A Busy Spring Ahead - A Post About ME!

Well, it is that time of year...TRAINING time!!! I've got my new shoes broken in, training schedule planned out, and a new goal! The goal being 2 medals! Yep, TWO! How? I have made the decision to run two spring half marathons just 3 weeks apart. The first will be in April when Aron and I head back to Nashville for the Country Music 1/2 marathon. The best part about this race is that Aron will be joining myself and his best friend, Gregg in running it. This will be Aron's first 1/2 marathon and I am so excited for him!!! Then, 3 weeks later I will be flying to Myrtle Beach and joining two of my best gal pals, Maria and Sarah, in running the Diva 1/2 marathon! I could not resist the idea of running along the ocean in a girl only event that serves you roses and champagne at the finish line! Could it get any better than that? I am super excited for these challenges and am anxious to get into prime running shape over the next two months. I won't be raising money for these races - but don't worry - come summer time I will be back with Team DetermiNation raising money for the American Cancer Society as I train for my 2nd FULL marathon! Yes-sir-eee... I am doing it again!!!

The following quote is less about running than it sounds and more about personal challenges I have had to overcome throughout the past 12 months. It's not so much about the pain in my lungs, but the pain in my heart.

Tumble, Jump, Chop, and Kick!

Both Russell and Sloane are staying busy these days with their extracurricular activities! Russell began karate a couple of months ago and enjoys going 2-3 times a week. I am extremely impressed with the owners and instructors of TDS Family Martial Arts! Russell has learned so much including Korean vocabulary, muscle coordination, and self-discipline. Most importantly, he LOVES it!!! Sloane continues to enjoy dance class once a week and beginning today she has added gymnastics onto her list of activities. After a month of begging Aron and I to sign her up for gymnastics class, we finally caved and agreed to an 8-week session at Troy Gymnastics. Needless to say... she LOVED every minute of tumbling, balancing, jumping, and swinging! As tiring as it can be shuffling around to all these extra activities, I am loving every minute of it! Watching them have fun is such a reward! Luckily I am still able to squeeze my runs in! I have also convinced Aron to join me in running the Nashville half-marathon in April!!! So...we are in full training mode at our house. Now, if spring would arrive everything would be perfect!

My Gymnast!

Ready, Set, Hi Ya!

Sledding Spectacular!

Yesterday was my Grandma Wilcox's 85th birthday and boy did we celebrate!!! Our family all gathered at my grandparents' home in Middleville for a day of sledding fun! In Royal Oak, we have not been able to keep snow around for more than 24 hours so the kids were overjoyed to learn that there was snow at Great Grandma and Great Papa's house! It is always nice to spend a day with family. When looking around, I couldn't help but notice the laughter, smiles, and sunshine. Mom was there with us. Her presence will forever be missed, but her love for family and energy for fun will always be surrounding us. Thanks to my family for making yesterday so special. Happy birthday Grandma!!! We love you!!!

Katie and Sloane - best cousins!

Russell making his way back up the hill.

Down they go again!

Ready, set, GO!!!

Even the big kids took a turn - AC

Kelly (and Bella too) takes a slide down!

Dad's turn!

Sloane assists with snowman building.

Kelly and my incomplete snowman - we kept getting bombed with snowballs thanks to Keith and AC.

Smores by the fire.

Warming up inside while stringing beads.

Make a wish Grandma!

My dad thought it would be fun for the kids to end our day at a hotel for some swimming. They LOVED it and were completely exhausted by the end! Thanks Dad for a fun night!

Mac stayed with our neighbors' and it looks like they wore him out! He's been sleeping ALL day!

One Of Our Favorite Places... THE ZOO!

The kids and I are continuing to enjoy our week off for mid-winter break! Yesterday we drove north to visit my brother for dental cleanings followed by lunch with my dad, Keith, and Kelly. On our way there, Russell pulled out his 2nd tooth!!! This meant another visit from the tooth fairy last night. At this rate, Russell better begin growing his big teeth or he will have an empty mouth soon! Today, the kids and I headed over to the Detroit Zoo. We love going there any time of the year, but the winter visits are so peaceful compared to the hustle and bustle of summer days. The kids can run off ahead of me with no worries of getting lost in the crowds and they can get front row views of all the exhibits. We had an enjoyable picnic lunch with only a beautiful peacock sitting near us. I must say it again, I feel so blessed to have this week off with my kids!!!

Butterfly House and Bird Habitat - We enjoyed the tropical feel in here.

Reptile House - Russell was fascinated!Kids favorite - A view as a Prairie DogIn the summer we have counted over 20 prairie dogs running around. Today's count...1! And he looked cold!Without snow or ice this winter, the giraffes are able to go outside. Usually in the winter they are confined indoors to ensure they don't slip and fall on the ice. Cranes have to be used to lift them after a fall.The zebras were extremely active today. Running and jumping on one another. Sloane was trying to get one zebra to run along side of her. He just stopped and stared at her like she was crazy!

We love the zoo in the spring, summer, fall, and winter!!!

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Whoo-hoo! The kids and I are on mid-winter break!!! That means a week full of fun for us! We began the week with a visit to the Hands-On Museum in Ann Arbor this morning. We met my best friend Heidi there along with her adorable two little ones, Luke and Stella. The kids had a blast exploring the 4 floors of scientific wonders. I feel so blessed to have this week to be a full-time mom. I have fun planned for everyday so be on the look-out for lots of blog updates!!!

Checking out the water in motion station.

Rock Climbing!Russell and LukeStella and SloaneMaking bubbles.Walk-On Piano? More like Jump-On!Building block arena. Thought my dad would get a kick out of this station - Amateur radio club!

Did Winter Arrive?

We woke up Saturday to a beautiful white covering of snow! I can't believe I am saying this, but I was so happy to finally get more then an inch of snow. Russell and Sloane have really missed winter this year. Each day one of them will ask about sledding or snowman building or snow forts. So despite the -2 wind chill, we headed outside for an hour of chilly fun! Now if we could just get a little bit more for a snow day :-) Wishful thinking I know!

Aron got his exercise pulling the kids up and down the street on a sled. You could here their giggles throughout the neighborhood!

Happy Birthday Dad!

The kids and I ventured north this weekend to see my dad on his birthday. It was a relaxing weekend for me - thank you Dad for letting me sleep in - and a fun weekend for the kids. They both enjoyed play time in the snow including sledding and slipping on the ice. Russell had tons of fun playing with Keith's old Transformers and Star Wars toys. Sloane always enjoys playing with my old Strawberry Shortcake dolls and now we have found my Barbie Dolls! I am amazed at how many things Mom had saved from Keith and my early years.

Not a lot of snow, but more then we've had in Royal Oak and just enough to have some fun in!

The kids received bath paints last Christmas and I had stashed them away and left them at my parents'. Sloane was thrilled when she found them this weekend! Russell couldn't resist but get involved with the messy stuff. What a hoot! I laughed so hard watching them have fun in the tub.After bath time, Sloane was ready for cuddle time with Papa!