Mud Run

I suppose it was time for a new challenge now that '1/2 marathon' has been checked off my bucket-list.  I ended up on a team of my most competitive friends (I wouldn't have it any other way).  This made me both nervous and determined.  A good mix, for me anyway.  There would be no goofing-off.  We were doing it to push our personal limits.  To win.

 This particular race was just over 4 miles with 20+ obstacles.  And a lot of mud!  The last obstacle took some coaching and motivating by my teammate, Laura.  It involved climbing a rope, up a slick-muddy wall with muddy shoes and hands making the ascent seem impossible.  But with the little strength and determination I had by then, I managed to get over it.

 Laura and I waited a few minutes at the end for the rest of our team, Tara and Brian to catch up.  Brian lost his shoes in the very first mud pit and stayed behind to dig them out.  Stubborn men who won't duct tape their shoes often fall behind. 

Although I was digging mud out of my toenails and ears for days, I will be doing this again.  We didn't win.  There were no prizes.  Just the gratification for the adventure and challenge-seeking, wild-streak that lives in people like me.

Zumba

I think there's a good possibility you will take after me in the dance department (meaning you will be awesome).  Today we experienced the art of dance once again, this time, Zumba.  Who knows at this point if this is a passing fad in the fitness arena, but right now, in 2012, it's pretty hot.

 

 

 



The rejects

Ok, the 'rejects' are not my children, they are the pictures that didn't quite make the cut.  Every mom clicks away and then scours the digital camera for the best ones.  The ones that get published on her blog and facebook page.  But reality is, my children have other facial expressions than perfect smiles with eyes lit up before the camera.  They are messy, goofy and grumpy.  These are the many faces of my babies, although they didn't make the baby book or Christmas card this year, they are worth a look (and a laugh).

                                  

Pre-school-age 3

Oh, look at the big girl.  Mommy sprung for a new school dress for your big day.  Of course no one will actually see this dress on you for a few months.  It is, afterall, August.  In Georgia.  But, nevertheless, you will start school tomorrow, in your summer clothes, and begin your journey of education. 

Your teacher at the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church Pre-School is Miss Missy.  She seems lovely.  She told me at Open House that you will play, eat snacks, learn science, do crafts, dance and so much more.  Your friend's Michael and Lane Marie are in your class too.  To say you are excited about school is a real understatement.  Daddy will go into work late tomorrow so we can both escort you into your first day of school.

Let the lifelong adventure of learning begin!

Tybee Island, GA

We are blessed to live near several beaches.  Today we journeyed 45 minutes away from hom to Tybee Island with Miss Betty.  It's good to keep busy when Daddy is away at trainings.  I had a hard time dragging you away from the lifeguard.  You insisted on flirting with him while we waited!

Miss Betty was my next door neighbor last time we were stationed here.  I worked full-time, had no children and Daddy was deployed to Iraq for a year of our stay here.  Not to mention 1 and 2 month-long trainings.  I was fortunate to have such a good pal right next door.

  Now we get together on occasion and take you girls to McDonalds or the park while we catch up.

 My favorite part of the beach with you girls is photo opportunities.

 This goofy smile melts my heart.

 We did a little shopping too.  Laken loves being a "Mommy"

I wonder if you will love the beach when you grow up.  Just make sure you wear sunscreen!  Don't make the same mistakes I made!

My first mani!

Since the triplet 11-year-old girls moved in next door, you have loved getting your nails painted.  And they love obliging you.  So, when I had some Arbonne business to do today at the nail salon, I thought I'd let you indulge a little in a professional-grade mani.

You were SO happy to get this special treat!

You picked your color within seconds!  "Purple is my favorite color!"  I'm not surprised...it's Mommy's too! 

No doubt you are now hooked on receiving this special service.  Afterall, princesses don't paint their own nails!

Getting our smiles back

It's been a month since we received the crushing news about the death of Traci's husband.  One of our own has experienced the ultimate blow in an Army wife's life.  The month has gone by quickly for me and even Traci wonders where the time has gone.  The days have brought one event, ceremony and out of town visit after the other.  Since Friday's tree ceremony at Ft. Stewart, life has slowly begun to resemble the way we knew it to be.  We are getting together at fabulous restaurants that only Traci would know to recommend.

And most recently, we are gathered at a friend's home to drink wine, exchange wine glasses, share humorous tales of motherhood, speeding tickets and run-ins with famous people and just getting to know each other better.  This involves disclosing hidden tattoos, and confessing embarrassing truths from before we became the refined women we all know today. 

The pain is still there, just under the surface, but we are getting through this.  We are slowly getting our smiles back.