Tired, but well worth it

Last October Ryan ran his first 5K race. It was a great experience for him...A Goal, Training, Achievement. About a month ago a friend of mine told me about the Couch Potato to 5K running plan. I haven't run since my mid 20's except to keep up with kids. I looked it up and decided to start with the goal of someday (maybe next spring) of running a 5K. Two weeks ago I read in the paper that there was a 5K to support cancer awareness and research. I asked Ryan if he wanted to run (at my speed, not his).

So we got up early today and off we went. It was cool and misting but that didn't bother us. What amazed me most was a few comments Ryan made along the way. He told me he has a "cool mom" that he can do things with and at one point when I was getting tired he said "just think of how tough Andy is and you can keep going". He is right.

Andy, as I already told you...this one was for you! It wasn't the endurance runs you are used to participating in but it was my first run in 10+ years. You're positive attitude, strong faith and determination will get you through these tough months ahead. And Ryan and I will keep running (up hill to the finish line) or doing whatever it takes to raise money for research, support medical trials, make people aware and give you the support you need until a cure for cancer is found.

Our afternoon was busy with a trip to the nursery, planting a new tree and watching Ryan's soccer game in the pouring down rain. Ryan had 3 fantastic saves in goal and 3 shots on goal. His team won 4-0. Madelyn's team tied 2-2 this morning. Thanks Ms. Sue for coming and watching Madelyn's game while mom and Ryan were running!

Soccer, Football

Ryan scored his first goal of the season and won his game 9-0! He played goalie the first half of the game and never had a shot taken on him. Kurt and I both thought this soccer game was one of the best we ever watched Ryan play in. Hopefully this week was the beginning of an exciting season.

Madelyn asked to play soccer this season so here she is in her first soccer game. Mom, dad and Ryan cheered loudly for Madelyn. She did a great job chasing the ball down, taking kick off and goal kicks and playing her position. We are so proud of her for taking a chance and playing a new sport. She had a great time and we loved watching her.

Later on in the afternoon the kids and I went to Wild Buffalo Wings to meet Sue to watch the VA Tech vs Nebraska football game. WOW! What a close game. Sorry Sue, VA Tech pulled it out with :21 seconds to go. Kurt was home rolling out our new sod. Still working in the new garden area and will be going to the nursery today for a few more trees, shrubs and fall plants.

The Wheels On The Bus Go Round and Round

The rain stopped just in time for me to snap a few photos before Ryan and Madelyn headed off to their first day of school. They were very excited after meeting their teachers a few days earlier. There were smiles and giggles and butterflies in their tummies. Everyone was looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Here are a few pictures as they head off the the bus stop.

Girl Friends, Good Times

Labor Day 2009....

Madelyn, Jennifer and Kinsley enjoyed some fresh air sharing secrets while coloring and playing with bendables. There is nothing like best friends no matter what your age. This outing ended when the rain caught us off guard and we had to pack up and run into the garage. Everyone was wet and couldn't stop laughing. They just relocated to the playroom and the fun continued.

Let's Get Organized

We are getting ready for school to start. Organizing, purging, cleaning out rooms. We have hauled one load to the consignment store and the garage is full of bags for donation. The kids and I went through their clothes to see what still fits. Not much. They are growing so fast. I love watching them grow up...learning new things, exploring new ideas and developing their personalities. God blessed our lives with the most beautiful children.