I Really Can Do Hard things

This is proof that I really was there.

Cami, Amy, Me & Kristin. Happy and smiling before the race.

This is proof that I really did cross the finish line, 13.1 miles later. The clock in the picture is wrong, by the way. It kept jumping around for some reason. My official time was 2 hours 41 minutes and 55 seconds. My goal was 2 hrs 30 min. but at least I finished. This was definitely the hardest thing I have ever done. The first 7 miles weren't that bad. By the 10th mile I was DONE!! I just wanted to stop and lay in the grass and cry. I walked for a while then it was harder to get running again. When I saw the finish line I ran as fast as my legs would go then threw myself on the grass and chugged some water, breathed very heavily and cried. The best part was seeing my family and friends there at the end.


This is a picture of us (I know it's kind of far away) all together at the end. You can't see it but I am stuffing my face with grapes. They never tastes so good before.

Currently my awesome running shoes are sitting at the foot of my bed feeling very lonely and empty. They just may remain that way until Spring. I think a break is what this Marathon Mommy needs.

Reasons to Celebrate

September 11, 1997 - September 11, 2009

12 AMAZING YEARS TOGETHER

As we were . . .

As we are . . .

Suited perfectly for ETERNITY, Me & You

**********

September 12, 2006

Kelsie Maria Olson


Look who's 3!!!



Friends!!!!






And of course the cake that she asked for over and over . . .






That I decided to take a stab at all on my own . . . .




And I think turned out AWESOME according to Kelsie's smiling face and sparkling eyes!!

Not Forgotten

I have been called out. Called out by my wonderful mother-in-law who made me realize that I have been neglecting something that I love to do. Something that I sometimes ponder on all day so I can make it just right. I am talking about my blog. Have you noticed? It's been a really long time since I have made the time to sit and tell our daily stories. I didn't think many would miss it, but I am happy to see that a few of you have been wondering just what we are doing over here. There have been lots of events flying by, just no time to blog about it. I am going to try and make the effort to get back into a routine of blogging because I like it and it makes me happy and because I want my mother-in-law to be happy, too. Here goes me playing catch up. This may not be in chronological order, but it works.

Jacob turned 9 in August and this was my attempt at making a cake using fondant. Thanks to the instruction and guidance of her and her, I was able to come up with this. Not too bad for my first time, I think, and Jacob loved it so it was well worth the effort.

Also in August, Jacob and Kayla started school. Different schools this year. Luckily they are both very happy and everything has been very smooth in making the transition to a new school and the schedules work out well for all of us. Kayla started 1st Grade and Jacob started 3rd grade. Here are a few pictures of their first day of school.

Kelsie was not to be left out of the photo opps.!!





Jacob get to ride the bus to his school this year. He was both excited and nervous about this on the first day.

Kayla quickly found her "gang" from last year and was happy and at ease.

So much more to blog about, no more time for now. I will return tomorrow (hopefully) with the next episode in my attempt to catch up on my blogging.

September Scentsy

JACK O'LANTERN
Welcome fall with the oh-so-mischievous, Jack O'Lantern, Scentsy's unique interpretation of an enduring seasonal favorite, and our newest Warmer. From the embossed green, swirling vines on top to the perfectly-carved grin and debossed pumpkin sections, this "Jack" is sure to be a delightful decorative accent in any room this fall.

Jack O'Lantern's base, in a high-gloss pumpkin hue, glows like a real carved pumpkin when lit, and is topped off with a kelly green embossed dish - perfect details for bringing a safe and fun pumpkin indoors.




TOASTED CARAMEL SUGAR
A Sweet and rich fragrance that will warm your heart and home - featuring warm milk with caramelized sugar and toffee, all swirled together with the scent of silky, sweet vanilla musk.

Jack is only $27 this month and a bar of Toasted Caramel Sugar is only $4.50.