I need this clock!!

Hopscotch, Catch, and Eating Snow

The weather has been pretty odd this year. Last week we played outside in 50 degree weather. Joshua and I played catch, Asher made "ultimate hopscotch", and Elliana ran around being adorable (what she does best :)That night the weather took a 180 degree turn. The next day we dug out all the snow gear and the kids went outside to play and eat snow (one of their favorite winter activities).
The view out our school room windows.

Oh yeah!

I woke up at 4:40 am (on a Saturday!!) and headed to the gym. I had one thing on my mind- 16. I really wanted to surpass my last running distance record, which was 15 miles. Unfortunately there was nothing good on TV. Having a distraction is so nice when on the treadmill for 2+ hours. But I got it done!

I am posting the cupcake picture because I think someone should have given me one of these when I finally stepped off the treadmill. It would be such a nice service for our gym to provide:)

Not cranky today :)

This morning I hit the bike trainer before church. I enjoy watching a movie while I ride; it makes the time go by so much faster. One hour and 45 minutes later I was done and in "get ready for church" mode.

This afternoon the kids were busy playing wii, which meant I was free to go out for a run. I have been running on the treadmill the last month or two and I've been running very slow(due to knee pain). I wasn't sure how this run outside would go. Surprisingly my pace for three miles was 8:49 :) That is GREAT considering I got up at 5:30 am and rode my trainer.

When I got home the kids were still playing wii and I was itching to get my road bike out on the open road. Aaron gave me his blessing (he is REALLY supportive of my training schedule) and I was gone! Only to return a few minutes later to add some more layers (it's cold out there!!). Then I was out the door for a nice 9 mile bike.

I am looking forward to a nice rest day tomorrow. I am thinking it will include at least one big cup of hot chocolate with a ton of mini marshmallows :)

Physical Therapy

I gave in. After 6 months of pain I decided to see the PT.

I dislike going to the doctor unless I have too. I love doctors. I think they do wonderful work and are very knowledgeable. I am a big believer in medicine and everything that doctors can do. But going to one requires time, I have very little of this just lying around, and money. If you know me at all you know I am cheap and I HATE spending money. I LOVE saving money :) But I decided that this whole knee pain thing was not going away on its own so I better get some treatment.

My physical therapist started me on Astym therapy. Apparently all the training I have done in the last 4 years has caused some problems. I now have scar tissue on my tendons (knee, hamstring, and ITB). The little tools he uses scrapes all that scar tissue off.

Does that sound painful to you? Let me just clarify, it is excruciatingly painful. But it feels awesome when he's done :)

Best of all I can train while going through therapy :) Yeah me!!!

So Awesome!

And so funny...

Word Family Eggs

I found this awesome idea on Pinterest. I love making reading fun! I might even put M-n-M's in the egg. After reading the words she can open the egg and have a treat :)

Imagining a Horse Ballet

Asher is in second grade this year and we just started reading the book entitled White Stallion of Lipizza by Marguerite Henry.

It's a great book with some tough imagery that really stretches your mind. Trying to imagine horse dancing ballet can be a little difficult. I like that it makes my kids think about something that seems just crazy and impossible. I let Asher ponder on what I was reading. Trying to figure out what exactly these horses were doing. Trying to envision the room they danced in with flags and chandeliers.

Today I searched "youtube" and found a great video of these horses dancing. It is just amazing to watch. It's neat to actually see the pictures your mind has been drawing come to life. Enjoy!

Yep, I ran 15 miles today!!!!!! Time to eat...a lot.. :)

Yummmm

I really like eating salad. I have been known eat it for lunch and dinner :) Right now my favorite salad could be described as- spicy chicken with garlic seasoned broccoli.

Ingredients:

• Schwann's spicy chicken
• roasted broccoli (seasoned with garlic powder)
• spring mix salad
• cheddar cheese

I throw the broccoli in the oven with the chicken. Halfway through cooking the chicken I sprinkle some garlic powder on top of the broccoli.

When it's all cooked, just throw it in a BIG bowl and enjoy :)

(Yes, that is a small mixing bowl. It is that good people!!)