Water Stop

Jessica's middle school had another fun run just before Thanksgiving. I was excited to be able to help out with this one. Nelson, Carrie, Wally and I were the half way "water stop" helpers. It was a very cool morning (it is just 8am in this picture), but we had fun watching the runners come through. Most of the kids really liked Wally's penguin hat (which used to be Jessica's!).
It was a lot of fun for us, and Jess too. Here she is, coming to get her water. Good job Jess!! By the way, Jessica's goal was to do better than the first time. She was able to shave almost seven minutes off of her time!!!
PS they got hot chocolate at the finish line (witch we made it to before Jess!)

Jessica's First 5K

Last Friday Jessica ran her first 5K. I took the little kids and went to watch her cross the finish line. Wally kept asking "where's Jess?"
Here are Carrie and Nelson Waiting for her to come down the road.
And here she comes, big smile and all!!
A much needed drink with two of her friends. Great Job Girls!!

I guess I do like running!

The other day (as you all know because of my husband's last post) I ran a half marathon. 13.2 miles of running really gives you a lot of time to think. As I started the race all I could think was how crazy I was for deciding to run. I had not trained at all, and it was cold enough that I could see my breath. But by mile three I was warmed up and really into it. Then I started to think about my life... how grateful I was to be able to run, how beautiful the area was, the family that I had at home that I love soooo much. A lot of reflection and concentration goes into that much running. I felt so strong this time, and grateful for the opportunity. I was asked the other day if I like to run, my initial response was NO... but while I was running I decided that I really must like running, otherwise why on earth would I be doing it!!! There is something so invigorating when hundreds or even thousands of people are all running together, and there is nothing like the feeling when you reach the finish line... I guess I really do like it!!

As a side note I wanted to share with you a joy of mine. I love to read, I have since I was little. Once I start a good book I can't put it down. I have been known to finish 300-400 page books in less than a day. I have tried to instill this love of reading to my children, and so far it is going well. We go to the library, read daily, and have a huge library of children's books. You can imagine my delight when I went to put the kids to be the other night and found this.....


Jess reading to Nelson... he is pointing out shapes and colors to her. (In his new bunk bed)

Sammy reading to Sarah and Carrie... "Just one more" I heard them ask! "OK" said Sam!
OK... this is a random shot of Wally but I wanted to include him. He is so cute, he likes to eat books right now!

HALLOWEEN FUN RUN!!

Halloween morning this year our church had a FUN RUN. The kids ran a short race first. Sarah and Jessica ran the entire thing and did really well. Nelson started, ran a ways, then turned around! After the kids run we all did a family 1 mile walk. It was a beautiful day and we had lots of FUN!

On your marks...

Way to go Sarah!!

Nelson starts out!

Sam, coming back to see what is taking us so long.

Even Wally had a number.

Go Carrie go!

Whoo hoo Jessica.

Nelson getting a ride from Meme.

Race Day

The Agora Hills 1/2 Marathon was challenging but lots of fun. 13.2 miles of mostly trail running was a great change from mostly running on black top. Deric and the kids arrived just in time to run the last mile with me, but were unable to get to the finish line to see me cross it. Deric did run ahead a little to get this brief footage of me running at mile 12.5!!