Half-Marathon Run

Exhausting but fabulous Day! I woke up around 4:15am to prep for my half-marathon race. Erin showed up at my door at 4:30am and off we went. Race day is always a little chaotic. We had to park at the finish line and then were bused out to the start. I still can't believe a little less than 8 weeks ago Erin talked me into training for this. I'm really glad she did. I've had some post pregnancy issues that have put me into a little bit of a slump so I needed a kick in the rear to get going. We went online, picked random running schedule, and stuck to it. Some mornings I just couldn't make myself run in the 45 degree weather so I went to the gym and ran on the boring treadmill.

  

My new theme song is "Timber"

When Erin and I managed to meet up for our longer runs we usually ran along the canal. We had quite a few interesting incidents. One of which I ran into a tree branch because we were running in the dark and even with my flashlight I didn't see it coming. My foot was pretty bruised for a couple weeks but thankfully I didn't injure anything else and managed to collect my pride and continue on our 8 mile run for the day.

"It's going down, I'm yelling timber"

That song is now a great inside joke with me and Erin. When it came on during the race we both started laughing.

Race day came and I felt prepared. I have always struggled with finding the right "energy" to consume while I run. So I just don't eat anything. Usually that works fine for me. But at mile 9.5 I hit a wall. So glad that Erin was there to make me push through it. She should have just left me but she didn't. We finished hard and just under our goal. I was never so happy to see a finish line. This race is ridiculous, you can't see the finish line until you are pretty much there. It's not so much fun. So happy I ran it and got to run it with one of my best friends. A much better experience than my marathon.

 Jenessa was so sweet, the night before she brought me this basket. Filled with pre-and post race items.

My friend Lindsey came out and cheered for me. She cracks me up with her "Shelly Huber looks HOT when she runs!" LOL The race course went right by her house. So sweet of her to cheer me on!

 We did it!

We finished our 13.26 miles in 1 hr 49 mins 27 sec.; 8:22/mile pace Hallelujah!!! Next time I'm going to shoot for a sub 8 min/mile pace... ;) 

Jenessa was watching my kids so Ron could go help a family move in our ward and THEN go help clean the church. (Poor Ron, he's so good) Jenessa was crazy enough to surprise me at the finish with my kids. So fun to see them! I'm so happy she killed herself getting them all there (crazy girl!)! I have good friends and my life is blessed.
Both Mason and Noah had championship basketball games at noon and 3, and we finished the day off with some sand volleyball with friends at the park.

Pinewood Derby Success!

I just love cub scouts! Mostly because I love little boys. I don't understand why anyone would not want to work with these happy crazy kiddos. Boys are so much fun and have such sweet, crazy, and wild spirits. Mason is undefeated with his pinewood derby cars. 2nd year in a row taking 1st place. Next year should be interesting when Mason and Noah are racing in the same derby! I look forward to that.

 THIS is what Cub Scouts is all about! Teaching these boys important morals and values. Helping them gain a quiet reverence for the American Flag. I love what this program does for these young men. Cub Scouting is more than just something for them to do. It's all about the boys they are now and the men they will become

 I need a pic of Mason and Ron

Me and my Crew

Today I had to take my kids to the store and then to help at Activity Days at the church. I have recently been called to Primary Presidency and loving it so far. One of my responsibilities is Activity Days. As I loaded up all 4 of my kids headed to the store for some folders they needed I remember thinking how fortunate I am. I'm blessed with 4 healthy children, all of which are relatively well behaved. I like to think of them as my buddies (motherhood can be a little lonely at times). They all get along fairly well and play pretty well together. Honestly that's one of my favorite things in the world, to watch them play and work together. Ron has been working a lot lately and I'm really proud of how I have handled it this go around. I still wish he could be around more but I'm very thankful he has a job and is able to provide so well for us.

Callie on the other hand has NOT handled it so well. She has had a really hard time with Ron's absence. Ron is everything to this little firecracker and she misses him constantly. I tried recording her sad whining one night when she was chanting over and over "Tomorrow he has work, and the next day... All day he has just work. I want Daddy." It's really sweet but heartbreaking to watch and I wish there was more I could do for her but we get Ron home in the mornings until about 8:30 and that's a huge blessing.

I've mentioned this before but Callie really prefers if Ron lays by her at night until she falls asleep. Ridiculous I know but... oh well. We cater to the ridiculous if it gets our kids to sleep. Well, Ron wasn't home so usually I am up for the job. Noah being the sweetheart he is volunteered. I didn't think it would work but when I went to check on them a little while later I found this. I LOVE sleeping pics so I couldn't resist. I know they won't stay this little forever and I want to remember the good times so I HAVE to document it.