Morning

I can hardly believe that it is just now 8:00. I was up before 6 this morning worried about Hydrangea's... Our road is under construction and the construction required a corner of my neighbors yard to be pulled up...they were just going to destroy about 6 Hydrangea plants and I got permission to dig them up and move them if I wanted! I intended to do it yesterday afternoon when Collier took his nap but he didn't and then a storm rolled in. Collier and I did get over and get one before it started raining. But I really wanted to get a few more and woke up early worried that they were going to dig them up and discard them before I got to them. BUT they didn't. I was digging at 6am and successfully I think planted them in my back yard. I've never done this with out my mom's help so we'll see if they actually live....I have no idea if I dug up enough roots, planted them deep enough, gave them enough water, put them in the right place....oh the list goes on and I'm just hoping that they will actually live! Have to try to learn so we'll see. I also staked some of my tomato plants that were falling over and re-potted a parsley plant. I was almost eaten alive my mosquitoes (at 7am) and swarmed by a pack of gnats. I didn't really realize that they were out this time of day. I came inside and realized that I tracked dirt all through the house which resulted in a quick vacuuming of the den, dinning room and kitchen. I have now showered and Collier is awake playing in his crib...off to feed him breakfast and start my work day! Not sure the last time I was this productive by 8am!

Of course Justin was out of town when I could have used a little help!

Jet Setters

So, this is the most that I've been on a plane in a long time....two trips in 4 weeks. This past weekend we went to New Orleans for a wedding that was so much fun. We traveled with fun friends and I didn't take but 4 pictures the entire weekend. I decided that Bourbon Street is not exactly a friendly place to be hauling around a huge camera. Most of the time I didn't even care my purse much less my camera. We did a lot of walking, people watching, eating, drinking, walking, drinking, laughing, dancing, sweating, sleeping and more walking and more eating! It really was a fun time and Justin and I slept later than we have in a very very long time, gosh it felt good!

Meanwhile back on the home front, Collier was having a blast with his Mella and Buzz. He had great fun adventures like going to Bass Pro Shop and even Southeast Salvage! Needless to say he didn't want for anything and got some great bonding time with them....I am sure that they now need a vacation to recovery from all of his activity! Thank yall for being here - it meant the world to us!

Yet again, even for a long weekend I missed him a ton and was very glad to get home to him last night! I have a very busy week this week before we get ready for July 4th weekend!
Tonight we were treated to dinner with the Swifts! It has been way to long since we've had the opportunity to visit with them. I think that Collier is going to have a new best buddy - and a cute one at that! Thank yall for having us over!

This was the only shot I could get of the two of them!

Random Thoughts

I am still trying to catch up on cleaning my house, doing laundry and especially work work. I'm getting there as quick as I can but am struggling a little. So, I don't have much for you today except some very random thoughts.

1. While we were in San Diego Brinkley got a hair cut! I love it and she has to feel better with a lot less hair. She is easier to bathe...which reminds me she needs a bath BAD! And I think that she looks AWESOME! 2. Speaking of hair cuts, Collier really needs one. Not that it is out of control but it is long and out of shape. Where in the world do I take him for his FIRST hair cut?

3. I ran yesterday for the first time since running the marathon. I only ran 3 miles and the last 1/2 mile was a little painful in the knee that hurt while running the full. I hope to run a 1/2 marathon by the end of the year. Yes I did it backwards - Full then Half and I think that I'll appreciate the half a lot more! I'm going to try a combination of Yoga and running to keep me in shape...well and maybe a little weights since my arms needs some toning!

4. Justin and I are leaving Collier AGAIN this weekend... My In-Laws will be here to play with Collier and Brinkley - to keep them from eating eachothers food, be sure that they don't play with fireplace tools and well to just hang out! Thanks Mella and Buzz!!!!! All of this so that we can attend a very fun wedding that I'll share about next week.

5. My Vegitables are growing well...in pots....I really need a little more sun light on my back patio and I think that they would be a little happier. They are doing good but not as good as I think that they could do. We have tomatoe's (3 different kind), peppers (3 different kind), cucumber, zuchinni, strawberries and a few herbs. I will be a happy camper when our tomatoes ripen up. I love fresh tomatoes! Actually that is the only kind I LIKE.

6. On a much sadder note, the guy that I ran the Marathon in honor of, David Nelson, has taken a turn for the worst. The chemo is not strong enough to fight the cancer and it isn't good. He has been on a ventilater and they are taking him off today. Either he will be fine and God will have delivered a miracle (which is very possible...God can do ANYTHING) or he will be completely cured and will go home to be with the Lord. Will you please pray for this family. He is only 28 and he has 2 young boys and a wife who is currently expecting their 3rd child. She is strong in her faith and knows that she is living in God's will. It is really amazing how strong and what an example she is. I have to be honest that I haven't ever meet this family but my heart breaks for them....David is a childhood friend of my best friend Lindsey! I am so thankful for our health and my husband and child - Go hug your husband and children and be thankful they are all well! I can't imagine the possiblity of not having my husband and especially being a single mother to 3 children.

7. Oh I heard a comercial on the radio today for Beef and I think it was Matthew McConaughey - very random but gosh he is cute, even on the radio! Of course not as hot as my husband though!

San Diego Recap

I wanted to share (and document) the rest of our San Diego trip. It really was a blast and I am still on a high about the marathon!

We arrived in San Diego on Friday afternoon. Our hotel was right on the bay and within walking distance of almost everything that we needed. After we got checked in we went hunting for our first delicious meal and we succeeded in filling ourselves up at Tin Fish - fish taco's to die for and yummy fish and chips. Crystal and I then made our way to the Expo to pick up our race packet including our race number and everything needed for race day. At that point it was all official! We walked the expo for a few hours and signed the HUGE Team In Training board and picked up cheering signs for the guys. The expo was a little overwhelming with all of the vendors and gadgets and stuff for running. A little overboard, but fun to see all of the things that go into this hobby. Friday night we ate at a place called Confidential and it was so very cool. Tapas style, after being educated is small servings meant to be shared, so the food comes out one dish at a time to be shared with everyone. I was a little hesitant about 'small portions' and if Justin would actually be full, but we all walked about stuffed AGAIN! Saturday morning, the Alabama group gathered in the lobby at 6:30 for a light and casual run to get us prepared for the marathon on Sunday. It was beautiful and refreshing to running in humidity free air with cool temperatures again! We then pulled the guys out of bed to eat a late and light breakfast before we went to the Victory and Inspiration Lunch.

The Victory Celebration/Pasta Lunch was amazing...It is a special lunch only for TNT participants (and their guest) to recognize and honor everyone for being a part of this organization. Walking into the ball room was like a pep-rally, coaches and supports all dressed in purple and green and yelling and screaming at the top of their lungs. It was awesome and very fun. We were served pasta - stashing those carbs to get us through 26 miles. We had several speakers who talked about everything from our total fundraising, race tips and most important a father who lost his 10 year old daughter to Leukemia! Not a dry eye in the room after he was done speaking and we were then sent on our way....inspired! Remembering that running a marathon is nothing compared to going through chemo.

Saturday afternoon we took a water Taxi over to Coronado Island and sat at The Hotel Del Coronado and enjoyed drinks and lots of laughs. It is so much fun to enjoy each others company and get to visit with friends. Mike, Justin's good friend who lives in San Diego was able to join us and he was an AWESOME help while we were there. Gave perfect recommendations of everything we needed. Not to mention he has an awesome view from the top of his condo that we got to enjoy on Saturday night! Very cool.

Sunday - see previous post!

Monday was our reward day, we rented a car and headed to Temecula Valley along with two other couples and our coach Colean to visit wineries for the day. What more can I say, a day full of wine tastings in beautiful California! It was nothing compared to Napa, but it was lots of fun. Tuesday was our last day and we slept late and ate a late lunch before it was time to pack up and head to the airport.

This trip was really amazing. It was a trip where I achieved a life long goal and felt the power of setting and obtaining a goal - it really was a dream come true. I am thankful to God for the health, strength, endurance and safety to be able to do this. Thank you again to all of you who supported me in this opportunity. It was also the longest that we've ever been away from Collier (Thanks to Grammie and Pops he was in REALLY good hands). Which gave Justin and I a great time to enjoy each other. And as much fun as we had, I was very ready to get back to my little man and see him. I missed him bunches.

It is done!

Well, I am just now getting the chance to sit down at the computer for a little blogging update. It has been a busy and fun 2 weeks. After a wonderful weekend at the lake for Memorial Day, we came home for a few days before we headed to San Diego. Collier went with Mom and Dad back to the lake and worked through a little virus while we were gone, but he is feeling much better now and only has a rattling cough that isn't all that bad.

Back to San Diego. I wish that I could spill all of the details of our trip because it really was so much fun. We had a blast with new and old friends, lots of laughing, delicious food, beautiful weather and of course a long 26.2mile run! That is what the trip was all about so that is what I will start with. Team In Training is an amazing organization (funding The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and has a huge impact on a lot of people. The impact that it has had on me, is the coaching that was available to assist and prepare me for running a marathon. Along the way, through fundraising, I know that I am able to make a difference for those patients and families who have these horrible blood cancers. We heard and saw the impact that these cancers have on people and their families and it is nothing short of heart breaking. Thanks to LLS they are working to find a cure...until there is a cure we can not stop fighting for the research to continue! I want to thank everyone who donated to my efforts to raise money for LLS, know that you contributed to the $12million that was raised for LLS by the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathoners! That is amazing. You have no idea how much your support (financial and emotional) is appreciated. All of my hard work of training and fundraising certainly paid off!

I have to give HUGE props to my running partner, Crystal. We stuck together the entire race and if it hadn't been for her I am not sure that I would have made it! The race course was for the most part very pretty (except about 4 miles of interstate that was sort of boring) and we had lots of entertainment with TONS of people cheering, holding signs, spraying water and even several bands along the course...all of that certainly helped to pass the miles by a little quicker. Not to mention there were some pretty interesting runners as well - men dressed as women, crazy purple to represent TNT, tutu's, batmen undies, and that is just to name a few. I hit my wall around mile 18 and struggled the rest of the race. I had knee pains that wouldn't let go! I fought through it with Crystal's help....she gave me great analogies to distract me and help me focus on the finish line. I was so grateful that neither of us had any major injuries, just a few aches, pains and blisters...nothing that a few days weeks of recovery won't take care of. When I reached the .8miles I could finally see the finish line and I lost it, all of the emotions of determination and victory came to a head and I started bawling crying. A TNT coach saw me crying and ran me almost to the finish yelling encouraging words...not to mention our coach had joined us and was kind to remind me to "change my face and put a smile on" before I crossed the finish line. Nice to have experienced coach knowing that they would be taking pictures and that I didn't need a sad face to capture such a HUGE moment. I did the best I could and crossed with a smile and thanking God as I crossed the finish line. The moment I saw Justin I started crying again! I felt so accomplished and proud to have finished such an amazing goal! It took us 5Hr. 50Min. 26.2 Miles...I am officially a Marathoner! How cool is that!

One last note to add. I have to give a special thanks to my sweet husband who was VERY supportive and encouraging and proud through the whole weekend. He sacrificed a lot for me during all of my training and really helped so very much. He is who I knew I would get to see at the finish line and that was enough to push me on as well. I know this probably sounds crazy, but I had the feeling in my stomach like I did on our wedding day as I waiting to walk down the isle (we didn't see each other before) and I couldn't wait to see him....that was all that I could think of in the last 3 miles just getting to the finish to see Justin there waiting. I knew that he would be proud of me and knowing that was a big reward! It was awesome and I am thankful to have him! (wiping tears from my eyes...sorry to get gooshy)

I'll be back to share some other pictures from the rest of our trip....