On My Mind

Marathon Training
I'm doing great...16 weeks to go! This week we are running 8 miles again (same as last week). I remember when this seemed SO HARD and SO FAR...and here I am, not halfway through my training at 8 miles already. My mid-week training is going well too. I *just* cut back to 5 days a week, because I was getting a tad burnt out. I didn't think I could maintain that pace for another 16 weeks. It turns out that I have a bit of a guardian angel...someone who loves me very much hired me a trainer for my marathon! I am unbelievably excited. This is a once in a lifetime goal for me, and it means SO much that other people are helping me get there, and understand how hard I am working, and what it means to me. Thank You!!! 26.2 miles here I come!

Ellie
This girl has really come into her own lately. She seems less and less like a toddler and more like a little girl everyday. She is getting so independent. She is still my snuggle bunny though, always wants to be curled up next to someone. Her and Brooklynn have got some special bond developing. Ellie will spend an hour or more just playing with Brooke and making her laugh. That's hard to do with a 15 month old! It couldn't be more perfect timing though, with Alison starting school. She is moving into an "invitation only" class in gymnastics next week, which she is excited about. It will be similar to what she is doing now, but with more skill specific practice instead of general body movements. She is usually the first to wake up in the morning and will go sit on the couch in the playroom and wait for anyone else to wake up.

Alison
My helper. What in the world am I going to do without her ALL FREAKIN DAY starting Monday?! It is SO bitter sweet for me. I never thought I'd be "That Parent", but I will probably cry on Monday. I almost am now, just thinking about it. We had Back To School Night tonight and her teacher is AMAZING. I have absolutely no regrets AT ALL about the money we are paying for her to go to school. I love the confidence we have in the school and her teacher. The peace of mind is worth every single penny. The parents (and younger siblings!) are invited to come to class any day for reading time at 9:30 (there is a corner set up for the littles to play) and after the 1st two weeks, we can go and have lunch with her anytime. I love that they make it easy for the parents to get involved. I was worried about E and B distracting the class, but her teacher assured me that they don't mind at all if they come, and she said that it gets the younger kids excited about school. Pray for me Monday at 8:15 please...I will be the one who is a mess shoving donuts in my face! (there is a Mom & Dad get together with sweets and Kleenex in the multi purpose room after school starts :o)

BrooklynnHope
Wow, what a month she has had. She went from crawling straight to running (or so it seems). She is the goofiest baby evah. Always always always making me laugh. She is all about Ellie right now and is always looking for her if she is not in the room. She plays independently (none of my other kids did at this age) and even plays pretend with animals and stuffed animals. Her favorite words are Mommy (which she says clear as day) and Puppy.

Brian
The most amazing, supportive husband a girl could ask for. I was thinking the other day, when I wanted to quit my job (after having Ellie) he said go ahead...then when I decided I did in fact want to work, he said ok...then when i wanted to quit again, he agreed...then i wanted to finish college (even though i planned to stay home with the kids after), and he smiled and wrote the check...then I brought up private schools, and he said OK lets go look...then I wanted to homeschool Ellie, and he said are you crazy? but agreed that we could try it. This is way more simplified than our actually discussions, and please don't think that he is a pushover or that I get whatever I want, but the stuff that "really matters" to me, he is on board with. It's so nice living life with him, and knowing he's got my back.

So those are my thought right now...I'm kinda stressed, but in a good way. Lots of life changes and events coming up for us, but all good stuff. Thanks to everyone helping me get through it.

Now anyone want to have lunch on Monday to keep my mind off missing my baby girl all day?!