Multiple Emotions

Some days I feel that I have multiple personalities. Today I am so happy that school has started yet I am very sad that I have 2 kids that are in school. I was not sad at all yesterday when I was screaming at them (haha) but today I was sad. I went for an early (5:50 a.m.) 3 mile run this morning which I think did help me to be a lot calmer today plus it definitely energized me. I had all kids fed, dressed, and ready to go by 7:30. My run went so much better than I thought seeing as I ran outside instead of my usual treadmill. When I dropped Ashley off at 8:30 I felt good about it. I then took Ryan to his first day of preschool. I am just proud that neither he or I cried a drop. When we picked him up he said he had a great day and had so much fun.

Now Ashley has been asking me if she can join a competitive cheer leading team. Up until now I have been really hesitant in allowing her to even try. I mean we do Upward which isn't competitive but it allows her to cheer. Dave feels that I should enroll her in Dynasty Elite . I think that tonight we are going to go to a practice. I don't know whether I am ready for this but we will wait and see.

I am now in week 2 of my 10K training and so far I am right on track. I did my long run on Saturday and I felt really good afterwards. If the training keeps going so well, I just may register for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in March. Maybe.

Happy Running.

Balanced

This week has been wonderful and stressful at the same time. Dave had his first triathlon this last Saturday in Clermont. Oddly enough my first tri was there too, but that was SEVEN YEARS AGO! It was very nice to be able to cheer for him and be an encouragement and for him to understand that I had already swam that lake, biked those hills, and ran those miles. It was also bittersweet because it made me realise how much I miss training for something. Well, a little thing called 3 kids pops up and priorities must shift.
This is where a little thing called balance comes in. I struggle so much with this. Having played sports my entire life, you are always striving to be the best. You are competing with others and you must give 110%. I am struggling because as much as I want to give 100% to my husband, 100% to my kids, 100% to my quiet time, 100% to myself (training, running), I just can't and when you can't you feel like you are failing someone and then the guilt comes a knocking.
I need to be able to train for something and to make that training fit into my life so that I do not feel like I am taking time away from my family. Once again...I am struggling.
So, I am trying to cut myself a break on the mommy guilt and say that I am so happy that school starts Monday. School will allow me to be able to do the (minimum) training so that I can reach my 10K goal and who knows maybe even keep on training for the half marathon in March.
I will be able to give by 100% to everyone but I also have to be able to adjust my schedule and balance my time.

On a lighter note this month I have ran 58 miles. Not all at the same time but that is what training is all about. I am happy with the total so far and I am looking forward to October 11th with high hopes and a lot of happy kids too.


Happy Running!

Training Week 1

Training while family is in town is absolutely fabulous. I have babysitters handy to watch my kids whenever I want to get out and run. I was able to run daily and sometimes twice a day which is in my world- pure heaven. I love my children but sometimes I need a little quiet. My kids also know that a running mommy is a happier mommy and so we will continue running. So I have run a total of 26 miles this week. I am happy with that as it is my first week trying to get into a routine. Once school starts in 2 WEEKS I will be better able to get my runs in without feeling guilty. I am so happy to be a runner again.

A Huge Joke

Well after that last post running was still not a viable option because yes dear ones we have another beautiful baby girl in the mix now. Alexis was born November 18th 2008. We are so blessed to have all 3 of our kids in our lives but it takes away a lot from training time. I have officially signed up for 2 races. One a 5K in September and a 10K in October so we will continue with this blog as a journal of sorts to keep track of my progress as a "serious" runner. Wish me luck.

Vacation- Day1

So the kids and I are on vacation in Orlando while my mom is going to an IRS conference. I have to admit that although I am on my own with my kids all the time it is way different when you are not in your home and there are theme parks involved. Today was check-in so we didn't do all that much. We went to lunch at T-Rex which is probably one of my top five restaurants of all time. Then we came back and went to the splash pool here at the hotel. After swimming we decided to do what else but go shopping. We went to the Florida Mall and it was AWESOME, just like I remember from when we lived in Orlando. (A lot of good shopping memories at the Florida Mall!) Well, tomorrow we are going to Animal Kingdom so PRAY- pray hard for me with 3 kids by myself.

7 Months Already

Dear Lexi,

9 months ago I was in the hospital being told I had to stay until you were 36 weeks and that wa 2 weeks away. I never knew how much I loved you then or how you would brighten my days. You are the happiest baby in my world and you make me laugh and bring so much joy to all of our lives. Sweet baby girl how has 7 months come and gone already. I am sad that you are already 7 months but I am so looking forward to many more months and years with you. I love you darling girl:)

love, Mommy

Schools out for the Summer

I know that I haven't blogged in a while (it seems all of my posts begin this way) but we have been so busy with the end of the school year. I am a little sad because I think this year has gone by in the blink of an eye and my Ashley is now a first grader {when did that happen}. I am so proud of her. This last week we had her graduation and awards and I couldn't have been more proud of all that she has accomplished this year. She made effort honor roll all 4 semesters and she got a special award for being the child in kindergarten who read the 5th most books(that is our of 150 kids). She loves school and her class and I am so happy that we will have the same kids and teacher next year for first grade too.

We will be starting reading camp on the 15th just to keep Ashley used to schoolwork (i know I am a horrible mom :0))

Ryan has had some major improvements since my last post. We have started routinely going to the bathroom on the potty. He now tells me BEFORE he starts which is a major answer to prayer. He has started swim class at the YMCA and although he is the youngest in the class, he is the most daring too. He loves to jump in whenever possible. He is getting so big and will be starting preschool 3 days a week in the fall.

Lexi is getting so big. She is over 6 months old now and is wearing 9 month clothes. She tries to scoot every time I place her on the floor and grabs for anything in front of her (loves my cell phone). She is so even tempered and smiles at anyone who talks to her. She is such a tremendous joy to me. Since she is big enough now Ashley loves to carry her around the house. She is such a great bog sister to Lexi (ryan is another post all together).

Well it is almost time for swimming class- round 3. Check back in for our Sun in the Summer posts :)