Dreaming of a world where every week is spring break

Last week was our spring break. We didn't do much or go anywhere but it was nice to have that break. Well…at least for the girls….I had to work on a research paper. 

Since our spring break fell in line with the other schools, Laney was able to attend the special youth events for the week. When I wasn't chauffering Laney around, we stayed at home enjoying life. Ella decided to fix us lunch several days, which we ate poolside. A couple of days it was even nice enough to jump in.

 We would save the edges of our bread to feed the ducks…..

and turtles!

We finished off spring break with an Easter egg hunt at church. Since Laney is way to cool to hunt and Ella is all about racing to find the most eggs, I only got a couple of pictures…..right before we were leaving.

Even though we didn't get to spend our spring break with our toes in the sand while listening to the sound of the waves, it was still nice to have a break!

Zumba

The girls and I have been going to a Zumba class one day a week. The other day was a special night. Regular Zumba was turned into glow-in-the-dark-zumba. The teacher supplied all kinds of different materials to make us glow.

I think we should glow at every class!

Montgomery Half Marathon

A few months ago, Carmel and I joined a running club with his work. I didn't actual do any running with them due to my schedule but we all signed up to run in the Montgomery Half Marathon. The morning of the half we met up for a few pictures and for a couple of the guys to be interviewed. 

Both half marathon and marathon runners were starting at the same time so we were all mixed together. I am used to being in the back so I was surprised how close we were to the start line. We were right behind the elite runners. I felt very inexperienced and out of shape just being near them. Their speed amazes me! When the announcer said, "start" these runners were already a the top of the hill before I took my first step. 

There were students from a high school nearby taking pictures of the runners throughout the race. I wish I would have known because I would have at least tried to smile in the midst of sweating and heavy breathing! 

Carmel told me up front that he would be running along side a friend. This friend was running his first half and planned to keep a slow pace. I started out running with them but wanted to try to do my personal best(or better than my last half) during this race. I hung with them for about a mile or 2 before I decided to go off on my own. From my training, I figured I could accomplish a finishing time of 2:30.  I was not expecting the amount of hills on this course.

They only warned us of a big hill around 10 miles. There were several all throughout this course. While training for my last half and full, I chose a neighborhood with hills. This time around I mostly trained around our apartment complex. I should….have…added…hills! Hills always slow me down!

I had to stop twice to empty tiny rocks from my shoe. I have no idea where they came from or how they found there way into my shoe but they had to go. While running long distances, tiny rocks can seem like little knives stabbing your foot. 

Before I arrived at mile 12, I noticed from afar a table with cups. As I got closer, I thought to myself "yay!!! a water station!!" My saliva is just not satisfying me anymore. I can't tell you how disappointed I was when I realized it was several small cups of beer(I don't drink). Now why would they torture a thirsty runner with an alcoholic beverage. 

At the half and full split, a man was waving us to the side of the road. I could see a group of people but didn't know what was happening. About a minute later a fire truck pulled up. By then I knew something was wrong. I figured someone had fallen or was having trouble breathing. Once the truck pulled up and we were redirected, I saw a older gentleman receiving CPR. It did not look good! As I was running the last mile of the race, all I could picture was the man lying on the side of the road. I prayed that God would watch over him and the people helping him. I did find out the next day he was revived and taken to the hospital. I was grateful for the positive outcome. 

Due to all the unplanned circumstances, I finished at 2:40. Although I did not meet my goal, I did finish in the upright position and had a new PR.

Once I grabbed a water, I headed over to the side to wait for Carmel to finish. You have to love technology. He downloaded an app which updated his location. I knew when to expect to see him. As I was waiting, I couldn't help but over hear a 10 year old girl sharing details about her race. I figured she was talking about the 5k until I glanced over and saw she was wearing the same metal as me. WHAT?????? 10 years old?????? I felt really proud of myself until that very moment! I found out from the newspaper she came in 4 seconds after me. 

I can't help but laugh at this picture of Carmel coming to the finish line with kids. The Montgomery Marathon offered a Mayor's Marathon Challenge for kids in the local schools. It was a 16 week program that would allow these kids to complete a marathon by running 2 miles per week. The students completed the last mile on this day. These kids just happen to be finishing the same time as Carmel.

After it was over, I had the same runners high as always. I am already thinking about what to do next and how to make it more challenging.

Looking forward to the Auburn Half Marathon next month.

908th Awards Banquet

      Over the years, we have attended several military events. Some have been casual while others were  dressier. By now, I know when Carmel has to pull out his Mess Dress, I need get fancy. Since I have learned I can never go wrong with black, that is usually my choice of attire. 

     

Sadly, there was nothing in my closet for such an event. I HAD to go shopping! My husband always tells me to go out and buy something nice but the saver in me has a hard time following through. Don't get me wrong…..I like to shop. I just don't like to pay full price. I figured it would be hard for me to find something nice this time of year. A few days before the event, I went to Belk hoping to find something. I headed straight for the clearance rack. I loved seeing the sign that said, "Take an additional 50% off the ticketed price." There were many dresses hanging on the rack so I am thinking I may possibly get lucky! I had my evolving fashionista with me for a second opinion. As I looked, she gave me several "ew…mom…no!" and "definite never!" This girl was sweet when she handed me some beautiful dresses in a size 4. Sadly, I had to turn those down since I…. am ….no….. where…. near…. a size 4! 

I was about to go to the dressing room with my slim pickins when I noticed a pantsuit. The tag said a small but the price tag said $12(after the addition 50% off). I figured a girl can dream about squeezing her rump into a small. I tried on the pantsuit and much to my surprise it fit! So after the % off and my Belk reward, I ended up paying $1.36. That made this momma very happy!

We tried to get a picture in front of the lake but the lighting made it dark. We had to settle for apartments in the background. I don't know why I didn't take any at the banquet.

 Carmel was excited he could still fit into his Mess Dress after 15 years!

I thought he looked handsome!

It's getting close!!!!

WE WILL BE CLOSING ON OUR HOUSE IN A FEW WEEKS!!! 

I am very excited to finally be in my own home with all our stuff under one roof again after almost 2 years. Living in 2 different states and now out of boxes has not been our ideal way of living but we managed to make it work. I have to admit as much as I am excited to move in I am dreading the moving part. Between homeschooling, my graduate classes, training, co-op classes, softball and being out of town for 2 weekends doesn't leave a whole lot of time for moving. Luckily, we don't have to be out of the apartment for another month.  

 I had every intention on posting pictures throughout the building process but as you can see….…. life got in the way. Believe me when I say we have plenty of pictures. I think Carmel went every other day and took at least 15 pictures each time. Today, I will show you just a few of those many pictures Carmel took.

 Breaking ground

I will skip the foundation and framing pictures. They are not very interesting to see.

Here are a few of the inside before all the good stuff was installed. We have chosen a open floor plan since we like to entertain.

The next few pictures will show you some of my favorite features of this house. My absolute favorite place in the whole entire house is definitely my kitchen!!!!!!! 

I have never had an island so I am looking forward to using it! In every house we've owned, there was an electric stove. I can't wait to try gas!

The best part about building a house is being able to pick out everything to make it unique and fit your style. Since we have lived in so many homes with several different features, I knew exactly what I wanted and didn't want!

This is our separate laundry room where I can shut the door and hide the piles of laundry.

 My Our shower

I love having a front porch. It's not my ideal wrap around porch but that can wait for my dream home!

This was just a glimpse of what we will be moving into in just a few short weeks. Once we get settled(whenever that will be), I will take you on a tour of the house.

Creative book report ideas

I wanted to do something a little different with Ella's assigned chapter books this year. I want to retell the story in a creative way. Here are a few of her finished products.

Lego Littles

She used her legos to recreate a scene from her book The Littles.

 Biography Bottle

She had to create Cora Frear using a 2 liter coke bottle. 

Canned Character

She decorated a can to resemble a dog.

Cereal Box TV

She took her story and turned it into a tv show.

Shadow Puppet Theater

We turned a shoe box into a theater. She had to make characters from her story and reenact the story. A flashlight turned the story into something magical. She has already used the theater to come up with other stories.

The only problem we are having is Ella loves to keep everything. She is starting to run out of room in her bedroom.

It's a plane…it's a bird….no its Batman's sidekick Robin

Last night, we went to Jamboree to watch Griffin and all the rest of the clubs perform. Griffin and his club did a Batman act which included Batman with several Robins and Catwoman with several of her sidekicks. On the evil side, there was the Joker with his bad boys and the worst of them all…. ivy girl. It was a very entertaining battle but the good guys came out on top. 

Griffin and my nephew were both Robins in the act. Although I don't think they will be majoring in drama, they did a good job. It was funny to hear them talk about wearing tights, split shorts with attached undies and makeup.

If your ever in a jam, these two would be happy to help just don't make them come in costume!