Shameful

I found these beauties a couple of weeks ago when I was going through old boxes from my childhood. I was searching for things to put in our upcoming garage sale.

Jealous, aren't you? Don't you wish you HAD the Sad/Happy mask earrings? Or at least one pair of fish earrings?

Like the JEM earrings? They are even plastic.

Well don't worry. You can have these! Apparently, these earrings aren't in demand anymore. They didn't sell at the garage sale. My nieces didn't even want free jewelry. They did take some of the funny flair I had. I'm sure you can guess which buttons and keychains they picked out (they are 10 and 12).

So let me know if you would like the cool lizard earrings or a President's Fitness Award pin. They're all yours.

Liam's Friend

Last Friday at our playgroup, Liam got adopted by a cute little girl. She mothered him and held his hand. Rode the slide down with him and swung with him. What a pair of cuties!

The Big Run

I haven't blogged about the half-marathon that Josh and I ran earlier this month. Mainly because we didn't get any pictures. It was pouring rain almost the entire time (we didn't get hailed on, but people after us did). And when we were done, I was so cold. So cold that I didn't warm up until a few hours after the race when I soaked in a hot bath. I snapped a picture of our medals and decided to blog that way.

I never considered myself a runner. I didn't even really like running. I've ran three 5K's in the past two years, but I didn't really train and just "winged" it. Getting ready for this run though made me stay disciplined and actually get to the gym (or outside) at least a few times a week. The couple weeks that I didn't train, I paid for it by getting sick and not finishing at the lake on our "long run" that weekend. I probably needed that experience to prove to myself I had to train.

Somewhere along the way, I feel like I turned into a runner. I actually enjoy running now. A couple of miles doesn't kill me anymore; it feels like a good warm-up. If I go a few days without running now, I'm itching to go.

I learned a few things about myself, too. Sounds clique, but: I learned that I can push myself to go farther. That it won't kill me. A little pain isn't really too bad. I also was reminded what God has done when He made our bodies. I have a new respect for the blessing I have to be able to run and breathe. It's amazing that He made our bodies to be able to adapt and become "running-material" with a little training. Even for a 30-yr-old who never ran longer than 3 miles before.

I'm so glad I got to train with Josh on our long runs every couple of weeks. I was blessed with good friends and family who encouraged me during the training and indulgently read my running brag texts. And the friends and fam who watched my kids so Josh and I could even go on a long run. It was super that Josh stayed with me during the race. Even though I got real slow at the end due to the incredible cold and tired muscles. I was also amazed at the people who stood in the rain along the route and cheered us on. We knew some (thanks Mom and Dad for bringing the boys!), but most we didn't. It's amazing to see how those smiling faces and hear the encouraging words to finish the race.

I'm looking forward to training for our next big race. Not sure if I'll ever do a full marathon, but I definitely want to do a half-marathon again! Especially if there's no rain!

Just Say No

They look cool. Actually look awesome.

But they aren't so much.

They got confiscated after they didn't really work too well and the sidewalk and kids were covered with a paint-oil-like substance.

**Lucky for Crayola, it washed out.

More Mother's Day

When we got home Sunday night, I had a surprise from my brother on the table. He had flowers sent to me for Mother's Day! What a great brother!

The next day, Mom and I went for tea. We had a good time as always. (Ignore the hanging clothes in the background of the picture - I cropped out the sonic cup and toys on the side.)

I feel so blessed that I get to live near my parents. After being away from my mom for so many Mother's Days, it's nice to be close by to celebrate together.

Celebrations in Chatty

For Mother's Day weekend, we got to go down to Chatty to see Josh's mom. It was also his sister's graduation with her elementary ed degree. We also had three kids sick that weekend. My boys and I stayed at Sheri's during graduation, and we were all asleep by 8:30 that night. It must have paid off because the boys were back strong on Saturday. Jacilayne got sick with something different on Friday night so she was in and out for the rest of the weekend. It wasn't fun having sick kids, but we still had a good time. We got to go out to see PawPaw and Memaw and then saw them again Saturday night at Jessi's graduation party. I think I ate my weight in chocolate-covered strawberries (thanks to Sheri and Jessi) and Bubba's yummy cook-out-food. Josh and Sheri went out (just the two) of them to dinner and a movie. They had a good time sounded like. Poppy took Jaci and Case out on the firetruck which made Case's day (next to the train set he put up in the garage for them and Liam). Because it's summer, I didn't have to rush back to teach Monday morning, we hung out until Sunday evening which was relaxing (and easier since the boys can sleep and stay asleep on the trip and when we get home).

Morning Blessings

I was blessed to attend our Ladies' Banquet at church last night. The theme was "I Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night" - a song from Annie Get Your Gun. Our speaker talked about how a good attitude helps us see all the blessings that God has given us. Our discussion questions focused on us recognizing the blessings - even ones that seem to be daily annoyances or chores. The scriptures read and the stories shared were uplifting and exactly what I needed to hear.

I thought about my mornings. I like to sleep. Really like to sleep. Now that summer is here and both my boys usually sleep through the night, I get to sleep quite a bit. I even get to take naps sometimes. Big blessing.

Some mornings though are rough. I just want to sleep a little longer - why does L Child have to wake up at 6 AM? Why can't the boys both take a nap so I can sleep myself?

But every morning I'm blessed. Sometimes, Josh gets up with Liam so I can sleep a little longer. One morning I woke up and wandered into the living room to see this. My heart felt full.

Some mornings I get up with our early bird. The best thing about getting up at 6 AM with L Child is that he likes to cuddle for about half an hour. He just lays with you on the couch and snuggles. Missing a little sleep for that boy's snuggles is worth it.

Yesterday, I got to sleep a little extra in the morning thanks to Josh (okay, okay, I'm realizing how blessed I am that Josh lets me sleep in so much). I woke up with Casen laying next to me smiling at me. He came in to snuggle and wake me up. One of the best ways to start the day.

Can't trade unlimited sleep for these boys.

Time With Immie and Bunny

Immie and Bunny got the boys swings for their playground (there was old broken baby swing and room for another swing). C is learning how to ride on the little seat. Both C and L Child like the baby swing. Later that evening, Bunny taught them how to shoot rubberbands. C really liked doing it!