Team Madison

Today Peyton and I participated in an event that helped to raise money for The Cancer Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

We became involved through Madison, a little girl that I taught swim lessons to this summer. At the age of 3 she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). 2 years and 2 months later she is cancer free.

It was a rainy day, but worth the cause.

Halloween Costumes

Here is a sneak preview at their halloween costumes for 2009. Peyton is Hannah Montana and Carson is a pirate. They were excited to try them on and are anticipating the arrival of Halloween.

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.