Pocatello Marathon

 

I forgot to mention I had the opportunity to run a half marathon earlier this month. That is 13.1 miles!! I never thought I would, but I DID IT!! It was such an amazing experience. There were something like 1040 people who ran this year. There is a picture here with one of the women I met along the way. We were at mile ten when my sister-in law and I came up on her, and she didn't look so good. I asked her if she was ok? She just looked exahausted and said "No, I think I might quit." I said no way we have 3 miles left we can do it! She decided she would stick with us for a bit. We tried to make goals as we ran like making it to the next fence line or corner and then walking a little, things like that. I thought we were doing pretty good and, my Sister in-law went ahead then a little bit later I went ahead thinking she is ok to make it the rest of the way. Then at the end we had caught up to each other again and pretty much finished at the same time. Her kids came running out of the crowd and ran in with her. It was so sweet!! This experience just made me think that this is what life is all about isn't it? We are all here running our own personal marathons in a way, and isn't it nice when we run into people who encourage and lift us up so we can make it across the finish line!! This woman probably thought I was helping her, but in reality she was helping me. She kept me motivated to finish. I am so blessed to have made such amazing friends in my life and have amazing family around to help me along the way! I love you all so much!! Thank you for all you do. I couldn't do it without you."

Trying out the collage thing

 

Life

A lot of things have happened over the past few weeks and I am not sure if I can remember much of it at this point. Hence the reason for the update. If I don't "write" it all down soon I may never remember.
I really enjoyed summer break and now we are going full speed ahead. The kids and I are all back in school, even little miss Paige. She started preschool and is absolutely loving it. She loves her teacher and brings home "homework" that she sits down and pretends to do while the boys are doing theirs. We have a small toy laptop that she brings out to do her homework as well (just like Mom does). She is so fun!! Drake is in his first year of tackle football and is having a blast. It has been amazing to see the rise in confidence in him as he has participated. He is growing up so fast, I just can't believe it. I swear he was just a baby yesterday. Brendan is still doing Jiu Jitsu and is now playing soccer as well. He is having fun being a 2nd grader. His reading ability has just sored, and he has loved going to the library as there is a larger selection of books he can read this year. Logan just loves life!! Going to school has opened a whole new world for him, a little more Independence and freedom I guess. I am in the first semester of the practical nursing program, and it has been very overwhelming to say the least. I absolutely love everything I am learning, and just can't wait to be done.Derek has become Mr. Mom and superman over the last month. He is so amazing!! I don't know how I could do it all if I didn't have him to help me out.
just one example:I started clinicals this week, and I needed to wear business dress and my lab jacket to my orientation. I thought I would have time to come home between classes and change, but soon found out I really didn't. I had forgotten I needed a flu shot, so I had to rush on my lunch break to do that instead of running straight home. No worries though for I am married to Derek (aka: superman)and with one quick call everything was ready and waiting for me when I walked in the door. He had ironed my pants and lab jacket, and they were hanging nicely, ready for me to throw on and run back out the door. He is amazing!! Oh, did I already say that?? (he made me lunch too)
As you can see things are crazy and busy at our house. I keep hoping that things will slow down. I really don't think that will happen any time soon. I am finding that the older my kids get the busier life gets. I love them all and wouldn't trade my life for anything. I am so grateful to have such an awesome extended family that are so supportive and are always willing to lend a helping hand,and words of encouragement when we need them.