It does exist!

So, 2 months ago, Sarah called me and asked me if I wanted to run in the San Antonio Rock n Roll 1/2 marathon with her. I laughed at her and told her that I can't even run the mile to the end of my street without stopping twice to throw up! Then, that Sunday at church, my pastor was talking about Making Goals and "setting the date." He said the best way to follow through with something is to make a date to complete it. That way you have something definitive to work towards. SO, I was standing there in the shower and it hit me. I CAN DO THIS! So, I called my good friend Tasha and told her that I would go out and buy a jogging stroller that day if she would sign up with me. She agreed. It was on.

We began jogging together in the mornings. And let me remind you that I am NOT a runner. Never have been. I was the kid picking flowers on the runs in school. SO, I was starting from scratch. Poor Tasha tried to encourage me. I was getting better, but still nowhere near where I needed to be. Then, Tasha realized she could not come that weekend to San Antonio with me because she sings at church and couldn't get off. So, I was already registered and going in this alone. Not entirely alone because my sister was doing it, but she is waaaaayyyyy ahead of me in running experience. So, I started at it alone. I kept telling people that I was doing it so I couldn't chicken out. It worked, because that is the only reason I didn't back out.

Then I found out my friend Kelli from Humble would be there and she was more on my level. I'm not sure what came over me that morning, but it was not me. I was energized, enthusiastic, and excited. I started off doing awesome! I jogged for 8 miles without stopping!!! and thats when I realized that a RUNNER'S HIGH DOES EXIST!! I loved it. At about mile 9 my knees, ankles, and hip flexors were about to give out on me. But I kept praying Phil 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And He did. He gave me the endurance and perseverence to keep going. AND I DID IT! In 3 hours 1 minute I crossed the finish line. I had just run 13.1 miles!! OH MY GOODNESS... I cannot believe I accomplished this.

I couldn't be more estactic. I feel like a true runner now. I want to do it again. My body hates me right now and I feel every bit of 30 years old. But I loved it. This was the first, but will not be the last. Here are a few pics to remember this great day.... And I have the t-shirt and medal :)

Me and Kelli Fain at about mile 3- Still smiling!

Me, Kelli, and Sarah after the race with our medals!
My sweet sister. Thanks for pushing me!

Random pics

Tank is getting so big!

He is working on tearing up my back yard one day at a time... nice weeds I know.

He has made a new bed for himself :)

A beautiful Sunrise out of my backyard.

Trip to Poppies

We got to go to Houston to see my dad and his family. We went to Seth's little t-ball game and it was so cute! Watching a whole bunch of 4 year olds acting like it was the first time everytime they got up to bat was so cute. I can't wait until I can see Gavin in some cute little baseball pants.

Gavins Birthday Party!

We had a super fun birthday party for Gavin and his little cutie patootie BFF Cali on Sunday. We had a swimming party at Chris & Tasha's new house. The kids had a blast! I had so much fun making their birthday cake! Jacob and I sat down and pretty much played with play-doh (gum paste) to make the decorations for the cake. Jacob was a big help and we had a good time doing it together. I thought it turned out pretty good.

My handsome little birthday boy!Say CheeseMmmm... yummy icing

Another handful pleaseI don't want my hands dirty :)Yuck... get this off my hands!Ahhh... good to get dirtyWhat? Just eating my birthday cake!Bathtime. Why is my water green?

Getting cleanI can help with my presents. Just going to take a nibble on the bag.
So much fun! what do I play with first?

Trinity and Claire watching the present show.

Mommy helping open presents

Tasha and Cali out by the pool

Everyone swimming

The two birthday kiddos!

Why is everyone leaving?

Garrett is Playing Football

Well, our little boy is all grown up! *sniff sniff* He is playing football this year and we couldn't be prouder! Thanks to Tomi for being the great photographer that she is, I stole these pictures off her facebook of his first game tonight. Enjoy. If anyone is interested in his schedule for the Fall, let me know. We are definitely going to try to make it in town for at least one.

Summertime...over

So, it has been a while. I have joined the Facebook world and have fallen behind on my blogging. Today seems as good a day as any. I got Trinity off to school, drank my cup of coffee, so here we go!

YES, Trinity started school today. It is not kindergarten, but it is preschool. Very structured and full time like kindergarten. Uniforms, lunchboxes, backpacks and all. She was so excited, maybe a little more so about new clothes and new friends than learning itself. But that is what school is about, isn't it. A social experience as well as a learning one.

Here are some cute pictures of her this morning before her Daddy took her to her first day of school.

This summer seemed to go really fast. We had Garrett for 5 weeks which was the longest he has ever stayed with us. It was so much fun! He was such a good helper and a good big brother. Trinity had so much fun with him around. Yesterday when she woke up, she asked where he was :( I had to tell her that he went home to his mommy's house. That is so hard for a little kid!

We have become really involved in our youth group at our church (they call it Element). We had a bonfire on the beach, a lock-in, a concert, and then services every Wednesday night. I am having a lot of fun with these kids. And hopefully making a difference in their lives! I got to have one of my friends from high school come and perform. He is called Son of Thunder and he performs Christian rap music. The kids really enjoyed it! Plus it was good to see him and the good things he is doing in his life.

We also decided to venture out there and get a puppy. One of our good friends bred their bulldogs. Jacob has wanted a bulldog for as long as I have known him. Well, we couldn't afford one... BUT, one of their puppies had to have a hernia removed on its tummy and the chest cavity closed up... so, they adopted him out to us. And he is just precious. I am still getting used to training a dog and having another little thing to watch in this house. But he is a cutie. Jacob named him Tank... how fitting!

We went to a family reunion on my mom's side of the family. It was the first time in a LONG time that all of us were together. Everyone was there. All 12 of my cousins and their families. It was a long drive with 3 kids to Snyder, but it was fun.

BUT, on the drive home, I started feeling really bad. My stomach was hurting terribly. I went to the great military doctors on that Monday and they thought I may have kidney stones. SO, I went to get a CT scan the next day. Luckily I did! They sent me straight to the hospital with an appendicitis. So, 2 days and $25,000 (thank God for insurance) later, I was home and all drugged up! I couldn't lift my baby for a week! It was no fun :( Thank goodness for my moms. They all came to help me with the house, the kids, and be my nurses.

Everything is finally feeling back to normal. Trinity is in school, I am back to work, and hopefully back into some kind of routine. I will be better about blogging in the future, I promise!

My funny babies

New Pictures of my babies! We went to Landa Park to take pictures of my little angels by the water. It was a lot of fun and it was a beautiful day! I love photography and especially taking pictures of my children. Enjoy :)

So, I find out today that Gavin has about as many faces as Trinity does. He cracked me up when I got home and saw all the different expressions I caught on camera. Sweet Boy!