First and foremost this post is dedicated to Lissa (my SIL) and Kelsey (who's been catching up).  Yes, I know I haven't blogged in a while.  We've been busy, enjoying life and summer.

Let me catch you up to speed:

1. I ran my 10k the day before mother's day. Drew thought I'd love running again like I used to if I'd train for 8 weeks and run the race.  I did it for him and unfortunately I still don't love it like I used to.

Background information: When I was in labor with Teague until the time I had him was 20 hours.  I could've run a marathon with lots of time to spare and at the time I would have chosen marathon hands down - even without training for it. (But the reward for going through labor was well worth it and I wouldn't trade it for anything.)  Now Finley on the other hand came in 45 minutes and given the choice between running the 10k and giving birth to her, I would have chosen giving birth. Call me crazy!  That might be how much I didn't like it.

(please ignore the pins under my shirt. I don't have nipple rings, they we're holding my number to my shirt)

2. I was back and forth between Grand Rapids and Chicago and back to Grand Rapids within a week.  I ran my race, then a few days later headed to Chicago to help my sweet friend Jud recover from hip surgery.  Then back to Grand Rapids for Dave Ramsey Live.  Total $ makeover.  FYI- we've been debt free minus the house since August 2011, so this was just a refresher.  And I got to chat with Jon Acuff for a minute while he signed my book.

3. PAT Playgroup. We love parents as teachers playgroup. I know I have a teaching certificate and I'm a mom, but sometimes moms aren't exactly sure what to do with their kids to keep them on track for school.  So we go to this playgroup once a month during the school year and we get a free book and play A LOT.  Not to mention they offer an educator to come to your house to show you cool stuff to do with your kids. (Plus, I get a little adult time too.)

 This was the picnic at the end of the year.

4. My SIL Jennie and I at a wedding.

5. Finley helping to make dinner.  Well, she put the rolls on the glass pan.

She did a great job too! ; )

6. LOTS of SNUGGLE time!

Sister is mad at brother. Normal.

Happy Wednesday Friends!

My Heroes

They force me to rethink how I treat people.

They don't see:

Race

Religion

Body Type

Sexual Orientation

Who has a home and who doesn't

Age

Beauty

Cleanliness

Man or woman

Who am I talking about? They are 20 months and 3-years-old. MY kids. And though they're far from perfect, they remind me that at the end of the day we are all people. People who need to be loved no matter what. They wave to strangers. Even the dirty, homeless ones. And you know what? They made a homeless man smile today. And that makes me a proud mama.

Children are sometimes the best teachers!

The BIG 3-0!

This is my birthday present from Drew. Call me old-fashioned for wanting a basket. (That's cool! Seriously, call me a nerd!) I wanted it especially for going to the farmers market on Wednesday's and Saturday's. Imagine flowers, fresh bread, fruit, and veggies hanging out of it. Sounds lovely right? It gets even better. The basket comes off with the push of a button so I can carry it with me!

Of course since I got a new toy, Drew had to get one of these so the whole family could go for bike rides. It's almost become a tradition for everyone in our family to get spoiled on a birthday - it totally doesn't matter if it's not yours. Works for me (wink, wink)!

Plus, Drew starts his marathon training Monday so now we can all cross-train together!

Happy Thursday Friends!