I Did IT!!!

This past Sunday, I accomplished a goal...completed the Dallas Rock-&-Roll 1/2 marathon.  Some of my friends and I decided we would train together and run in the same race.  Starting in January, we started running 3-4 times during the week on our own, then would meet to do the long runs together on the weekend.  I really enjoyed getting to run with such great friends and feel this experience brought us closer together.  I don't know what I am going to do with myself come Saturday when I don't get to meet up with the "girls" for a 10 mile run. We are definitely going to do it again next year.  I also couldn't have been able to train for this race had it not been for John and my family, who not only helped watch the kids so I could run, but supported and encouraged me throughout this journey.

So, race day finally came.  I can honestly say I was so nervous I couldn't eat the day before.  I kept telling myself that I was physically prepared, but it was the "fear of the unknown."  Race day finally arrived and I was ready to get it over with.  I had set a personal goal to finish in 2 hrs, 10 min WITHOUT walking/stopping.  Well, I met my goal by finishing in 1 hr, 58 min and did not walk/stop the entire time.  When I crossed the finish line, I said to myself that I can't wait to run in this race again next year.  It was so much fun and the weather was great conditions for running. I was only able to get 2 pics with my camera, because I didn't want to take it with me while I ran.

This is the 4 "1/2 Marathon Mamas."  That is what the back of our shirts said.  :)

From left to right: Randi, Shea, Kendra, & me

This is a pic of us after crossing the finish line and receiving our "finisher" medals!!! 

BTW, our headbands said "This is My Race Pace!"



Zoo Time with Friends!!!

Well, I need to backtrack a little.  Over spring break, my friend, Amy, and I decided to take the kids to the zoo.  Several people told me it would be crazy-busy, but of course I didn't listen.  Boy, I should of listened!!! It was so crowded and hot, but we still had a great time.  The kids were great and I had my niece to help me with my 2 kids.  I was so proud of Jaylee and Cameron...we didn't  have one breakdown the entire trip.  If you know my 2 girls, then you know that this is a breakthrough!!!  I took tons of pics, but of course couldn't put them all on here.  So, I just posted some that I think captures the fun time we had at the zoo.  We can't wait to go back!!!



Cameron, Jaylee, and cousin Alex ready for the fun day!

Cruse, Cameron, Cooper and Jaylee ready to begin our adventure and fight the crowds!

Mommies with the wild children...haha!

Taking a break to sit on a big rock and explore...Jaylee LOVES her buddy Cruse!

 The big kids thought they needed to sit on the rock also.

Jaylee's favorite...penguins!

Doesn't get much sweeter than this...

Cameron and my favorite...giraffes!  We loved how the giraffe had to spread his legs in order to bend down to eat some grass.



Lady Bug Party is in the Making...

I ordered this cute birthday invitation for Jaylee's 2nd party on ETSY.  My friend Kendra told me about ordering invitations on this website.  I absolutely love ETSY, but didn't realize you can find personalized birthday invitations.  I thought they turned out so cute and wanted to share.  I hoping this year her party will not be "rained out!" 



Jaylee- 23 months

It is so hard to believe that in 1 month our baby girl will be 2!!! Geez, where has time gone???  Just lately I have began noticing how quickly she is changing from a baby to a little girl.  She is constantly wanting to do whatever Cameron is doing...even if it is playing soccer or tball or simply watching TV.  The other night Cameron was doing silly dance moves and Jaylee would mimic the exact moves then just smile her famous grin.  I can honestly say she LOVES her big sis.  When she is sad or hurt, the first person she usually cries for is "sissy" and the first person she asks for every morning when she wakes up is "sissy."  I think it is so sweet to see the bond that is forming between these 2 sisters.  Don't get me wrong though...they tend to have at least 1 sister fight/day.  The latest brawl consisted of Jaylee walking up behind Cameron (she was laying on the floor watching TV) and kicking her as hard as she could in the head...and Jaylee had her boots on.  Jaylee then proceeded to hit Cameron in the face 2 times and then just stood there to see what her reaction would be.  Priceless times...

This past Sunday Jaylee wore the cutest little dress her cousin Caris gave her.  I think the reason I like it so much is because it is not pink or purple...ha, ha! I tried to get Cameron to take a picture with Jaylee, but she told me she wasn't in the mood. Typical 5 year old response. :) Jaylee- I can't believe how fast you are growing up.  You have such a fun personality and one of the biggest, genuine smiles I have ever seen.  Mommy, Daddy, and sissy love you so much. God is so good and we constantly thank him for blessing us with you.  We can't wait to celebrate your 2nd birthday next month!

What a happy girl...I love the way she is crossing her little hands in her lap.  :)

Just a close-up of Jaylee's famous smile...it is so genuine and real.  I absolutely am in LOVE with this smile!





Cameron's 1st Soccer Game

This past Saturday Cameron had her 1st soccer game.  I was so bummed because I was in Houston and would not be able watch her play.  I told John to take lots of pictures and send me a video of her playing.  The game started at 10 am in Wichita Falls.  It was about 35 degrees with the wind blowing about 40 mph.  If anyone has been to the soccer fields in Wichita, then you know it was FREEZING!!!! However, the girls bundled up in warm clothes and played a great game.

I have to admit I was a little worried about how Cameron would do at her first game. She is so "girly" and shows no motivation or competiveness during practices.  However, on game day, John's exact words to me on the phone were..."Cameron showed up to play and did awesome!" John went on to tell me she scored 3 goals and played hard the entire game.  I was so proud of Cameron and hated I missed her game.

This was Cameron and John before they left for the game.  John actually did an excellent job playing "Mr. Mom" while I was out of town.  Look at those "pig tails" Cameron is sporting...and Jaylee is definitely not having the early morning game.  :)

I am guessing Coach Rowdy is giving Cameron some kind of "pep talk" during the game.  He is a great coach and definitely has more patience than I ever thought of having. 

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The 4 "Rowdy Angels"...our other player was out of town, so needless to say, these 4 girls got their exercise during the first game of the year!  AND...Cameron loved every minute of it and can't wait until the next game!