Frog Level 5K

This morning the children and I drove to the Pratts community to run a 5K. This was the first time that I have ever been to Pratts, didn't even know where it was until today! The weather was terrible, a really strong thunderstorm came through about 30 minutes before the start, but only delayed the race for about 10 minutes. I am very proud of all of us! John Parker and Carson placed 2nd in their age divisions, and I placed 1st in mine! I joked with Jimmy, telling him that I was glad Roan wasn't there, or I would have been bumped down to 2nd place! Our times are posted on the sidebar.

John Parker & Carson were thrilled with their trophies!



Emily & Me

Avery giving Stephen a congrats hug!

John Parker, Carson & Clay all smiles!

My sweeties got a little bit wet!

There was going to be a frog jumping contest at noon, but I was just too tired, wet and cold to hang around for it, maybe next time!

Elvis Presley 5k

Elvis even showed up to motivate the runners!

Saturday morning John Parker, Carson and I ran the Elvis 5k. I wished Kelly could have been there, but he was in Birmingham. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of my boys, including Kelly (lost 35 lbs. since he started running-Wow)! I am amazed at how well they are doing in just such a short time of training! I don't know our official times, still waiting for it to be posted, but I know I achieved a personal record and broke 30!!! I am thrilled with that! Carson ran with me the entire race, either one step behind or right beside me, but when he got about 500 feet from the finish, he broke out into a sprint and left me! That little stinker! I asked him later was he trying to beat me or just ready to be finished, and he said he was ready to be finished! I didn't know at the time, but John Parker was not far behind, I think we all finished within less than a minute of each other. Stephen ran his first 5k and did awesome, 21:15 or close to it! He placed 2nd in his age division!

Kim & Emily all smiles before the race

Caroline, Lia & Kate ready to run

Carrie Ann & Barbara
They came to cheer Scott on & were kind enough
to watch Jared & Avery for me!
Thanks girls!

Finished!

John Parker, me, Leah & Avery

Ben & Carson won 1st & 3rd in the 9 and Under age division!

Way to go!

Me, Emily & Kim afterwards!

John Parker with his buddies, Ryan & Clay!

Stephen claiming his 2nd place prize!

Sam, Avery, Jared & Leah having fun playing in the shade!

The Spartans were well represented

We all had a such a fun time running and being with friends!

The boys can't wait till the next race!

St. Jude Memphis 1/2 Marathon

It is official, Kelly and I are now registered to run a half-marathon the first weekend in December !!!! Who would have ever thought!!!! If you had asked me last year, I would have laughed at you and said no way! I am so not ready for it either mentally or physically! I still have a long way to go, but have plenty of time to train my mind and body!!! I am super excited and can't wait to have the 13.1 decal on my van! That is motivation in itself!!

Around Here.............

summer has begun!

not much blogging has been going on!

cleaning and organizing is a slow but steady process.

lots of swimming and playing outside is going on!

we're enjoying food from the grill.

ball fields and baseball games three nights a week!

the children are dirty most of the time.

our family continues to run together!

books are being read!

I'm drowning in laundry!

we have enjoyed having lots of company in our home!

our garden has produced some of its' first fruits.

we still have chickens!

thoughts and plans of next school year are swimming in my head.

lots of Popsicles are being consumed!

we are celebrating new beginnings.

our children have learned that death is a time of rejoicing for those rewarded a home in heaven.

life's lessons are being learned.

we are leaning on God to lead us in the way that he would have us to go.

we are BLESSED!