Summer 'N' Motion Wk #5

Monday morning was greeted with more sinus and ear pressure resulting in me starting the week off at the doctors ... finally. It's only been three weeks with the cold, snot and head pressure I've kept pushing through to get stuff done. In my entire life, I have NEVER had a sinus or ear infection. NEVER. Ask my Mom. Flying to Salt Lake City was painful then driving the pass as well last week. No fun. I now can empathize with infants being fussy. I get you babies - it hurts!

Needless to say, things had to keep moving forward. 

Tim flew to Virginia to take a test and Myriam started swim lessons with the local swim celebrity Teacher Shannon. All of our kids have gone through her swim program and I can't wait for Little Irish to start next year! She does an incredible job with our Mimi who loves the water, slide, diving board and making friends with anyone willing to pay attention. 

Things with Reclaimed Ministry are certainly busy (will post an update shortly!) and has me working almost full time each week keeping things moving. 

The older two kids mingled at the Razz Festival watching friends play three on three basketball games and hanging out with friends. Here are some other highlights from week five ...

{ Kickers, kickers, kickers ... Myriam loves the water! }

{ Addison & Kayla filling the time with a ride. }

{ Tis the season to visit the family blueberry farm. }

{ The result of a week away from a wash machine. Before & after. }

{ Our backyard pool still wins for entertainment ... and rest time. }

{ She makes me laugh. }

{ Work team building with Mark Warren & a game of golf. }

{ After 3 weeks off, this felt amazing. }

Training resumed for the fall Grand Circle Trailfest with these two this morning. Beth and Angelique have worked really hard committing to something way out of their comfort zone but have nailed training with enthusiasm. Friday was the first day in three weeks where my head didn't ring as I spoke or chewed and pressure was close to none. Such a relief! Now to get back in full swing preparing for the race.

{ Family fun a the movies - yes, Addi cried. }

On to the next week after a little fiesta fun with family and pool splashing to cool off in the hot temperatures! Thanks for requesting the food cook off Mimi!

Ah Chew... Bless You

The symphony of sneezes are in full swing in our home. The itchy nose where you just can't seem to reach, watery eyes and repeat sneezes are the first indicator things are ready to burst into color and sounds of lawn mowers becoming the normal outside back ground noises. 

It appears all of us, to some extent, have been fighting seasonal allergies and getting 

worse with every year passing. 

Even with the annoying symptoms of allergies, we still find time to play. 

The ladies have had a few days of fun together exploring Boulevard Park, feeding the ducks at Whatcom Falls, catching up on homework while the younger two burn energy off at Perch & Play, rolling down hills at the "Red Park" and meeting the needs of our taste buds with gelato and bread sticks. There's also been fitting room fashion shows which is quite comical I may add. One of those years where Addison has shot up resulting in nothing working for summer attire, Myriam not quite tall enough to fit Addi's hand-me-downs and Baylee on her own needing a few fill-in items to prepare these princesses for summer. Thank goodness not all will be teenagers at one time or we'd need to find some money tree seeds somewhere. I love watching each relationship grow, challenge and inspire the other. 

A while back, the ladies were playing together and one made the remark, "Hey, we all have a different Tummy Mommy." Hearing that made my heart stumble a bit, but also soar, knowing God knew our family dynamics long before I was ready to step into this role as Mom to all three. There are frustrations, struggles, joys and lots of laughter with each one. Each daughter has something special about themselves making them unique in their own way. Having these special girl dates makes them that much more special simply because God saw each of them needing one another. 

{ Fairhaven Explorations }

 

{ Whatcom Falls & Cornwall Neighborhood Red Park}

{ Morning running buddy. }

Rocking Into My Tenth State Race

{ Reclaimed Ministry Small Group Training }

I love how God connects people. 

This past October I was in Alabama for a women's retreat where I met Christie and many others from My Springs Church in Mississippi. After spending a weekend together, I was intrigued by Christie's story and then invited to run with her at the New Orleans Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. 

 It was just a year ago that Christie and her husband Gabe woke up to the smell of smoke raging through their home. With nearly nothing on their backs and being eight months pregnant with their third child, Christie and her husband grabbed their older two kids and raced outside. The home, a family estate with generations of memories, devastated to the foundation. 

And yet, Christie still smiles. 

A hero in my book. 

This past weekend I was able to stand in their newly constructed home, be greeted with huge hugs, given the full home tour by sweet Annabelle, and was witness to God's faithfulness to this sweet family after processing an incredibly challenging year. 

My friends, from My Springs Church, introduced me to fried pickles, catfish, hushpuppies, chicken and okra. My grease lined stomach sadly missed out on the fried Oreos! But not to worry... after a little ministry work and Reclaimed Small Group Training, Christie and I drove to New Orleans to run that race she had so graciously invited me to. Due to a bum knee, Christie was only able to run the 10k, but that didn't bother me. I was happy to accomplish another state goal and cross another finish line to gain my tenth state towards my 50 by 50! And by far the most flat race only climbing a grand total of 23 feet. Refreshing after that last race...

It was after the race I continued my fried foods tour and experienced the deliciously powdered beignet. Amazing. Olive Garden's dessert has no leg to stand on over the real deal! Thanks to both Christie and her friend Lauren, I was able to see much of the landscape in the land of beads, jazz and parades before boarding my flight home to the land of snow, winds and school cancellations. 

Thank you to those that greeted me with such love and open arms in Collins, and to my running buddies that allowed me to cheer, encourage and maybe push them through the finish line. 

{ Christie & Lauren: hosts & running buddies. }

{ Celebrating the 10th state. }

{ Race is done..time for Cafe Beignet! }

Desert Adventures Part Three

Grand Canyon (9th state)
Horseshoe Bend
3:08 time
230 of 791 total runners

32 of 106 in my age division (30-39)

111 of 516 all female

14 miles total

1650 ft. in elevation

Waking up this morning meant packing up the tent and loading the car completely. Addi and I had already packed the suitcases the night before so it was a matter of rolling up bags by lanterns light.  The challenge is getting out of your sleeping bag into the low forty temperatures to dress and get going. I was so proud of Addison for rocking the runners tent life.

Once again, we were met with sludge for coffee and I'm thankful I packed a few Starbuck Via's to make my few sips go down a little easier. There was an overall sigh being this was the last day of the race, but also community tenderness in everyone's steps. I love the enthusiasm that greeted runners and overall spirit of community in base camp. Even though there are hundreds of people you start to recognize faces after a few days. I was entertained hearing where everyone was from and finding out their own running journey. Many of the participants had never ran on trail, elevation over five hundred feet or miles past double digits. I can't imagine how sore every joint and muscle would be without the training I committed to do. 

We again had to drive a distance to the shuttle parking lot near the start line. Addison really wanted to watch me start a race so she snuck in the shuttle rather than waiting this time for the spectator shuttle. With everyday, the start line opened up at seven thirty and then became a rolling start as the runners made their way to the line. This benefited the race congestion especially since many trails were single track. 

{ Waiting for the shuttle bus and blessed with this incredible sunrise. #nofilter }

{ State #9 done. }

{ Day three begins... }

Today's race made for my ninth state as I ran in Arizona near Horseshoe Bend. Originally, the course had all runners going ten miles. With the threat of rain later in the morning and the past few days rain, the Waterslot Canyons proved too dangerous to have all of us crazies trampling up and down a ladder into the skinny canyons. The pictures looked amazing so I was a little disappointed, but grateful I didn't have to swim my way out if a flash flood arrived. That said, the new course added an additional two miles to the final day race. In reality, it turned out to be fourteen miles on the most 

technical surface I've ran on ever. 

Think of fragile crepes, layered fifty thick and not being sure if they are secure enough to put your weight on... this is just a little of what I ran on. Layers of thin sand harden making the surface never flat or level and then add in seven miles of soft beach canyon sand. Parts of the out and back course (there was zero trails just markers to keep you from getting lost) forced you into skinny rock formations that had you scaling down and back up on the way back. Only one person at a time could pass. Absolutely crazy. 

The Grand Canyon by far gave me the most challenge physically and emotionally. The view did not in fact disappoint which kept me running and also knowing the finish line was miles away pushed me to keep running. 

{ A success just to keep the pink ribbon in view while navigating the terrain. }

{ What went down, must climb back up. }

Desert Adventures Part Two

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

Zion 

Gooseberry Mesa

2:21 time
259 out of 789 total runners

25 of 108 age division (30-39)

126 of 517 all female
12 miles total
1034 ft. in total elevation

{ The sunrise cast a beautiful glow. }

When we left base camp to drive to the start lines it was pitch black outside. The flip side of this are the night skies and ability to see all the stars. Simply incredible. Addi and I slept amazing this second night staying plenty warm and dry. 

Again, we had to drive a little over an hour to the start line which for locals, looks bizarre seeing a line of headlights literally miles long as we all follow one after another. In order to get to the "parking lot" the second morning we had to drive on a very bumpy road for about a mile then pull into a low laying cactus, dirt cattle field to park our beat up rental. Thank goodness it stopped raining or we'd never even get past the beginning of the dirt road! 

This was the first time we were able to see the beginning of the sunrise and it didn't disappoint. The colors in Zion were again amazing. Completely different canyon than Bryce both in size, elevation and the surface I ran on. Some loose sand but mainly rippled gritty rock that was rolling on the top of a "flat" canyon. Looks are deceiving from a distance. I was surprised how much green was in the desert. This particular trail had lots of cactus and what looked to be pine trees. The path we took had the runners along the edge for half of the race. I was shocked how many were brave enough to sit on the ledge to get that epic photo shot. The Mommy in me wanted to reach out my arm and tell the adults to stay back.

Desert Adventures Part One

A year ago, I was doing my wifely duties of vacuuming up other people's messes when I jammed my two little toes into the recliner grossly breaking a little piggy. It took two doctors and a nurse to convince me to stop running for awhile until the break healed or I'd have a disfigured toe for the rest of my life. This meant deferring my registration for the Grand Circle Trailfest until this year. 

I've been training hard to accomplish this goal of three races in three days. Intense trail runs alone in the hills with my thoughts running wild and prayers being sent to the One who created the beauty surrounding Whatcom County. There is no lack of trails around here or others who love the trails as much as I do. I even managed to get Charlie to tag along on some flatter runs while pedaling beside me for miles. Training is challenging, mental and time consuming when juggling four littles. 

But, it was so worth the wait and dedication to stay focused and push
through the moments where training got hard. 

Addison's school had a few days off of school and she gladly jumped at the opportunity to join Mom in Kanab, Utah. We packed strategically knowing there were no wash machines for the immediate wash of weathered running clothes. Sleeping bags, air mattresses, multiple shoes and race day attire were jammed into a suitcase with about twenty large Ziploc bags ready to seal in the stench of my adventures. Addi and I flew into Las Vegas, then drove through some breathtaking country to get to our base camp where four hundred tents were set up and ready for runners.

{ Weekend cans at base camp. "Thou shall cover thy turd with sawdust." }

We quickly immersed ourselves with camp life, the S'mores Station and dinner haul. I absolutely loved having our oldest tag along with me, but I'm guessing she was thinking differently when desert storm released her fiery with the most insane thunder and lightening I've ever experienced. As a reminder, we are sleeping in tents, on the ground which was shaking violently and rain that pierced the one rain shield between us and God's sweet precipitation. Needless to say, we only got four hours of sleep before a rude early morning wake-up call and first race start for the weekend. 

I can't say great things about the food provided but I'm grateful we didn't have to worry entirely about it. The coffee looked like the mud we walked through and options of flavors were slim. Everything about my running usual's were thrown out the window. 

We drove a little over an hour to get to the parking lot where shuttles then brought us to the start line. Addison waited in the dry car until all the runners had been shuttled away then carefully delivered to wait for Mom to cross the first finish line. I was a little nervous for her being alone but making friends with the race director and finding other spectators gave me the ease I needed while she waited. 

Bryce Canyon (State #8)
2:57 time

266 out of 796 total runners

31 of 102 in my age division (30-39)

138 of 519 all female

13.1 miles total

2350 ft. in elevation change

{ Can you call that coffee? }

 { State #8 }

What's Going On?

 

Well, I was not expecting the wave of grief that slapped me across the face on Thanksgiving. Mom had the table set up days before the meal was even in the oven having everyone sitting just so. What she didn't take into account was that dinner was served during Baylee's nap time leaving an open seat at the table empty. Dad said "Amen." We all looked up, and in unison, our eyes fell to the empty plate and 

seat that instantly provoked tears. 

There is this oddly strange feeling of tug-of-war between joy and sadness. The bi-polar opposite of having no words, no measurement to explain the longing I have for my sweet sister and in the same moment experiencing overwhelming joy knowing she's free of pain and disease. I would, simply put, explain my condition as being an, at most times, hot mess! 

Thanks to the glass of wine it took the edge off and allowed me to relax some with the family. 

No guarantees for Christmas on having my crap together. 

We celebrated Myriam's sixth birthday with a Pinterest attempted Pony Cupcake Cake! Oh, she loved it! Can't say Addi and I nailed it, but at least you knew what it was suppose to be. Baylee helped herself to the leftovers the next day as we set up Christmas lights outside. She obviously enjoyed the treat as did Myriam sneaking many herself.

Our Summer Dayz Recap

Another sizzling summer with high temps, seldom bored kids and nap times to squeeze into our playtime. Addison had many successful lemonade stands again this year and almost weekly dips with her bestie at Grandma's pool. Charlie continued his American Ninja Warrior training with all the neighborhood boys as well as more football card trading and cycling. The kids did the usual stop in for food, go to friends, grab more food, onto the next house and back again to make the rotation in the afternoon. 

A few more highlights were...

Addi and Annie volunteering at Day Camp while Charlie went as a camper

LC Basketball Camp

Birthday Parties

Swimming lessons with Teacher Shannon

Edaline Ice Cream 

3 on 3 Razz Festival Tournament

Sleepovers

Charlie going on work trips with Daddy

Motorcycle Rides 

Blueberry Picking

and enjoying summers best with BBQ's.

 The little girls loved going on bike rides this past summer. Even if they were short rides around the corner or longer ones to visit friends; they ended with smiles or tears. Last month, when some of our Portland friends were visiting, Myriam insisted on riding her friends' bike with no training wheels. With zero prior help, and only time on Baylee's balance bike, our super girl Myriam adamantly said she could do this. And you know what...SHE DID! Tessa didn't get her bike back the rest of the afternoon as Mimi was so proud of herself and excited to be free of training wheels!

A Picture Glimpse to the Tail End of Spring

You know it's spring when the eyes are itching, house is sneezing and the allergy medication is all out. Many of us have been fighting extreme allergies this season, but we hate to complain as the outside comes to life with greenery, color and that dreaded hay bailing in farm country. 

The kids are now all out of school and LOVING IT! 

Our summer list of to do's are still being edited which is always a fun way to prepare for the one day trips and longer ones too.  Earlier in May, Addison went to the Mercy Me concert with her girlfriend Annie. We watched Baylee's 1/2 brother on a Saturday and have already had trips to Edaline Dairy for cones. (That soft serve craving still exists since the cruise...) Baylee had her first dentist appointment and Myriam has been preparing for her first ever tap dance recital. 

It's been busy, but satisfying watching memories being made. 

Here is a picture glimpse to the tail end of Spring...

Ski to Sea May 28th, 2017

She Keeps Me Running

{ 7th state race }

The first time back in my running shoes after my sister passed, I found myself on the treadmill with worship music playing starring at a dark gray sky. I caught myself having a conversation with Traci about how I would ever run another race without her telling me right before all the sweet words of encouragement like she would through texts and phone calls. 

The reason why I made the goal of 50 by 50 (50 state races by the age of 50) was to run because she couldn't. It was to run for her, in honor of her and others, with the capability and ability to run and to make memories of traveling all across the country with my sister. We had plans to do big things with these races. We had talked about me running a race after our family cruise in Florida and how excited Traci was that I found a race with such a dear cause; Dash for Downs 5k. She was so excited for me to run! It was a one-sided, possibly a little of an angry toned chat as I sprinted through a few miles hoping to hear 

her voice talk back to me. 

I was almost done with my quick sprint when I was telling her I quit and then...

Sixth State Success

{ Sixth State Race. }

My goal is still far from being reached, but that doesn't stop me from continuing on towards my 50 by 50. 

When Tim travels for work I usually check local races for the area to see if any of them could potentially coincide with his schedule. 

The I Am Second Run was an hour away from the job site and the details of finding sitters for the kids worked out perfectly. I quickly registered us both for this race and organized the hand off of the kids in order for the weekend to be pulled off with success. 

Tim has been in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth working on a large project so I knew when I went down with him I would be a bit on my own. This is no problem for me as I like to explore...and with no kids SLEEP IN! Funny thing is when you have the chance it never happens as you wish. My body was awake by six am and ready for coffee once my eyeballs opened. 

As for the race I requested one thing; NO WALKING. My Love is not a runner so asking for him to run with me and then to push himself to run with a smile on his face was not only speaking my language, but a huge ask physically. I was so incredibly proud that he ran the entire race and had gas in the tank to even sprint to the finish line. I'm not expecting a trend to start anytime soon. Happy to have ran this race with him and also to have our own I Am Second in our personal lives as Jesus truly has given us a second start to life. 

A Mountain-Top Achievement

"I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free."

Psalm 119:32

I've never considered myself to be a strong mental runner as I find it easier to achieve distance with others rather than on my own. ( There are a few who think I'm mental for running just to make that clear. ) God had a funny way to show me how strong my mind was as seven months ago I ended up with a torn calf muscle and weeks stuck in a chair. There were many physical therapy appointments and a slow start to becoming active again, but finally, I was able to start my journey to train for what was the biggest physical achievement thus far in my life. 

The Sun Mountain Trail 50k.

31 miles of up and down intense grades, hillsides of orange, yellow and purple flowers, cattle gates to cross through, tree covered soft padded dirt trails, perfect weather conditions and familiar faces as we passed each other on the out and backs. I started with my small group of ladies and by mile ten the five of us were spaced out enough that I ran the rest of the race on my own. 

My mind was solid. My body felt strong. My legs just kept on running. 

I often thought about Habakkuk 3:19 as God challenges us to climb our own mountains, but to also pause and look at the beauty under our feet and to Praise Him. I prayed for so many people as I came in and out of trails especially my Grandma as she was waiting to enter Eternity. Oh how I thought about the memories we shared together and the rich life she lived. 

I thanked God for my sister who is my main reason why I run. The hundreds of appointments she's attended, the thousands of pills she's had to swallow and who knows how many pokes she's endured all in the name of survival. I praised God for our kids and the blessing they bring into my life. I praised God for My Love and how God knew exactly what I needed to keep me grounded and on my toes as we pass through our daily lives. 

There were many times I had to cross a wood bridge as a trickle of water flowed underneath. My thoughts went to the women I meet with as they desperately need a bridge to connect them from the dysfunction in a relationship to healing and redemption on the other side. And yet, from one side to the other, God gives us "streams of living water" to sustain us on our journeys. 

Over the months of training came months of interrupted nights as I juggled new baby, family, wife tasks and life with the challenge of getting all the miles necessary in for the week. This was not as much as a physical journey for me, but a juggling act of responsibilities. Thank you to my family and support system who cheered me on, encouraged me and allowed me just run. 

Myriam found a new weekly routine spending time with Papa every Wednesday when Linda and I would get lost in the woods. (..it may have happened, but I like to think of it as a misdirected trail that gave way to more quality time together...) Thank you Dad for enjoying your retirement to the fullest as Myriam continues to create memories with her Papa. 

One of the other greatest blessings that has come from this achievement is the example it set for our kids. Being able to show them that hard work, dedication and determination does pay off and obstacles that may seem impossible are actually quite possible. Addison blessed me immensely on race day sending me Bible verses and encouragement throughout the day. Tim spoke love and support to get my feet moving and the team from E2 was and is the most amazing extended family one could ask for. 

The Sunday after the race, those that stayed at the Lodge came together for church. It was a packed living room of foam rollers, coffee cups and adults sharing how the Holy Spirit had worked through them from the beginning of training to race day. By the end, not a dry eye could be found. The family I have found at E2 Fitness Center goes beyond the gym walls. This family provides support when I'm struggling, hope when I thought things were done, gifts to cheer a bad day into a happy day, prayers whenever I ask or laughter, whether it be a quick-funny-ha-ha laugh or make you cry laugh. The Sun Mountain 50k was very much a physical race, but after what was shared at church, God absolutely used the quiet opportunities of training on the trails to teach us, mold us, use us and to show us His plan, His purpose, His power and displaying His beauty exactly how each of us needed to see and hear His voice. 

On one of our last long training runs together, we had the blessing of being encouraged up on Sumas Mountain. Kyle had pre-marked our turns on the trail and left Bible verses hanging in ziplocks for us to read every few miles. Good run, bad run; ugly or not; feeling strong or feeling like you want to go back to bed...God speaks to each of us in different ways and Kyle used note cards to bless us that day. It's that family I feel so blessed to be apart of.

The friendship and faith that my small group ladies give me is something others are jealous of. I would be too looking in from the outside. These ladies are special. They are sisters in Christ and people who share everything together...things happen when you run for long distances and a sister helps out when needing coverage or tissues. Tim knows when I haven't had my small group time and does his best to give me that space as needed. I leave feeling uplifted, challenged, loved and cared for no matter the state I'm in. Thank you Christie, Jackie, Linda and Melissa for the life you breath into me and the richness you add to my everyday life. 

If I were to have one take-away from all of this it's this:

God is never done showing you what you are physically, mentally and emotionally capable of doing if you allow the Holy Spirit to enter a situation, task or struggle. Allow God to enter in and then...

run.

Until the next race journey...just not another ultra...but never say never!

"Hi Mom, this is Addi. I am doing this thing where I am going to send a Bible verse every hour so you can get through the race with encouragement! I love you so much!"

Be on your guard. Stand firm in your faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do everything in love."

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Phillippians 4:13

 { Check out more mid-race photos here...}

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. 

Hebrews 12:1

"Keep it up you can do it" (mile 10)

I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to Life up there in heaven.

Phillippians 3:14

"Over half way babe!!! Do this!" - My Love

{ Some things must be done...including rockets. }
"Not sure where you are at mileage wise, but you are one mile closer than an hour ago! Keep fighting and remember His strength, your feet! Proud of you!"  -Traci, My Hero

I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got, no sloppy living for me!

1 Corinthians 9:26

"Doing great mom!" (mile 23)

"You got this Hun!" - My Love

Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.

Ezra 10:4

"Keep on going mom!"

{ C.Rene' Studios did a fabulous job capturing the day. }

They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary.

Isaiah 40:31

"Way to freaking go babe!"

{ My small group: a.k.a. my ladies. }

Move Over Winter

 Life has been pretty calm lately besides the fact that spring is boldly and quickly making itself known around our home. The sun stays out later making the neighborhood full of bikes, scooters, basketball games and friends coming and going through the yard. Playhouses are being cleaned out and prepared for the sunny months of entertainment and the trampoline has been cleaned for bouncy adventures. The cherry blossom trees are in bloom welcoming anyone who drives into the driveway. The daffodils I did have were in color before being picked by little loved ones and the lawn has had it's first haircut. The family of six deer frequent almost daily making the spray necessary to keep any bush clothed in leaves; hungry furry creatures they are! Buckets have been filled with winter weeds including the millions of maple starts 

I had the kids helping to carefully pull from the soft soil.

This week we had our vent ducts cleaned and outside pressure washing was completed. On the list for spring cleaning are still the windows, the blinds and the seasonal cleaning/organizing of all closets. Ahh, it feels good to have some decent spring cleaning taking place. 

{ Jumping the winter crazies out. }

Yesterday, I spent over an hour cleaning Myriam's carseat, using toothpicks for the tight spots, finding close to a meal sandwiched, smushed, and shoved into the tiniest of places one could find on a joyride. Sure I could implement a new rule of no more Goldfish, coffee shop treats or whatever else I have in my purse for snacks consumed in the car, but let's be real. I believe most mom's shamefully could agree that we all have a happy meal hiding somewhere in our mom cars giving us a moment of silence cruising through town. 

 { Self inflicted SHORT haircut. }

 { The chair of shame knowing she done wrong.}

The kids are busy with school projects including classroom speeches which Addison blew me out of the water LOVING. Say what??? You, of extreme shyness, silence and fear of stages or performances LIKED to stand in front of class and give a speech??? Folks, you have yourself a modern day miracle. Seriously, this is an amazing feat for our Addi Jean and it brings such delight to this mama seeing how much she has blossomed into a shining star at school. 

On the other hand, it was an emotional week as we made the decision to send Charlie to "real" school next year. Charlie and I have always struggled to make the homeschool schedule flow with focus, motivation and determination to complete assignments. It's been a year of butting heads, pulling hair and tossing pencils in the air trying to get through a lesson of anything at home. I had a lump in my throat after I told Charlie this as he had instant excitement on his face. Feelings of failing him as a teacher were very real that day but since then, we are all excited for what he will accomplish in his third grade year at Fisher. My goal now is to make sure his re-entry into the traditional classroom is one that can be confident in his learning abilities, prepared for all opinions ready to become the leader some may never have and that makes us proud of our decision to switch schools. 

As Spring brings lots of sunshine and potential allergy flare-ups, it also brings many running races that I've been happily training for. Last October when I tore my calf muscle, I honestly wasn't sure if I could manage longer runs ever again much less a 50k come this May. It has been an absolute joy being able to run the Bellingham trails again with my running gals. Oh, how I love Galbraith and a muddy trail! Wednesday's have become the favorite day of the week as Papa watches Myriam (and sometimes Marley) so I can get a longer run in before all the kids are home from school and visits. I look forward to these days and so does Papa as he's embracing the retired life of chilling with grandkids. Last week Linda and I tackled the Interurban Trail completing twelve miles from Fairhaven to Larabee and back with just the last mile having some light drizzle before the rain came in with a force. This week we pranced through the Lake Padden horse trails climbing up and over many trees that had fallen victim to last week's wind storm.  We live in a gorgeous area full of beautiful hiking trails, friendly trail faces and have been blessed with perfect weather for running. 

The birdies are chirping and my coffee cup is empty. I have a few bags of bulbs to plant and more Spring cleaning to tackle today. 

Happy Spring time to you and yours.