Wow! I was nervous all week preparing mentally for my 10 miler today. To work around Russ' bike ride and Chas' birthday party- and hanging out with friends- I needed to run this morning at 6am. After begging for company, Amy joined me. It wasn't until last night when I just realized that there was no need to go through the not sleeping and GI issues before the run. As crazy as it sounds, I just gave it all to God. I realized I had no reason to stress or worry about how it would go because would give me all I needed.
So, we actually hit the pavement at 6:00, and it was such a nice run through downtown and the side streets. Best of all, we could run in the middle of the road. We only saw three other runners for the two hours out! We hit my front door at 8:00. Exactly two hours! :) Amy missed the 8 mile run last weekend while down in Texas, so she was worried about being able to run the whole time. She thought that she may have to stop and walk. WELL. She ran THE WHOLE 10 MILES; we did it together! I had no idea that the way I felt last weekend was the heat, but apparently it was. Even at mile 9, I felt better than I did at mile 4 last Saturday. I barely drank from my camelback, and I didn't need gel. I felt GREAT! I got a wonderful night's sleep, ate a bagel before heading out, and really just felt like I could have kept going and going. (sigh) I can't even put into words how that makes me feel. I am so ready for October 14th.
Thank you, God, for providing, for taking away my fears, for the beautiful weather this morning, for the scenery we passed that you made for us to enjoy, for able bodies and minds, and for strength.
I am giddy that I feel this good. I will now shower and prepare for the party and activities for the rest of the day!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Monday, September 3, 2007
God's Strength
So, this weekend, I had my 8 mile run as part of my training for the 1/2 marathon in October. Russ was going on a LONG bike ride that morning, so I was planning on heading out for my run as soon as he came home. It was to get hotter as the day went on, and as it stands, I started my run shortly after noon. I was so nervous about it that my GI tract was revolting against me. I probably ran 9 miles about 6 years ago when Russ trained for his marathon, and I have not run as far since. I missed my long run the weekend prior to this due to the sickness that ran through us all. I prayed before the run and during that God would just give me strength. He knows I can do this, and I know I can do this. I just need some reminding every now and then. You have no idea of your strength until you are tested. Saturday, I felt like I was being tested. I did very well until about mile 5.5, and then I was really feeling the heat. It was probably 90, and I had started my route downtown amongst the concrete buildings, HP Pavilion, and asphalt parking lots. I had no idea that those structures radiated so much heat! So, I would periodically stop and walk maybe 20 feet to take a drink of water and not spill it. BUT, I was plodding along nicely. Then, as I made the turn back home, it got more difficult. Again, it was the running, the heat, and the mental exhaustion (feeling sweat drip from my leg onto my ankles) that finally did me in the last mile. I would run a block, walk two, run one, walk two, etc. I don't feel defeated for walking one mile during 8.6. I did at first, but now I feel like I ran 98 minutes!! I must've been doing a really good pace in the beginning to end up averaging a 11:24 mile with my walking included. Wow! I got home, and there was just a puddle wherever I touched! :) How satisfying it was. How exhilarating to keep going. I am thankful for God's strength and a capable body.
Well, I tried out a running belt during the run and finally figured out where it needed to sit on my body about mile 5. I got some little scabs on my hips from the trial, but I think we'll good on later runs. I also tried a gel for the first time. I don't know it was the gel or the endorphins at the end, but either way, they were good to my body! I am glad to be working these things out ahead of time. How good is life that I get to do these things? How can one person be so blessed?
Anyway, I ate breakfast at 8:30, had a gel about 2pm, half a pretzel at 4, and held out for dinner. I was Ravenous! We ate dinner at Fahrenheit downtown with the Reginatos. Since our sitter was early, we headed to the restaurant for a drink beforehand. I drank some water and moved on to Diet Coke after Russ voice concerns about my energy level for the evening! :) You know, the website has some nice camera work it showcases, and it was not as "shwank" as we were picturing- thank goodness. The apps were good, and my dinner was tasty. Russ and Dave were a little disappointed, I think. All in all, I am glad we tried a new place, and maybe if we're up for dancing until 3am, we'll head back. Anyway, we got home in time to see the kids, so Russ took Moni home while I put the kids down for bed. When I finished, Dave was reclined on the couch with Kathi sitting beside him. I can't tell you how great that felt- that they were so relaxed and comfortable in our home to just kick back. We had planned on maybe playing cards or a game, but we ended up just talking until just after 10pm. It was perfect. I loved the entire evening with my husband and friends... and with my kids... that I got to be with them in that special time before bed. That's when we can fill their heads with incredible things and truths.
At the beginning of the day, I was wondering how it would go with so much to do, but it really ended up being just awesome. I am thankful for our friends.
Sunday went well, too. I absolutely LOVE the praise and worship at 10:30 mass. WOW! And, it seemed like the priest's homily was right on in our lives. I kept glancing at Russ to see if he was paying attention. :) I learned about the new journals from Mother Teresa. I had no idea and am curious as to what they said. I would like it to be posted in my will that should I die, NO ONE is to read my journals! Especially the ones from 8th grade- end of college. Yikes! I think I'd like to reflect some time on who I was and how far I've come. Plus, I may need a little refresher of life as a teenager when the time comes that they live in my home. Only then, should they ever be read! :) Thank God we grow. Anyway, we ended up ALL taking naps Sunday before heading to the park to have dinner with the Striplins. They treated us to EVERYTHING, and we had greek gyros. YUM. They were outstanding. Eric did a great job grilling, T did a great job preparing everything, and we did a great job eating! Afterwards, we headed to Great America for fireworks. Anthony, Chas and Nathan sat on top of our van to watch them as they ate cinnamon and sugar popcorn and drank hot chocolate. What a treat! Starks wanted buckled in his seat with me up front; he was scared by the noises... and car alarms scattered about- set off from percussive waves. Thankfully, it lasted 10". It was worth it, though. This was the second time trying to see fireworks with Eric and T.
Today was great again! Russ went another long ride, but as soon as he got home, he got ready to go to Great America. I had everything packed and his lunch ready so we could head out. It was not as crowded as we imagined from the parking lots. In fact, the crowd was fairly weak. We played in the pools and lazy river before eating and heading home for Starks' nap. After getting home, I had a short 3 mile run (27"). The heat was not an issue today, and I can't tell you how grateful I am for that. I think I was just breathing a little heavier because I ran faster. It's all good... I ran through some sprinklers, and that helped cool me off. :) It can be kind of a mental battle while you're running, but when you're done, it feels SO good! I think I said before that I also like the way it shapes my body. Double bonus.
So, after dinner, Russ wrestled with the boys and Starks. Starks LOVES his Daddy to be home. He may not want him to put him to bed, but he certainly wants him around all of the time. He ran up to Russ at the park today and grabbed his hand. My heart melted, so I can only picture how it made Russ feel. They are so great. I think I'm not only a better person with Russ, but I'm a better parent. It's the struggles during the week that get me down. Life is just better with everyone home!
Anyway, Russ is on the couch wanting me near. I'm thirsty, and I want to read.
Thank God for his strength. Thank God for my family and the love in this house. Thank God for showing us more of ourselves and his love.
Well, I tried out a running belt during the run and finally figured out where it needed to sit on my body about mile 5. I got some little scabs on my hips from the trial, but I think we'll good on later runs. I also tried a gel for the first time. I don't know it was the gel or the endorphins at the end, but either way, they were good to my body! I am glad to be working these things out ahead of time. How good is life that I get to do these things? How can one person be so blessed?
Anyway, I ate breakfast at 8:30, had a gel about 2pm, half a pretzel at 4, and held out for dinner. I was Ravenous! We ate dinner at Fahrenheit downtown with the Reginatos. Since our sitter was early, we headed to the restaurant for a drink beforehand. I drank some water and moved on to Diet Coke after Russ voice concerns about my energy level for the evening! :) You know, the website has some nice camera work it showcases, and it was not as "shwank" as we were picturing- thank goodness. The apps were good, and my dinner was tasty. Russ and Dave were a little disappointed, I think. All in all, I am glad we tried a new place, and maybe if we're up for dancing until 3am, we'll head back. Anyway, we got home in time to see the kids, so Russ took Moni home while I put the kids down for bed. When I finished, Dave was reclined on the couch with Kathi sitting beside him. I can't tell you how great that felt- that they were so relaxed and comfortable in our home to just kick back. We had planned on maybe playing cards or a game, but we ended up just talking until just after 10pm. It was perfect. I loved the entire evening with my husband and friends... and with my kids... that I got to be with them in that special time before bed. That's when we can fill their heads with incredible things and truths.
At the beginning of the day, I was wondering how it would go with so much to do, but it really ended up being just awesome. I am thankful for our friends.
Sunday went well, too. I absolutely LOVE the praise and worship at 10:30 mass. WOW! And, it seemed like the priest's homily was right on in our lives. I kept glancing at Russ to see if he was paying attention. :) I learned about the new journals from Mother Teresa. I had no idea and am curious as to what they said. I would like it to be posted in my will that should I die, NO ONE is to read my journals! Especially the ones from 8th grade- end of college. Yikes! I think I'd like to reflect some time on who I was and how far I've come. Plus, I may need a little refresher of life as a teenager when the time comes that they live in my home. Only then, should they ever be read! :) Thank God we grow. Anyway, we ended up ALL taking naps Sunday before heading to the park to have dinner with the Striplins. They treated us to EVERYTHING, and we had greek gyros. YUM. They were outstanding. Eric did a great job grilling, T did a great job preparing everything, and we did a great job eating! Afterwards, we headed to Great America for fireworks. Anthony, Chas and Nathan sat on top of our van to watch them as they ate cinnamon and sugar popcorn and drank hot chocolate. What a treat! Starks wanted buckled in his seat with me up front; he was scared by the noises... and car alarms scattered about- set off from percussive waves. Thankfully, it lasted 10". It was worth it, though. This was the second time trying to see fireworks with Eric and T.
Today was great again! Russ went another long ride, but as soon as he got home, he got ready to go to Great America. I had everything packed and his lunch ready so we could head out. It was not as crowded as we imagined from the parking lots. In fact, the crowd was fairly weak. We played in the pools and lazy river before eating and heading home for Starks' nap. After getting home, I had a short 3 mile run (27"). The heat was not an issue today, and I can't tell you how grateful I am for that. I think I was just breathing a little heavier because I ran faster. It's all good... I ran through some sprinklers, and that helped cool me off. :) It can be kind of a mental battle while you're running, but when you're done, it feels SO good! I think I said before that I also like the way it shapes my body. Double bonus.
So, after dinner, Russ wrestled with the boys and Starks. Starks LOVES his Daddy to be home. He may not want him to put him to bed, but he certainly wants him around all of the time. He ran up to Russ at the park today and grabbed his hand. My heart melted, so I can only picture how it made Russ feel. They are so great. I think I'm not only a better person with Russ, but I'm a better parent. It's the struggles during the week that get me down. Life is just better with everyone home!
Anyway, Russ is on the couch wanting me near. I'm thirsty, and I want to read.
Thank God for his strength. Thank God for my family and the love in this house. Thank God for showing us more of ourselves and his love.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
And so it begins....
Well, I have the family blog that showcases us and the kids to keep everyone far away in the loop. You know, many times I just feel like writing more, but I've never felt like I should since it's our "family's" blog.
THIS is my brain dump.
It's almost like I have so much to say that I don't even know where to start. I feel like thus far since starting school I'm keeping my head above water. Then, Chas asks me tonight to sign him up for Karate. He's asked several times before if he can do Judo. The passion has always faded then resurfaced, and I'm just not sure if I'm depriving him by not committing. The guy is an all out fighter when wrestling Daddy, and he would certainly benefit from the activity and skills. I'm just not sure I'd like to add one more thing to our daily agenda. I already feel so often that I'm keeping up with tasks and worldly things. I'm starting as a Children's Ministry leader in two weeks, and I have no idea how that will task me during the week. Poor Starks is just tagging along everywhere... to the gym (so I can keep up with my training schedule for the 1/2 marathon), to the various stores, to school three times a day to drop off and pick up brothers, soon to church twice a week for bible study, and then we'd be adding Judo or Karate?!?! I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with that one. I'm excited Chas even likes sport, so I feel obligated to encourage him in it.
So, Starks is getting really late naps from the schedule caused by school. I have to admit it's been my fault thus far, but I'm not sure I'd really do much better otherwise. Now, I have to take that back. I could probably get him to nap by 2:30 if I tried. But, the first day, I talked to Anthony's teacher after school for almost 40". The next I talked to his teacher from last year for about the same. Today, I just didn't want to be alone and decided to change the bulb in the left brake light while they played around me. I would like to say that tomorrow I'll come STRAIGHT home and put him down at a respectable time. Today, he screamed and whined before and while I put him down, and then when he woke up, it was more of the same until bedtime. Wow. I started to get really agitated, but then I realized it was my own fault for making him overtired. He just keeps toddling along unless I say stop.
After putting Starks down, it was off to see Chas and Anthony. I LOVE that Chas wants me to snuggle with him each night until he falls asleep. #1, it feels SO good to hug his little body so close. It reminds me of when he was little when now he acts so big. #2, he falls asleep a lot faster than if I let him do it on his own. #3, I feel like this is my opportunity to patch up anything I might have done wrong. If I got angry, if I chose to clean up, make dinner or do other things instead of sitting with him, if I did anything of which I wasn't proud, I can use this time to build him up and tell him how much and why I love him. If I could only do that to other people, too. I feel like he's just my fragile one. When we had our date night last Friday, it was such great insight into his psyche. First, he didn't even want to go until after 15" of explaining to and telling him he would- then threatening him by asking Anthony instead. Then, he didn't know what to do with the attention from both Mommy and Daddy. He didn't know what to do- period- without Anthony there to suggest something or bounce ideas off of. (I know I used a preposition at the end of that sentence, but I have no idea how else to reword that.) He literally had no idea where he wanted to go when we entered Great America. It took him at least 30-40" to enjoy himself. At that point, he told us, as if he were surprised, that he was having a lot of fun! I can't remember if it's the age or if it's just Chas. Until I figure that out, I'll just keep trying to make special times with him throughout the day.
MAN, I had no idea being a Mother would be such a profession. I really am finding I need continuing education- and unceasingly. I find it difficult to remember and put all of these things into action with each encounter. I am retraining myself almost every day in some manner. On occasion, I step back and evaluate my performance. I am often observing others for new options to old behavior. It is A LOT of work! It is an enormous responsibility. I can feel overwhelmed at times just trying to make sure I am doing what I can to keep them out of therapy later. When I feel really guilty about how I've behaved, I remember how crazy it was for me, and I think I turned out pretty well. That really only makes me feel a little better.
Then, Anthony was being crazy tonight, and he rarely misbehaves. I asked him what he was thinking and if he was trying to get my attention. He said, "Well, maybe." So, I tried to wrestle with him, tickle him, and talk to him later. This is just nuts! I feel so selfish for wanting to clean up dishes before heading up to bed. I don't want them down here for me to do by myself later. I don't like it that it's dark outside and I'm cleaning up. I want to come downstairs and relax after putting them to bed. I want my day to basically end when I plop down on the couch. That is what fuels my frustration... that I feel awful about myself for being so selfish... for choosing to check and respond to emails while they watch TV- which they are allowed one movie or two shows after school- instead of sitting with them... for choosing to clean up dinner dishes while they finish instead of sitting with my empty plate at the table with them... for what seem like a 1000 things a day. I had no idea that when I had children I would also be signing up for so much guilt. Guilt is good when it causes you to reevaluate and correct behavior. But, I really don't like being plagued with it! Some days I feel just that way.
I was talking to a friend the other day while running, and I was telling her that when I get angry at the kids that it's usually because I'm angry with myself. I shouted at Chas for aggravating Starks the other morning, and I was really angry at myself for not stopping what I was doing (making breakfast) when I first heard the struggle. I should have stopped, addressed it before it got to squealing, and then it would've been fine. Instead, I grabbed him by the arm and shouted to him the words, "You will NOT aggravate your brother this morning." Now, I realize it was not my proudest parenting moment. I made him cry, and it made me feel horrible. I do not like when I have those outbursts. I apologized for shouting at him, and he forgave me... but it didn't really make me feel any better. I am an adult and have the skills to better handle myself, but I forget them sometimes. Is it because they are with me ALL day? God, help me hear you shouting to ME.
Well, today really was a nice day. I feel like we're working out the details about this schedule and how to get everything else done, too. It's not even like they've had any homework yet! And Russ asked me last week, "Have you called the tutor about Chinese." I think I shot him a dagger glance and replied, "No." What ever happened to watching TV and eating BonBons? I think I've still tried to keep the days filled with friends and fun, too, that I haven't felt like we've just had a "normal" day. Again, after this training that asks you to run four times a week is over, I may feel like there's a little more slack in the day. I am not complaining as much as looking forward to it not being there as a commitment. I like running; I like the way it changes my body. I just don't like feeling told that I HAVE to do something. How did I do so well in the Navy for 5 years? :) (maybe it was being an officer that helped)
What would I do without my friends? That's another blog in itself. I know why God sent me to such a great and numerous group of women! I need them! Russ is wonderful, but he's just not the same. :)
Goodnight. My mouth is so dry I've GOT to get some water ASAP. I know that when I get up from here, I will not want to come back. Thanks for the rambling.
THIS is my brain dump.
It's almost like I have so much to say that I don't even know where to start. I feel like thus far since starting school I'm keeping my head above water. Then, Chas asks me tonight to sign him up for Karate. He's asked several times before if he can do Judo. The passion has always faded then resurfaced, and I'm just not sure if I'm depriving him by not committing. The guy is an all out fighter when wrestling Daddy, and he would certainly benefit from the activity and skills. I'm just not sure I'd like to add one more thing to our daily agenda. I already feel so often that I'm keeping up with tasks and worldly things. I'm starting as a Children's Ministry leader in two weeks, and I have no idea how that will task me during the week. Poor Starks is just tagging along everywhere... to the gym (so I can keep up with my training schedule for the 1/2 marathon), to the various stores, to school three times a day to drop off and pick up brothers, soon to church twice a week for bible study, and then we'd be adding Judo or Karate?!?! I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with that one. I'm excited Chas even likes sport, so I feel obligated to encourage him in it.
So, Starks is getting really late naps from the schedule caused by school. I have to admit it's been my fault thus far, but I'm not sure I'd really do much better otherwise. Now, I have to take that back. I could probably get him to nap by 2:30 if I tried. But, the first day, I talked to Anthony's teacher after school for almost 40". The next I talked to his teacher from last year for about the same. Today, I just didn't want to be alone and decided to change the bulb in the left brake light while they played around me. I would like to say that tomorrow I'll come STRAIGHT home and put him down at a respectable time. Today, he screamed and whined before and while I put him down, and then when he woke up, it was more of the same until bedtime. Wow. I started to get really agitated, but then I realized it was my own fault for making him overtired. He just keeps toddling along unless I say stop.
After putting Starks down, it was off to see Chas and Anthony. I LOVE that Chas wants me to snuggle with him each night until he falls asleep. #1, it feels SO good to hug his little body so close. It reminds me of when he was little when now he acts so big. #2, he falls asleep a lot faster than if I let him do it on his own. #3, I feel like this is my opportunity to patch up anything I might have done wrong. If I got angry, if I chose to clean up, make dinner or do other things instead of sitting with him, if I did anything of which I wasn't proud, I can use this time to build him up and tell him how much and why I love him. If I could only do that to other people, too. I feel like he's just my fragile one. When we had our date night last Friday, it was such great insight into his psyche. First, he didn't even want to go until after 15" of explaining to and telling him he would- then threatening him by asking Anthony instead. Then, he didn't know what to do with the attention from both Mommy and Daddy. He didn't know what to do- period- without Anthony there to suggest something or bounce ideas off of. (I know I used a preposition at the end of that sentence, but I have no idea how else to reword that.) He literally had no idea where he wanted to go when we entered Great America. It took him at least 30-40" to enjoy himself. At that point, he told us, as if he were surprised, that he was having a lot of fun! I can't remember if it's the age or if it's just Chas. Until I figure that out, I'll just keep trying to make special times with him throughout the day.
MAN, I had no idea being a Mother would be such a profession. I really am finding I need continuing education- and unceasingly. I find it difficult to remember and put all of these things into action with each encounter. I am retraining myself almost every day in some manner. On occasion, I step back and evaluate my performance. I am often observing others for new options to old behavior. It is A LOT of work! It is an enormous responsibility. I can feel overwhelmed at times just trying to make sure I am doing what I can to keep them out of therapy later. When I feel really guilty about how I've behaved, I remember how crazy it was for me, and I think I turned out pretty well. That really only makes me feel a little better.
Then, Anthony was being crazy tonight, and he rarely misbehaves. I asked him what he was thinking and if he was trying to get my attention. He said, "Well, maybe." So, I tried to wrestle with him, tickle him, and talk to him later. This is just nuts! I feel so selfish for wanting to clean up dishes before heading up to bed. I don't want them down here for me to do by myself later. I don't like it that it's dark outside and I'm cleaning up. I want to come downstairs and relax after putting them to bed. I want my day to basically end when I plop down on the couch. That is what fuels my frustration... that I feel awful about myself for being so selfish... for choosing to check and respond to emails while they watch TV- which they are allowed one movie or two shows after school- instead of sitting with them... for choosing to clean up dinner dishes while they finish instead of sitting with my empty plate at the table with them... for what seem like a 1000 things a day. I had no idea that when I had children I would also be signing up for so much guilt. Guilt is good when it causes you to reevaluate and correct behavior. But, I really don't like being plagued with it! Some days I feel just that way.
I was talking to a friend the other day while running, and I was telling her that when I get angry at the kids that it's usually because I'm angry with myself. I shouted at Chas for aggravating Starks the other morning, and I was really angry at myself for not stopping what I was doing (making breakfast) when I first heard the struggle. I should have stopped, addressed it before it got to squealing, and then it would've been fine. Instead, I grabbed him by the arm and shouted to him the words, "You will NOT aggravate your brother this morning." Now, I realize it was not my proudest parenting moment. I made him cry, and it made me feel horrible. I do not like when I have those outbursts. I apologized for shouting at him, and he forgave me... but it didn't really make me feel any better. I am an adult and have the skills to better handle myself, but I forget them sometimes. Is it because they are with me ALL day? God, help me hear you shouting to ME.
Well, today really was a nice day. I feel like we're working out the details about this schedule and how to get everything else done, too. It's not even like they've had any homework yet! And Russ asked me last week, "Have you called the tutor about Chinese." I think I shot him a dagger glance and replied, "No." What ever happened to watching TV and eating BonBons? I think I've still tried to keep the days filled with friends and fun, too, that I haven't felt like we've just had a "normal" day. Again, after this training that asks you to run four times a week is over, I may feel like there's a little more slack in the day. I am not complaining as much as looking forward to it not being there as a commitment. I like running; I like the way it changes my body. I just don't like feeling told that I HAVE to do something. How did I do so well in the Navy for 5 years? :) (maybe it was being an officer that helped)
What would I do without my friends? That's another blog in itself. I know why God sent me to such a great and numerous group of women! I need them! Russ is wonderful, but he's just not the same. :)
Goodnight. My mouth is so dry I've GOT to get some water ASAP. I know that when I get up from here, I will not want to come back. Thanks for the rambling.
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