intensified. And I thought of the perfect solution: A new home. I had found it. A big, beautiful house in the same town. I envisioned homeschooling in the kitchen near the fire place. Designing classes and having other kids over to teach them too. Play dates in the large backyard. It was perfect really. Oh, you know, except for the fact, that purchasing a new home is not only not realistic, but would not be the best financial decision ever. Plus, the house went under contract a month after it popped up on the market.

It was the day that I found out that "my dream home" went under contract. I told my husband and he said, "God just has something better."

I was tired of hearing it. I had heard it when the possible adoption of the twins fell through. When I could not run the National Marathon. When it finally struck me that we probably would not have any more biological children. I was done hearing it. What could God have that is better? The options were running out.

Then, my wise husband said, "Maybe where we live is the better."

That struck me. But, I did not want to hear it. How could this smaller, oh so outdated home be the better?

On the way home from Buffalo at Thanksgiving, we stopped by the Abbey of the Genesee to pick up some Monk's Bread. They have a bookstore too and I was drawn to this one book: Radical Hospitality:Benedict's Way of Love. I bought it. I have yet to start reading, knowing it will challenge me exactly how I need to be challenged. Then today, I read this blog post titled: Your House is Only As Big as Your Hospitality.

I may not always be good at following the prompting of the Spirit, but I heard Him loud and clear today.

Yes, maybe this is the better.

Maybe it is living in this house that will teach me more about what true hospitality is, what true friendship is. Maybe it will be living in this home that will teach me more about God's goodness. God's faithfulness. That God's blessings are less about things of this world and more about the world to come.

Tis the season of giving

2011-12-14T04:58:00.000-08:00

'Come, you who are blessed by my Father.
Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
a stranger and you welcomed me,
naked and you clothed me,
ill and you cared for me,
in prison and you visited me.'
Then the righteous will answer him and say,
'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you,
or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and welcome you,
or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?'
And the king will say to them in reply,
'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did
for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:34-41

Every year our parish has an "Angel tree" where parishioners choose an "Angel" from it. On the angel is a boy or girls name, his/her age and his/her Christmas list. These children are from another parish in DC and come from a family who cannot provide gifts for their children. We had participated in this for several years, but stopped. One year, it just became unsettling. We live on a tight budget. Our own kids do not get extravagant gifts. But, a few years ago, as I poured over the "Angels" on the tree and read the list of gifts the children wanted, I was frustrated: ipod, Wii, Nintendo, brand new bike, Converse sneakers . . . you get the idea. These were expensive gifts that were well beyond what we would even spend on our own children. And here are "needy" children who were not just asking for a gift, but asking for, what I considered a frivolous gift. So we stopped choosing an Angel. We decided to donate our money in other ways.

And this year, I found it ironic that the above scripture from Matthew was the Gospel reading the day our parish announced that the "Angel trees" were up and to "please choose a child." It was as if God was pointing me in a different direction. We live in a very privileged society, but there are families in our own nation and around the world that are truly in need. They ~~want~~ need something more important than an ipod for Christmas. There are families that need food. Children that need clothing. Parents who cannot afford to send their children to school. There is a genuine need out there and, this year, I felt convicted to put our resources toward filling that true need.

So, I have complied a list of amazing ways to give. Organizations that use the money to feed families, clothe families, and send children to school. As a bonus, many of these organizations have products that you can actually buy and give as gifts to those on your Christmas list! So check them all out!

1. World Vision, Compassion International and Heifer International
All three of these organizations have Christmas catalogues (linked above) in which you can buy a needy family items such as chickens, ducks, cows, seeds for planting, etc. I love this idea! We have sponsored a child through World Vision for the last several years and just love the organization and all the work they do!

2. Give Jewelry -

This organization sells AMAZING bracelets. And the purchase of just 1 bracelet feeds 1 child for 1 week! These bracelets are beautiful and make great gifts! (A full post coming on Give soon!)

3. 147 Million Orphans -
This organization was started by two moms who wanted to make a difference. They have a whole line of apparel, bags, Ugandan bead jewelry, etc and all of the profits go toward helping orphans around the world. I got this shirt for my birthday and I love it!!

4. Amazima Ministries

A non-profit started by Katie Davis, Author of Kisses from Katie. If you have not read this book or heard Katie's story, you have to!! She is a young woman who decided to go to Uganda for a year after she graduated high school and has never left. She is now in her early 20's, has adopted 13 girls, and has started Amazima Ministries to help get Ugandan children the education, food, and spiritual developments they need. Amazima Ministries sells Ugandan Bead Necklaces to help raise funds.

(Please take what I wrote for just as it is: I am in no way saying that parishes should not do Angel Trees, or individuals should not buy a new bike for a needy child. I am just saying our family has been led in a different direction.)

Running Ramblings

2011-12-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have several posts in the works for this week. If I get time to actually sit down and write, you may see them. But for now, I need to write about running. More for myself than anyone else. So, feel free to skip this post if you want.

Since running the Annapolis Half Marathon about a month ago, I have hit a slight slump and snag in my running. Between travelling for Thanksgiving and trying to rest my IT band, I really did not run much. By the time Thanksgiving was over, my lower back (sacrum) was really bothering me and even a 4 mile run caused my IT band to feel very sore. I am not sure if it was the long hours in the car or the uncomfortable bed at my parent's house, but whatever it was, my sacrum was out of whack. And right before the half marathon, I had a chiropractor tell me that that was what was causing all my IT band issues. The sacrum would be out of alignment, causing the my glute muscles on the right to be pulled excessively, which causes a pulling of the IT band.

By the beginning of last week I knew I needed to get back to my regular chiropractor. I knew my IT band was on the verge of inflammation and I just did not want to take any chances of it getting so bad that I would have excruciating pain at my knee while running like I did during marathon training before.

So far I have been to the chiropractor twice and have started running again. I can totally feel a difference. There is no more "pressure" on the IT band like before and running feels easy again.

This is my first week back on track with marathon training. And I am nervous!! Excited too, but nervous. My plan is to work in speed work this training cycle. I have done speed work and hill repeats more this fall and I have noticed a difference in my strength and endurance. I am also making strength training a regular occurrence again. When I trained for my first marathon, I totally dropped weight training and I feel like that was a huge mistake.

So here I am, 94 days away from marathon #2 and I am happy to feel like I am on the right path again.

7 Quick Takes

2011-12-09T04:55:00.000-08:00

1. I am married to a doctor!

My husband is now a Doctor. (D. Min.) I am so proud of him and this totally deserved a whole post onto itself. He has worked so hard over the past 8 years juggling the doctorate program and work and family life. He was selfless in all of it and always put the family first. We have enjoyed the last few days. We have just sat around and talked at night because we could, he did not need to study anymore! I have been calling him Dr. everyday. Our 5 yr old keeps on asking him when he will start healing people. My husband has tried to explain to him that there are other types of doctors, but it has yet to stick.

2. Sickness
We have been through our rounds of sickness lately. And now it seems to be my turn. I do not feel horrible, but I have a stuffy nose and have been coughing most of the week. I have not run or exercised since Sunday. I feel like a sloth and cannot wait until I can kick this cough out the door so I can exercise.

3. Potty training
A has successfully passed through potty training. Once over the "I will not go #2 on the potty" hurdle, it has been easy. I rarely need to remind him to go. Oh, the simple joys of life!

4. Banned from the Library

Well, not really. But I am probably on their "Watch out for this lady" list. Last week I put about 50 books on hold. I do this every year. I get a bunch of Christmas books from Elizabeth Foss' reading list and we read through them until Christmas. Well, this year, they all seemed to come in at the same time and I checked out about 50 or so books on one day. The librarian looked a little annoyed and made a comment saying something along the lines of "I think you got all the Christmas books we have." And she was not smiling or laughing when she said it. I felt guilty, but then I remembered . . . "Isn't this the purpose of a library? And, aren't librarians hired to help us check out books?"

5. Advent and Feast Days
I am really loving Advent this year. The boys and I start our school day with a Jesse Tree reflection and our St Andrew Christmas Novena. And I love praying Advent prayers at night.

6. Socks or shoes???
Does anyone else out there use SOCKS for St. Nicholas day? Growing up, we would hang my father's dress socks on the fire mantle on the 5th so that St Nicholas could come that night and fill them with chocolate and fruit. Since we do not have a fireplace, the boys just lay socks outside their bedroom door. But we seem to be the ONLY family I know that uses socks and not shoes. Please tell me we are not the only ones . . .

7. 98 days
98 more days until my second marathon, the Shamrock Marathon! Yikes! I need to get running!

Have a great weekend everyone!

A Child's Heart

2011-12-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

If any of you read my blog even somewhat regularly, you may know, or at least guess, that we are pursuing adoption. We have not started the stacks of paperwork yet. No home study. No background checks. Nothing yet. We have been waiting until my husband defends his dissertation (which he does on Monday . . . please say a prayer for him!). But, there is a folder stacked with agency information. Plans made. We are just waiting.

But, several weeks ago a possibility came our way. An order of nuns we know has a mission a world away. And at that mission they have been caring for twins for the past year. Twins that have no mother. They had been praying for the twins to be adopted. And, friends that heard these prayers, thought of us. When I was first told, I was excited. I knew it was a long shot. A real long shot. But I know that we have a God that can move mountains. That if He willed it, those twins would find a home with us.

The whole family was there when I was told of the twins. Even my boys were excited. They prayed each night that we could adopt these two boys who have no home.

But as the days went on, and many emails sent that did not get answered, I felt that it may not happen. And after an email last week from the Provincial of the order in the US, I prepped the boys that it does not look like we will be able to adopt the twins.

And then the final email came last night. Even though the twins have been in an orphanage for a year, they do have a father, and the father does not was them to be adopted. I was a little sad, but, truthfully, my heart had given up hope two weeks ago.

But a child's heart does not give up hope. My oldest son was sitting at the top of the stairs when I told my husband the news. He overheard the conversation. And he started to cry. My husband and I met him on the stairs. My husband held him and J said, "I wanted to adopt the twins." I began to cry. Not because I was sad we could not adopt the twins, but I cried because of J's sadness. And the beauty of his heart. Here is an 8 yr old that wants to be a brother to orphan twins a world away. Two boys that he does not even know. Boys that look different than him. But, that does not matter to him. He wanted to love them as the brothers that they would have become.

A little while later, my husband checked on J when he was back in bed. J told my husband that he changed his mind about his Christmas list. A Christmas list formed at the dinner table just hours before.

"I only want three things this year." He said. "I want the Lego City Police Boat. A Lego tank and a Lego . . ."(well, I do not remember the third thing, but it was another Lego set.)

A typical 8 yr old boy's Christmas List. But it changed.

As he lay in bed, he told my husband.
"I am changing my Christmas list. I only want one thing now. I want to adopt twins."

If only we all had a child's heart.

Maybe more of the world's orphans would know what it is be loved. More of the world's orphan's would find forever familes.

I think I may need to change my Christmas list too . . .

Happy Feast of St. Andrew!

2011-11-30T07:58:00.000-08:00

We love today's Feast. Not only do we have our own little Andrew, but today is the start of the St. Andrew Christmas Novena.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

(It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)

Imprimatur
+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York
New York, February 6, 1897

Last night we all made our chaplets for the Novena. And this morning we had them blessed after mass. We then enjoyed Feast Day donuts and prayed the Novena together!

And if you want a BEAUTIFUL St Andrew Novena Prayer card, go to JOYfilled Family! She made a great one!

Annapolis Half Race Recap

2011-11-22T04:58:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I ran the Inaugural Annapolis Half Marathon. When I first signed up for this race, my plan was to go for a PR and a sub-2 hour half. About three weeks ago, my IT band started to feel sore again, so I scaled back my runs. At the first sign of IT band trouble in a run, I would stop running and would cross train. So, I dropped the idea of a sub- 2 half, and just went for a PR.

The race was supposed to begin a 7AM. I live about 1/2 hr away from the race start and I planned on getting to the race about 45 min ahead of time. Well, I got stuck in traffic. The exit was all backed up and it was stop and crawl to get into the parking lot for the race. It took me an hour and 15 min to get to the race and I got out of my car at 6:58 AM. Luckily, most runners were stuck in the traffic too and they delay the start by 15 min. I am not sure why the traffic was so bad. I have been to this venue for races before and have never had problems getting into the parking lot before.

Since I was late I had to line up at the BACK of the start. This really hurt me in the first mile that ended up being 30 sec slower than my goal pace. Around mile 2 the crowd spread out a bit and I was able to get to a nice pace. The rest of the miles went by pretty quickly. The bridge always slows me down, but I was able to get back up to pace quickly. After crossing the bridge at around mile 6, we headed over to the B&A trail . . . . it was TIGHT!! There was barely room to pass! It was also around this time that I began to notice I was getting comfortable. My breathing had settled in and I felt good . . . too good . . . I knew what that meant . . . I was not running hard enough. I decided to pick up the pace and was feeling really good when I ran over the split mats. The man there was yelling out, "This is your 10 mile spilt." I looked down at my Garmin which read 9.6 miles. I thought it was strange, but thought he must be off. It was around this time too, that I realized I would get my PR. Soon we were headed back over the bridge and then I knew we were only about 2 miles away from the finish.

At about 12.1 miles (according to my Garmin), there was a race volunteer yelling, "You only have .6 miles to go!" I looked down at my Garmin. I was still under 2 hours. At that point I was not sure if my Garmin was off or the race course was off, but I began to BOOK it to the finish. I knew that I would be close to a sub-2 hour half. I crossed the finish line at 2:00.36. My Garmin read 12.71 miles. I was not sure what was going on, but I knew that I did not run fast enough for a sub-2 half, so something must have been off with the course. And, sure enough, there was. Most people wrote on the race's FB page that the course was short and when comparing the map from the Garmins to the map on the race's website, there was a block that we were supposed to run down that, obviously, no one did! (The man who was supposed to mark the course and put out the mile markers, broke his foot that moring, so it was just a mistake that no one could have foreseen!)

I was very pleased with how I ran the half. I was on track to PR even if the course were the full 13.1. Now, I just have an exaggerated PR that I look forward to CRUSHING in my next half marathon. I felt good the whole race and there was not even so much as a twinge out of my IT band!

Overall, the race was great. Beside the parking issue and the short course, I think the race was great for an Inaugural race. It was fun. The after party seemed nice. I did not stay. It was cold and all I wanted to do was get a nice hot cup of coffee! The medal was beautiful! Seriously, the best I have gotten. And, they gave all finisher's a hat (which I was so happy about . . . I needed another running hat). Plus, instead of a t-shirt, the race premium was a jacket, which, was also very nice. And, to top it off, this is my FAVORITE time of year to run (I am contemplating another half before the end of the year). So, as you may guess, I would do this race again next year!

Shutterfly Winners!!

2011-11-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is late, but the three winners are:

Amy @ Raising Angels

Joy @ Joy in the Morning

Maurisa @ Half A Dozen and More Productions

Ladies, check your email, the code with be waiting for you!

Bribery Works!

2011-11-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

For the last several weeks, I have been potty training my 3 1/2 yr old. He has been reluctant to say the least. The first week, he would say, "No underwear, Mommy. I wear diapers." He would even go so far as to get a diaper and put it on himself. But, after a great deal of persistence, he would put on his Thomas the Tank Engine Underwear and go on the potty.

The only problem. He REFUSED to go #2 on the potty. So, for the past two weeks, I have consistently had to clean messy underwear. By the middle of this week, I had had enough. I had to find that "thing" that would be the hook to get him over his fear and just do it.

Then I remembered. A few months ago we got this amazing toy pirate ship at the thrift store. It was way too nice to just give the boys, so we told them that it would be a Christmas present. Well, A has not forgotten about the ship and asks for it, almost everyday. I had the hook!

Last night I told him that if he went #2 on the potty, he would get the pirate ship.

After lunch he was outside with his brothers and all of the sudden they all came running into the house. A had announced he had to go! It was a party atmosphere in the bathroom. Our bathroom is not meant to have three people crowded around the toilet while someone it trying to go, but we crammed in to see if today would be the day . . .

And it was!! I guess finding the right bribe was the key!

You know you drink too much coffee when . . .

2011-11-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

. . . your kids are watching a video about the tropical rain forest. The video talks about the rain forest getting cut down and the crops that grow there. Coffee.

And your oldest child says,

"Mom really doesn't want the rain forest to get cut down."

Healthified Italian Wedding Soup

2011-11-08T04:15:00.000-08:00

Italian Wedding Soup has become a favorite in our family. It is fairly easy to make the whole family enjoys it. It is perfect for cold fall nights. I have adapted this recipe from Allrecipes.com to make it a bit more healthy.

Italian Wedding Soup

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground turkey meat
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
5 3/4 cups chicken broth, low fat, low sodium version
2 cups thinly sliced spinach
2 cups cooked orzo pasta (1 cup uncooked)
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot

Directions

In medium bowl, combine turkey meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls. Bake these in the oven at 350 for about 10 min, or until browned.
In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in spinach, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Add about 15 min before serving.

The Real Reason I Run

2011-11-07T04:51:00.000-08:00

Time alone. A sense of satisfaction. Setting goals and working to obtain them. Having fun. A great time for reflection a prayer.

These are all reasons I like to run. I feel good when I run. But the other week I was reminded of the REAL reason I run. The real reason to run.

Two weeks ago, I finally had my stress test to rule out a heart issue. The stress test was a "vitality test" that not only monitored the heart, but my breathing and oxygen consumption as well.

The good news is that my heart if fine. It showed no arrhythmia. There was no negative change in blood pressure. All was good with my heart.

Actually, all was great with my heart.

And a few days later, I got the full results of the test.

My % body fat is in the "athletic range"

My resting metabolism is higher than even predicted based on my weight and % body fat.

My exercise capacity is 120% of that predicted for my age, which means my body is "younger" than my actual age in years.

So the real reason I run, is to be healthy. To stay healthy for my kids.

So that I can continue run with my boys as they get older.

So that I can see the joy of them fulfilling their own vocations.

So I can hold my grandchildren.

So I can see my grandchildren fulfill their own vocations.

So I can be blessed to be surrounded by my great grand children.

That is the real reason I run.

Orphan Sunday

2011-11-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday is Orphan Sunday. Please pray for all the orphans around the world.

Orphan Sunday 2011 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

Sweet Potato Muffin Recipe

2011-11-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

I had to share this recipe. This recipe is adapted from the Sweet Potato Muffin recipe from Runner's World Magazine. I made these and everyone in the family LOVED them. They really are light and fluffy.

Sweet Potato Muffins
2 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour (preferably pastry flour) -I used pastry flour
3/4 cup organic evaporated cane juice
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
1/4 cup coconut oil (I used safflower oil)
1 cup pureed or mashed cooked sweet potato
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk

Heat oven to 375° F. Grease 12 muffin cups or add paper liners.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, ginger, baking soda, and salt.

In a bowl, whisk butter, oil, sweet potato, egg, and buttermilk. Fold wet mixture into the dry; stir until just combined.

Fill muffin cups three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Enjoy!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

A nice reminder when I am stressing about cleaning the house.

Our trip to Jamestown and Yorktown in pictures

2011-11-01T04:38:00.000-07:00

Fun in the rain at Yorktown Battlefield

This post is a month in the making. In September, we went to Williamsburg for three days during Williamsburg's and Jamestown's homeschool weeks. This time we went to Jamestown Settlement, Yorktown Victory Center, and Yorktown battlefield. Here are some of the pictures of the fun we had:

Colonists of the Jamestown Settlement

A grinding corn . . . doesn't he look happy??

Indian Canoe

Playing an Indian Game

Sleeping, Indian Style

Hollowing out a log to make a canoe

Making needles

Ship sleeping quarters


Running in the rain at the Yorktown battlefield

Top 10 movies I could watch over and over again

2011-10-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

I am not much of a TV watcher, but I love a good movie. My favorites tend to be ones that I can watch over and over again. If I have tons of laundry to fold and want to watch a movie, I can guarantee that one of the movies listed below will be the first to be chosen. Go to the library to pick a movie? If one of the movies on this list is in, it will come home with me.

So here are the top 10 movies I can watch again and again:

1. Pride and Prejudice (BBC Version) Who cannot love Darcy and Elizabeth? And even though I have seen this movie more times that I want to admit, and I obviously know how it ends, I cannot wait to see if Darcy and Elizabeth get together!

2. Persuasion (The newer BBC version). Also a Jane Austen book. And it may actually me my FAVORITE Jane Austen book. Other than the scene near the end where Ann is running through the streets, I love, love, love, this movie.

3. Emma (BBC version). I,love the scenes between Knightly and Emma. Their relationship is so much fun and Knightly has some of the wittiest dialogue.

4. North and South (The BBC movie, not the cheesy John Jakes mini-series) One of my husband's co-workers recommended this. It is based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell. We got it from the library. It is 4 hours long. It took us 3 nights to finish it. Once done, I promptly started it back over and watched it 2 more times! The final scene in the train station is wonderful and well done. So well acted. My heart even flutters! (Do Not watch the video if you want to be surprised!!)

5. Sense and Sensibility (BBC version). Emma Thompson's version is good, but this one is incredible.

6. Return to Me. It is good story. Embodies good values and is fairly clean (with the exception of minor language). It makes me laugh. Every. Time.

7. Ever After. I love a good fairy tale.

8. Music and Lyrics. Hugh Grant plays a "washed up" 80's singer who is asked to write a song for a current chart topping artist. Drew Barrymore won me over in Ever After and she is so funny opposite Hugh Grant. This movie makes me laugh. Hugh Grant's character has some of the best one liners. And the opening song reminds me of Duran Duran and their music and videos that I loved in the 80's!!

9. Miss Congeniality. I am a Sandra Bullock fan. Funny and cute!

10. Sweet Home Alabama.

So, what are some of your favorite movies?

Wordless Wednesday: Jump Shot

2011-10-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

Trying not to jump on the bandwagon and a giveaway

2011-10-24T19:21:00.000-07:00

I do not like thinking about Christmas until Advent. And, I really, really do not like seeing Christmas decorations up already in stores. But thanks to Shutterfly, I AM thinking about Christmas cards already. I wish I could say I have the card chosen and designed, but I do not. No great photos from family vacations from this year to use, like we used on our Christmas card from Shutterfly last year:

But, what I do know is that I will be getting my cards from Shutterfly again this year. For the last several years, we have done photo cards. It is the perfect way to show family and friends that do not get to see us all the time, how the family has grown and how big the kids are getting. Last year was the first year we used Shutterfly and I will tell you that their quality is incomparable! The cards turned out beautifully.

Shutterfly has a great selection of cards to choose from. They have religious Christmas cards such as this beautiful one.

These are some of my favorite Holiday and Christmas cards:

Shutterfly also has AMAZING photobooks. We make one each year as a family year book. Our 2010 photobook was made through Shutterfly. We brought it to my parent's house to show them and it was so nice that they refused to give it back! (Thank you Shutterfly for some great coupon codes so we could make another one!)

Now that I have you all in the Christmas card spirit, three lucky readers will win a coupon code for 25 free photo cards from Shutterfly! This code can be used for Christmas Cards, Birth Announcements, or Greeting Cards.

So to enter, all you need to do is:

Leave a comment telling me what is your favorite part about sending out Christmas cards.

For extra entries:

Blog, tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway. Leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

Giveaway will end on November 11th at Midnight.

Good Luck!

7 Quick Takes

2011-10-21T04:11:00.000-07:00

1. Back to Blogging

I have stopped wearing the splint on my thumb. I still cannot use it much, as it hurts when I do, but it has a bit more mobility, so I feel like I can type without "hunting and pecking."

2. Back to work in the kitchen

I started our minor kitchen re-do in September, about one week before I broke my thumb. Now, over a month later, only one set of cabinets has been painted and two others are bare, with the doors off. But not much longer. I started to paint again this week. After several failed attempts at making them look nice (it is hard to paint metal cabinets after all), I think I have finally found what works. I am hoping we have all of the kitchen projects done before Christmas.

3. Homeschooling

Have not talked about this much, but it is going really well. Things are clicking and this is the first year I can say that I am enjoying it. All boys are working well, without (much) complaint.

4. We are not home yet.

A friend, and blogger, announced that they were moving. It seems to be happening a lot lately. Other friends moved about an hour a way, and still more friends just moved as well. While we were praying they stay close (they lived about 3/4 of a mile from us), we knew it was possible they might not. Luckily, they moved slightly closer to us. Anyways, behind this rambling, I do have a point. All of this moving has had me thinking. We are not home yet. As much as I love the town we live in. A town we may be in for the rest of our lives, I am becoming keenly aware of the fact that all of us are transitory. We are on a journey to somewhere else. We are not home yet. And will not be home until we reach the arms of our Father.

5." Until you find paradise where you are, you will not be happy."

Another flip side of so many people moving is that it has got me thinking, "Lord, are we where You want us?" Are we meant to move? Where? And, immediately, I think that I would be happier wherever we ended up. In a different neighborhood in the same town. Or somewhere else entirely. And the above quote keeps coming back to me. A priest that used to be at a parish in our town mentioned it at a holy hour about a year ago. And he mentioned it again in a homily at a women's retreat just two weeks ago. His spiritual diercor said it to him. And it stays with me. Until I am happy here. Until I am at peace here, there is no other place that will make me happy.

6. Running the Race

Next weekend I will be running the MCM 10K for the Run for Vocations team again. I was supposed to run the marathon, but after having intermittent chest pain for several months, I decided that marathon training was probably not the best idea until I got the chest pains figured out. And although I have a stress test next week, I, and the Dr., are pretty convinced that I did something to my chest/shoulder/back that is causing the chest pains. Just one upper body weight workout at the gym has me convinced! Back to the race . . . I have no goals for it yet. Part of me wants to try to PR and another part of me wants to just have fun. I have a client running it and this is her first 10K. I may offer to run with her. I don't know. Anyone have any advice????

7. Trackn' It

For the first time EVER, I am trying speed work. I have done hill work and repeats at the track lately. I like it. My most favorite track workout was when I did 1/2 mile repeats. It was raining a little and it was dark. So dark I could not see my Garmin. And you know what? I ran every repeat right around a 7:20 min/mile pace! I did not think it would be possible for me to run that consistently without constantly checking my pace on my Garmin. We will see if all of this speed work pays off. I hope so!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Too cute not to share

2011-10-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

My boys singing "Holy and Anointed One"

Wordless Wednesday: I caved

2011-10-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

I am not one to decorate for Halloween, but after my 5 yr old begged for a spider web on our house, I acquiesced.

The definition of me

2011-10-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

I am not defined by the house I live in.

I am not defined by the clothes I wear.

I am not defined by the number of miles I run or how fast I run them.

I am not defined by what time I get up in the morning or go to bed at night.

I am not defined by the homeschool curriculum I use or the grade level my children work at.

I am not defined by the number of kids I have. Or don't have.

The only thing that tells me who I am is Life in Christ.

His life.

His love.

His blood out poured for me.

By that alone I am worthy.

By that alone I am defined.

By that alone I strive to live.

You know you have boys when . . .

2011-10-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

Your children work diligently to get their school work done quickly so they can spend the afternoon at the archery range!

(No pictures of K shooting the bow and arrow. He is too big for the "play" one and not big enough to use J's without my help!)

Love note from my son

2011-10-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, I was taking laundry into the bedroom and this was on my pillow . . .

It is from my oldest son. He wrote it and slipped quietly into my bedroom while I was helping his brothers with handwriting. It was not prompted by my husband. I love moments like this.

Wordless Wednesday: The Hair Do

2011-09-28T04:18:00.000-07:00

Actor Ryan Phillipe

The much cuter, A

Male movie stars may spend hours of time (and a lot of money) to get this look, but all my boy needs is a little sweat and dirt (and mom to run her fingers though his hair) to get the "just got out of bed" look.

Blogging Break

2011-09-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Won't be blogging much in the up coming weeks. I broke my thumb while trying to get our double jogging stroller ready for a family run. I am finding that most tasks are taking me a bit longer, including typing. So, for now, I will not be blogging much.

But, I have lots to share . . . pictures from our trip to Williamsburg, J and I running a 5K together, homeschooling, and my running goals. So, I do hope to get some things posted soon!

Getting on my soapbox

2011-09-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

I do not get on a soapbox often. At least, not on my blog. I started the blog to journal about our family life so family members who live far away can see what goes on in our daily life. But today, I am upset enough to get on my soapbox. Indulge me.

This morning, I received an email from a friend that stated everyone should watch this video. Please click play.

I cried while watching the video. Maybe after viewing countless children from around the world on Waiting Child lists that have similar disabilities as Emmanuel just waiting for a family, waiting to be adopted and seeing this man who was adopted and how his life can speak to the beauty of all life . . . well, it is touching.

And then I was on Facebook and a friend posted a link to this article:

Jury Gives Parents $4.5 Million Because They Missed Chance to Abort Disabled Son

Read the article. Yes, their son is missing his arms and one leg. And the parents were upset because they missed the chance to abort him. And they wanted 9 million dollars because they feel they were wronged. Really??

Putting aside the fact that that boy will grow up knowing that his parents preferred that he were dead and the damage that will do to that boy, that could be a topic for a whole other blog post, this article made me angry. Do we devalue life that much? I know the answer to that question. Abortions occur everyday in this nation. Children are left on street corners in China because the baby is not the perfect boy; the one child the family is permitted to have. Children, like Emmanuel, and like Nick Vujicic, are disregarded and "thrown away" simply because of their disabilities.

But what the video from the X Factor shows and what the life of Nick Vujicic so clearly shows is that every life is precious. Parents of children with Down Syndrome can attest to what a gift of love their children are. We can learn something from EVERY LIFE and sometimes, those with disabilities, can teach us more about love, more about life, and more about God than we could ever learn in our so-called "perfectness."

Everyone deserves a chance to life. Every life is precious. Every. Single. One.

Stepping off the soapbox now.

7 Quick Takes - Back to School Edition

2011-09-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

1. We started school this Wednesday. I had been pretty stressed about starting again and had not slept well since we came back from vacation. But the first three days of school went well.

2. I have instituted a formal system of bribery in our school. The boys earn Monopoly Money for various school work (doing extra work or reading, getting 100% on a test, knowing the answers to questions when I ask, good handwiritng, etc, etc). The boys save up the money to buy things like an extra field trip, an ice cream sundae party, no math day, etc. So far the boys are doing great. My oldest counts his money every morning. He wants to earn the school lunch party with the lunch of his choice (Papa Johns pizza). The whole money system has caused impromptu math lessons with advanced addition and subtraction. So far I like this! Thanks, Mom, for the idea!

3. I forgot just how messy my house is while homeschooling. Up until about 3 PM, most of the house is a disaster! There are books on the floor, crayons strewn about, school books all over my kitchen table and counters, and dishes that fill the sink. To make matters worse, it has been raining non-stop here, so the house is all closed up and the dog has been tracking in mud into our kitchen.

4. I love the homeschooling curriculum we use! Love them!! Sonlight, Saxon Math and Sing, Spell, Read and Write, you are the best for our family! These curriculum might not work for every child, but they seem to fit the learning styles and needs of my three boys so well.

5. Our schedule kicks into full gear next week. We will start heading to daily mass at least twice a week. Plus, CCD, archery and cub scouts all start this weekend/next week too! J is registered for a 5K at the end of September, so training will need to commence. Bring on the Fall!

6. It is clear that my boys do not like crafts or coloring unless it has to do with soldiers or Star Wars. Yesterday we celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. I had coloring pages and wanted to do crafts. But the only thing the boys were interested in were the brownie cupcakes we made to celebrate the day!

7. It is almost 3PM and the house is still messy . . . .gotta go clean!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday: Chasing Rainbows

2011-09-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

Our vacation to Buffalo in pictures

2011-09-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Tractor Rides with Grandpa

A day at Beaver Island State Park

Chasing seagulls

What is it with boys sticking out their tongues?

War of 1812 Re-enactment at Old Fort Niagara

J lighting the cannon in the demonstration.

My "traitor" sons

Encouragement just when you need it most

2011-08-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

My youngest is a passionate, strong willed, independent boy. You can read in to that first sentence. He can be a complete joy and a complete challenge. There are days he can bring me to my knees. As tough as he can be, I love this toughness about him, just not all the time.

Taking him in public can be tricky. He can be perfectly well behaved, or perfectly awful. Last week Friday, we were finishing up or last errand to get ready for Irene. We had been to the store, the bike shop, the bank, and the library. We were at our second library of the day and my youngest was done. I purposefully put him in a stroller because I knew how this trip would go. He had already been a handful at the store and the other library. I was just hoping that I would be able to keep him contained enough and quiet enough to do what we needed to do and get out of there.

While in the kids' section of the library, I decided to let him out of the stroller. Mistake. He began to run around the stacks and take off out of sight. Not only that, but he was laughing loudly. I grabbed him and held him. I told him to be quiet. He screamed to get put down. The screaming continued. I decided to put him back in the stroller. It was a fight. He locked his knees and continued to yell to get put down. After a struggle, I got him buckled into the stroller. He continued to yell. I was deflated and embarrassed. I wanted to get out of the library as soon as possible before anyone could ask us to leave. I told the other boys to quickly pick out another book so we could leave.

As I was walking down and aisle, a women getting books looked at me and said, "Excuse me Ma'am."

Oh, boy, I thought, here it comes. She is going to say something like, "You really should not bring him to the library. or "Can't you control your son?"

"You're amazing.", she said.

I looked at her dumbfounded.

"You're amazing." She repeated.

"You are incredible with him." She said.

I almost laughed. But, I said thank you. At that moment, I felt so far from amazing. At that moment, I did not think anyone else could think that I was amazing or doing a good job.

But, here was this stranger telling me I am amazing.

I needed to hear that in that exact moment. I needed that validation at that moment. She really was like an angel. Her, "You're amazing" meant "Keep up the good work. Your are doing the right thing. You are fighting hard. You are doing the best for him." to me.

And I realized that we all need to hear it too.

In those moments when the kids are tough and you feel like you just want to break down and cry, know, that you are AMAZING!!

My Facebook Status

2011-08-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Forced Evacuation: This is a forced evacuation of the XXXXXX household. All household members under the age of 30 MUST evacuate the house and remain outside until authorities say it is safe to return inside. This forced evacuation is in an effort to mitigate the stir-craziness that is bound to occur due to the impending house arrest caused by Irene. This evacuation must be taken seriously. Love, your mom

7 Quick Takes - Natural Disasters, Emergency Prep, and Plans gone awry

2011-08-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

1. Earthquake

We live about 15 miles outside of DC, so we felt the earthquake. All of the boys were in the living room and I was, ironically, checking the Annapolis Striders website to see if they had info about the Annapolis 10 miler race this weekend and how it may be affected by another natural disaster, Irene, and the house began to shake and I heard a rumble. I thought it was just a large truck of some kind coming down the road. I got up and started walking toward the front window. The whole house was swaying and the pictures on the wall were rattling. My oldest looked at me and asked me what it was. I said, "I think it may be an earthquake." Now, I know NOTHING about what you are supposed to do in an earthquake, so I decided I wanted to go outside. I walked through the kitchen and my oldest followed and stopped right in front of our glass china cabinet that was rattling. I saw him standing there and yelled, "Get on the couch." I covered them all in pillows (like that would save them!). By the time they were all covered, it had stopped. Afterward, we all went outside to talk with neighbors and I called my hubby who works downtown. Nothing important broke.

2. Annapolis 10 miler

Cancelled. Darn Irene. But, although it would have been a fun race if it were a nice day, I was not looking forward to running it in the rain and wind. And, the only reason I signed up for this one is because they have an awesome finisher's gift (yes, I can be shallow).

Luckily, the Annapolis Striders are working out a way that we can still get it.

3. Irene

I have never been in an earthquake before this week and I have never been in a hurricane either. Looks like, before the weekend is out, I will have experienced both. Irene is coming up the coast.

4. Emergency Preparedness

I am not one to fall into panic and go buy out the stores, but I was with half the town at the store this morning. We are ready for Irene. We have water, food, and an emergency radio. The car is filled with gas (not like we are driving anywhere during the storm). And we have books and movies, lots and lots of books and movies. I went to two libraries today. We are stocked.

5. No more vacation

We were supposed to leave for our annual vacation to Cape Cod this weekend. But, changed our plans due to Irene. Somehow being on piece of land that sicks out into the Atlantic and is surrounded by water during a hurricane does not sound like a peaceful vacation. So, instead, we are probably going to go to the tropical, sandy, sun-filled, BUFFALO. Yes, really. Buffalo.

6. Other dashed plans

Our kitchen remodel has been permanently put on hold. There is a glimmer of hope it can still happen, but I am not holding my breath. There are lots of reasons why it is not going to happen now. But, we have figured out creative ways to update what we do have that will involve a minimal amount of construction work on our part. Once the project is complete, I will post pictures.

7. All God's Children

This is totally random, but I am seriously impressed with this adoption agency. They have been wonderful and we have not even committed to using this agency yet.

Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks Jen at Conversion Diary for hosting.

Wordless Wednesday: Brotherly Love

2011-08-24T04:34:00.000-07:00

This is what family is all about . . . . when they are not hitting or yelling at each other ;)

The 5K that started it all

2011-08-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

Two years ago I ran my first 5K. Well, it really was not my first 5K, but my first 5K since having kids. Before having kids I had dreams of being a runner, but I really was a fair weather runner. I would run when conditions were perfect and when I started to sweat, I began to walk.

That all changed two years ago. I got this idea stuck in my head that I wanted to run the MCM 10K for the Run for Vocations in October 2009. I needed to train. And during that training, I ran my first real 5K too. It was the Pregnancy Clinic 5K in September 2009.

I remember being very nervous. I remember feeling like I would die at the end of it. I finished in like 31 minutes. And it was at that 5K that I caught the running bug. After that race I was determined to run a half marathon (which I did just 4 months later).

Well, this weekend I ran the same 5K. It was at the same place, along the same trail. I have not run a 5k race since that first one. Yes, really . . . only 10Ks, a couple 10 milers, half marathons and one full marathon.

And, it was great. Other than forgetting to turn on my Garmin, the race went well. My goal pace was an 8:30 and I ran the race in 26:22 (8:27 pace) . . . does anyone else think that I ran it in 26:22 cool . . . . the mileage of a MARATHON!! And I even won my age group. Yes, there was at least one other woman in my age group. And yes, the race was extremely small!!

And my son J ran it too . . . he finished 2nd in his age group. Here is a photo of him finishing with his brother K! K "rode in style" most of the race, with my hubby pushing him in the stroller (that is him in the background).

7 Quick Takes - Running, Schooling, and Adopting, Oh, my!

2011-08-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

1. Busy, Busy, Busy

As you can tell I have not blogged much lately. Between trying to get our kitchen remodel wrapped up so it can start, getting ready to start homeschooling again, reading and praying about adoption, and running, I have not had much time to write. The days have been busy with fun and other things and computer time has been limited.

2. Running and matters of the heart . . .

I have not been running as much as I would like lately. I am going slower and at reduced mileage. With experiencing chest pains while running, I have been nervous to push it. My echo cardiogram came back clear and a sports massage therapist I have been seeing is pretty convinced that it is a muscular injury of some sort. But running still makes me nervous. I ran 5 miles yesterday and started to have chest pains. As I started to correct my form, I did notice that I was hunching my back horribly. Which can totally explain why I get upper back and shoulder and chest pain and my breathing is off. Even with that said, since nothing is getting better, I am going to schedule the stress test that my Dr mentioned. I really want to rule out a heart issue for good.

3. Marathon???

I should be training for the Marine Corps Marathon. It looks like it may not happen this year. I am hoping it can, but leaving it all up to God.

4. Adoption

I think I am praying for the intercession of more saints right now that I ever have before. St Thomas Moore . . . . patron St of Adoption. St Francis Xavier . . . Patron St of China. And the list goes on.

We had put pursuing adoption on permanent hold until the other week when my husband came home from a Holy Hour and said we should start the process. Now, we are just seeking His will for where to adopt from. I really wanted to adopt from Ethiopia, but there are so many changes and issues going on with adoptions there right now, that we do not think this is the right time.

And, although, I never would have considered China before, after seeking out information on a little boy on the waiting child list, my heart has been opened to the possibility. Hence the Novena to St Francis Xavier.

We will not be starting the adoption process until my hubby is done with his dissertation. After 7 years of course work, reading and writing, he is almost done. Revisions are done and there have been copies of the several hundred paged document lying around the house. I guess I will be calling him Doctor pretty soon! I am so proud of him.

Speaking of my hubby . . . it looks like he will probably get to go to ROME for work! I am so excited for him. Since neither of us have been there before, I have already told him that he must take tons of pictures!

7. The kitchen remodel

It has been more stressful than enjoyable. We have one more contractor coming to the house in about an hour. After that, final decisions will be made. I will be honest, the reality of spending that much money is starting to get to me. And although, we have saved up money specifically for this project, I have seriously thought of just forgetting the whole project and living with our 60's kitchen for a bit longer. But, I know I will just love to have the kitchen done, so I am sure we will go through with it. Hopefully, we will have the project started and done in the month of September.

Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks Jen, at the Conversion Diary for hosting!

A child is waiting

2011-08-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know . . .

~ There are 4.3 million orphans in Ethiopia alone
~ There are close to 100,000 orphans in the Ukraine
~ Many children around the world are social orphans, given up due to poverty, illness, or other

As you can tell, I have been reading a lot about orphans lately. After a lot of prayer, we have decided to begin the adoption process. Although we had put it on hold for a number of months, we are seeking God's will in this process and will hopefully begin our home study before the end of this year.

I seem to be drawn to the "Waiting Child" link on so many adoption agency websites. A waiting child is often an older child, but can be an infant that are often hard to place due to physical or mental disabilities. After doing a preliminary application through one agency, we have been able to view the "Waiting Child" listings. And, I will admit it is so sad. Many of these children are given up for adoption due to little things like a cleft lip/cleft palate or a deformed limb. Yesterday, I saw the most beautiful photo of a little Chinese baby boy that is waiting for a home because of a simple limb deformity.

I will admit, it kept me up most of the night. To see pictures of beautiful children that have been discarded because they are not "perfect" and are just waiting for a home; I wondered which of these children will be blessed to find an adoptive family.

And I wonder what God may be calling us to as a family as well.

Maybe there is a child waiting for us to bring him home . . .

For your health: quote of the day

2011-08-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

The food you eat each day can heal you, or it can kill you. It is more powerful than most people realize. Choose wisely what you eat. ~ Bill Phillips

This quote is so true and profound. I try to remember this each time I make food choices.

One Thousand Gifts

2011-08-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

I am very behind in posting these. I hope to get more frequent with posting them. Because, when I post frequently, I tend to write more down each day, each week.

a relaxed school schedule
beautiful weather
boys "camping out" in our backyard
a bike ride to the playground
a morning at a friend's house
daily mass
anther beautiful day
watching the wonder of boys enjoying life
new flowers planted in the flower beds
a boy who helped plant and water the new flowers
pictures and texts to my husband so he feels a part of our life when he travels for work
A sleeping in a new bed in a new room. No more crib!
A not getting out of the bed at all and sleeping so well in it
J in his new room
J reading at night
dwarf sunflowers
a friend's electric sander
a blossoming garden
seeing nature at work- a duck eating a frog!
a day with lots of cub scouts
help from my 3 yr old to make coffee in the Keurig
my husband's new bike
family movie night
water slide
time with my parents
hand and hand with my 3 yr old
special time with my little boy
VBS
determination on my 8 yr old's face
Starbucks gift card
Nerf bullet on the kitchen ceiling
iced coffee
cards from my hubby during our anniversary week
an unexpected hug from my 8 yr old
K reading to A
K encouraging A to go on the potty
not having to wait for a table (the kindness of the restaurant owner)
learning what community is all about
friends who watched our boys
seeing Wicked with my hubby
10 wonderful years
8 yr old asking me to read the bible to him
seeing a beautiful sunset while driving across the Severn River Bridge
the sail boat illuminated by the golden light of the sun set
the recognition that life is precious
watching the boys play
K singing so loudly at mass
praise and worship at Steubie U
mass at Steubie U, alone, without the boys
recognition that we serve a BIG GOD
pool at the hotel
seeing old friends
being on Steubenville's campus
further recognition of God's gifts
sun set at Antietam battlefield
realizing that the journey and not just the destination is meant for fun
family duck duck goose
finger paitn drawings drying the the clothes line
an owl's call
laughing boys
games with the boys
making my boys smile

(gifts 367-429)

7 Quick Takes

2011-08-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

1. Had my echocardiogram yesterday. The tech, even though she did not say much of anything, did let it slip that it looked fine. I will get the full results in a few days. I am glad that all will probably come back clear, but it does not give me any answers as to why I am having chest pains or how to get rid of them.

2. The excessive heat the last few weeks, I think, has killed my squash plants. The leaves have slowly yellowed and parts are dead. This happened to my cucumber plants last year too.

3. I have pulled out all the adoption info that we collected months ago to look at again. One of the agencies we got info from is All God's Children International. I watched the following video. You do not have to watch the whole video, but just watch the first 30 sec. I cannot watch the first 30 sec of the video without wanting to bring home an orphan today!

Every Moment Matters from Videos for AGCI on Vimeo.

4. My boys were running around, playing, without their shirts on this morning. When asked why, my oldest told me that it made them look more like pirates! I think there will always be a part of me that will wonder about why boys do what they do!

5. I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan. And, I have been spending more time at his website to get myself "grounded" again. With looking at remodeling our kitchen and all the money that that costs, we have had many discussions about money and our financial plans for the next 10 years. Anyways, I came across this article called 5 Points for Modelling Contentment (to your kids). If you get a chance, you should read it. It is very good.

6. We recently re-subscribed to Magnificat. So glad we did.

7. I have absolutely nothing else!

Have a great weekend everyone. Thanks Jen at Conversion Diary for hosting.

This minimalist runner's confession

2011-08-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Saucony Kinvaras

Pearl Izumi Streak II

Vibram Sprints

All minimalist shoes. 98% of my runs occur in these shoes. I even barefoot run on and off. And I spent most of last summer barefoot running. I have researched the topic and am convinced that barefoot/minimalist running is really the best for the body.

But, I have a confession. I have recently put something in my minimalist running sneakers. Custom orthotics.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Custom Orthotics

I admit, I was VERY opposed to them. I would not even listen to the doctors and chiropractors who kept telling me that I needed them. Not one could give me a good reason that they would work. Plus, they were so expensive even with insurance, that I would not even consider them.

What changed?

First, barefoot and minimalist running has been great. It is 1000% better than the motion control sneakers I was in, but it was not without its problems. I had mid back pain when I got to 5 miles. I had slight plantar facitiis issues develop. I got some horrible shin splints. And I had IT band issues. So, minimalist running was not the "cure all" for me that I had hoped it would be.

Second, I recently went to a new chiropractor. She is trained in many different areas and I went to her for scar tissue work. During my initial meeting with her, she took one look at my feet (I was wearing flip flops) and asked if I had problems with back pain, etc while running. I explained my myriad of problems and then she, as all other chiropractors had done, told me I needed custom orthotics.

I blew her off. I told her I barefoot/minimalist run. I gave her a brief explanation of how I did not think custom orthotics were not for me. And then she explained something.

Not my foot!

I do not have normal feet. My second and third toes are both longer than my big toe (It is called Morton's toe). She went on to explain that that throws of my center of gravity on my foot and so my body has to place the weight differently on the foot because of that. She did say that people with normal feet benefit from barefoot running because their center of gravity is where it should be.

Then she did a scan of my feet. And, after a year of minimalist running, my arches were as flat as they were a year ago. When I saw the scan I was so upset. I thought, for sure, that my feet would have changed during that time. But they haven't. And I spend most of my days barefoot.

That convinced me to at least try the orthotics. That, and the fact that I was able to get them at cost, which is cheaper that I could get them through insurance.

My custom orthotics are in my Pearl Izumi Streaks right now and I will tell you that they do feel good. It is a totally different feel from the motion control sneakers I used to wear. It will be interesting to see how they affect my running and my injury rate!

Public Enemy #1

2011-08-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, this cute little bunny, or at least one like it is currently on my public enemy #1 list.

Why? You ask.

For eating my garden. This little guy has eaten 4 out of the 7 watermelons on the vine, nibbled on some tomatoes that were too close to the ground and has even tried to snack on a jalapeno (serves you right little bunny!).

Plus this little critter has even had the audacity to remain hiding in the garden while I picked tomatoes. He just stared up at me until I yelled at him to get out.

He is undaunted when our Golden Retriever Rosie is in the back yard . . . I have seen him hop his way to the garden and slip past her defenses!

He is a sly little critter. You should not be fooled by his cuteness!

Obviously my husband and I have been married forever

2011-08-01T04:31:00.000-07:00

My kids and I have been playing Jenga alot lately. The other day, after lunch, I asked the boys what game we should play and my oldest begged for Jenga. As I was getting it out, my 8 yr old asked where we got the game. I responded, " I do not remember. Daddy and I got it when we first were married."

He then chuckled and said, "Oh, so this game is ANCIENT!"

I guess I am that old and have been married forever!

7 Quick Takes

2011-07-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

1. This week is the first week of the summer that we have had NOTHING to do. No camps, no lessons, no trips. And it has been . . . . WONDERFUL. I purposefully have kept us home most of the time. It has been great too because one of my children desperately needs some consistency and this week has provided that. It has gone so well, that we may just need to do this again next week.

2. I am not running right now. Shocker, right? Problem, too, especially since I am supposed to be training for a marathon. It is a long story, but to make it short . . . I have had chest pains for the last several months. I do not feel chest pain while doing Insanity or any other exercise EXCEPT running. And it is not bad while running, but it is miserable for the rest of the day and night after running. I have been to the Dr and he is convinced that it is somehow caused by scar tissue build up that is pulling on my rib cage causing a lot of muscle tightness and he says I just need 'body work" (It makes me sound like a car, doesn't it??). He scheduled me for an echo cardiogram just in case, which will be next week. I have been to a massage therapist and chiropractor and felt better, so I figured I would be fine running. But after feeling miserable after a 5 mile run on Monday, I have decided to wait until after the echo cardiogram to run again. But that means, I am staring to get grumpy. I have not worked out since Monday (except with clients) and I am a bit stir crazy.

3. We are getting ready to remodel our kitchen. I am really not a fan of our 50 year old metal cabinets and the gold speckled counter tops. We have saved up money for this ever since we purchased the house 7 years ago and now is finally the time to get it done. We are not doing anything extravagant, although I would like quartz/silestone counter tops (they are expensive!!). But, I never realized how much work it would take just to get the kitchen done. We are doing this as cheaply as possible, so we are not hiring one of those "kitchen design companies" that does it all for you. And I am finding it is quite stressful. We are hoping to get it done before September, so there is a lot to do in the next couple of weeks if we are going to pull it off!

4. We have done school this week. Can I admit? I have loved it! I am realizing that one of my children needs it for retention purposes. I guess we are becoming one of those families that does school all year.

5. I am in search of a good novel to read. Any suggestions?

6. It is going to be another HOT day here. I guess we will be heading to the pool!

7. I have a great recipe to share soon. For now, all I will say is that I love Clean Eating Magazine.

Have a great weekend everyone! Thanks Jen at Conversion Diary for hosting!

7 Quick Takes - Steubenville edition

2011-07-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

1. My hubby was at a conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville this past week. He flew out on Monday. I really wanted to see the campus again since it has been about 8 years since we have been back, so I drove out with the boys on Wednesday to spend the day there and then the whole family would drive home together after my hubby's talk on Thursday.

2. It was great to be there. Within 5 minutes of being on campus, I was at the conference mass. My husband watched the boys (there was no way they could sit through mass after being in the car for 5 hours) and I was able to go to mass ALONE! It was an amazing mass!

3. Later that night I was able to go to the conference praise and worship (once again alone). Being a Catholic girl who had her "reversion" surrounded by pentacostals and charismatics, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE praise and worship. It has never gotten "old" for me. Plus, today's praise and worship songs are just so beautiful.

The praise and worship time was amazing and it was a great reminder of just how BIG our God is. After feeling caught up in the smallness of things lately, it was the perfect reminder that our God is bigger than all of the littleness and that HE is in control and HE has overcome.

Bob Rice, who leads praise and worship for the conferences, led us all in a song called Great I AM. It is a beautiful song and if you have a few minutes, watch this video of it!

4. We saw many old friends while there. It was nice.

5. The campus has changed so much since we had worked there! It was great to see it. It was also fun to see the boys running around on campus. It made me wonder if one of them would go there one day.

6. We also drove around the town too. I wish I could say that I had missed the town of Steubenville, but I haven't. It is not the most beautiful of places and the air quality is a bit lacking.

7. We ended up leaving campus to come home much later than expected. Then, we decided to take the "scenic" route home and drive through the Antietam battlefield. It was really beautiful. Unfortunately, we got there just at dusk, so the park was closing, but we did get to watch the sun set. The boys were thrilled to see about 30 deer walking through the fields too!

Have a great weekend everyone. Stay cool!

Fair Weather Runner

2011-07-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

I rarely use the "H" word, as in strongly dislike. I think it is over used and a bit too strong for most situations. But, after this past week, I think that I could use it for one thing . . .

Summer Running

Now, I love to run. But after a run in the middle of the day in the Maryland heat and humidity I think I could use the H word for it. I know it was not the smartest thing to do . . . head out for a 4 mile run at around 11:30 AM, just when the sun was getting warmed up to reach its peak. But, I figured that I should try to run in the heat. After all, I am running the Annapolis 10 miler at the end of August . . .it cannot get any hotter than that! So, I decided to run in the heat of the day.

A mistake. A very bad mistake.

3 miles into the run, I shut off my garmin and WALKED. I walked for about a half a mile before I decided that I should run again just so I could get home sooner. It was hot. I was soaking with sweat and I had drunk most of my water bottle.

While running that run, I kept on thinking, "This is why I have no desire to run Fall races" I "strongly dislike" training in the summer." To me it is torture. I would rather run on a treadmill for hours than in that heat.

Give me snow on the ground to run through, rather than the stagnant hot air on a humid day. Give me layers of clothes and running gloves to keep me warm through a run in the middle of winter rather than wishing there was a way to make clothes more breathable and "wickable"!

So, yes, I am a fair weather runner. I would gladly run every day in the winter, than to head out in this heat. I guess the treadmill and I will become close friends until mid-September!

Wordless Wednesday: Because it is just too hot!

2011-07-20T04:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks Buffalo Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Extreme Makeover: Table Edition

2011-07-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

I finished refinishing our table about two weeks ago now, but am just getting around to posting about it.

This table was given to us (freecycle), so it was worn when we got it. The table is a solid table, but not the most beautiful table. I will be honest, from the moment we got it, I was thinking of the day that we could get rid of it and get a nice, new, pretty table. But as time went by and the boys added to the scratches and gauges, my desire for a new table faded. But, this summer, I decided enough was enough. I was tired of the ugly, scratched up table and decided to refinish it.

The table before. Yes, there are permanent marker marks on it!!

Notice the dark finish that highlights all the srctahes!!

Stripping the finish.

What we ate at while our table was getting refinished.

Progress. Notice the top portion vs. the bottom. The top had been sanded more that the bottom portion.

After the new stain.

Table: After!!

I am not going to sugar coat it, this was a difficult project. I had delusions that I would have it done in one week. After four weeks, the family began to get restless eating at a card table and so I was forced to spend any spare time tyring to get it done.

The sanding was the most lenghty part of the project. About 80% of the sanding was done by hand! Then, I borrowed a friend's electric sander which helped tons. The only part of the project I am not happy about is the polyurethane coating. First, it is too shiny for my liking. Second, the first two coats went on great, but the third bubbled a bit (and got some bugs stuck in it too!). I may decide to sand the third coat down again and try it again, but for now the table is in use. I bought nice place mats that the boys can bang their forks on all they want and NOT damage the table. So hopefully, this table will have lots of years left in it!

Everything You Do

2011-07-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

I heard the song "Everything You Do" by Stephen Curtis Chapman today on the way home from the pool. After spending all morning running the boys to tennis and swim lessons, I needed to hear this song today. And I think it instantly became a favorite of mine. So, take a few moments and check it out. The lyrics are on the video. And Moms, you will totally be able to relate to the first verse!

Raising a missionary?

2011-07-05T04:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am struck by the things my 8 year old ponders. The other night, we were watching this video, Lift the City and Catholic Eucharistic Flash Mob. As we were watching it, J asked a couple of questions about the Franciscans in the video. My hubby and I answered them and then, out of no where, J says,
"You know, sometimes when I am at Sunday mass, I think about becoming a missionary and doing that."

What? Really? I was amazed that my little man of 8 thinks of going to other countries to spread the gospel and share God's love. I have no idea what God will call him to, but this I know, that that little boy will do it with great love of Christ.

7 Quick Takes - Some Friday Randomness

2011-07-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

1. Marathon What??

I think I am in denial. In 120 days, I am going to be running in a little race (just 26.2 miles) with 30,000 of my closest friends. I should be training for this, right? I really need to get my training schedule put together and get my body running. I mean, I am running now, but I really need to RUN. By next week, the training schedule will be done and on the wall.

2. No more laundry

Our washing machine has been slowly breaking over the last month and it washed its last load two days ago. About a month ago the sensor that sensed when the washer was full of water broke. How did I find out? By the inches of water on the laundry room floor that even seeped out of the foundation of our house to the outside. Well, after procrastinating in getting it fixed and just hanging around the washer to manually move it to the next cycle, the motor burned out. The washer is done for. We need to go buy a new one this weekend before we have no more clothes to wear.

3. Our dog is in the house??

This morning I put Rosie outside. I just noticed she is back in the house. And the screen door is closed and locked. How did she get in? She crawled through the giant hole in the bottom of the screen. Every year we have to replace the screen on that door. I am really not sure how it gets so ripped up, but it does. I guess it is time for the annual replacement of the screen.

4. The fab four

Do you all know who I am talking about?? The Beatles. John, Paul, George, and Ringo. A friend of ours just had a baby boy and named him John-Paul. You know, after the Pope. But, every time I look at the birth announcement and see his name, I mentally rattle off "John, Paul, George, and Ringo" and want to break out into a Beatles song. Maybe it is the fact that this baby's middle name starts with the "soft G" sound as well (just like George does). Who knows. I explained it to my husband and he assured me that I am probably the only person that thinks of the Beatles when they meet a baby John Paul. Please tell me there is some else out there that does the same thing????

5. A Thank You

I want to thank you all who read this post and commented, sent me a email or message on Facebook. I struggled with posting that post and now I know that it was the right thing to do. It is good to know that others out there are praying for me and that I am not alone in that struggle.

6. Finishing the table

About four weeks ago I started to refinish our kitchen table. Well, as soon as this post is over, I will put the final coat of polyurethane on it!! With having people over for dinner over the weekend and my oldest stating, at breakfast this morning, "Mom, I am tired of eating at a card table." I am getting it done today!! Eating at a card table for weeks has proven to be a challenge. There has been kicking under the table, milk getting spilled because of a slight jiggle of the table, and kids getting grouchy because they are sitting too close to each other, I will be thankful when we are back at our big table, but I am already trying to figure out the major consequence given to the first child who scratches that table . . . .

7. No plans

Other than having dinner with some friends and family, we have made no major plans for this holiday weekend. How about you??

Thanks Jen at Conversion Diary for hosting! Have a great 4th everyone!

This runner needs some Insanity in her day

2011-06-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a full three weeks since I decided to up my workouts and revamp my eating. It was not bad before, but I want to be a faster runner and I really wanted to be in better shape overall. After some research, I decided to try Insanity by Beachbody. I would NOT pay full price for it, so I watched it on ebay for a while and finally got it at a good price.

I was attracted to Insanity because the workouts average 40 min, there are NO weights involved and it is based on high intensity interval training. I had gotten bored with my regular weight training, so I needed something new.

After two and a half weeks, I have to say that I LOVE doing Insanity. I have lost over 6 lbs already and I can see better definition in my legs and arms. The workout involves a good deal of stretching and, this runner does not stretch nearly enough, so this is so good. I have had lots of weakness in my hip flexors and during the first week, I could feel my hip flexors and core getting a good workout. Strong hip flexors and core = faster running and less injuries.

What I love about Insanity:
- You do not do the same workout everyday. There are 13 different videos that are in a rotation over 60 days. For more info, go here.
- The videos are real. They are filmed like a reality show. The people working out with Shawn T. are in great shape, but the video shows them taking breaks and resting during the workout. Seeing them struggle makes me feel like it is ok that I struggle too.
- Shawn T. is great at explaining the exercises.
- It is HIGH Intensity! Love it!!
- I can do it at home. Now that my hubby is biking more, we need to juggle our workout schedules. When he wants it ride in the AM, I just put in the Insanity DVD at home and I am done in 40 min.
- It is making me a stronger runner.

What I do not like about Insanity:
- It is a tough workout. There are a lot of pylometric moves and form is EXTREMELY important. I would not put this video in the hands of someone who does not have a good basic level of fitness or someone how does not understand proper form. Shawn T. does a great job of stressing proper form. As a personal trainer, I would be concerned about someone not following proper guidance.

I am planning on sticking to Insanity for the 60 days (while I begin my marathon training . . .yikes!!). I am looking forward to being stronger!

The Week of J

2011-06-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

OK, on to brighter topics. Last week should have been renamed "The Week of J." It was certainly his week.

J spent the week at Cub Scout Camp. This was his first year going and he loved every minute of it. I spent the first day there as a day walker, so I was able to get some pictures.

Coloring the Den flag

Making his leather shield

On the BB Gun range. J is the one on the left.

Scout Skills. Learing how to tie knots. Look at that concentration!

The archery range

The last day skit.

Then, Friday was J's 8th birthday. "Buffalo" Grandma and Grandpa were in town for a short visit and brought J and K and combined birthday present, an inflatable water slide. Of, course they loved it!

J sliding

K sliding

Add caption

Since J's birthday was at the end of a long week of cub scout camp, I decided NOT to have a birthday party for him that day or weekend. But, I had offered to babysit a friend's kids (who happen to be J's best friends) and we had a nice night of eating pizza and water sliding!

After the cake, J opened his presents. Then he got a surprise present!

Close your eyes J!

OK, you can open them.

He sees his present for the first time. (Can you read the writing on the box on the left??)

Can you tell he is excited???

An archery set! Since we have strict rules about when he can use it, J has been waking up earlier than his brothers so he can go outside and practice before his brothers wake up.

A topic I do not blog about much

2011-06-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Before I got married, I could not imagine having more than two kids. I guess since I came from a family of two, two seemed more than enough. More than two seemed a bit crazy. Ten years of marriage and three kids later and I cannot imagine life without these three boys. And I would love to have more kids. It is not because I want to "try for a girl". I really do not care if I ever have a girl. It is because being a mom is the best thing I have ever done and I realize clearly that children are a gift.

But, for reasons I do not want to share or feel the need to explain, we are in a position that having any more children is not likely. About 90% of the time I am totally at peace with that and do not even think about the fact that my three boys are all that I may have. But at other times it is hard.

We live in one of those rare communities where the teachings of the Catholic Church are celebrated and where children are not seen as a burden, but for what they are, a gift. A joy. A blessing. So, we are surrounded by big families and many pregnant women. With each announcement of another family expecting, I am truly happy for them, but it is a little reminder that I am not one of them, nor am I likely to become one of them.

Yesterday, I was at a bridal shower. The bride-to-be had just gotten a full set of silver ware and for some reason, it was getting passed around. The box was heavy. When it came to my area of the room, a pregnant friend sitting near me said, "Pass it to Katie. She is not pregnant." Now, I know that she meant nothing by it, nor could she have known how it would affect me. But, it was like salt in a wound I did not even know I had. At that moment I wanted nothing more than to crawl out of that room, find the closest bathroom and cry.

My life is very full and blessed. I am married to the best man I know. I have three great sons. Homeschooling my boys, working part time as a personal trainer and life coach, and working to achieve my own goals (my running), I feel blessed everyday. And counting my thousand gifts has helped me stay centered on that. But, it is the moments that I am reminded of the blessings that may not come that bring me to a place of prayer, asking God for peace and acceptance of His Will.

Seven Quick Takes

2011-06-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

1. I am not mentioning this again for shameless self-promotion, but because I think it is a great video and everyone should watch it. The USCCB's Defense of Marriage Initiative has released the video "Made for Life" that my husband and I helped with a year ago. I feel blessed to have been able to be a part of this project. If you have 10 min, go watch it! My husband and I are the first couple interviewed on the video.

2. Remember last week I mentioned that I was going to potty train A? Well, I dropped it completely. Instead, I transitioned him to a toddler bed. It is the first time in 5 years that we have not had a crib up in the house. A is doing great in the toddler bed. I just tell him he has to stay in the bed during naps and at night and he does!!

3. Not only has A started to sleep in a toddler bed, but he is now sharing a room with K and J had a new room by himself. J likes to read at night and he needed his own space to do that so as not to disturb his sleeping brothers.

4. This is our last quiet week before the month of non-stop activity begins. Next week is cub scout day camp, followed by a week of Vacation Bible School and then two weeks of swim and tennis lessons. I am already tired thinking about it all!! Can I schedule a vacation for mid July, please?

5. Just a few more hours left and I will have survived my husband's longest time away for work. It was not as hard as I had thought it would be. The boys were good and we spent a lot of time running errands, going to mass, seeing friends, and just having fun. I enjoyed the week, but am so glad my hubby will be home soon!

6. Speaking of my hubby travelling, he has been asked to attend a catechetical conference at Franciscan University in July and I may drive up to join him at the end of the conference. After getting texts from friends who were on Steubenville's campus this past weekend, I started to get nostalgic. I miss the masses, praise and worship holy hours and FOPs! I want to see good old Steubie U again!

7. Almost made it through week 1of No Sugar. I really do feel great. And, I am LOVING my workouts!! I will share more on those next week.

Have a great weekend everyone!

It is up! It is up!

2011-06-16T06:47:00.001-07:00

A year after we flew down to Florida, the video that my husband and I helped with is finally done and on the USCCB Defense of Marriage website! It is the "Made for Life" video.

Getting Back on Track

2011-06-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

Last week I had my homeschooling end of the year review with my supervisor. Needless to say, I spent hours going through J's work trying to pick out work from the year that was a good representative of his work overall.

And I noticed something.

All of his work was so well organized in February, and March. I had organized his work better. And, he got more done. Which means, I got more done.

We are done with school for the most part now, but most of April and all of May were a struggle. Not just in homeschooling, but in every way. In my prayer life, in my workouts and in my eating.

I began to wonder. What was different in February and March?

It was Lent. Yes, that is it. During Lent I made prayer a priority in my own life and in our homeschooling. We did not start our school work unless we had gone to mass or prayed the stations of the cross and did our Lenten reflections. I had been praying before the boys even got up.

And because I was training for the marathon I got my runs in. If I did not get up early enough in the morning, than I went to the gym after the boys were in bed. And, I ate well.

But after Easter and after the marathon, I slacked. I slacked in my prayer times and my prayer with the boys and going to daily mass. I was still running, but did not start my weight training back up. And, I ate whatever I wanted.

I guess it is not so odd that when I am off and am not centered on Christ, when I am not taking care of myself spiritually and physically, that all everything else I do suffers as well.

So, I decided it was time to get back on track. And this is what I am doing.

1. The boys and I either go to mass or read the bible after breakfast each morning. I got the idea to read Scripture at meals from this post from Ann Voskamp.

2. My prayer time is in AM before the boys get up. No exceptions.

3. I am mixing things up with my workouts. Since I cannot run this week because my husband is out of town, I figured this would be the perfect time to get back into building up my muscles again.

4. No sugar. For 30 days. I will not consume any sugar (unless it is natural to the item: IE: fruit). What, no chocolate bars with almonds????

5. Eat 5 small meals a day. Minimal to no processed food (whole wheat pitas are OK, but if it came from a box, it is not going in my mouth). Stick to mainly raw foods.

So far, this is going well. Even on the days when the boys act up at mass, I think of the words of a friend who said that anytime she is walking up the aisle to receive the Eucharist, she says to herself, "I won!" And it reminds me to be focused on that fact that I get to receive Jesus.

And I love reading the bible with the boys. There is something so peaceful about it.

My workouts have been great and I do not miss the sugar at all! The only thing I have craved is sweet tea!

I feel good and I have noticed that I have enjoyed my days more. Yes, even the days we have done a math or reading lesson. It has all been good.

Lesson learned: Keep my eyes focused on Christ, help the boys to learn to keep their eyes focused on Christ. Take care of myself. And all else will be taken care of . .. hmmmm . . I am just reminded of Matthew 6:33.

"But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be given to you."

One Thousand Gifts

2011-06-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have noticed a trend lately on many blogs I read. People are slowing down to catch the blessings. It is quite amazing and beautiful. And it has reminded me that the gifts really are all around us.

I have begun to try to take pictures of the blessings too. To capture them. To remember them better.

A inexpensive running skirt
Race through Colonial Williamsburg
Friends who brought us our Busch Gardens tickets
Family who got the tickets from our house
J being so good at mass by himself
Daily mass
An older couple who said "It'll get easier."
Friends
The beauty of the run
Not giving in, when mentally, I wanted to
Texts from my husband
Sleeping in
A sick day watching a movie with my boys
A clean laundry room
Organic goodness and an amazing farmers market filled with so many organic farm goods
beautiful weather
Laundry hanging on the line, blowing in the breeze
First run in Vibrams in months
Seeing so many geese families
Fun at the pool
Conversations with friends
Berries from a neighbor
Dirty hands and feet from planting
Plants to water
New projects
My boys helping me sand the table

A selfless act by my husband so I could run outside
A night out
Fun conversations

Seeing two deer while I ran
Hearing my 4 yr old singing "Jesus I love you" from the window
Water gun fights

My 4 yr old turning 5!

A good race
Beautiful weather for the race
A PR!
Talking to amazing women runners
A woodpecker that seems to have taken up residence in our backyard
A backyard full of boys playing

Slip n Slide!

Birthday party
A pirate ship cake

Seeing the amazingness of nature . . . watching an ant carry a dead moth 4 times its size
My 3 yr old helping me with the laundry
Conversations with that same 3 yr old when no one else is around
Boys who snuggle with me while reading stories
Reading the Bible at breakfast

(Gifts 320 - 366)

Zooma Annapolis! A great day for a race!

2011-06-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was Zooma Annapolis Women's Race Series 10K and Half Marathon. I was blessed enough to be an ambassador for this race.

Zooma Annapolis Ambassadors from kick off party in March (this bad blogger did not bring her camera to the race!)

On Saturday, I headed down to the expo to pick up my packet and to help with packet pickup. I ended staying the whole afternoon! Packet pickup was swamped all day long and needed as much help as possible. Plus, I was happy to stay. It was so great to see the runners who had come out for the training runs and to wish them good luck!

Later that evening, I sat to work out my "game plan" for the race. About a week before the race, I had decided to switch down to the 10K, instead of running the half marathon. When I signed up for this race, I had planned on helping a friend run her first half marathon. But, early in the summer, she became pregnant (yay!) and could not run the race. Originally, I planned on still running the the half, but take it easy since I had run one just two weeks before. And because I did not PR at that race (stomach issues!!), I was not sure what to do about Zooma. I did not think I could PR in the half. I was not really ready to PR at it and it is very hilly. My husband suggested I try to PR in the 10K. And, that was a great suggestion!

So, Saturday night, I sat down to figure it all out. My PR was a 55:45. I made a plan to run a 8:45 min/mile pace. That would have me finish in 54:XX . . . more than enough of a cushion to get me my PR. I planned out my splits per mile, wrote them down, and packed it for the next morning. I even had the brilliant idea to stay with the 1:50 pace group for the half. They would be maintaining a 8:40 min/mile pace and the 10K did not split from the half runners until 4.5 miles. If I could keep with them I would get my PR!

Sunday morning came quickly. I got up a little before 5, ate, got ready and was out the door by 5:45AM. Luckily I only live about 25 min from the race, so I knew it would not take me long to get there. I hit the port-a-potties, talked with a few of the ambassadors (And one of their sons!! Such a cute 4 yr old!!), and headed to the start. As I made my way into the corrals, I tried to find the 1:50 pace group. I finally saw them, but they were far enough in front of me that I could not make it to them. I figured I would just keep them in my sights until I could catch up.

7 AM we were off!

Mile 1: 8:40 pace (just under goal pace!)
This mile went by fast. It looped out of the Navy Stadium parking lot and onto the streets. It was hard to get into a good groove because the crowd was so thick still. I felt like I was running well. I searched for the 1:50 pace group, but could not find them anywhere!! I decided to forget them and just run.

Mile 2: 8:23 pace (under goal pace)
Felt good this mile. In this mile we headed into downtown Annapolis. Near the State House and down by the docks. It was a great mile and I felt like I was getting into a good groove.

Mile 3: 8:35 pace
By this mile, I felt like I had my PR for sure. It was my 3rd mile under my goal pace. It rained just enough to cool the runners off. What could go wrong?????

Mile 4: 9:03 pace
Now, I started to feel tired. The course was heading up next to the Naval Academy as I made my way closer and closer to THE BRIDGE. This was a slight incline and I was starting to feel the pace. Mentally, I began to struggle. I wanted to walk. And, I began to have a discussion with myself fin my head.

"Oh, you can walk. 30 sec. won't hurt you. You will catch your breath and be able to run faster. Just walk."

"No, if I walk now, I will want to walk again and once I do that I will not be able to regain my pace. The PR will be gone!"

Luckily, the "no walking Katie" won that battle. I did walk for like 5 sec to get a drink at the aid station, and then I was off and running again.

Mile 5: 9:25 pace (way off my goal pace)
Not much to say here except that the bridge leveled me!! I felt like I was crawling up it and the turn around felt like it was miles away. I struggled up and over the bridge, only to turn around and head back up it for a short distance before I could enjoy the down hill. Once I turned around, I knew I needed to really start running fast again. At this point, I figured the PR was gone.

Mile 6: 8:47 pace (pretty much right on pace!)
Once off the bridge, I really started moving again. I was focused. I had the 54 min time limit stuck in my head and I kept thinking, I had to get into the finish under 55 min to PR. This part of the course was fairly easy, just a few turns, before we headed back to the stadium for the finish. I felt like I was running well. As we approached the stadium, I began to run faster. At this point, I really thought my PR was gone, but I kept telling myself not to give up.

Last .2 : 8:27 pace
We turned up into the GRASS (who planned that . . . that really was miserable) until we hit the straightaway to the finish. Once off the grass, I began to move! I was running hard, and I obviously threw all form out the window (as seen by these pics) to cross the finish strong.

Isn't it strange, this is a women's race and the only other person in the picture is a man!

Warning: Do NOT run like this! I could be picked apart for poor form!

I hit my Garmin: 55:25

First thought, darn, did not make my PR.

I went to go get my finishers necklace (which I love!), and my lunch and ran into another Zooma Ambassador and asked her how she did. (She took 2nd overall in the 10K!!! Not only is she fast, but she is one of the sweetest runners I have met!!) I then walked around the vendors a bit and then went to check my offial time:

55:23
Um, wait. What was my PR again? It hit me in that moment. I PRed!! I was thrilled!

After that, I was on cloud nine! I hit the Barefoot Bubbly Wine tent (awesome wine!), had a great converstaion with another runner and then sat and talked with a few other ambassadors before I headed home to get ready for a meeting about the Marine Corps Marathon Run for Voactions team.

This was an awesome race! I am not just saying that because I PRed. The weather was perfect. The atmosphere was awesome. Being an ambassodor and getting to meet so many awesome women who run for so many different reasons, inspired me. It made me fall more in love with running and racing. I do not race to win. I know I will not be fast enough for that. But, being a part of Zooma helped me to see more that I am surrounded by so many amazing women when I race and that each has an incredible story.

So, with that being said, I challenge all you runners out there. Whether at another Zooma race or just a local 5K, start a conversation with another woman at the race. Encourage her and cheer her on. And have fun!

BTW: Zooma has added several more great races. Check them out, there may be one close to you. I really, really, really want to run Zooma Cape Cod!

Happy Birthday K!!

2011-06-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today is my K's 5th Birthday!

It seems like just yesterday he joined our family and now he has grown. It goes by so fast. Before I know it he will be 15, then 25 . . .

So, for today, no long post about how much I love that little man. And how much God has blessed my life and our family with K's infectious personality. Instead, I am going to savor this day with my K. And show him how much I love him!

Happy Birthday!

7 Quick Takes

2011-06-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

1. We have one foot in summer and one foot in school. We do school a few days a week still, but on other days, we just have to go to the pool. We will officially be wrapping up our school year next week, but plan to continue some school throughout the summer.

2. And I ordered our curriculum for next year already. Sonlight it is, again. I am anxiously awaiting Box Day which really should be any day now. J starts American History next year and since we live in such a history rich area, we will be doing lots of field trips.

3. And, yes I am planning our school year for next year already. We are going to have a tutor come one day a week for J so that I can use that time to spend with K and A who are anxious to read. And, although we LOVED co-op this past year, I am not planning on returning to co-op next year. Since I would like to do many field trips, I would like the flexibility of knowing that our Fridays are free. That way we will be able to get all of school work done and do fun nature studies and field trips without stressing about falling behind in our other school work.

4. Potty Training has begun for A. I think I am up for the challenge. I will let you know how it goes.

5. I still cannot comment on many blogs. So, if I usually comment of yours and have not for a while, it is not because I am not reading. I cannot comment. I need to delete cookies or something like that. I am not computer savvy, so it may be a while! But, I will comment soon!

6. After years of complaining about our kitchen table and the scratches and areas of missing stain and finish, I have decided that I would refinish the table . . . refinishing is more work than I remember. We are currently eating at a small card table. I am afraid we will be eating on it for a while.

7. Zooma Annapolis is this weekend! And, I am hoping the weather is just like today. It is perfect. After much deliberation, I have decided to run the 10K instead of the half. If you are in the area and want to run it, you can still register!! I cannot wait to share the fun of the weekend with you soon! And, if you are running it, come say Hi to me. I will be at packet pick up in Annapolis most of the day and I will be there Sunday too!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday - The wonder of nature

2011-06-01T04:03:00.000-07:00

Anyone else having problems with Blogger??

2011-05-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

I cannot seem to comment on other blogs!

Run for the Dream Half Marathon Race recap

2011-05-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

So, this was the race I wanted to PR at. I will start with, I did not PR. I finished about 10 minutes slower than my PR. And I am OK with that.

The weekend had been long before Sunday morning. Friday was packed with activity and Saturday was stuffed! I was on my feet most of the day Saturday and by the afternoon I was tired. Which got me worried about how the race would go the next day. My nutrition had not been great while travelling either. Greasy pizza is not usually on my menu for race week, but this week, it was (twice)! I kept my water intake up, but even with that I did not feel like I was going into the race day in the best position I could be in.

When I woke up Sunday morning, I was exhausted. Normally, race day adrenaline gets me moving fast in the morning of the race, but this morning, it was not working. I got ready for the race, ate and then headed down to get the shuttle.

The race start was neat. The Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corp played and marched the runners into the corrals. At 7:30 AM we were off and running. With a short trip through William and Mary's Campus, we headed straight into Colonial Williamsburg.

Now, I had no real, good plan for this race. I wanted to PR and I knew the pace I had to keep to do that, but I was not sure how to run the race. I have been using the Jeff Galloway run/walk method for most of my longer runs, but thought I might just run this race without walking. Somewhere in mile 1 I figured that would be a bad idea. I know I can run faster when I take walk breaks, so keeping them up would be my best shot at getting a PR.

By mile 2, I really had to find a port-a-potty. Not good. Other than my marathon, I have successfully avoided using port-a-potties during races. But not this day. The ones on the race course were full with a line, but luckily Colonial Williamsburg had a few right off the course that were there due to the concert the night before, so I ran over to them. That slowed me down a bunch and my stomach was still bothering me, but I was able to keep at or below my goal pace for the next few miles. Then I started to slow. The course was beautiful, but it did have rolling hills. We ran down Colonial Parkway down to the James River. It was really breathtaking.

By mile 8, I knew I would not be able to PR. By mile 10, my stomach was done. I needed to figure out a way to calm my stomach down or find a port-a-potty. I passed the port-a-potties and decided to risk continuing on. I figured I could finish faster if I tried to walk it off. Luckily, that worked, but I had to take it slow. Anytime, I started to speed up my stomach started acting up again (I think that is why I look like I am barely walking in this photo . . . I really am running here!!).

Mile 12 - Why do they wait until I am hot, sweaty and tired to take my photo???

I headed into the stadium for the last .2 of a mile around the track to the finish line. I ran as fast as I could and actually passed a few people along the way.

Chip time: 2:17:30

As soon as I was done, I quickly drank a bottle of water and a chocolate milk and headed to the after party. I grabbed my food and sat down to cool off and try to eat. One of the foods was a BBQ pork sandwich . . . I ate half of it and felt so sick. What was I thinking? The finish was a long walk away from the where we were to get the bus back to the hotel . . . I was not up for it. Plus, there was this cute running skirt on sale for $15 that I wanted and I had NO money on me, so I called my hubby to pick me up. I walked to the street. Got there and realized, I needed to find the port a potties again. I seriously was like that for the next two hours! This was the first race that I felt SICK after. There were times I felt light headed and like I could faint . . . all due to my stomach. I layed down at the hotel for a while after my shower and ate pretzels and that seemed to help. The strange thing was was that I was not sore at all. My legs felt good. So good, that I felt fine to walk around Busch Gardens for the rest of the afternoon after my stomach recovered. (We had a GREAT time at Busch Gardens!)

Even with the stomach issues, from start to finish, I loved this race. We love to go to Willimasburg and it was really such a great experience to run there! The race was well organized and the course was beautiful (and most of it was well shaded too . . a big plus for a sunny, warm day). And I felt that I ran well. I may not have PR'ed, but I felt like I ran as well as I could.

Fit to Run, Fit to Dream 8K and Kids' Runs Race Recap

2011-05-26T04:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I have tons of things to write about this 8K, but I do not. J and my husband were set to run this 8K on Saturday. We got down to Williamsburg Friday afternoon and went to the race expo and checked into the hotel. We stayed at the Woodlands, which was the race headquarters. I do not love staying at hotels with the boys, but with a free breakfast and shuttles to the race start, Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, I figured this would be the best place to stay.

Because of the excitement of traveling, and everyone being in the same room, the boys took a while to fall asleep, so my husband and I decided to let K and A sleep as long as they wanted the next morning. The race start was at 8 AM and I had planned to get to Colonial Williamsburg to cheer J and my husband on and then rush to the finish to see them finish, but when it was late and the boys were still asleep, I had given up trying to see them run through Colonial Williamsburg, and figured I would be able to see them finish.

I was up before they left and gave them hugs and wished them luck. K woke up at 7:30 AM and I got him ready for his race (at 10 AM). By 8 AM, A was still asleep, so I woke him up and got him ready. We rushed to breakfast and then we headed out to see J and my hubby finish. While walking, my hubby kept texting me . .. the final text said they were at mile 3.75. They only had a little over a mile to go and we were no where near the finish line. Poor K had to run to keep up with me. We missed them finishing!! They finished in 58:38 which was almost 10 minutes faster than he ran his first 8K!

Luckily, a photographer from Dailypress.com was there to get a picture of them finishing!

Then K and A had their fun runs. A ran a 100m dash. He looked so cute.

K ran a 400m dash. K normally runs FAST. But, that day he did not have much "steam." I think after having to run almost 2 miles to get to J's finish, he did not have much left for his start. But, he had enough to smile big for the camera to tell everyone about the medal he earned!

Later that day we headed to mass and then to Colonial Williamsburg for a special presentation and Fife and Drum Tattoo and firework display. There were corps from throughout the country. Each corps performed and then marched through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg to the Capital building. We followed and enjoyed the music along the way. It was late, but we had had a great day!

Wordless Wednesday- A family that runs together, has fun together!

2011-05-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

A picture of all the running medals our family earned from this weekend!

A's new trick

2011-05-23T04:48:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I was wakened by, "Mommy, I awake."

As I opened my eyes, I saw A's cute little face smiling at me next to my side of the bed.

So, it was that morning, that I learned, A can climb out of his crib. He has been doing it every morning and after nap time since then. And even if I hear him awake and go to get him out of the crib, he says, "No, Mommy, I do it."

Getting in position

Half way there

Almost done

And he's out!

This is the latest I have ever kept any of the boys in a crib. By about 20 months, both J and K were transitioned to a toddler bed. But, A is such a light sleeper, I did not want to do anything to disrupt his sleep routine. But, I guess, now its time to dust off the toddler bed and put away the crib!

7 Quick Takes

2011-05-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

1. As you read this, we, hopefully, are on our way to Williamsburg, VA for the weekend.

2. We go to Williamsburg at least once a year. The boys love it. But this time we will be running in races. All of us!

4. My hubby and J are running an 8K on Saturday. A is running a 100m kids dash and K is running a 400m kids run. I am running a half marathon on Sunday. All are excited and ready to go.

5. Well, I do not feel ready to go, but that is OK. I really wanted to PR at this race, but for some reason, do not feel like I have it in me. Plus, I am not sure how this is possible, since I am still running and workingout a lot, but I feel so out of shape right now. It is pretty much a mental issue and lack of confidence. We will see if I can overcome it to run well on Sunday.

6. The boys all got new running shoes a couple of weeks ago in preparation for this weekend. A loves to talk about his running shoes constantly. He is ready to go for a run at a moments notice. There is something cute about that 3 yr old saying, "Mommy, I go for run too?"

7. And totally unrelated to this weekend of races, but K and J have been in their room all day. No, they did not get in trouble. I got The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe book on CD yesterday at the library. They got to listen to some of it last night before bed and shortly after breakfast they asked if they could listen to more of it. Well, it is the afternoon, and other than to eat lunch, they have been upstairs listening. They are now on the last CD.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Being thankful for the messes too

2011-05-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

I have not listed my Thousand Gifts in a while. It is not that I stopped doing it. I am still writing them down, but I have definitely slowed. My journal still sits on the kitchen counter. Although, most days, I do not even open it to list the blessings. Days go by before I write them down, and suddenly I remember to write a few down all at once.

I got an email from someone the other day. She mentioned that she really needs to look for the blessings because the the messes, the laundry, the sink full of dishes, often distract her. I can add to the list: legos under feet, little boy underwear found thrown behind the couch (do not ask), school books strewn all over. The list could go on and on.

But that email got me thinking. And, as I was thinking about it and walking barefoot into my kitchen, I walked right through a pile of sand! Yes, sand. We do not live at the beach, or even close to water. But, we did just fill the boys sand box. I looked down, wiped my feet off and just stared at the pile of sand on my kitchen floor. The mess. The messes that distract me from the blessings. And I wrote it downon my list of things to be thankful for. Because as annoying as that pile of sand could of been for me, at that moment it reminded me of my blessings: boys that play so well together, boys that have so much fun in the sand box, the beautiful weather, the laughter of my children, the gift of their lives in my life.

Yes, the messes come. But how empty my life would seem without those who create most of the messes. Yes, I would still be blessed, but, with those boys in my life, my cup overflows.

276. boys building a cross
277. boys playing stations of the cross
278. my Grandfather's life
279. being with family
280. boys in ties
281. A singing at the funeral
282. a conversation with my Uncle
283. seeing my cousins
284. good conversations
285. hugs
286. a funny, touching eulogy
287. a husband who sits in the car with a sleeping A
288. learning more history about our family
289. cuddles with a cute, fuzzy puppy
290. finding a small town marathon
291. the kindness of the race director
292. the kindness of someone willing to sell their bib to me at a greatly reduced price
293. the hope of a new marathon
294. after watching a St Jude Hospital program on TV at the gym: my kids' health
295. friends who watched the boys so hubby and I could go on a date night
296. hyacinth blooming
297. a little boy who was so good at mass
298. a boy who lays on the floor petting his dog early in the AM
299. becoming a marathoner
300. flowers growing on the side of the road
301. no IT band pain
302. Insanity workout
303. conversations with my 2 yr old
304. First communion
305. conversation with my mom
306. sandaled feet
307. piles of sand on the kitchen floor
308. birds chirping so loudly you would think they were in the house
309. a three yr old who climbs out of his crib in the morning and stands next to my side of the bed and proclaims, "Mommy, I awake!"
310. the patience of my husband
311. 2nd row tickets
312. boys dancing
313. two boys who read
314. May crownings
315. babies
316. pregnant bellies
317. learning to see the gift of our home and learning to be happy here
318. knowing that I have enough
319. my 4 yr old who wanted to come to the Holy Hour with me

I feel the need, the need for . . .

2011-05-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

speed!

Yes, to quote Maverick (Tom Cruise) in Top Gun (notice a theme this week . . . I need to see that movie again!), today I felt the need for speed.

After writing a post that will be autoposted in Friday, I realized that I have felt very down about my running and running abilities lately. The fact that I ran 26.2 miles recently just was not good enough for me to quiet my inner critic. I have been very upset that I feel so slow. And it has affected most of my runs. Lately, I just mentally give up after 1 mile.

But, not tonight. After writing that post, I decided I really needed to do some speed work and push myself. So, after dinner, the family headed to the track.

I "wogged" with the boys for a lap and then I told my hubby I wanted to run one mile at a fast pace.

Mile 1: 7:39

Wow! I have not run that fast in a long time. I literally just blasted my ipod into my ears, looked straight ahead and RAN. I felt like I got tunnel vision and was so focused, I did not realize that I was breathing hard or my heart was working overtime. I was just running.

Mile 2: 9:31 min/mile

This was my recovery mile. And I fully intended to run 2 miles at this pace. But, as I got to the end mile 2, my hubby challenged me, "I want you to run an 8:30 pace for your 3rd mile." I was up for the challenge.

Mile 3: 8:17 min/mile

At the end I felt great! I have not run that hard in a long time and it felt so good to just run harder than I normally do. I was able to push through the mental barrier I have had for months now.

Wordless Wednesday - Nature in our own backyard

2011-05-18T04:02:00.000-07:00

Anyone know what this is?? All I know is that is is one large moth!

I am feeling old and my running mantra

2011-05-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

So while checking my email this morning, I saw the headline that the movie Top Gun came out 25 years ago today! Um, wait, I was NOT a baby when it came out. Really, 25 years ago?? Clearly, I was old enough to have my parents allow me to see it. And then watch it so many times when it came out on VHS, that I had most of the dialogue memorized.

Oh, gosh, I do feel old today.

And I guess over the past 25 years the dialogue has been saved in the recesses of my brain, because I use, "I feel the need, the need for speed" as my running mantra to get me running faster when I certainly do not want to!

Happy Anniversary Maverick and Goose! I think now I will, unfortunately, have the song "Danger Zone" playing in my head all day! (I may just have to see if I still have the cassette tape of the soundtrack still . . . yes I am that old!)

A trip to hubby's work and the Imagination Movers Concert!!

2011-05-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Last week Thursday, we went to the Imagination Movers Concert at Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. The week before the concert, K would ask every morning if this were the day we would go to the concert. He was so happy to get a "yes!" on Thursday.

Because my hubby carpools to work and works in DC, we went to his work to pick him up and to see his office. This was the first time we had visited his work since he got his new job. It was beautiful! The building was beautiful. There was religious artwork everywhere. There was a garden in the courtyard area of the building too.

Koi pond at hubby's work

Boys running down the lane at hubby's work

Statue at entrance of hubby's work

Then we grabbed a quick dinner and headed to the concert. We got there with just minutes to spare. If you remember, I got the tickets for writing this post. Well, when we went to sit down, we were pleasantly surprised to find we were sitting in the second row! The concert started with Choo Choo Soul, a group that is on the Disney Channel. They were good. But at this point, the boys seemed a bit overwhelmed. They had never been to a concert before, so the noise, and lights, and activity were a little overwhelming. Plus, J was a bit "old" for the music, so he did not seem too interested.

But then the Imagination Movers came out. And they got every kid in the auditorium on their feet. I will admit, I think the concert was great. From start to finish, it was fun, high energy, and entertaining. The Movers would come off the stage and dance and sing among the kids in the aisles. K and A even got to high five Collins. K was dancing like I have never seen him dance! I laughed at how cute he was. And even J danced. which I loved, because he is typically shy and reserved and would normally not just get up and dance, but he did!

And my hubby and I enjoyed it too! It was a great family night and I am so thankful that we got the opportunity to go. The Movers still have a few shows left in the tour, so go here to see if they are coming near you!

May Procession

2011-05-14T04:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend our parish had a May Procession to lay flowers at the Grotto of Our Lady of Rock Springs. Our parish has colonial roots and is the site of where the first Bishop in the United States was named. The Grotto is very old, so the procession and May Crowning is quite beautiful. Since J received his First Communion, he was a part of the procession. I do not have any great photos, but I thought I would share!

J is right behind our pastor

Carrying flowers to Mary

Walking up to the Grotto

Finally smiling

Placing flowers at Mary's feet

Fishing Fun

2011-05-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, J's Cub scout den went fishing. They had a blast! I have tons of photos, but I do not like to post photos with other minors and even some adults without permission, so the only picture I have to post is of A "fishing." I brought a rod for him that did not even have fishing line on it so I did not have to worry about him hurting anyone. He did not notice the difference and had fun just the same.

And the winners are . . .

2011-05-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long delay in getting the winners posted, but here they are:

1. The winner of the book: One Thousand Gifts is:

iMom-Lynn

2. The winner of the "run" necklace is:

Tricia

3. And the winner of the Hail Marys Tee is:

Mamarunsbarefoot

Congrats ladies! Check your inbox for an email from me!

7 Quick Takes

2011-05-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

1. I have not been in the blogging mood lately.

2. I get very happy by simple things. Last week I got the best thing ever off of Freecycle.

Yes, that is grass. Sod to be exact. Someone had redone their back yard and had 10 rolls left. Since our front yard is mostly dirt and weeds, with a smattering of grass, I desperately wanted the sod. When I went to pick it up, I thanked the man over and over again and told him I felt like it was Christmas. We now have one, small, beautiful patch of grass by our flower beds!

3. Our dog is a cone head.

She had surgery on her ear last week. And now she has to wear this lovely cone so she does not open up the stitches. At least the cone, is reflective . . . . I guess we could take her out for walks in the middle of the night and cars would see her ;)

4. Today while driving home from the our dog's vet appointment (to get the ear checked), we saw signs for a Dinosaur Park. So we drove down the road. It looked like a lot of fun. They open up the "dig" part of the park twice a month and the kids can really search for fossils. Of, course, we will be going there soon. J wants to find a dinosaur bone!

5. And before we came home from the previously mentioned vet appointment, we ate lunch and went to the Piney Orchard Nature Preserve. We saw turtles, fish, butterflies, a lizard and many cool plants. We walked on paved and dirt trails. The boys enjoyed every minute of it.

6. And, we brought home a "stow-away". J found a tick on him while we were driving home. I really, really, really do not like ticks. There is something about the fact that they embed themselves in your skin and suck your blood that I do not like. Ick! So the boys got a full body search and bath as soon as we got home. They are clean and tick free. And now, any little twinge I feel on my skin, I think is a tick!

7. I am struggling, mentally, with running. I want to get faster, but I have a mental block when it comes to actually running faster. I think I am becoming lazy and just do not want to push myself too much. I have been at a comfortable pace for a while and I like it. I guess I need to just mentally tough it out and make my legs move faster.

Want to read more 7 Quick Takes? Head on over to Conversion Diary.

Have a great weekend everyone! And have a blessed Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

First Communion!!

2011-05-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend was J's First Communion. It was a beautiful day. My parents and my aunt came down from NY to be here for the special occasion and my hubby's parents came to the mass as well. A priest friend of ours also came to concelebrate!

I, of course, cried as my "little man" received his First Holy Communion. It really is an amazing experience to watch your child receive Jesus for the first time.

He looked so cute in his suit. And, he loved being in it too. He kept it on for the rest of the day and refused to take it off until it was time to go to bed.

What's Next?

2011-04-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

For my running, that is.

Hmmm. First, I read so much about the post-marathon blues. I did not get any. None. After the marathon, I felt good. I will admit, I was disappointed with my performance and know I could have pushed myself and done so much better, but other than that, I had no let down. I think it was because I had so much to catch up on around the house, that I had no time to think about the fact that the marathon was over.

I have had people ask me if I feel different now that I have completed a marathon. Truthfully, I do not. There are moments, when I just stop and think, "I cannot believe I am a marathoner.", but other than that, I do not feel any different.

I am running again and this is the first week that I am back up to higher mileage again. It feels good. I was sore for the first week and, after most runs and workouts last week, I was so sore. I could only attribute it to the fact that I was still recovering.

I am running with the Zooma ladies on Saturdays. (Haven't registered for Zooma Annapolis yet? Go do it now! You will not regret it!)

And on May 22, I am running the Run for the Dream half marathon (my hubby and J are running the 8K the day before, and A and K are running in the kids' races). I would really like to PR at this half. So, I need to work on speed. For the past several months I have only focused on endurance. I would like to get a bit faster too. Being like a turtle is nice and all, but I would like to get faster.

So, speed work here I come.

And, I will be wearing these for my shorter runs now that the weather is nicer!

Wordless Wednesday - Easter

2011-04-27T04:24:00.000-07:00

Marching Through Time

2011-04-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

I am very behind on blogging. After running the marathon, I had so much to catch up on before Easter. Then Holy Week hit and I did not want to blog. And now, this Sunday is J's first Communion!! So please excuse my sporadic posts!

Two weeks ago we went to a local event called Marching Through Time. It was an encampment that had renactors from 1st Century Roman times all the way to the modern wars. It was amazing and a paradise for my boys who love all things history. I am fascinated by these things as well. Each reenactor knows so much about the time period they are reenacting. I love to soak up any knowledge I can from them. They know more and can explain the time period in a way that no history book can.

So, without futher ado, here are the pictures from the weekend:

In Barbarian armour:

K fell over shorty after this picture was taken! The chainmail weighed more than he does!

Struggling to hold up the shield

Barbarian J

Medieval Times:

Hubby learning about field of vision in Knight's helmet

Knight

Ladies of the court

J learning to shoot a long bow

15th Century

The littlest squire

Chainmail is now lighter!

A ~~Pirate~~, I mean, Privateer:

World War II:

Not sure what war these soldiers were from:

Zooma Women's Race Gear Giveaway Winner!

2011-04-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

The winner, picked my random.org is #28, Jen at Why I Run. Jen, check your email!

And for those who did not win, I have a Gratitude Giveaway going on with great items. Go check it out!