I RAN a 5K!

Really! No kidding! Probably no one is more shocked than I am. Considering I have never been the running type. :) For the past 6 months or so (off and on) I have been trying to run. I definitely need to become more consistent with it...but hey, baby steps.
There are lots of smaller race events around this time of year. I chatted with a few friends and decided I would sign up for a 5k. I wasn't really "prepared" - since the most I had ever run without stopping was 2 miles. I just figured I would do my best. I wanted to run the whole distance and not have to walk.
So the day came, and it was COLD. 40 degrees. But I warmed up quickly:)
My parents were in town so Dad, Tim and Connell came to "cheer" us on! Mom and Emma were lucky enough to stay home in the warm, cozy house. Connell was concerned that we were running in the street and not on the sidewalk. It was fun (right?) or at least I felt really good and proud when I finished. I ran the whole way and couldn't have done it without my dear friend Shannon by my side. She was right there the entire way...very little talking except a "doing great" "you got it" every now and then. Near the end when I really wanted to stop and walk a while, she put her hand on my back and gave me a little push, and that kept me going! We finished in a little under 36 minutes. Our other running buddy, Stephanie, finished about 6 minutes ahead of us. You go!!!

Shannon, Stephanie, me
Got a little hug before the race started:) I think he was really still asleep.

waving to my little buddy

Grandpa and Connell

Almost finished...

The completion of my (& Shannon's) first 5K!!!! Now to sign up for another race...maybe???!!!

MDO Fall Picture Day

I always have to take my own picture on picture day - just in case! :)

Connell - almost 3.5 yrs oldSweeties!

Cartoon Buddies & Grateful Dead :)

Connell has become quite the little "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" fan. Now his baby sister likes to join him. This doesn't last long, trust me.
For those that don't know, my hubby is a big Dead fan...at our wedding the groom's cake had dancing bears! So when I saw this tshirt at Target...I knew Connell had to have it! We sent this one to Daddy at work! Note - the crazy hair from the morning lasted all day!

Painting Pumpkins

We were having the Jacobs over for dinner Sunday night and decided to get some little pumpkins for the kids to paint. The Jacobs had 2 extra girls they were keeping while the parents vacationed so I thought an activity would help keep everyone busy.
We went to a pumpkin patch nearby and Connell carefully selected a pumpkin for each friend, and one for Emma.

Lately Connell acts silly when I bring my camera out...could be he is becoming camera-shy after years of picture-taking?!

Artists at work



Painting in the buff!

Hi! Who are you???

I am a blog stalker...I admit. I read LOTS of blogs of people I don't know. It may seem wierd, but it's fun and usually quite insightful and I have actually learned some really interesting (and helpful) things. That being said, I am guilty of reading and never commenting on many blogs.

Lately I have been noticing my blog counter is getting quite a few hits each week. I happen to know that the large majority come from my MOM :) but who else is reading??? I wanna know! And I want to read your blog if you have one!!!

SO, please, leave a quick comment every now and then!