Long overdue update

So, I've been a slacker on reporting about my running progress.  This week would have been... I don't know... maybe week 9 of our program!?  I've lost track with the time because my running partner and I haven't been able to run together for the last two weeks and will not be back together until next week. 

Two weeks ago, I started my week off with 2.2 miles.  By the end of the week, I had successfully achieved my goal of 3.2 miles!!! HELLO 5k!!!! Nice to see you :)

Anyway, I got SO excited that I ran a few more days last week than I probably should have.  I was pretty steady with the 3.2 miles the first couple of days.  However, my last two days were failures.  Yes, you read right.  I failed and probably only ran 2.5 miles :( I know, that's still very good and I was still ahead of the program but still.  I HATE not making a goal I have already achieved.  (Have I ever mentioned that my family is a bit competitive? And I am no exception.) 

So, I took that as a sign and decided to take three consecutive days off.  Although I wasn't physically sore, I really think my body was just tired and needed a break.

Tonight was the first day back and....... 3.5 miles!!!!! Yep!  I am back!  I truly understand those who have said that running is addictive.  I LOVE knowing that I am able to do this for myself.  ( I also had a friend of mine tell me this weekend that she can absolutely tell a difference in my body and that I look great! Brownie points for her!) 

With all of this said, this is officially my last week of the Couch to 5k Program and it was a definate success!  I highly encourage anyone thinking of giving running a try to use this program.  You may feel silly running only a minute at first, but you build, and it WORKS. 

I will still be keeping you guys informed on how I'm doing. What can I say? I kinda enjoy bragging about myself.  I'm hoping to increase my distance on some days and work on my speed on others.  This way, I'm thinking that my first 5k race will be easier for me (a mile is nothing now) and maybe I won't be the last person to run across the line.  So, keep your fingers crossed!

Very valuable information

While on facebook last night, I found this.....

I know it's rather small, so here's the link.  I sincerely hope it works *fingers crossed* 

A friend posted it on her photos and explained that this is a perfectly good explanation to all of her friends who don't have children.  See, sometimes, I feel like I absolutely blow off perfectly good opportunities to call and chit chat to some of my greatest friends simply because I'm "too busy."   There are also days when Jeremy comes home from work worn out and stressed and I come back with "you think you're the only one who's had a rough day!"  Then, when I look back on the day, I often wonder what exactly it was I did all day that made me so busy and stressed and tired.  This newspaper column is the honest to God answer taken right out of my thoughts. 

I swear, it is certainly not that I avoid these people or that I don't have any catching up to do.  I also don't use this as an excuse to one up Jeremy.  But I literally spend almost ever waking hour with a two year old who quite frankly needs most of my undivided attention.  See, it is my job to make sure she is getting the life skills she needs in order to be successful.  It is also my job to make sure she has safe and fun activities during the day to keep her busy and teach her social and educational skills.  Therefore, although I do not have a paying job, I do have a pretty needy boss who does not accept sick days or paid time off! Those of you with a paying job AND a child....bless you.    

I thought this would be good insight for those of you who may not have children and it'd be a good cheat sheet for those who do have children and need the words to explain what exactly it is you do ALL day!

Question of the week

Do you ever get to feeling like your life is just a little ordinary?  Well, I usually don't think about it until I tried to answer the question of the week on my mom's group message board.  Each week, there is a random question that is posted and we all answer just for kicks.  I usually find something good to answer with, but this week I am at a total loss for words.  Here's the question:  If your life were going to be made into a movie, what would it be about and who would play you?

1. PROBLEM: I don't really think I have anything of interest to make a movie about.  I mean, I feel like I lead a pretty typical life.  Please don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for  everything about my life and I am very blessed to have the life I have.  Nor would I change anything about it. But if you think of most of the movies, they are either horror--absolutely not, comedy--I'm not at all comical, drama--again, nothing extra crazy around here, or love story.  Now, I could definately touch on the love story but there's no crazy "almost lost the love of my life but I found him" story there either. I mean, I don't really think my life would be a very good movie subject. 
2. Who the heck would I say would play me?  I'm not too good at thinking of a movie star who I a) look like or b)  act like.

 What about yourself?  What would a movie about yourself be and who would play you? 

Maybe I'll transfer the question of the week over here more often if this has a good turn out.

Here's to a great daddy

Several years ago, ( my brother's 21st birthday to be exact) I met the most obnoxious, big- headed prick I've ever known. You might ought to know I ended up married to him.  I'll save the rest of the "how did you meet" speech for our anniversary or something because this post is not about us, it's about him. 

Who would have ever thought that very same guy would turn out to be one of the greatest dads anyone could ever ask for?  I did!  Would I have married him if I thought otherwise?  Doubt it. 

Anyway, he's got two great years of being a dad under his belt.  From day ONE, he's been nothing but the best.  The second that baby girl came into this world, I literally saw his heart melt through his eyes.  That was it.  He was a goner. 

This little girl doesn't even know how lucky she is to have this man for a daddy.

Luckily, Madelyn began sleeping through the night early on. But Jeremy was there, right along with me, when she didn't.  He endured those sleepless nights like a champ.  Poopy diapers, spit up, cranky baby with gas, blowouts, routine shots--he was there for everything.  He got up, went to work, came home, helped with dinner, helped with our daily baby chores, went to sleep, got up a couple times throughout the night, and did it all over again. 

Fast forward a bit to present day. 

Here I am, typing up a blog post and where is he?  Work.  Was this planned.  Absolutely not.  I never would have thought I'd be a stay at home mom.  Never thought I'd enjoy it so much.  The plan was for me to go back to work after the summer had passed and find a good childcare for Madelyn.  Never happened.  I just couldn't bear to part with my sweet little girl and Jeremy saw that.  I feel so blessed to have been able to spend all this time with her.  To raise her and teach her as I choose.  Is being a stay at home mom for everyone? No.  But for me, I feel it was the right decision.  Will I always be able to stay at home.  Who knows?  But I will continue to sieze this opportunity for as long as I possibly can.  Jeremy works so hard in order for us to have this lifestyle.  He knows how important it is to me and has done everything in his power to make this possible.

When he comes home from work, Madelyn's little eyes shimmer.  As soon as I mention that daddy's home, she gets so giddy.  He comes in, locks the door, and it's full on Madelyn time from there.  Every second of the evening is focused on Madelyn, on me, on us.  The "hi honey I'm home, sit in your man chair, drink a beer and watch the game" daddy is simply a myth in this house.  Ours is more like this... Come in, change clothes while a little girl is clinging to you, sit at the table and enjoy dinner as a family (no tv), help clean up, sit to watch a little tv with everyone (even if it is Dora),  tea parties, dress up, family stroll by the bay, bathtime, pajama time, Madelyn's prayers, goodnight kiss, go to bed Fred (Madelyn).  From the second he walks into the door to the time we go to bed, it's all about us, our family.  What a valuable daddy and husband we have!  Many women would give their right arm to have their husband do a third of what he does. 

Do you know what I love best?  He stands behind me.  He trusts my decisions when it comes to Madelyn and follows through with what I ask.  He's on MY side.  He knows how important certain issues are to me and agrees with them and the way we go about dealing with them. 

Jeremy dreams of the day where he's running along beside Madelyn and our future children playing soccer, or football, or whatever it is they choose to do.  He looks forward to being the coach that our children just so happen to call "dad" too. He envisions me as the mom who is involved with our children and their school and after school activities.   He dreads the dating years and we argue over how we'll go about boys and cars (good thing we have a while).  He already believes that no man will ever be good enough for our baby girl.  He dreams of where our children will go to college and what they'll do and who they'll be someday. 

I find joy in knowing that Madelyn will have a great person to model her future boyfriends and husband after. I pray that she one day realizes just how special and rare of a  find a guy like her father is.  I find comfort knowing that our son, if we have one, will have such a wonderful role model.  He will learn from one of the best.  He will have someone to show him what it means to be a man.   He will learn how to treat his wife and kids with love and respect.  How to be sensitive but strong at the same time.  Our children will see and know what it means to put God and family before all other things. 

VBS 2010 part two

Well, we are finished with day three of VBS!  My group of kids is GREAT!  I mostly have older kids--they don't do groups by age at this church--and I have one younger little girl who happens to be the youngest in the program.  The youngest is doing a great job and really seems to be getting more comfortable as the week goes on.  My boys--and girls-- are so well behaved for fourth and fifth graders but still keep me laughing all day long :)  I'm so glad I decided to help out this year and definately made the right decision to be a crew leader.  It may have been a few years since I've worked with older kids, but I've still got it! 

Also, Madelyn is too young to be in the program, but she does get to stay with the younger children and play.  Her teacher always brings her in the sanctuary when we're all in there and she has found it quite pleasing to stand on the steps (in front of the singers on stage) and put on a show.  She sings and dances right along with us and even bows when the songs are over.... I tried to teach her that girls plie not bow, but she hasn't quite gotten that.  I have to say, I have quite a star on my hands!  She is LOVING this week and all the attention she gets!  I'm LOVING all the great compliments people say about her.  "She's so polite,"
"she's so mature for her age," "Wow, I can't believe she's potty trained," "She's SO cute," "Are you sure she isn't three?" (I find that one kinda silly).  Even the kids enjoy her and make comments about how cute she is!  Once again, I am so proud of my baby girl and I'm sure you can see it beaming from my face a mile away! 

So, we have two more days left and I was asked if I minded getting a new child in my group tomorrow.  I'm going to take that as "You're doing such a great job and we really think this child would benefit from being in your group better than others.  Do you mind ?" Yes, I'm absolutely letting myself think this! Thank you very much!  *bows repeatedly to my imaginary audience* 

First Time!

To ride the train/roller coaster and Islands of Adventure of course!  Madelyn has waited for this day for a whole year!  This past Saturday we drove over to Orlando to take the kids to Universal/Islands of Adventure.  Madelyn was SO excited to get to ride this ride for the very first time :) So, of course, I had to document such a special occasion!  Even better, she got to ride in the very front!!! Here's just a few pics of Madelyn and Asher while on that ride! Enjoy!

Waiting in line...

Silly poses.

We're next!

Madelyn is SO excited :)

Wow.

One very happy little girl!

VBS 2010

Yay!  So excited to be a part of vacation bible school again!  It's been a long time since I've done anything with it--since middle school atleast.  Next week is the beginning of this year's VBS at our church and I decided to volunteer as a Crew Leader!  I have a "crew" of nine children right now, but by Monday it may grow a bit more.  It is mixed ages from preschool to fifth grade which I actually prefer from the usual all-one-age groups.  This way, not only can my assistant help me with the kids, the older kids can also help out with the younger ones. 

I remember going to VBS myself growing up and I had a blast every year!  I think it's a wonderful opportunity for children to not only learn about God, but to make new friends and feel like they're a part of something! My absolute favorite thing was crafts and I distinctly remember painting wooden animals one year at my grandmother's church.  It was one of the things I looked forward to each summer :)

I really hope that my group of kids have a wonderful time next week with me and that I haven't lost my touch with the older children since I'm not around them as much anymore.  I mean, I know with a group of toddlers I'd do fine, since I have one and know what their interests are.  BUT, I don't have any contact with older kids anymore and I'm not used to NOT being the "cool" teacher. haha.  Oh well, I guess I will let you guys know how we do next week and how worn out I am after the fact! 

Job Description

I have recently stumbled upon yet another requirement of being a stay at home mom. Okay, so not really a requirement, but more or less something that most of us with toddlers all have in common.

Even when we are not watching it, the television usually stays on during the day just for the background noise.  Before Madelyn, I usually had some sort of pregnancy documentary or chick flick type show on while preparing dinner or washing clothes or whatever it was I was doing.  Now, I promise you, at any given moment (until around 7:00 or 8:00) that if you were to walk into my house, Noggin, Nickelodeon, PBS, or a child related dvd would definately be on. ( I do watch the shows I want in the evenings and she is perfectly fine with it--NO she doesn't tell us what to watch & when to watch it!)  She doesn't even watch tv most of the time!  Madelyn is usually in her playroom making tea or cooking something yummy for mommy but we still listen to her shows.  I find myself rocking out to Yo Gabba Gabba or Wonder Pets atleast twice a week.  I guarantee you I could hold a decent conversation with almost any toddler about what is going on with just about any show imaginable. 

Now, I am not saying all of this to be judged by those of you who don't let you child watch any television.  If you are one of those people, more power to you!  But please, keep your negative thoughts to yourself, I really don't feel like having to defend my parenting style (I know I'm not perfect).  Just stating a common factor that I've noticed between a few mothers and myself :) 

same old thing

So, it's been a while...... Sorry I've been such a slacker this week.  I don't have any idea why, but I absolutely cannot catch up on rest.  I have been walking around here ever since we got back from vacation like a zombie.  I am SO tired.  On top of that, I swear we have been going constantly.  Summer always has us so busy!  We go go go all weekend and then during the week it feels like we never stop either.  Anyway, I guess because of this, I feel like I don't have anything important to talk about.  So, I'll be back soon with something interesting to talk about....eventually.

On another note, the one thing I've kept you guys updated on..... Running!  We are now into the weeks where we run for an allotted amount of time straight.  We are up to 2 1/4 miles without stopping (about 25 minutes).  Go us!  Don't get me wrong, it's NOT easy, but it is definately getting better!  I cannot believe that I am actually doing this for real. Next week we move it up to  28 minutes or 2.75 miles.  We are a little behind on the mileage, so realistically, we'll probably be closer to 2 1/2 miles within the 28 minutes instead.  Still good enough for me though!  We will be completely finished with the program in two weeks and will continue to run in order to make sure we have our 5k down!  Once we get to a plateau there, then we will add onto our mileage :)

Wedding Festivities

As promised, I am continuing with some updates from this past week...

  We began a very crazy weekend last week as we pulled out of the driveway Wednesday on our way to Mississippi.  What a drive....but well worth it!  Let me first say, I don't usually LOVE to go back "home."  I say "home" because we didn't actually go to my hometown but we were still in state!  I do, however, LOVE to see old friends from college and my very best friends who I rarely get to see. 

This is probably one of the least stressful weddings I've ever been involved with, and thoroughly enjoyed getting to relax and catch up with everyone!  (Seriously thought we were going to have a bridezilla, so I am VERY thrilled to say otherwise.)   Thursday was a day of last minute errands and then the rehearsal.  Everyone's experienced this so I'll spare you and move on. 

Friday! Oh Friday!  Wedding day!  I had a very productive day :)  Got up at 7:30 for a run after being out until 2:30 and having a few drinks.  Definately NOT a good run.  Thought I was going to die and was very glad this run was just an extra since I had finished my runs for the week.  After almost killing over, we went back and enjoyed some time at the pool!  Just Krissy (one of my best friends) and myself!  I never thought I'd cherish laying out as much as I did this past weekend.  I thank my inlaws more than ever for watching Madelyn for us.  It was so nice to be able to just have some girl time!   Anyway, we began to get ready around 11 and did the whole hair, makeup, and pictures this up until the wedding :)   Now, let me tell you about my little princess and her friend Olivia...

Aren't they precious?? Later, they had some sweet baby's breath halos on as well.  Anyway, here's how their 15 minutes of fame happened...  I quickly noticed the previous night that our girls were going to need something to bribe them into staying in the back of the church until we were ready for them.  So, I took a leap of faith, made three different bags of small candies, and dispursed them accordingly.  Worked like a charm!  They stayed with the girls in the back until it was their turn, and then were told that their mommies had the other candy.  Well.....WATCH OUT!  Those little girls began walking down the isle perfectly, followed by speed walking, which then turned into a run! Too cute :)  Madelyn saw her papaw so she stopped to tell the entire congregation that her papaw was there and went on about her way.  The girls did actually make it up to us but then decided they wanted to go back down.  I absolutely didn't stop her and let her make her way back to her papaw where he then took her to the cry room.  Eventually, both girls were in there and the wedding continued!  Same as always, I teared up (in the same places as I always do), vows were said, and we were on our way.  Bride and groom walked out, a few groomsmen and bridesmaid couples went out and then......the cry room door opened and out flew our girls!  haha Back down the isle the came!  I guess they decided they needed that last little bit of recognition :)  Madelyn walked right to me and so I used that as a tool to my advantage! I had Madelyn walk out of the church in the middle of Jeremy and myself (we were all three in the wedding) which made for a wonderful family picture!  (Unfortunately, I don't have a pic but should get one eventually.)  We were told that what we did was precious and couldn't have turned out any better!  What can I say?? I was very proud of my little princess!

Friends and family danced the night away and we had to literally drag Madelyn off the dance floor.  Everything went beautifully with only minor situations.  We finished off our wedding event Saturday morning with tearful goodbyes and were on our way up to my in laws' camp on the lake! 

For your enjoyment...

Terrible picture of myself BUT the only pic of the weekend with my two best friends Krissy and Stacy (the bride).

Bridesmaids with bride

Ugh... I have TERRIBLE posture.  Stacy looks GREAT though :)

Two flower girls and junior bridesmaid Darby!

Dancing queens!

Yummy

Family photo (I don't know why I look so ick)

Happy groom

Reunited friends :):):)

Aloha!

 

Happy week six!

Okay, so there's lots to update you guys on from this weekend. BUT, in order to not jumble everything up into one, I'll make several posts (quite possibly over the next few days).  Of course, since I'm still so very proud of my progress, I'm starting with this.

We have two more days to this week and then we'll be on our seventh week of our running schedule.  There are only nine weeks and we are up to two miles!!  I only know this because I had to run on the treadmill while out of town this past weekend so I was able to see the distance.  I can't believe I ran all that way without killing over! 

So, we began last week with running alternated with walking as usual.  The highest was running 8 minutes.  Then, it skipped up to 20 minutes of running without stopping on the final day. HOLY SMOKES was I terrified!!!  Also, I had to run without my partner (although Jeremy stepped in until the last run).  Can you believe the 20 minute run was actually equal in challenge as the run/walk routines??  I am overwhelmed with excitement about this! 

This week, we have gone back to the alternations and finish the week with a 25 minute run.  I'll be sure to update--as always!  NEXT week is going to be the kicker.... we begin running these 25/30 minute runs all three days.  We'll see.....