IRON GIRL

Eight weeks ago out of desperation to "accomplish" something big before I turned 30, I signed up for the Iron Girl 5K. It was to take place one week before my 30th birthday. Like most things I sign up for, I began with gusto, jogging 4-5 week, then by the third week, down to 2-3 times a week, by week seven I started seriously doubting that I could run 3.1 consecutive miles. Why would I submit my self willingly to so much pain. (For me as a person who has NEVER been in shape, to start running, there was A LOT of pain involved).

But since it was a class I paid for my encouraging husband would not let me back out. So the the Wednesday before the race we did our "practice" race. I came in 5th out of our group of 7. I ran two miles, then walked/ran (okay, slowly jogged, because lets be honest, none of what I do can be considered running) and crossed the finish line in 36 1/2 minutes. My goal was to do it under 40 minutes and not passout. I was pleased, but not convinced that I would be able to run the whole thing in three more days.

Sunday Sept 7th rolled around and I was on my way to Green Lake in Seattle. My group lined up in the 11 minute pace place. And we started to run along with 2,400 other women. Being so crowded was a blessing because I focused so much on passing and not tripping that it made the race go by faster, at least until mile 2 where the crowd thinned out a bit. Then I turned it all over to God. I said a prayer before I started that if I was to finish running it would be God working through me, and most obviously not my athleticism. Where I am weak He is strong. I said the Lords Prayer, and Proverbs 3:5-6 over and over, concentrating on how He was making my path straight. I thanked Him for the beautiful weather and scenery, Green Lake is very pretty even when you think you may throw up from not breathing!

So, God got me across the finish line, in 34 minutes, 4th out the 7 in my running group, and 583rd overall. Not too bad for someone who couldn't run a mile 8 weeks ago.

In the extremely small picture, I am the second person back on the left. Nothing remarkable to see. I was blinded with exhaustion at that point and just trying not to make some horrendous face for the camera, luckily the picture is so small you cant see my expression anyhow.

Nolen Is Seven Months Today!

Our First "Real" Camping Trip

We successfully completed our first camping trip. Some of you may know we attempted camping last year, but only made it six hours.

We went to Liberty Lake with our friends the Brown's. Aiden had a wonderful time with their children; Mia, Silas, and Macy. I have never seen him so dirty, bruised or happy. We swam in the lake, roasted marshmellows, hiked around and visited.

There were no wood fires allowed because of how dry it is over in the Spokane area right now, so that was a little weird to sit around a campfire of coals. Not quite the same feel, but it did the trick.

There were very few bugs, but three mosquitoes did manage to bite Nolen on the head. He looked very bewildered as to why I was smacking him. Poor kid.

It is fun to sleep under the stars, and not shower, and be one with nature (plus the car load of comfort items). But I am still in the market for a nice lake house.

Jinx

I tell the pediatrician my son is fully potty trained, no accidents in weeks.
Later that day he poops in his underwear.

I tell my friend my littlest is going down for naps without a fuss and sleeping several peaceful hours.
No nap at all later that day for him. Just screaming and crying.

I say to my husband, "isn't it great that the dog is staying on her bed at night?"
Then the dog is up on the bed 30 times that night.

I think when I say it out loud it jinxes it, but do I ever learn???

Two To Go

It is scary, but it is true. Nolen is almost officially a crawler. He is definitely a mover. Though awkward, it is efficient and he gets where he wants to go - fast. Which is usually towards some sort of power cord or electric component. Naturally the more dangerous the more enticing, and the more persistent he becomes.

What is funny is the way he moves. It is a series of pushing himself to a hands knees position, then he lunges forward probably just hoping something besides his face will catch him. Then a belly scoot, a roll, and back to hands and knees. And now he is five feet from where he started. Amazing!

Now they can start going in opposite directions at the same time. Good thing I am taking up running.

We LOVE the Beach

We had a wonderful 4th of July trip to Cannon Beach. The weather was mostly cooperative, although a little cool and cloudy and one day of rain. We still made it out to play on the beach everyday.

Driving took an hour and half longer each way due to several unplanned poop stops. For those of you who do not have children I apologize for all the potty talk. It is one of our more all consuming topics these days. Anyway, it was not bad driving. Our GPS does seem to think it knows quicker routes, but has yet to prove it self.

On our rainy day we took a trip to the Seaside Aquarium, which I would say to all who are wondering if it is worth their time - It is not. The fish all looked depressed or dying and the seals were cute, but in a very small tank. Every time we have been to Cannon Beach I say, we should visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory. So since outdoor activities were postponed due to weather we headed south. Well, so did everyone else. It was beyond packed. We past on the hour long lines for cheese and ice cream samples and opted to just buy some. The "squeaky" cheese was a big hit and I will have to look for it in the stores around here.

Steve was sick from my driving when we returned so Megan, Aiden and Nolen and I headed to downtown Cannon Beach for a little over priced shopping. We sipped lattes and wandered the shops and then headed home (hotel) with another delicious pizza, from Pizza a Feta (I believe we had four while we were there).

The 4th was great. My anticipation of a quieter celebration completely met my expectations. There are no firework festivities in Cannon Beach and very few amateur shows were going on. So instead of the noise that goes until 4am in Mill Creek, we only had a couple of explosions, which myself and our dog Ellie were very grateful for. Our friends the Woodgates came from Portland to celebrate with us and we had a wonderful day on the beach. The kids, all under five were not the least bit fazed by the wind and sometimes cold rain. They played and played. We had ice cream cones in town and more pizza for dinner. It was one of my favorite 4ths ever.