Full Speed Ahead!

Whew!  I am finally finding a few minutes to catch my breath!  We have been back to school for 4 weeks and it has been CRAZY!!!  I fully admit that as a family we are waaaaayyyy over scheduled.  I never thought I would turn into this crazy working mom that flies constantly from one activity to the next, but here I am caught right in the middle of a whirlwind.  My saving grace is knowing that it is only for 8 weeks.  The end of October means the end of several activities.  For the time being, I am trying to keep my sense of humor and enjoy these special moments as a mom.  Here are some pictures to capture our wild fall. 

Russell earned his orange belt in August and will soon be earning his purple belt.  He continues to love karate.  It offers him discipline and confidence.  Master Jose is A-MAZ-ING!

The Pirates reunited in August for the fall soccer season.  The boys have shown tremendous growth.  I find myself getting nervous during games due to the added intensity this season has brought. 

Sloane is back at Juliana's Dance Academy participating this year in tap and jazz.  She has moved up to a "big girl" class and is enjoying the added challenges.

After much debate, Aron and I agreed to let the kids add a third sport to their fall schedules.  They wanted to join some friends in a Sunday football/cheer leading clinic.  Thankfully it takes place walking distance from our home.

While Russell learns the rules of football, Sloane is learning some peppy cheers.  I was a little weary of this, but she can not get enough!  She wears her uniform ALL day!

The best part... Sloane cheers for Russell's team.  Too cute!  Reminds me of high school when I cheered for my brother.

Sloane continues to take gymnastics and loves learning the sport that captured our hearts during the summer Olympics. 

And most recently... Scouts!  Russell has been asking to join for over two years.  He is finally old enough so when he came home after school begging to join we couldn't refuse.  First project - Rocket building!  He loves it!!!

With school filling up our days, we no longer have time to nap during the week.  Our drives home from school often look like this.  This is one plus for our 35 minute commute.

My largest commitment = marathon training!  After a 22 mile run this morning, I have now completed the "monster month" of training and will begin to taper in preparation of my October 21st race. Last week, I joined my friend Sarah at the Park-to-park half-marathon in Holland, MI.  It was a fun race despite the stormy weather.  Now I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can remain injury free until race day.   

My Angel

Today while running a 20-mile training run, my running partner noticed this little gold angel in the road.  It had been driven over and was quite battered, but I couldn't resist picking it up.  Here I was at mile 16 of a very long run.  I was tired, sore, and completely depending on my DetermiNation to keep going.  This little gold angel may be worthless, but to me it was exactly what I needed!  I held tightly to "my" angel for the remainder of my run and knew without a doubt that Mom was with me.  She is always with me.  I finished my 20-miler in 2 hours and 49 minutes.  Six minutes faster then last week and an 8:28 minute pace!!!  I think some wings were helping!!!

2012 Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Marathon - Detroit, MI | DetermiNation

Marathon #2

I haven't posted much about my next running goal, but now is the time.  Most of you are aware that I have joined with the American Cancer Society again and will be running the Detroit full marathon as part of team DetermiNation.  I learned a lot last year from running my first marathon.  I have trained differently this summer.  By differently, I mean harder.  I have added speed training and hill training as well as longer distances and more mileage to my weekly runs.  Today I ran 20 miles at 6:00 a.m. in the rain.  How was it?  Fabulous!  Don't get me wrong...  Hearing the alarm clock go off at 5:30 on a Saturday morning isn't exactly delightful.  Once I rolled out of bed and laced up my sneakers, my mind was pretty much where it needed to be.  I finished my 20 miles in 2 hours and 55 minutes - an 8:45 minute pace (for those that care).  For me, this is great!  I am right on track to accomplish some personal goals on October 21st.  BUT...  my number one goal is to KICK CANCER'S ASS!!!  Yep!  I said it...  I want to KICK ASS!  My running goals are something only I can accomplish.  However, my cancer goal is something I need your help with.  Please, please, consider donating any amount towards my efforts to end cancer.  I do this for my mom.  I lover her, miss her, and cry for her almost every day.  Running while fighting cancer is something small to help me ease my pain, but with your help we can ease the pain of all those fighting this awful disease.  Thank you to everyone who has supported my efforts!!!
2012 Detroit Free Press Talmer Bank Marathon - Detroit, MI | DetermiNation

Back to School/Back to Work

Three of us in our family are full time Morgan Rockets!!!  School began bright and early Tuesday morning and I am absolutely delighted to have both kids with me at Morgan Elementary this year.  It has always been a dream of mine to have my children attend the school I teach at.  Sloane could not wait for her first day of kindergarten.  She's been asking to go everyday for the last 2 weeks.  She was Miss Independent Tuesday morning, not wanting me around and insisting she would "be fine on her own."  Since I was in my own classroom and unable to attend the "Tea and Tissue" meeting for kindergarten parents, a good friend of mine escorted Sloane on her first morning.  Russell also has had a wonderful start to the school year.  After asking him how first grade was, he replied, "My teacher is nice.  I was REEEAAAALLLY hoping for a nice teacher."  He doesn't know I personally requested her :-)  Every time I see either of them during the day, they are ALL smiles.  I couldn't be happier!!!  As for my first week...exhausting!  I do have a great group of students and am looking forward to a FUN year! 

As you can see by the darkness, we leave each morning before the sun is up.

First grade here I come!

All lined up and ready for kindergarten.