13.one bad mother runner!

I did it!

I still can't believe it, but I completed my first half marathon on Saturday!  It was a Go Girl Event which meant it was all girls. I had pondered signing up for it last Thanksgiving when we did the Turkey Trot 5K, but I kept chickening out.   But something kept pulling at me to do it even though I hadn't been training religiously the past few months. 

I loved the idea of the whole marathon just being girls- celebrating girl power!

So, Kelly and I decided at the last minute to register! 

We got pics of signs the night before that Angie and Mindy had made for us.  They were hilarious.  We are so blessed to have them support us. 

We left by 6:00 am so we could be there and ready for the 7:00 start.  The morning air was cool and I was a bit chilled but I knew being cold wouldn't last for long.   

At mile 2, I was thinking... What in the h#&$ did I do?  How am I going to get thru this?
Even though the week before I had run 13.1 miles in 2 hrs and 47 min, I could feel my run wasn't as smooth and I was a bit concerned.

At mile 7, I was thinking.... My legs are killing me.  How am I going to finish this?  My legs did not do this the week before.... so I had to take more walk breaks than I had originally planned. 

I took a pic at one of my walk breaks on the course. It was a perfect day for a run and an even more perfect day for my first 1/2 marathon.

 



Carson and Eric met me at mile 10.  They had been tracking me on the "find my iphone" app and met up with me on Holland St.  I was so surprised to see them!  Carson gave me a hug and ran with me for a bit. ;)

The last few tenths before the finish line, I heard someone screaming at me.... It was Kel.  She had finished of course, and was running back yelling at me.  Apparently, she had gotten really hot, and she had on a sport bra, long sleeve shirt, and short sleeve shirt over that.  She had two girls she didn't know stand in front of her while she stripped off her two shirts, put the short sleeve shirt back on and then ran back for me.  When she got to me I was walking, me legs were still hurting and my feet were swollen.  She walked with me for a bit, and then said ok, we're going to run.  It doesn't have to be fast, but you're going to run across that finish line.  Then she ran with me through the streets and across the line. 

Words can not describe how thankful I am for her.  She has been my running buddy since we started last August.  And she keeps  me going and motivated.  I only hope I do the same for her.  She is so encouraging and she continues to run even thought her feet have been giving her trouble.  She just amazes me. 

It felt surreal to cross that line and get our pretty medals.  I am so overjoyed that we did it.
I have never been athletic.  I'm not good at sports.  Working out was not part of my life until a few years ago.  And running has been something that I always HATED.

When we decided to start the Couch to 5K program, I could barely run 30 seconds without feeling like I was going to die.  It just felt wonderful to be able to do it!

It was also very cool that Keri, our sis-in-law had signed up to do the race.  She began running last fall.  We all did our first half together.  I'm so proud of us!

As Kelly and I were crossing, the whole Sallee clan were waiting and cheering us on.  It was pretty neat.   

I'm loving the medal.  Just. so. pretty.

And I had to buy a shirt.  This one says it all. :)
The back says "finisher- Go Girl"

I am so thankful for all my friends and family who sent texts and words of encouragement.  This was such a huge goal for me.  It feels great to have accomplished it.  I never thought at age 41, I'd be completing a half marathon for the first time. 

When I finished the race, my thoughts were.... I don't ever want to do this again....

But, now that I've had some time to recover...There's another one locally in November. 

So, who knows....

maybe I'll try again!

there's no place like home....

The last 2 months of my life have been lots of fun and OH SO CRAZY!

I've had plans to be out of town for 7 of the last 8 weekends. And the one I was home was spent celebrating Easter.  So, relaxing was not exactly a priority that weekend.

I've really enjoyed all my time away and being with girlfriends and family. 

But. I'm. done.

Last weekend, I was invited to the Women of Joy conference in Branson, Missouri with one of my very closest, dearest, and best friends- Tara.  I was amazed at how great the speakers were. 
The first night, we heard Jim Kelly's wife, Jill Kelly, give her testimony.  She was very well spoken and funny.  She talked a little about fear and worry.  It was something I really needed to hear. 

On Saturday, Liz Curtis Higgs spoke.  She was quite possibly one of the most enjoyable and funny speakers I've ever heard.  She has written many fiction books and some nonfiction like - "The Bad Girls of the Bible" and "The Really Bad Girls of the Bible."  If you ever get a chance to hear her RAP the story of the book of Ruth, take it. I believe it's on YouTube.  Hilarious!

Saturday evening, they had a Jeremy Camp concert.  Of course, it was wonderful.

And Sunday morning, we heard Angela Thomas speak.  She was amazing and funny as well.
I bought a devotional book that she wrote, "Choosing Joy."

I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, but I just hit the wall while I was there.  I have been so tired- physically and mentally.  I don't think I was my usual self - maybe a bit distracted and quiet.

This is Tara and her friend Cortney before one of the sessions.  I did a poor job of getting pics this weekend.  Also a sign that I was tired.  Not taking pictures is NOT like me.

The stage was lit up and very pretty.  Charles Billingsley was the worship leader.  He was fantastic as well.

When I got home Sunday, Eric, Carson and I went to Village in for brunch.  I have been away from them quite a bit lately, and it was nice to come home and know that I don't have to been gone overnight for awhile.

Though I had such a great time this spring with all of my friends, I am looking forward to summer break and spending some time at home.  My house is a wreck.  We keep up with the kitchen/dining and living room the best we can and spot clean the bathrooms.  But, my house needs an overhaul.  I plan to clean it from top to bottom, get many things organized, and get rid of A LOT!

And, I have some running plans for this month.  I've set some goals and one of them will be to accomplish 52 miles.  With all my running around the world, I haven't spent much time actually RUNNING!  I feel so much better when I run 3 times a week on top of my weight and interval training.  And, I've gained a few pounds.  So, I'm working toward my weight loss goals again. 

I will feel better about myself this summer. period.

I'm ready for this month's photo challenge.  I have 4 to catch up on from April.  I've never been so far behind.  I am also looking forward to my phota-a-day project that I have planned to get completed this summer.  I'll post more when it's finished.

And, just because it's so cute.  Here is a picture of Carson's sidewalk chalk art from the other day.  We should be doing a lot more of this in May...

This Momma is not a camping girl...

Boy Scout Family Camp was this past weekend. Carson really wanted me to go with him, so I did.
I have had a really busy schedule for the past 6 weeks.  So, Eric did absolutely EVERTHING to get us ready for the trip.  The only thing I had to do was pack my clothes and Carson's. I really appreciate all that he did to get us ready and packed for the trip. 

We left right after school on Friday. 

When we got to camp, we set up our tent.

It was a very quiet and peaceful area.

Eric even got us camp lights to hang on our tent.  They were quite helpful for when we had to walk back to the tent and find it in the dark.

The first night, the temp was below freezing in the 30s.  I had on 2 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 2 jackets, a fuzzy hat for my ears, a sleeping bag, 2 blankets, and about 6 hand warmers.  And the boys had on about the same.  But we were warm and cozy.

Saturday morning, Carson and Elliott were up and ready to have some fun.

Silly faces....

For breakfast, we had omelets boiled in freezer bags.  They were actually pretty tasty.

That morning everyone went to the fish hatchery.
Then in the afternoon, they had different stations to do: Compass skills, Knot making, and a service project of collecting firewood for our campfire and ceremony that night.

Our campsite...

While Carson did his activities, I read and took a nap.  It was actually a very nice and peaceful afternoon. ;)

For dinner, we had lasagna, green beans, garlic bread and salad made on a grill with a lot of Dutch ovens.  It was a great dinner. 

Then we made our way to the lake and sat around a fire for the ceremony.  The kids graduated to their next level.  Carson become a Wolf!  I am so proud of all the work he has done this year, and I'm proud of Daddy for making sure that he stays involved and gets his activities completed to earn his badges, beads, pins, and belt loops.

Carson is the one with the hat, waiting for his new yellow kerchief.

Sunday morning, we were up at 7:00 am, and we were packed and ready to go about 9:00 am. 

I did have a really good time, but I was very happy to see this tent being rolled up and put away!

Boy Scout Family Camp is now completed and I am one happy camper!

Blackberry Creek Retreat with SOL {2013}

Last weekend was my annual trip to Blackberry Creek Retreat with Scrap Out Loud!

It was just wonderful. 

I was sick with a sinus infection the entire weekend, but I still managed to have the best time.

These were the goodies that I had waiting for me at my spot when I arrived. Thank you to our cruise directors- Cara, Pat, and Janelle!

My spot for working.  I learned from Pat last year, and brought my own chair. 
It.  was.  perfect. 

I usually have trouble with my back hurting after sitting on a hard folding chair all weekend.  Not this time!  Definitely a must for all future events!

We had our welcome to Blackberry Creek Spritzer on our first night with our meal.

Getting it done!

I can't even describe how good the food is.  We used to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner....
Needless to say we ROLLED home that first year because it was so much food!

Now we do breakfast, a soup or salad at 2:00 pm, and dinner about 6:30 pm.
And we always eat a dessert later that night.

We had my absolute favorite thing they serve..... Blackberry Creek Signature Chowder.  It's the second picture below.  And it's amazing....

The table is changed for each meal.  It's always a treat to see how they have it put together.

I was able to get done ALL of 2012.  I had stopped last year in February.  So, I finished 10 months and then also finished 2013 through March. 

Using Project Life has CHANGED MY LIFE!  I am able to documennt and preserve all of our memories in such a shorter amount of time.  And with all of Becky Higgins' neat products, it still looks FABULOUS! 

This is my 2013 title page.  I'm in love with Clementine.  I think I've decided that I am going to purchase a few other kits and mix them through the years.  This will add a little variety to my books and keep it fresh and interesting, I think. :)

I do love doing special projects that are more of the scrapbook feel, but those are more individual and short term.  I feel like documenting our life this way will help me to enjoy those projects more, and I don't have to feel overwhelmed...... WHEW.......... That is me, sighing a great big breath of RELIEF!

Kel and I stayed in the room called Dixie's Garden this year.
I just love how each room is decorated with so much country cottage detail.

This is Dixie and Mark Dawson.
They are such lovely and kind people.
I can not express the hospitality and kindness and care they show to us when we are there.
If you ever need a little getaway for some peace and relaxation..... you must check out
Blackberry Creek Retreat!

 

Scrap Out Loud ladies, Thank you for such a great time.  4 days always seems to fly by so quickly!

We missed you, Leslie H, but next year will be here before we know it!!

 

 

Easter weekend {2013}

We had such a busy Easter weekend!

Even though I had Friday off, I had so many errands to do that I was gone the entire day!
It didn't make for a restful weekend, but we did have a lot of fun!

Saturday, we had Sallee Easter at Grandma Pat's.
Carson sported his new hat - just adorable!

The girls were pretty as ever... and they participated in the hunt, because there is money to be found in them.  Works every time!

Carson loves a good Easter Egg hunt.  I just love his love for life and I so enjoy experiencing it with him.  

Khloe would only pick up the pink and purple eggs.  It was hilarious watching her pass so many of the eggs just because they were the wrong color. :)

The lineup after the hunt!  Cousins!

The next morning, Carson told me how tired he was.  And he just couldn't get up.  So, I told him that I would just have to check to see if the Easter bunny had come by myself.  His eyes then SHOT OPEN and he darted out of bed.  very interesting.....

I try not to get too much candy, because he always gets so much of it.  I had to throw away left over  Halloween candy just to make room in the "candy bowl" for the Easter loot.  Of course, he got a chocolate bunny.  That was a tradition from my childhood.  There always must be a chocolate bunny!

And, he decided that the Darth Vader eggs must be prototypes the bunny was trying out for the future since he hadn't seen them in stores.  Too funny.

 We had a great time at church.  Due to illness and trips, it had been awhile since we had been there and I do not like missing.  Life doesn't feel right without going each week to worship and refocus.

We had a low key pizza lunch at our house with the grandparents after church.  Ollie was so happy to have his family home.  He is such a sweet pup.  We really lucked out when we picked him.

 Grandma and Grandpa spending time with their grand "boys".

Grandma Pat, Eric (Daddy) and Carson

Our family of 3...

Our silly boy...

After the grandparents left, we decided to dye some Easter eggs. 

We have never dyed eggs with Carson.  I don't know why, but it seems that we get so busy that it just gets put off every year.  I decided that we needed to do it this year before he decides he is too old to do it.  He loved it, of course.  We'll have to do even more eggs next year. 

I'm sure he won't let us skip out on doing it now. :)

Our beautiful eggs turned out nicely.  Notice the E,L,C and O for all of our names. 

We had a great day, and I'm so thankful to my Lord and Savior.  We are all given grace through Jesus who died for our sins.  None of us are worthy of the grace and love that He shows us.  

We fail everyday.  I'm so grateful that he never fails and gave me the opportunity to have everlasting life with Him.  All I had to do was recognize that I am a sinner and imperfect and believe that He has come to save me from it all.  Now I am His FOREVER!  Nothing can change it.