kids fun run - 1 mile

This was Elizabeth's race. AJ decided to join in on the race at the last minute but after 1/4 mile into it, he decided that the playground looked much more interesting. They did great and I am so proud of them!

the tot trot.

This was Jacob and AJ's run. Those fellow TPSers out there might recognize a few others from our class and classes past as well. It was too cute!

running day, part 1.

We kicked off our running weekend with the Seminole Spirit Run at Bluewater Elementary School. Jacob and AJ made a mad dash for the spinning fans in the Tot Trot 100m dash. What a cute and fun sight to see!


Up next was Elizabeth for Kids Fun Run 1 mile. Look at the serious look on her face as she prepared herself for the race.

There were quite a few kids from the school that ran.

She never stopped to walk once! SO proud of her!

Look at that form!

Towards the end, Elizabeth and her best friend, Riley, were in need of some motivation. These girls insisted that I hold their hands as we jogged our way to the finish. They were such troopers! Elizabeth finished in 11:32 and Riley was 11:35.

As we saw the finish in our sights, I told Elizabeth to sprint in and she picked it up and made it to the end with no problem.

And of course there were plenty of water breaks along the way and treats at the end. Jacob discovered that he LOVES Gatorade and I think drained half of the cooler.

Post race we headed back home with ribbons in hand and pride high.

Jacob and Elizabeth showing off their ribbons. AJ was not feeling too photogenic at this point....

...but I got a picture of him in the end anyway.

I am SO proud of my little guys! They have certainly given me quite a bit of motivation for my race tomorrow. Yikes!! Did I mention that I have a race tomorrow? I suppose I will have to do a post about that tomorrow - stay tuned!

the reality.

Several days of home bound illnesses will drive any mom to her breaking point. And I am talking throwing oneself on the floor kicking and screaming (AKA - temper tantrum). Not that this is what I did but when I am so bored and tired of looking at all of the little flaws on my walls, I decided the kids were healthy enough that we HAD to get out of the house. After taking WAY to long to get ready and in the car, we headed over the Niceville Children's Park for a little mommy break.

See, I chose the park because I can look like I am being a good mommy by taking the boys and doing something fun with them but in reality I was being totally selfish. You see, the park means independent play and I get to sit and breathe for a moment. And this particular day I was fortunate enough to run into an old friend that was having the same type of sanity break. We vented, breathed and tried our best to look like devoted good mommies. All in all I would say it was a successful trip for all involved and I am feeling a little less like throwing myself on the ground to kick and scream.

karate queen.

Elizabeth has been taking Karate lessons for about 6 weeks now and has fallen in love with it. The best part out of all of this is that it is at the YMCA. During class, the boys go into the Y's child care and I get to work out. What more could I ask for?

Anyway, she recently received her uniform and is so proud of herself. She practices without me asking and gets ready to go way before we have to be there. Her teachers are great with her and we have seen a lot of improvement all ready.

My only hope is that it will teach her to defend herself and build her confidence.

Please pardon the horrible picture but it's all I could get at the moment.

mardi gras.

Nice weather, lots of people, decorated cars and LOTS AND LOTS of beads must equal a parade. In this case, it was a Mardi Gras parade down in Destin. The kids got the hang of holding their hands out for beads real quick and were quite weighted down by the time we left.


As we left we walked under the boardwalk to a local restaurant named after my son. Well, I guess that part isn't true but has the same name sake at least. AJ thinks it is so cool so of course we had to get a picture and I just had to post it for my little buddy. I think we may take him there on his birthday.


Anyway, like I said, they were pretty weighted down with their beads by the time we left. Oh, yeah, more beads around the house. :)

It was a good time and a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

daddy's little princess.

Last night my little girl broke my heart. That isn't to say that she meant to or that she even knew she did. Elizabeth and her Daddy left for the evening all dressed up and ready for a night on the town. She had a Father-Daughter Dance for Girl Scouts.


She asked to have her hair done and made sure that she wore the prettiest dress she could find. She also asked if she could wear a little makeup since it was a special evening. I told her she could and helped her with the primping. She waited patiently while her Daddy got ready.

With sparkles in her eyes she waited patiently for it to be time to leave with her one and only true love of the night - her Daddy. Her Daddy has won her heart over and over many times and there will never be another like it.

This feeling is mutual as Daddy has a special place in his heart for his one and only daughter - a love that can not be duplicated. I must admit jealousy here for the special bond they have.

There was special dancing, raffles, friends and fun to be had. Even reunions at that.

My little girl even partook in the act of gossip and chatting amongst girls. Oh, how she is growing up!

As special as the night was for her and her Daddy, it too was special for me. To see her all dressed up and ready for a night out was only a glimpse of what is to come in the future. Don't get me wrong here. I am not looking forward to those days. I am just so happy that those first glimpses are spent with her beloved Daddy.

wonderful day.

I am sitting at the computer today editing pictures from a recent photo shoot. As I look into the eyes of this precious little newborn, I am reminded of all of the emotions; love and joy that goes into having a child. From the moment that we find out we are pregnant to the day they leave home, children bring innocence into such a crazy world.

How I miss the days of holding my children and rocking them to sleep but how wonderful it is to know that they are growing up to be strong independent people with personalities all their own.

If you are interested in checking out pictures from my most recent shoot - head on over here.

my little scarecrow

The ultimate example of cuteness = a kindergarten school musical!

Elizabeth along with all of her fellow kindergartners participated in the annual musical E-I-E-I Oops! She was a scarecrow and had a speaking part.

I think we certainly have a drama queen on our hands as she was so excited to dress up in costume and had no stage fright what-so-ever. That crazy girl!

The video is a little long and the sound isn't so great but it is just too cute not to pass up or maybe that is just the proud mama speaking. Either way, enjoy!

love/hate

So, this new running thing has turned into a love/hate relationship. And yes, for those doubters out there - I am still going strong...

What I love:

• My shoes!!! Did I mention, I LOVE my shoes! I have always heard that it is all in the shoe that works for you but I had my doubts. I went and had my foot fitted and came to the conclusion that I need stability shoes. After trying on half a dozen pair, I decided on the Mizuno. This is the best my feet have felt ever exercising and I have had no problems with my shins, knees or ankles (as I had feared).
  
• The high. Who would have thought that you could become addicted to something that is good for your body!? I guess the over load in oxygen will do it to you every time... :)

What I hate:

• The pain. Yes - the pain in my lungs, the pain in my muscles and not to mention that pesky MCL injury. I must admit that all of the "pain" is subsiding but still isn't something I look forward that is for sure.

• The treadmill. When I started my running, it was exclusively on the treadmill so I didn't know any different. But, now - oh the outdoors call to me. The wind, the cool air, the freedom from the kids, the change in scenery, etc. I could go on forever. Anyway, I have affectionately or not so I guess renamed it the dreadmill!!!

So for now, knowing that I am making myself healthier and proving to myself the things that I can achieve is all that I need to stick with it.

Less than 2 1/2 weeks until race day! YIKES!!!

don't you dare.

Oh, aren't they cute?

And even loving towards each other, but Jacob, your cheeks look a little full.

You better swallow that milk young man!

Oh, you are just too silly!

I love you my little stink bug!

curiosity

What we take for granted as every day menial jobs, kids always find such fascination with. We had 4 trees removed from our yard as well as some other trimming done. Needless to say, the boys thought it was the coolest thing. They would run from window to window saying, "look!" and "Mommy, what are they doing now?" Looking back, I feel bad that I didn't take the time to stop and enjoy the site with them as I was in such a hurry to get them ready and out the door for the day. I guess lesson learned. Stop and smell the roses or in this case the wood chips.

love shacks and other such things

One of the spouses in our squadron is truly amazing as she opens up her house to all of our kids and puts on the best parties. Last weekend we were treated to a Children's Valentine's party that included t-shirt design, frame making, and decorating "love shacks". Mike stayed home with Jacob that day but Elizabeth and AJ had a blast!!!

They had a great time decorating their shacks but I would have to guess that there were two pieces of candy eaten for every one that got placed on the shack.

Thanks Mrs. H. for such a wonderful party!

a little reunion

So, as you know we move around a lot. Well, with that comes doing our best to stay in touch with those that we have been with through thick and thin in all of our adventures. Last night we had a small online, goofy type reunion. Ahh - how Nintendo would be proud. We reunited with fellow TPSers from California and Nevada in an online tournament of Mario Kart Wii. Here is how it went:


AJ: "Daddy pick a good race for us!"

AJ: "Dad, see this is how you do it."

Now this is playing as a team!

AJ: "Aw man! I feel off the edge."

Daddy: "It's okay buddy! I love you."

Good times! Good times!