Free books and parenting

Today was finally the We Love to Read store at the school. We had set up for and planned to run it before Christmas break, but due to scheduling and then sick kids we had to postpone to now. 

Fortunately we had it all set up already so all we had to do was show up this morning! 

Kids earn points that add up to earn free books by tracking their at home reading minuets each month. We then have a "book store" 3 times a year and let kids pick out their free books. Its a great program that Pea and I love running. We use all the proceeds from our 2 book fairs and buy the books we give out. It is rewarding all the way around. And a lot of work!

Today we gave out 744 book. Pretty awesome. The best is when the kids are so excited and walk out hugging their new books. Makes it all worth it!

We Love to Read! 

I did manage to squeak out a workout super early this morning with Moose. Then spent the whole day at school for the store and packing it up. Picked up Beast and ran to the store for a few food items and some Starbucks! mmmmmmm Home again and worked a few hours......Dinner, Dishes and bedtime. Long day.

Workout Stats:

Warm up

---

4x15

KB Swing

KB Side Raise

KB Bent Row

KB High Pull

KB Curl

---

Core

Its nice having a workout buddy in the mornings. Moose has his own workout he does and self manages himself. He had some nice deep and wide squats this morning. Made me proud!

Early morning suckers!

Tonights the last night the kids are here for the week. Always as sad one for me. Anticipating their leaving. On top of that, the girl and I are not on the same page tonight. She wanted to have a sleep over with her friend because its late start tomorrow. The moms were united in the no department. The begged and pleaded. Then the boys chimed in wanting one too. Asking and saying no are one thing, but the begging and pleading and begging some more gets old. So then after the friends left, I had a mad girl on my hands. At first I was feeling bad, but then I had to realize that I am the mom and she needs to respect my answers. I stopped feeling bad and then was irritated. I go overboard 99% of the time trying to make her happy and accommodate her friendship. Then I just get crap from her when I do say no. Where is the manual on how to parent a 12 year old girl? I think I am just to soft. Worried to much that what I do will upset her, when I don't get the same respect from her. And to have this be the end to our week, makes me extra sad. 

On the positive side, Moose fell asleep on me tonight. I miss the days of that being a nightly occurrence. 

Love the little things.

Heres to parenting. It is not for the faint of heart. It softens you and hardens you all at the same time. I wouldn't trade it for the world, I just wish it was easier sometimes.

Back to reality...

Well first off, we had a great at home weekend. Lots of cleaning, un-decorating, movie watching and together time.
Beast decided to spend some of her xmas money on a new bed. So that meant cleaning out her room and taking apart her current bed. We filled the garbage can and the donation bin, and got her old bed taken apart and removed from her room. She is all ready for the new one to arrive.
Great weekend. LOVE my chill time with the kids.

Sunday is Chocolate Chip Pancake breakfast day for the kids. Traditions!

Back to reality for the kids. Alarms went off at 6 am. Moose and I hit the gym for an early workout. Beast spent the better part of an hour in the shower. Routine. Its back. BOOHOO

It was a quick day of work, or so it seemed. Then pick up and off to a track club board meeting. 2 hours later was pizza with Bob and the Sparky's. Some Football trivia game, a few laughs and back home to bed.

Workout stats:
Warm up
---
Core and hip workout
Bonding time with my son.

He rocked his workout too!

Workout Stats:
5.11 miles, 46.24 time, 9.05 avg mile.
48*, no wind, no rain.
Decided to run my hilly route today for a mix up. Glad I did, but hated it as I did it. Its been a while.
My dad called 2 miles in, he was out walking so we workout together today. He didn't mind my huffing and puffing so it worked. That was a nice change up too.

The end is near. Crazy that this last 10 weeks has flown by. I am loving every minuet of it. Even the 1:30 am wake up call my body did to me on Friday night. Oh.My.Goodness!!!!!! OUCH. 12 miles did my body in! I woke up in so much discomfort I could not get comfortable or back to sleep. Finally I got up, drank a bunch of water and downed a handful of ibuprofen. I finally got back to sleep and vowed to always take anti-inflamitories after a long run. What was I thinking? I know better!!!

Goodbye 2014...Hello 2015

Out with the old, in with the new. Happy New Year folks! I have been so busy celebrating, I have not had time to post.

New years eve party at the Pea's house. Surrounded by my best of friends and my love. Sadly my children were not there, but I can't have it all.
We mostly ate. And drank. And got loud and laughed a lot. 2/3 of our men were asleep on the couch by 11....we did wake them up for a happy new year count down and kiss.
I have the best people in my life. I am most thankful for that this new year.

I woke up to 2015 without a hang over. That was nice! Last year was a different story.....

The kids are home! YAY! We hung out and caught up, then headed to a friends house to watch some football. Watching the Rose bowl with a bunch of beavers (Ducks dominated and won by 39 points) was painful! It got really loud really fast! Again lots of food, drinks and laughs.....(after the yelling at the tv).

After 2 days of binge snacking I am seriously hurting. All I wanted was salad. Ugh....

A few things to close out 2014......
-I have an amazing partner to share my life with. He is kind, thoughtful, helpful, loving, old-fashioned (in the opening doors and such kinda way), funny and selfless.
-My kids make me proud everyday. They are going into wonderful people, not just kids anymore. I love bing their mom.
-I have AMAZING friends. I love them.
-My parents are taking new steps in new directions. I wish them strength and happiness.
-My baby brother is growing as a man, father, husband and servant to our country. His carrier in the Army is taking to new places and opening up new opportunities for him. I am so proud of him.
-My oldest brother continues to amaze me and he blazes a new trail in his life. Sobriety, mountain climbing, chef-ing, biking, snowboarding, skiing, and all round being rad. He is going to have some amazing stories to tell.
-I ran 83 miles in December. I am reaching my goal of running a half-marathon and I blow my own mind with every new distance.
-I discovered I am a glutard this year. At least thats what my brother calls it. I have changed my entire lifestyle. No sugar, no gluten, minimal dairy, no processed foods. Real food. Nutrient rich food.

And now for a few resolutions for 2015.....
-Clean up diet even more.
-Set new goal after half marathon.
-Dont procrastinate.
-Deepen my relationships with those I love.
-Continue to blog.

Ok and now what you really have all been waiting for....

Workout Stats for Wednesday:
5.73 miles, 50:19 time, 8.47 min mile avg
24*, sunny.
Another cold morning run! Brrrr. Went well and ran on a new road for part of it, met some new animals along the way. :-)

So sunny I had to get my glasses! 

Testing out my new watch! I LOVE IT!!!

Workout Stats for Thursday:
Warm up
---
Bent row
Tricep extension
Curl
KB Swing
4x15
---
Core

It was SO cold in my garage I thought my hands were going to fall off!!! But I got it done and as much as I wanted to skip out, I didn't. Go me.

Rolling it all out. I am so thankful I have a foam roller!

Workout Stats for Friday:
12.02 FREAKING miles!!! 1:53:48 time, 9.28 min mile avg.
*20 deg. Beautiful.
OMG. I ran 12 miles. Seriously. Its really hard to even believe. I wanted to throw a party when I got home!
It was a really cold morning, but clear and beyond gorgeous out. I got up and got my water and banana in then layered up and headed out. I felt like I weighed 500lbs and sluggish, may have had something to do with all the snacking I did the last 2 days....I ran an out and back. At mile 6, the turn around, I just kept thinking, wow, that is a long long way! The way back went way faster in my head and man was I happy to get it done! This was my last long long run, Next week is 8 and the week after is all jacked up and super light because its the week of the race. EAAAKKKKKK

12 miles. Seriously.

Had to pause for a sunrise picture. Gorgeous morning!

So close I can taste it

I can see the end in site....Crazy that I am so close to the end. Scary too. I am already feeling like I need a new goal when I reach this one.....I should slow down and just focus on what is ahead. Focus.

I won't bore you with the details of my life today. Ok I will.....Slept in, work, ate, work, workout, read.....pretty much it. Trying to get the year end bookkeeping done. Its always a crunch and scramble. One more day....Can you believe we only have like 30 1/2 hours left of 2014? Time to get all those resolutions done you told yourself you would do. And start thinking up some new ones.

Conference Call time!

Workout stats:
Warm up
---
Bench #45 21-15-9
Shoulder Press #45 10-10-10
Curl #45 21-15-9
---
Deadlift #115 5x5
Bent row #20 each arm 10x5
---
Core

Glad I got it done. Worked every part of my body and I can already feel it. I can really tell I only lifted once a week for the last 2 weeks. Feeling weak.

Today would be Moka's 14th birthday. We lost him on March 14th 2013. I still miss that guy more than I could have ever imagined. Happy Birthday buddy. We miss you and love you so much.

Love you boy

Weekend Recap, oh and Monday.....

What a refreshing weekend we had! Awe just what we needed! A trip to the coast does the body good.
Saturday was a nice low key day. Lazy morning with breakfast and lots of football. Bob and his dad bet each other on the collage bowl games every year. Well so far his dad is up and boy did he let him know. It is always a good comedy during bowl season. Judy and I spent some time learning how to use her new iPad. I read a lot.
In the afternoon, Judy headed to work and Bob and I headed to the beach. We took a long drive then checked out the Jetty and the waves crashing over it. Always a good view. We were in search of Elk. Bob and Judy had seen some on their morning drive and he was sure they were not far. We drove all over Fort Stevens with no luck. Then as we were driving through Warrenton, I spotted them, in a front yard. You think deer are bad....try living at the coast with the Elk!
We got thirsty with all our driving and decided to stop in at the Sandtrap - McMenamins. Few beers/cider later and we headed back in for the night. MMMMM I had their seasonal Blackberry Cider and it is sooooo good!

The Jetty at sunset

So windy at the lookout!!

Oh there are the Elk!

Blackberry Cider, so good!

Happy Couple!

After half time of the Patriots game we took off. Stopping off in McMinnville to visit my dear friends. It was a very nice visit and I am so very glad we got to stop in.

Back to reality this morning. Alarm clocks and everything. My day went like this: Breakfast, work, run, work, shower, work, lunch/reading, work, make dinner, give Bob hair cut, eat dinner, clean up, blog, read. :-)

Workout stats:
5.29 miles, 46:41 time, 8.50 avg mile.
35*, light rain.
Pretty good run. It was cold starting out so it took me a little bit to warm up. I am noticing that the bottoms of my feet get really cold and it almost hurts at first. Maybe I should try to warm them up before I head out......hmmmm. The last 3/4 of a mile I really kicked it in and was in almost a full sprint the last block. Feels good to open up. I try to make sure I can kick it up a notch at the end of a run. I can really feel my training paying off. My runs are really pretty easy. And I always know I have more in the tank. Good thing cause this weeks long run is 11 miles. I am thinking I might up it a bit cause this is my last long run, next week is taper and only 8. Crazy to think I am this close to the end!

I made myself a special custom hat this weekend. It has an opening on the back to fit around my bun, and in reflective yarn. Pretty sweet and it worked out great today! Now I think I might need to make another one.

Side view

Back view

Ponytail opening!

Custom hat to fit my bun! #HarvestThreads

Christmas Hangover

Every high has its low. That was me this morning. We had a fantastic week. Lots of excitement. Family time. Loving and laughing. And today the kids had to go to their dads and it all came to an end. 98% of the time, transitions are not horrible for me. They are never fun. Never really a good thing. Sure there are those really tough weeks when I am ready for a break, but lets be honest, those are few and VERY far between. I actually cannot even remember the last time I felt that way.
This morning was tough. They headed out early as they are off to the mountains to spend a few days learning to ski and snowboard. So fun and they are so excited. I am happy for them. Truly. They are blessed kids that have a lot of people who love them more than life. That still doesn't take out the sting of saying good bye. As I was picking up the house and putting their things away it hit me like a ton of bricks. For any of you in a similar situation you know exactly what I am talking about. I didn't have kids to not have my kids with me. It sucks. But its life I guess and I know its not their favorite thing either.
So I had my pity party. Then I had another one. Then put on my big girl panties and went for my run. I pounded out the pain and sadness over the course of 8 miles and when I got home again I was ok. I have this amazing and fantastic boyfriend who tells me "You need to focus on the wonderful week and holiday that we all had together. Focus on the positive." He is right and he was there for me with open arms.

We headed out this afternoon for Seaside to spend the weekend with his folks. Perfect timing. Of course we had to stop off at the Forrest Grove McMenamins for some beer/cider and yummy grub. Its become a staple for us on our trips out here.

Cheers. 

New coaster! I am so excited for this one!

I collect coasters from cool places we go. My favorite ones I have are all from McMenamins. This one is FREAKING AWESOME! 

My snap shot we sent to Moose. Happiness!

I am now cozy on the couch typing away while football is on tv, and both men are sawing logs. It is pretty low key here at the coast.

Post 8 miles, blinded by the sun. YES!

Workout Stats:
7.95miles (was supposed to be 7.5), 1:14:42 time, 9.16 avg pace.
37*, partially sunny.
I felt a bit stiff heading out and a twinge in my calf. Ugh, I thought. But fortunately I worked it out and around mile 2 I was good to go. I took my time and enjoyed the run. Talking to the animals and chasing the birds. I love where I live and the beauty right out side my door. 1.5 miles in and I am fully in the country. No traffic, no people. Perfection.

Merry Christmas to all

I am pretty much just going to document today in photos because thats really what you all want to see anyway!

We had a wonderful day together.

Merry Christmas 2014

Sleeping in and a lazy start was a great way to begin. 

Coffee on and stockings enjoyed

Cinnamon rolls and quiche backing

More gifts

More joy

Merry Christmas!

Beast and her new Cascade Gear

Moose finally got to see what was in the mystery wrapping....

Wait for it....

A Gorilla!!!

And this girl got an IPHONE!!!! She's kinda happy.

So much stimulation he had to chill for a while...on his gorilla!

Setting up her phone took most of the day.

MMMMMMM my Paleo Cinnamon Rolls are amazing and don't hurt my tummy so I ate way to many!

Ducks vs Beavers and a walk in the park

Action shot!

Christmas dinner.....mmmm pork butt.

Here's to a Merry Christmas with the ones we love

Ended the day watching Princess Bride together

Hope everyone found some joy and love on this day. Not all years are as Merry. Not all years are as perfect. The important thing is to find the love and beauty and to appreciate each year as it is. This year was a great one for me.....but I have had my share of sad, lonely, lost, missing my hearts on this day. Merry Christmas all and to all a good night.