Now what?

I had a two week break from school - thought I would get a ton of things done. I didn't. Here is what I am up to lately (thank you to my friends who have been asking...It's nice to know someone cares)

I am running 18 miles tomorrow for marathon training (yes, I'm still doing that - I haven't dropped out yet, but I really kind of want to)

I am counting down the days until the marathon is over

Taylor started 8th Grade this week and is making me feel completely and totally old

I am studying Math 1050 and Biology (math will most likely be the death of me)

I am trying to teach Cameron to read (I am not a very patient mom)

I de-junked the house (I am a complete and total packrat) and had an unsuccessful yard sale - no one wants my junk

I tried to clean my tile grout - then gave up and hired the neighbor girl to do it for some extra cash (she did a GREAT job)

I completely rocked out at the Nickelback concert last night and loved every single second of it (even though I know I shouldn't - my guilty pleasure, don't tell)

I had my awesome friend Courtney take wonderful pictures of my family

That's about it

Cabin Week

Last week the family spent the better part of the week at the cabin. This is what we did:

Ashlie and Taylor practiced looking "strong"...

Whoa - are those muscles or what??

Ashlie learned to ride a dirt bike...

We melted cans in the fire (yes, they really do melt if the fire is hot enough!) ...

Cameron learned to ride a dirt bike...

Chris and his dad (aka "ElRoy" because of his awesome shirt) cut down 6 trees...

Cameron practiced his GQ pose...

I read an entire book in one day (no, not a picture book - a real 520 page book!!)

Chris and I ran 17 (yes, you read correctly, 17!!!) miles and then sat on our butts for the better part of the day...

Uncle Jeff helped the kids build a kick butt fort that SurvivorMan would trade his Leatherman for...

And last but not least, we ate a TON of delicious food!

Teenagers...

I have a teenager!

Taylor turned 13 today. I can't believe my 6 lb, 15 oz, 20 inch long baby is 13! Here are some fun facts about Taylor:

She is definitely a morning person - just like her mom.

She strikes an amazing resemblance to a monkey...

She looks just like her mom - until you meet her dad! She is the spitting image of her father - right down to the same sausage-size fingers.

Taylor has an incredible talent for the piano. She gets herself up at 5:30 a.m (during the school year, of course) and practices ON HER OWN before school. I know, pretty amazing for a kid.

Taylor's favorite food is smothered burritos from La Frontera. Every time we go there she licks (literally) the plate clean!

Taylor's absolute favorite thing to do is to go shopping for clothes (I know, can you believe that?) Her favorite store is Aeropostale.

Taylor is a pretty good kid. She hardly ever gets in trouble with the law (there was that one time on her pocket bike...) (Just kidding.)

Taylor spends tons of time with her BFF Morgan (Taylor's mom absolutely ADORES Morgan!!!) They especially love the chocolate fountain - (who doesn't?!)

Taylor is very good at taking candid photos of herself. And of miscellaneous objects...

Happy Birthday Taylor!!

Don't you hate...

When you are so busy you don't even have time to blog????

First Day of School (sob!)

Cameron and his best bud Keller on their first day of 1st Grade

Ashlie and her BFF Madeline on the 1st day of 5th Grade

Yesterday I sent my baby to 5th Grade (gotta love this year round school.) Today I sent my baby to First Grade (sob). Yes, I cried a little. Yes, I am a little excited for the freedom. Yes, I am sad. Yes, I feel very, very old. Yes, I am moving on to the next stage of my life. No, I am not ready for this. My kids grew up way, way too fast. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Because I don't think I always did. Now I can't stop crying.

Help Me!

I have a TON of blankets that are taking up too much space. My husband (yes, you read right, my husband!!) does not want me to get rid of them. Now I need a storage solution. Any suggestions, ideas????????

ProActiv

If any of you out there use ProActiv and would like some free stuff, let me know. My daughter no longer uses it. I have quite a bit of stuff left. Free to the first person to contact me.

Running Tip

I have some friends who are starting to run for the first time. Congrats to them! I sent them some links on how to go from no running to running 30 minutes straight in 2 months. I thought I would share them in case anyone else is interested:

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

http://living.health.com/2008/05/05/our-walk-to-run-plan-2/

Scroll to the bottom. Enjoy!

More Stuff

I have a ton of girl baby clothes that I need to get rid of. My husband is going to sell me if I don't get them out of my house! If you know anyone that needs baby clothes, let me know. I think they range from newborn to around 3T.

I'm also selling my Little Tikes wagon. It is pretty old - from when Taylor was little. Still in good condition, though. Let me know if you or anyone you know is interested.

Marathon Training Tip

Don't go for a long run at 10:00 in the morning when it is 90 degrees outside. Trust me on this one.

If and when you lose a toenail, put a band-aid on it BEFORE you head out running. Again, trust me on this one.