Running Update

I know everyone has been waiting on this, since I blog so often. :) So I did it, I ran my first half marathon ever! I ran the whole way, minus one outhouse stop. I didn't take any of my own pictures (I was bummed about that), so I am having to use this image from a photographer there. His photos were way over priced so that is why you can see his copy right name. Hopefully I wont get sued for posting this image, I am giving him credit for it.


This was all the way back in November so I took a bit of a break over the holidays and I am trying to get back into running shape again. Hood to Coast and great running friends are keeping me going even when I don't feel like it. I got in a little over 8 miles on Sunday and my knees are still sore. Hopefully once they get used to long distance again they will shape up. I found out recently what legs I will run for Hood to Coast so I am excited about that. I will run a little over 4 miles, then another 4, then a bit over 7 (this last one I am a bit nervous about). I am hoping to be in the best shape of my life by Hood to Coast, I will keep you posted.

Haitian Jewelry Party

OK, I decided I better attempt a blog post again. I had a great jewelry party for the Apparent Project. They are an amazing ministry in Haiti, that teaches locals how to make beads from "upcyled" materials like cereal boxes. Upcycle is the new hip word for recycled. Then they make beautiful necklaces and bracelets which are then shipped to the states to be sold. 100% of all proceeds go to the person who made the item. All of these Haitian artisans have amazing stories of struggle yet they are overcoming their poverty through their beautiful art.

The ladies that came to the party had so much fun trying on the necklaces and laughter was abundant. Here are a few pictures to capture the event.

Check out The Apparent Project's website: www.apparentproject.org

Haven't Blogged in FOREVER

OK, I have been feeling a bit guilty for not blogging since March, but not too guilty. My sister-in-law asked me why I stopped the other day. I think the main reason was that I had been talking about running and how one day I would like to run a marathon. Then not long after that I quit exercising and I was definitely not running. Just because you own a treadmill doesn't mean you will use it.

Then in July I had two friends invite me to go running with them. I have had the blessing of running consistently since then. I am super excited to share that I will be running in my first half marathon on November 20th. It is not a full marathon, but not bad if you ask me. So I figured I could blog again without shame.:) Maybe I will post some sweaty pictures after the run. I am very thankful for my consistent and ever encouraging running partner, Sherri. Without her I would be walking or most likely sitting on the couch.

So be encouraged it is never too late to start getting in shape. The most I had ever run in my life was maybe one or two miles in high school. I have also joined a team to run Hood to Coast this summer. I am trying to challenge myself with goals that will give me accountability and a reason to get in shape. My motto is slow and steady, but I do hope to get faster one day.

WEEKEND AT THE COAST
We finally had a chance to get away as a family for the weekend. Jeff has been really busy with work and school. It was a blessing to just spend time together.We were able to stay at a friend's beautiful home south of Newport. The kids had a blast on the beach and visiting the Aquarium.

We didn't have TV and were not listening to the radio so we were surprised to hear that there was an earthquake in Chile. We went to the beach to play and a man informed us that there was a Tsunami warning for the afternoon. Honestly, that made me a little paranoid for the rest of our trip. Thankfully all was well in Newport. The kids did get to play in some crazy amounts of sea foam though.

RUNNING UPDATE

I realized today I am behind on blogging. I have to give a status update on my running progress. So I took about a month off before I really even started. I am finally healthy (2 kids are sick though). We purchased a used treadmill last week so I am trying to get on track now. I am just trying to get in shape and build up my endurance so I can have some long distance runs in the future. I have some friends that like the idea of doing a 5K so I will probably do that in the next month or two with them.

I am struggling with finding the best time for working out. I am going to try during Ella's nap time and see how that works. The other day I was in the garage running on the treadmill. When I came back inside the house all of the kids had disappeared. I found Ella up in her sister's bunk bed grinning eating a bag of stolen Valentine's candy. More updates to come.

NEW PET

Erin bought a Crested Gecko with her birthday money. Mom and Dad paid for everything else. Mom wanted to get 2 water frogs, but Dad went to the pet store with Erin and she ended up with her dream come true. She has a love of reptiles and animals in general. We may have a future veterinarian or animal rescuer. So Dad is in charge of cleaning the cage with her. She named the Gecko Spike because it's head has some spikes on it and I think it reminds her of Spike from the Land Before Time movies. It's feet have super suction cups and it can climb, stick to anything. I never imagined in a million years we would own a reptile, but it is interesting to watch.

While I was out shopping Erin and Dad let Spike have a run of the house downstairs. I was not happy to hear that Spike was frolicking on the couch. I was then surprised to see this picture that our couch is crested gecko green. I think it may be time to buy a new sofa. It being the same color as the lizard makes me see it in a new light.

HOME SCHOOL

Erin was pretending to be me with her dark rimmed glasses while she was playing. Then she decided that she would look smart during school time if she kept them on. She was noticing that a lot of our neighbor girls have glasses. I guess it is good that glasses are cool right now because I am sure at least one out of our three girls will need them.

Yes, Emily is wearing her princess night gown during school time. Why do you think we home school? So we can wear pajamas all day long. Favorite stuffed animals are also usually close by.

Home schooling can be fun and challenging at the same time. This was a good day for the girls as you can see they are both smiling.