Steve-50 mile Ultra Marathon

Patsy waiting at the 5 mile aid station.

Steve (in the lead) and 2 other runners.

Water break and change of runners.

Steve and Jake running somewhere past the airport.

Steve and Jake coming to the end of mile 20.

Some of you may know about our friends the Bakers, but I want to share some amazing things about Patsy and Steve. They go to our church and we became friends with them thanks to facebook. A few years ago, Patsy decided she wanted to run a half marathon. Steve wanted to run it with her. So they both started running. Flash forward to this last fall. Steve decides to train for a 50 mile ultra marathon. Unfortunately he had some injuries that put off his training, but this didn't deter him. He decided that once he got the okay from doctors, he would resume his training and run his own 50 mile ultra marathon. He mapped out his course around Wichita, picked a date (May 22), had a team of volunteers run legs with him and help at aid stations (we even had shirts) and then he raised money and awareness for MSAA. Jake ran 15 miles with him and I (of course) took pictures. Good guy, good run and a good cause... now that's GOOD stuff.

Field Day-2010

Bucket Relay

Spoon-Egg Race

Cup Stacks

Rock Wall part of Obstacle Course

Tire Roll

Frisbee Toss

Gladiator Competition

Biggest Bubbles Blowing

Pick Up Marbles, with your toes!

Bummed it's over! (And not too happy about a lime pop cycle.)

Today was Owen's school "Field Day". However, the weather did not make it as much fun as it was planned to be. Instead of being an hour outside, it was 20 minutes in the halls and gym of the school. I volunteered to help, so of course I took pictures. Owen was partnered with Jaxon and the two of them had a blast!

Mother's Day Gift

It happened in an instant. Actually, it was building up for about 9 months (give or take a few weeks). I was a mom. I held that baby, my precious angel, and knew I would never be the same. My wants, desires, priorities would change. I would do anything to protect this tiny child, now and forever. Suddenly my perspective grew. It wasn't just about me anymore.

I'm not one for quoting songs, but one I am very fond of was recently played for me.

" In my daughter's eyes I am a hero

I am strong and wise and I know no fear

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I wanna be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light and the

World is at peace

This miracle God gave to me gives me

Strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand

Around my finger

Oh it puts a smile in my heart

Everything becomes a little clearer

I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart

Has had enough

It's giving more when you feel like giving up

I've seen the light

It's in my daughter's eyes..."

Even if you don't have a daughter, this is very much true. I want to say how thankful I am for my 2 "Mother's Day Gifts". I am very blessed!

River Run-2010

Angela, me, Sarah and Lilly.

Allie was very tired, so she ended up not running.

Owen and Daddy before his race started.

This morning I ran the River Run 10K. I was so proud of myself, I did it in less than an hour! I had signed the kids up to do the Tot Trot across the Douglas Street Bridge. Allie was feeling cranky and tired, so she took on the role of spectator and cheer leader. Owen ran the race with his friend Tommy. Daddy stayed with them. They did great! Owen was very excited to get a medal. It's just like Mommy's! We may have found one of Owen's many talents.

Wonder Woman

I look at my girlfriends, and I hear them express frustration. Not unlike the frustration that I feel. I wonder why it is that we are all smart, capable women. We occupy several roles in our day-to-day lives. Care-giver, cook, provider, athlete, book-keeper, home-maker, advisor, therapist... the list is subtly different from one to the next. But never any shorter. And yet we are the ones who are quick to point out our own failures, short-comings, weaknesses. I wish there was a drink, pill or candy we could take that would dull our quickness to blame ourselves and increase our enthusiasm for our successes. I look at each and every one of them. Talented, graceful, brilliant, compassionate.

I hope that if they read this, and most of them do ;)... they hear me say this one thing...

"Wonder Woman"!!!!

Each one of us is a super hero. Each one of us has a special power. Together or apart, we are able to accomplish great things. We may never be every thing to every one, but we are, who we are, when it counts.

You are the listener... when someone needs to vent.

You are the cheer leader... when someone needs encouragement.

You are the doctor... when someone needs healed.

You are the teacher... when someone wants to learn.

You are the partner... when someone won't do it alone.

You are "WONDER WOMAN".

Easy Rider

I am now convinced that you can't "teach" a child to do anything. What ends up happening is you explain the lesson, process, reasoning, etc. over and over again. To what might appear to be an eager face. They are actually absorbing everything you say, they just haven't "decided" that it is something they are on board for. Then some day in the future, they surprise you by doing it all on their own!

That's how it has been with many milestones in our household. Today Owen was riding his bike! Tomorrow... Who knows?

Enjoy the video.

Warrior Dash-2010

This is my new tee shirt.

Jake's pre-race dinner, BBQ ribs at a Tex-Mex restaurant.

Jake ready to do this.

Me right after the dash.

Future Warriors!

Yesterday Jake and I went to Dallas, Texas to run in the Warrior Dash. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! It was 3.51 miles containing 14 obstacles. We got muddy, wet and had grins on our faces the whole time. We saw people there in the most outrageous costumes. It was such a fun time, we are already hoping to do it again... maybe in 2012! Anyone want to join us?