Time Out For Women--Again

This year Time Out for Women came to Kansas. We got a big group together and spent Friday evening getting dinner and enjoying music and a guest speaker and then got up early on Saturday and spent most of the day listening to more speakers. There was laughing, crying, pondering, discussing, and rejuvenation. Thanks ladies for such a fun weekend!

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The Kansas City Half Marathon

For the last 9 weeks BJ and I have been training for the Half Marathon. I didn't love having to run long runs when I wasn't feeling up to it (long nights, little sleep, busy days) but I really wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I tried training for one when I lived in Arizona and got up to about 7 miles and just couldn't push through the fatigue it caused. So, yesterday morning BJ and I got up at 5:30 am and headed downtown to run this race. We both slept horrible with anticipation not to mention a picture frame falling to the ground in the middle of the night shattering glass all over the kitchen floor making it even harder to get a good nights sleep. The only comfort was knowing that we had done the training and were prepared to run. The race was hard--the hills made it even harder but my goals were to never walk and be faster than a 10 min. mile. Most of the race I didn't think I would accomplish either of those goals as what seemed like hundreds of people passed me. I kept going and it turned out that I accomplished both goals. BJ ran in 4 year old shoes and I had some shoe issues myself so we are taking high levels of Advil at the moment but we both feel pretty good. I never want to do it again but I'm glad I was able to prove this body wrong and accomplish a seemingly impossible goal.BJ trained with friends from work. We were all so excited to cross that finish line!

Thank you to my friends for the sweet note of encouragement on our car the morning of the race! What a fun surprise! I can't wait to do pilates, yoga, weights, the stair climber, etc.---anything that doesn't have the word "run" in it this week!!!!!!

The Pumpkin Patch

Amelia's class had a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch. I was sure it was going to be cancelled due to the non-stop rain and freezing temperatures but "NO" apparently this pre-school is hard core. When I mentioned my surprise to the above mentioned they told me that this was nothing--they'd gone in worse conditions before. So, I apparently am still not conditioned to the weather here in Kansas. The kids braved it for a while anyway---until we couldn't move our fingers anymore. Cardon couldn't come because he was sick--poor guy!Amelia's teacher was so surprised to see her. We came a bit late and snuck up on her. She's such a great teacher.We went on slides,through hay mazes,on trains,and even jumped on a giant blow up pumpkin.The kids raced the ducks and then.....it was time to pick out pumpkins. We love the fall and hope to see some warmer days before the snow comes!

Our Getaway Vacation!!!!

BJ and I had the opportunity to go to Arizona for 5 days a few weeks ago. BJ had a work conference he needed to attend and most of the people going were bringing their spouses. So, I got to go. I had so much fun spending time with BJ as well as going to my old church and seeing great friends. We had dinner with one of my best friends Fran on Sunday evening. I love her and her family--such great examples of followers of Christ. The activities and food at the conference were amazing. We got to rope calves, eat around a campfire, have western pictures taken of us and play our hand at "21" (with fake money of course).

It was fun to see BJ in a work setting, doing the stuff I never get to see. He had to help introduce something that their company had created to a huge audience and it was awesome watching him do his thing. I stood in the back and watched with pride. He loves his job and he loves who he works with. I'm so happy that he enjoys what he does. These guys in the picture are who he spends his days with. It was fun getting to know them and their spouses better. Unfortunately, they took 2nd place in this contest. They were good sports even though they weren't happy about it!

I got to meet a group of friends for lunch one of the afternoons. I love my Arizona friends--they are family to me. It was so good to catch up with all of them. After lunch me and Kim (sitting next to me in the left of the picture and one of my dearest friends) spent some time in one of our favorite places--Ross. We always find great purchases there. It was so much fun.

I'm so grateful to the crew of people that took care of my kids while we were gone. It was so great being able to re-connect with BJ in this busy time in our lives. I highly suggest it to everyone!

What I've been up to!

Last year BJ and I did a marathon relay with 3 other couples. We enjoyed it so much we decided that this year we'd do a half marathon together. I've never run further than around 6 miles so 13.1 was going to be a challenge. We've been following a training plan that does speed drills as well as distance training. It has been a real challenge---but I'm doing it. These pictures were taken just after a 10 mile run together (our first 10 miler). I couldn't believe that I did it. I spent 3 hours sleeping later that day but since have run 10 miles and went about the rest of my day. It's amazing what our bodies are capable of!!!! This weekend I have to do 12 miles--the most I will do before the race in a couple of weeks. I'll be so glad when it's all over with!

Craftastic Afternoon Spent With Friends

Two of my favorite friends--Jenny and Olivia and I decided it would be fun to get together every now and then to make something craftastic. Years ago I made these cute fabric pumpkins and they wanted to learn how to make some for their own home. So we cut, we sewed, we stuffed, we tied and yes we even hot glued and Voila---Adorable stuffed pumpkins!!!!!

I can't wait to see what we make next!