HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY OLIVIA!!

Was it really 8 years ago? Where has the time gone? I swear sometimes it seems like only a day or two ago that I rolled over in bed and said, "Honey, I think my water just broke," and Chad casually replied, "Jam, go back to sleep, you are dreaming." I was not dreaming, but my dreams were coming true. That day I became a mom to the most beautiful little brown haired, blue eyed princess! I remember so clearly the doctor telling me that day I was going to have a 9 pound baby, and responding, "oh, no we are not!" Sure enough, after an 16 hours of labor my 8 pound 14 ounce baby was born (just shy of 9 pounds)!

Two days later on Halloween we brought her home in a premie pumpkin sleeper. It was all they had and Chad's mom really wanted her to celebrate her first Halloween! She couldn't really bend her arms because it was pretty tight. As I buckled her into the car seat I cried tremendously, and looked at Chad and commented that now we were responsible for this little tiny human being, and there was no way I could handle it! I think I have done pretty well over the last 8 years, if I do say so myself:)

My princess is so smart, and can be quite funny, loving and inspiring! She loves music just like her Daddy; for her 8th birthday she got her first ipod! Olivia was blessed with natural athletic talent, which we all know she did not get from her mother! In December she will begin her career as a competitive gymnast! She is shy and outgoing all at the same time. She was the lead in the first grade musical last year, even singing a solo! She is a great big sister, and would do absolutely anything for Haley! I am so proud to be her Mom!

P.S. I tried to upload some more pictures, but it is not working. Maybe later!

Happy Birthday, Olivia! I love you!

Back on Track!

88 days! We leave for Maui in 88 short days! So, today I am officially "back on track". I am back to counting points; back to the marathon training plan; back to working out twice a day most days!

I have two goals in mind. The first, to finish my first marathon! I don't want to set a time goal, because I have never ran a marathon and don't want to get discouraged with times. I just want to finish, and feel good about it in the end! I finished my half marathon with a huge smile on my face, and I want to do the same at the full marathon.

My second goal, to be able to wear a bikini on the beach, and feel good about myself doing it! The last time we were in Maui in January 2008, I was near my heaviest weight. I sat on the beach and swam in the ocean, but I did not feel good about the way I looked or felt! This time, I want to be proud of myself as I sit on the beach and swim in the ocean. A couple months ago, I got the motivation I need from my husband! I asked him if he thought I could wear a bikini in Hawaii (at this point I had lost nearly 30 pounds), and he responded with a shrug and a funny face. I was so upset, but then again, thank him for being honest! I would rather have him tell me the truth, then lie, and embarass myself! I guess I will just work that much harder on my core muscles at the gym over the next 88 days!

Here's to "back on track"!!!

Tuesday's Chuckle

I saw a young man in Court today approaching the Judge wearing a t-shirt that said:

"Ain't got no job

Ain't got no money

Ain't got no car....

But at least I'm good looking"

For some reason, I gotta believe his closet had to hold a better choice for Court. But, it did provide me with Tuesday's chuckle!

Have a good Tuesday!

Whirlwind of a Weekend!!!

Friday night we had family fun night! We like to cuddle up on the couch and watch movies or play Wii. So after a quick and easy Taco Bell dinner, Wii it was! We played trivia, yatzee, and battleship! As we played, I couldn't help but smile, and thank God for my beautiful family!

Saturday morning I woke up early, planning to run a 5K in Cary. It was cold, and my kids were sound asleep, so I decided not to, and instead went back to sleep for an hour. I was kicking myself later for not doing the race! But, when I woke up, I had so much energy, and no idea where it came from. Chad was in a 2 day golf tournament, so it was just the girls and I. We went to Walmart to buy a birthday present for a party they were going to. An hour later, they both had new bedding, and had decided to change beds. Olivia would now have Haley's full size bed, and Haley would have the solid oak bunk beds. We got home, and immediately got to work, switching out the beds. The girls were a big help putting the bottom bunk back together. I then dropped them off at the party, and got back to work myself. I did get my middle finger stuck between the plywood and the frame at one point, and thought I was going to be stuck there until Chad got home a few hours later. But luckily I was able to free myself after about 5 minutes. My finger still hurts a little today! So, I digress...my awesome neighbor, Justy, came over and helped me assemble the top bunk. By the time I went to get the girls from the party, both rooms were completely redecorated. We ran to Walmart and picked up a new lamp shade, and curtains before Chad got home. He was surprised to see the new rooms, and the girls were so proud! Chad and I went out for a great date on Saturday night. It was nice to just sit and talk since we have both been going in opposite directions all week long.

Sunday morning, once again, I woke up with such energy! The girls and I went to church, and then made a pit stop at Menards. I decided I want to tear off the wallpaper border in the kitchen, put up new blinds, paint, and put handles on the cabinets. So we were on a mission for those items. I bought a couple handles, but that task is overwhelming, there are WAY too many choices! I didn't buy blinds, because once again I was too indecisive. I did buy a little sample of paint, because buying a whole gallon might be too much! I think I like the color though, so I may just finish it next weekend. I started on removing the wallpaper, but apparently I underestimated the size of the task, so that will have to wait too.

My biggest accomplishment of the weekend, was getting out and running a little over 8 miles. Chad needed a ride home after celebrating his golf tournament victory, so I ran to the bar and drove him home. It was a hilly run, but I kept a 9:23 pace, which felt great. Only two weeks until my 1/2 marathon in Des Moines:)

Overall, it was a busy weekend! Next weekend is looking to be just as exciting. Chad is going to Iowa for the BIG Iowa vs. Michigan football game, while I take the girls to Miley Cyrus in Milwaukee!