Binder Park Zoo

The kids and I were able to go to the Zoo Sunday.  We love going here.  I renewed our yearly membership and couldn't believe how easily we were able to get around.  There was a time when I had two kids in a double stroller AND a toddler needing my help.  I love being able to leisurely walk around with just a back pack ---- and no whining kids to carry!

 Caitlin was even tall enough to do the carousel by herself.  I have NEVER stood and just watched before:)  It actually was a little sad...

Farm Livin'

The kids and I love being outdoors.  It makes me so happy to see them running around and playing in nature.  I guess that science teacher in me never goes away!!!!

Mr. Z's farm is so much fun.  Caitlin and I are not as excited about picking up chickens as Blake and Madison.  It is great that they can experience a little bit of farm livin' right out our back door - and I don't have the mess to clean up :)

 However, chickens do tend to wander into our yard occasionally.  This is a REAL chicken just hanging our with Madison.

 All three kids were in tears when they started draining the water around the cul de sac.  I felt awful for them.  Madison said, "Don't they know that kids love to catch frogs and tadpoles"!!!!  Blake was more worried about them killing them all.  Caitlin just sat up on her bed and cried.  I quickly decided to have them go catch as many as we could and let them raise them in the little pool.  So ----  here is my attempt at making my kids SMILE!!!!  We seriously have about 100 tad poles in this pool...

 We love campfires...  I am so happy that we have this great fire pit in our backyard.

 Muddy kids make me smile.  Nothing says SUMMER FUN more than bathing suits and mud...

My Little Performer

Caitlin is just the most out-going, funny, and talented little girl!!!  It cracks me up because I was never this "FUN" at her age.  I was super shy...  I know that it is hard to believe that sometimes, but I barely talked :)  Whenever I am having a bad day, I just watch this and love hearing her little voice sing.

Mornings with MOM

I love being able to spend one on one time with my kids...  I wish that I could do it more often.  Madison and I went to her school together one morning for MORNINGS WITH MOM.  She was so excited to leave the house with just me and leave the other two behind to catch the bus.  I definitely want to try to be able to have a little more one on one time with each kid this summer.  I want them to feel "special".  I love you Madison Belle!!!

A Moment to Always Remember

These little girls love each other - well most of the time.  They love reading each other books at night right now!!!!

Derby Party

We always look forward to the Annual Brusseau Kentucky Derby Party...  

 I just love my matching little girls!!!

 Madison came up with the poses for her and Caitlin.

 The BEST women of Kalamazoo!!!!!

A Perfect Day to RUN 13.1 miles!

I have learned a lot about myself in the  last few months of training for this run.  I previously thought that I could NEVER beat my 1:54 time from last year, that I could never run a race solo, that I couldn't train by myself, and that I didn't have it in me to push myself to a new PR on a tough course!

This race was my 5th half marathon.  When I signed up, all my other "running buddies" were signing up as well.  I have trained and run every race with a group of wonderful ladies.  Last year I even did a run camp with them through the rough winter months.  It was very successful and I actually loved being able to have adult interaction a few times a week.  I always said that running was more for my mental wellness than my physical wellness.

I did join a run camp that started in December again this year, but knew that I would be missing several weeks for trips and kids activities.  It started great...  I ran three weeks with this group and then everyone started fizzling out---  my "girls" all decided that they were not going to do the race now...  They didn't think that they would be able to train like they did the previous year and wouldn't be prepared for the tough course------  it is VERY HILLY!!!!  I also hurt my shoulder right before Christmas doing handstands with Madison.  Long story short... I got discharged from PT the Monday before the race:)

If I decide and sign up for something, I stick with it... that has never changed for me---  I have always been very hard on myself, some things never change, thankfully:)  At that point, I was going to forget about my previously great time and just run for the fun of it.  HA - I am WAY to competitive for that.

I started making myself run faster interval sessions...  It was tough, but I quickly saw myself getting much faster...  With the shoulder injury I wasn't able to do my usually weight training classes at the gym so I just ran.

The last few weeks before the half, I was putting in my fastest runs ever...  It felt awesome and I was even holding up ok.  Usually, I have a horrible problem with my left foot.

Race day was incredible...  It was the perfect weather conditions.  I was a little nervous, but actually way more excited.  I wanted to just get on the course and RUN.

So... as the time was getting closer to race day and I was getting faster, I knew that I HAD to beat my old time.  I decided to get a temporary tattoo made up.  I know myself very well and knew that if I had this on my arm with all my times, that I would do anything to beat it!!!

 Two girls decided to do the 5K in the end.  I also talked a new neighbor (pretty avid runner) into doing the half.  

 I am known as the "cheerleader".  They all crack up at my very positive attitude...

 The kids surprised me on the course.  I loved seeing them three different times with their awesome signs and HUGE smiles... Special thanks to Brett for getting them there :)

 So happy and easy at mile 4...

Mile 6 still no problem.  I was actually loving it.  Already ahead of my time!

 Mile 6 is the point where things change for me though...  mentally, I know that I have to pick it up.  I am a definite long distance runner.  I feel better as the miles add up.  I was holding back a little to make sure that I didn't go out too fast.  NOW it was time to work.

 My hair was starting to get a little crazy - time to speed it up.

 Thankfully there were no pics at mile 10-13...  It was tough.  I had to keep telling myself that this is the 3 miles that I trained for...  It is all mind over matter at that point.  This is at mile 13.  I was exhausted, but happy to see the kids.

 no words needed to describe myself here at mile 13...

 I loved my cheering squad...

Erin and I made it...

 proudest little supporter ---  she said that she wants to be a runner someday... that would make me one proud MOMMY!!!!

I came in 16th out of 198 in my age group...  could not be more happy!!!

 This is what I am doing the day after... lots of ice and resting up to run again.