Am I CRAZY????

Ok, so this post will just be me rambling... because I have to think out loud to make sure I have not indeed lost my mind...
I've decided to train for a half marathon... yep me, a half marathon... Let me back up a minute here... I am starting with a 5k which is 3.2 miles. Now that is more imaginable, right? I hope to work up to a 10k which is like 6 miles in November then the biggie in Feb. 13.2 miles!!!
Where did this come from, you ask? Well, this past year has brought many ups and downs, challenges and transistions in my life and of those around me. I managed to complete the National Board Certification process which was so hard. (I do not find out my score until November.) I am totally anticipating having to redo some part of it. Katie began Kindergarten at my school which is GREAT, but a big adjustment to my routine. No longer do I have an hour or so to myself to regroup, chat with Adults, run errands etc. Katie is basically attached to my hip. (as I type she is literally sitting RIGHT next to me reading a book, which is adorable indeed) but attached to my hip none-the-less. I realized I needed to find time for just myself. So I decided while finding that time why not get in shape and set a goal. SOOOOO... last week I began this journey. I found a friend at church who completed the half marathon last year and began talking to her. She hooked me up with a website and fabulous trainer here in Birmingham. His name is Danny and has a great plan to go from "couch to 10k"!! So Monday morning, I rolled out of bed around 6 and hit the pavement. I ran 5 days this week! Now let me explain, it was only a mile walk-run thing so it only took me 15 minutes each day. But wow, what difference it has made. I am actually looking forward to that time each day. I even ran this morning. This coming week I am going to up it some and run- walk half mile intervals. I am looking forward to the challenge actually. A friend of mine, actually it is funny, she is the wife of my best guy friend from high school. (this is a shout out to you Trish!!) We hooked up through Facebook and I feel like I have known her all my life. She ran one recently and has really been a source of encouragement and advice... Anyway, she told me that running would provide me time to think, pray and almost solve all my problems... And ya know? It has!!! I have really had some intense discussions with God and myself for that matter. It has been refreshing...
All this to say, Am I Crazy?? Will I actually be able to do this? I do not know but I am going to try... So if you do think I am crazy... I am out to prove ya wrong!!
The fun thing is that my kids have seen me doing this and are wanting to exercise etc. THey have a kids 1 mile run along with half marathon and I am going to help Katie "train" for that. She is really excited! How cool is that?
I will keep you all posted...

A Night at Samford

Tonight was the first Samford football game! We decided to take the kids since they have never been and plus our favorite babysitter, Lindsay Cleveland, is a freshman at SU and was marching in the band! We were not sure if we could tell which one was Lindsay but they did great! Katie LOVED the Bulldog mascot that she named Sally. (not sure why that name) and Ben loved watching the football players and the drum players in the band. It was a long night but well worth it. As I put Ben to bed a few moments ago he looked at me and said, " thank you for taking me to the game, mommy". That is what it is all about...no matter how exhausted I am!!


Another cute comment was from Katie tonight who looked up at me while the band was playing and she said, "Mama, they really are talented!" She is such a little lady!!



The kids and me at my Alma Mater!!

Ben watching the football players!

Katie and the bulldog, Sally?? :)

GO Samford!!!

A kind Police officer took time to talk to Ben and get his picture taken with Ben. Ben was THRILLED!!!

Ya Know Katie could not miss out on having her picture taked with the super cool Police Officer!!

LIke Father Like Son

Craig went up in the attic today and found his cowboy outfit he wore as a little bit. We tried it on Ben and how cute was he??? I hope to find one of Craig possibly when he wore this and post that one soon!

My little cowboy!

A playful afternoon

I took some pics in the backyard the other day just for the fun of it. Katie had a dress of mine that I wore as a child. Ben was just being Ben!

This is classic, wouldn't you say? Katie took this picture of mama in action!

Ben ready for baseball!!!

I thought this was such a neat pic of Katie dancing around in my dress!!! I love this picture!

GOoD FrIeNdS and GoOd FoOd!

Today one of Craig's high school buddies, George and his family were in town for a gymnastics meet. We took this opportunity to get together and have a little lunch at P.F. Changs at the Summit and boy was it good. Besides taking the kids to the bathroom a million times, preventing chopstick injuries and ordering Ben more pineapple we had a great visit. George is looking good and has lost 41 pounds and counting! We are so proud of him!

Craig and George!

Marla, Hannah and Katie

Holland, Hannah, Katie, Jen and a not so happy Ben!

Our First Full Week of School...

Sorry I have not posted in a while... to say the least we have been really busy getting back into the groove of a schedule. Katie is doing super. She wakes up every morning and makes up her bed, gets dressed and brushes her teeth without any fuss and then picks out her snack for the day. She absolutely loves kindergarten at Greystone. Ms. Morgan is so much fun and has a really sweet class. She loves going to art with Ms. Horn and likes PE too. Of course she loves lunch, snack and recess time.. I mean who doesn't right? She looks like such a big girl walking in the halls. It has been alot of fun watching her and getting to see her all through out the day. Not to mention she is a huge help in the afternoon when I am getting things ready for my class. She is an excellent paper passer outer... (is that even a word). She helps get materials out and ready.
Ben started his new class too last week. This is a big deal too since you have to be potty trained to be in the class. Ben is doing really well. He is still having a few accidents but overall is doing great. He gets to bring show n tell every Friday and yesterday he took his mini Auburn helmet to share. They are working on writing and holding their pencil correctly. I can not believe he is already working on that... My baby is really growing up to be a little man! He got a haircut last night and looks sharp!!
Craig is gearing up for football season and is taking a few out of town trips over the next few weeks then the real traveling starts. But I am really ready for football season.,.. it is just a fun time of year!
I love my class this year. They are sweet, funny, smart and all around a great class. I am looking forward to a great year. I hope to take some pictures this weekend to post soon.
Until then...
Jen

Our first day of school

Today was Katie's first day in kindergarten, my first day back and Ben's first day in the three year old room... so it was an eventful and exciting day! Katie had the best time and did really well. My class is so far a joy and Ben seems to have done great as well. Here are a few pics from this morning.

Ben, Mama, and Katie

My girl!

Katie and Charlie... kindergarteners!!

Katie and the fabulous Ms. Morgan!

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Katie found out who her kindergarten teacher will be at Greystone.... it is the fabulous Ms. Susan Morgan. I admit I was hoping for Susan. Susan was my mentor 9 years ago as I began my teaching career, then in kindergarten. She mentored, befriended and cared for me those first years of teaching and still does so now. She was there when I found I was pregnant for the first time, she was there when I miscarried and was such a huge support and she was there when I announced I was pregnant with Katie. Katie has always loved going to Ms. Morgan's room whenever she has been up at the school with me. Susan is kind, artistic, laid back, funny and most importantly an Auburn fan! ha ha! Katie is going to have the best year because of Susan. It is such a great feeling to know that your baby is in the best care during the day... So thank you, Susan, in advance for loving Katie and teaching her!

Here are pictures of Katie going to the mailbox to get the letter that told her who her teach is this year.

Going to the mailbox... so excited...

Katie was thrilled to find out it was Ms. Morgan and to be in the "monkey" class!!!

I will take many pics tomorrow and post them soon!!