YOU sweetly said.....
Monday, June 29, 2009
Best Buddies
YOU sweetly said.....
Sunday, June 28, 2009
He Inspires Us
The finish is important, but not nearly as the courage to start!
I remember back in October of last year Bob and his friends were toying with the idea of doing the half Ironman here in Boise in June. I didn't think he really would. We had run a few half marathons together at that point, and they were tough enough. He had done a few Olympic triathlons, but nothing of this magnitude.
To my surprise he really signed up, joined a tri-group, took swim lessons, and biked and ran his tail off, for 6, long months. His training was grueling, but along side his buddies, Brent and Sam, he did it. We often talked about the race in June. I was nervous for him. Thinking of the race made my stomach turn. I didn't know how he would do it. After his workouts he still doubted and wondered how he could really finish it too.
Two weekends ago he and his good buddies swam, biked, and ran hard. They accomplished their goals of finishing around 6 hours. Robert and his friend Sam who started in the same heat, even crossed the finish line together. It was remarkable. I can't tell ya how proud I was of Bob at that moment. As he and Sam approached us at the finish, they were smiling and looking spry. Later Bob said they felt like dying, but that didn't matter. They looked great. They did it! They set big goals and worked hard to achieve something they didn't think they could do. That takes courage. I hope his example rubs off on our kids. I know they had so much fun making posters, wearing their shirts, and cheering for their dad, but I also hope his goal setting and desire to achieve big things will be something they will feel they can do someday too, whatever those dreams are.
I wish I had more pics. of Bob on the course. We couldn't get up to the swim due to road closures. I never get a snapshot of him racing on his bike. He blows by so quickly, and when I finally pick him out of the crowd, I am not taking a picture. I am screaming loud, hoot hollering and making a fool of myself. I don't care, as long as he hears me and feels the love! We barely missed him on the run. I was sad about that. I wanted him to see the kids, in their shirts, cheering loud for their dad on his last leg of his big race. But, we did see him at the end, and that's all that matters. We were excited. The kids ran towards him hugging and embracing their Ironman dad and letting him know.........
HE INSPIRES US!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Comin' to getcha!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Lots and Lots of Randomness
*My babies are all fast asleep in their beds (well my bed, really). The girls are doing swim team and Owen has swim lessons. They swim in our little pool on the patio at least 3 times a day. They are exhausted and sound asleep even before the summer sun goes down.
*Robert has been in Wisconsin since Sunday. Tonight he told me he missed me and when I told him I loved him, he said he loved me more. I was surprised. I feel all I do is complain to him...about everything. Why do I do that? I vent to him too much. I guess I want him to feel my PAIN of being home alone without him. Maybe he doesn't mind my feeble attempts of sympathy. He loves me more....somehow I doubt that.
*I am sick. It makes taking care of the kids all by myself a bit hard at times. I feel I haven't been as patient as I should be. I wonder if my kids think I am crazy....sometimes nice mom, other times...not so nice. It's the first week of summer and they're fighting more than I think they should be. I'm trying to create good days and memories, but at moments, I'm NOT succeeding.
*I have good friends. My kids have played at their houses (giving me little breaks to run get groceries without them) and they have had us over for dinner. Oh, thank you.....really, thank you!
*My dad turned 61 on Monday. I wonder if he'll ever know what his life and example has meant to me....everything.
*I haven't run all week. It feels strange. I realize what a big part of my life running has become. I need it. It is my outlet, my one hobby, my RELEASE. I was snuggled on the couch with Owen watching his sweet movie he picked out at the library (The kids all got their own cards today. We checked out like a million books and movies. I haven't had a late fee in months. Can we keep it up all summer long? When I told Bob about the kid's cards he just moaned. Late fees! Late fees! Late fees....was all he could think of.) I was really snoozing. Avery ignored my napping attempt and woke me, pleading for me to put the Garmin on her wrist. "No, it isn't a toy," I told her. "Go put it away." "But mom, I really need it. I am going to go out and run around the yard a lot, so I really need it mom, please." This made me laugh.
*Bob's big race is Saturday. Poor him, he's out of town and sick like me. I hope he's better soon. I am excited for him. He has worked hard for 6 months to finish this 1/2 Ironman. It's pretty much consumed his life. I will admit, I have had a few melt downs. So, has he. There was a day or two that he was serious about quitting. He just didn't want to spend any more time away from us, he said. I don't know that I believed that one. It was sweet, but I think he was just plumb worn out from the new job and all the training. I can't wait for Saturday, to cheer him to the finish...I really am SO proud of him, but more so....I want my husband back.
*Chanel...we have a love/hate relationship. I love her when she snuggles by me and lays so quietly on my lap. I hate it when she escapes from the yard and I arrive home to see the neighbor left a note on my kitchen counter telling me he found her in the street. That's all fine and dandy.....but my house? It looked like a nuclear bomb went off. I was so not ready for company.
*I need to go to bed. Chanel will be up before 6 whining for me to let her out. I don't want to go to sleep. I know I'll be up half the night thinking I hear a burglar breaking in to bring to life my worst nightmare. I'll be going over scenarios and escape routes in my head all night. When I am sleeping soundly, it won't last long. Owen will kick me in the head, or Payton will talk in her sleep. Yes, when dad's gone, we all sleep together. Well, except Avery. I move her into her own bed before I go down. She is newly out of pull-ups, so there are often accidents. It ain't happening in my bed. That's just that.
*I am looking forward to the weekend, Bob's big race, Beckham's baby blessing, Aunt Kris's surprise party, seeing Danette and Keion, and Shon and Jen......then staying with the kids a few more days in Pocatello where we can play with family and friends and I can take my kids to all my favorite summer spots. Pocatello was a fabulous place to grow up. I snubbed it for many years, now as an adult, I have reconnected with all the reasons I love it and have enjoyed sharing them with my kids. I attribute my love for it mostly because of the love I have for the people there. Many are gone, some are still there, but some of the best people I've had in my life, have been a part of my past in, Pocatello.
*Here's to good memories and especially....... sweet dreams!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
5 Years ago...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Oh, no you didn't!
Bob picked her up later that day and when she ran through the front door we all screamed with excitement. She was wearing two little bows in her hair and looked down right adorable. We chased her through the house giving her hugs and kisses and doting over her knew look.
Oh, no you didn't, Chenelly belly...
Oh, yes you did!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Happy Graduation, Kalli
We decorated her room, alright down right destroyed it, with candy, confetti and streamers, but we left lots of fun goodies on her bed.
After the most delicious meal I have had in days, yes my mother-in-law totally re-created all the fixins at Cafe Rio, and we ate till we all had to be rolled out to the yard for some game time.