Philadelphia Distance Run

Well 10 weeks ago my sister told me she was signing up for the Philadelphia Distance Run(PDR). The PDR is a 13.1 (half-marathon) race through the city of Philadelphia. It starts and ends at the Art Museum. We head out towards City Hall and then loop back towards the Art Museum and then down Kelly Drive to the Falls Bridge, across the Falls Bridge and then back towards the Art Museum. We got up there early and had found a great parking spot, but then we waited. The excitement was building and then it was time. We began in corral number 11 and waited for the wave start. We started about 20 minutes after the first group. We were feeling great and made it to the 5k marker at a 8:28 pace, much faster then both of us ever train-but that is what happens with all the built up adrenaline. Thanks to my sisters GPS watch-we were able to keep a close eye on our pace and we realized that 12 more miles to go we had to slow down. So we pullled back a little and at the 10k mark we were at a 9 min then we continued on and varied our pace between 9-10 minute miles. At 10 miles, Kelly started to have pain in her knee and was not sure of what happened, but was worried she wouldn't be able to finish, but she did and one step at a time we got to mile 12 and then it hit me and I started to feel numb, but my sister helped me get through it. Leaning on one another. Realizing that the goal was greater then just a time, but going through the experience together and finishing together. The moment we crossed the finish line TOGETHER was worth all the pain each of us felt during the race. The realization that we just spent 10 weeks and 180 miles of preparing for this one day. In the end it took us 2 hours and 6 minutes. I look forward to the next race, the next time I get to run with my sister, to put one foot in front of the other knowing that when it gets hard we have each other for support.

Kelly-I am so proud of you, so blessed that we are able to share this moment with each other.

First Day of School

Well it is hard to believe that my two children are growing up and going to school. It is so hard for me to watch them accept their indepence. They love picking out their outfits for the week, helping with their book bags and making lunches. Peyton is in kindergarten and for the first time in 3 years I can't just peek in on her. Dave drops her off at a local church and the bus picks her up there. She has about a 5 minute ride to the school. Her teacher is Mrs. Webb. She is a very nice woman and expects a lot, but for Peyton that is a good thing. Peyton sits at a table with two other children. Her class size is only 15 students. Last week we had back-to-school night and we were able to hear about all the things she will be doing. It sounds more like first grade then what I remember about kindergarten. She has 3 little books she is to be reading with us each week as well as a Family Times booklet-which is the only homework-but there is an activity in there that is to be done each night. She is excited to go to school each day and comes home with a smile and it is so precious to watch.

Carson is going to pre-school 3 days a week and attends a home care the other two. He has been encouraged by his big sister and has transitioned well in his new school. His pre-school is in my school so I now get to peek in on him. We have great car rides together and he talks about his new friends and crafts that he gets to do. They have school from 7:30-1:30. Then nap/quiet time. He is learning the basic letters of the alphabet, coloring, days of the week, weather, etc.. Carson loves showing me his crafts each night and it is neat to watch him and his sister compare their school work. I wonder sometimes how long this will last.

As I reflect on each of them and their accomplishments I take a moment to thank God for them. He brought them into the world so small and is showing me each day just how big they are.

Happy College Football Day

Today is opening day of College Football.

Peyton and Carson are so excited. Sporting their jerseys and smiles. They have been running around the house waiting for Notre Dame vs Nevada which starts at 3:30. We have made a big pot of Chili and are awaiting some friends to come over and hang out with us as we celebrate Opening Day 2009.

Philadelphia Zoo

Friday we went to the Philadelphia Zoo with our friends the Sieminski's. Peyton, Alli, Juliana and Carson had a blast. They got to see lots of animals and had fun going on the rides as well. It was a beautiful day and all were tired, even us moms.

Storybook Land

Today we went with our next door neighbors-Natalie and Melissa to Storybook Land. Storybook Land is located in Egg Harbor Township. It is an amusement park for young children and is all based on stories and nursery rhymes. We left around 9:15 and got there just as the park was opening. It was a beautiful day around 85 degrees, but the way the park is set up it is mostly shaded and since there was no humidity we stayed very comfortable. THe other nice thing is that you pay one price and can ride as many times as you like. We started off visiting with Mother Goose and the Three Little Bears. Then we went to visit Santa's workshop where Mrs. Claus, Santa, the elves and reindeer come and visit starting in November. The kids enjoyed seeing the workshop and displays. Then we went on the Flying Elephants. Peyton rode in a purple elephant while Carson and Natalie rode in an orange one. Most of the rides the kids could go on by themselves, however there were a few that I had to go on with them. After the Flying Elephants the kids went on Big Foot. This ride was neat the kids got to ride in a monster truck around a track. We went on Bubbles a roller coaster that went really fast. The kids enjoyed it, but were a little hesitant at first. We went on hot air balloon rides and tea cups and went through the maze with Alice in Wonderland. The kids got to see Snow White's cottage and hear a story from the seven drawfs.

They saw Cinderella's pumpkin carriage and here the story of the Old Woman who lived in the shoe. It was very funny as Melissa and I walked around to notice that some of the children's nursery ryhmes we grew up with were a little disturbing. For instance Rock a by baby in the tree top and Humpty Dumpty. However the children did love the fantasy of the place and had a great time exploring all the displays and the rides. It was not crowded at all and that meant little waiting in line for the rides. I was so proud of the kids going on all the rides and enjoying the time with Natalie and Melissa.
Peyton's favorite ride was the Rockin Tug which was a boat that rocked back and forth then spun around. Her favorite story was Snow White and the Three Little Pigs. Carson's favorite ride was the carousel. His favorite story was Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears and the Three Little Pigs. We had a great lunch and on the way out an ice cream snack at the Gingerbread House.
Here is the link to Story Book land. http://storybookland.com/

Birthday Party Favors

So for almost a year now my mom and I have been making bows for little girls, we started off with a basic design and a year later have been able to expand it. Recently a co-worker of mine has asked me to do bows for her grand-daughter's b-day party. The theme Eagles. So here is the bow I created for her and will put it togeher in a favor bag with some goodies. Peyton already has her color selection ready for me for her back-to-school outfits. She now has me creating streamer bows, hair tie bows, even bows with her initial on it. It has become a fun hobby that has put smiles on many of my friends and families faces. I have been able to create bows for baptisms, weddings, and portraits.

Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!!!!!

Ok so this post is really for my parents who I haven't seen in a while. I am looking forward to seeing you soon and spending some time with you. I had a great b-day. Dave, the kids and I went swimming earlier in the day and then they made me a great dinner of Ribs. It was a nice way to spend #33.