ATR

"So how long have you been running?" I hear that a lot lately. And when I try to tell people that I am NOT, in fact, a runner - they do not seem to believe me. Well, let me tell you :  I am not a runner. Im not! I am not one of those lean, muscular runners with 0% body fat who think nothing of running 10 miles today and 15 tomorrow. I have to work at it. I do not run everyday. But I do cardio of some type 3-4 times a week. Running (when it is not 100 degrees outside) is just one of those things.

I do want to lose some more weight (don't most people?) so that is part of my motivation. A lot of my motivation comes from a combination of things. I love running with Shannan and Amy - my two coworkers who have run lots and lots of 5ks with me in the past year or two. I love trying to beat my time from previous races (I do have a competitive streak in me for sure). and I really want to stay healthy. I want to have good blood pressure, a decent weight and good cholesterol and sugar levels. I want to be able to play with my kids and be active with them. I like them to see me participate in physical activity. I hope it helps them to stay healthy as they grow.

And to clear up a few things : Running is NEVER, I repeat NEVER fun to begin with. But you do get there. When I have not run much in a few months (b/c of holidays or the heat of an Alabama summer) it is truly NOT fun to get back out there. That is why I try to make the most of spring and fall. There are LOTS of people who sign up for 5k and 10ks who do not run the whole time (like yours truly).
I do not run for a solid length of time. I break it up. I run as far as a can, then walk a minute or two, and then start back up. I never really liked the couch to 5K thing. I just run and listen to how my body feels. The girls I run with and I will say - "Lets try to make it to that street sign." and then just go from there. And we keep moving.
Did you now most runners are actually pretty nice people? Those TRUE runners - the ones who have finished the 5K or 10K while you are still huffing and puffing about half way though - the ones who have run back to where you or a family member are - saying "good job - keep going - you are almost there." They mean those things they are saying. 5Ks and 10Ks have no limits on who participates. There are people there of all ages, sizes, shapes and abilities. All trying to get to the finish line. All encouraging each other and sharing worried glances at upcoming hills or small smiles at the sight of a finish line.

When I crossed the finish line for the Azalea Trail Run 10K yesterday, Stephen turned to my mom and said, "My mommy "loozed!" Do you think she will be sad?" My mom explained to him that I did not lose - that just finishing was a big deal and I think he understood as best he could. This is a good life lesson, right??? Seems lots of us forget that though. To get out there and try.

When I first started "running", my brother would tell me, "Remember, Lettie. 99% of the people in the US are asleep in their beds right now, or laying on the couch or making excuses. You got up and tried." This meant a lot to me. It meant a lot that he believed I could do it. That it was worth me getting up and trying.

So, if you say you aren't a runner...then I am in the same boat you are.I still have to stop and walk. I still have more weight to lose. I still have LOTS and LOTS of room for improvement.  But I try nonetheless. And yesterday was a perfect spring Mobile day for the annual Azalea Trail Run. And the crazy thing? I actually enjoyed the run! Who knew that was even possible?  Sign up for a 5K. If you are in Mobile, I will join you. They really are a good way to jump in and you will probably be surprised by how well you do.

Stephen's t-ball debut...

My nanny said so....

Me: Time to take a bath, kiddos.
Stephen: I already took one, mama.
Me: Um, I don't think you did. We just came in from outside.
Stephen: I took one. You just don't remember because you are getting old. Old people forget things. I know this because my nanny told me.

Well, I am at old at 31. Who knew?!?!?!

What a tease

Weekends like this one are really just a tease - sunshine, great food, boats, bikes, beaches...Minus the losing an hour of sleep (although I DO love the time change) it was really a great weekend. 

Here are some pictures of our adventures...

We began the weekend at a cupcake shop. Eli looks a little suspicious that Ansley might swipe his cupcake. No worries, Eli! Unlike her mama, cupcakes (and all other desserts) do not ever seem to tempt her much....ugh. How did I not get that gene????

Ansley and her BFF Anna Faith ready to catch some fish. Not one fish was caught that day, but these two girls were excellent and patient fishermen - er, fisherwomen....

Stephen and his daddy showing the fish who is the boss.

Girls ready for a boat ride!

Stephen with "David French" driving the boat. Stephen clung on to David's arm with all his might and then when it was over,  politely stated the ride was fun, but that he would wait for the wind to go away before he ventured out again.

Stephen the pirate attacking the girls on the dock....

Stephen and Mamaw Jo hanging out. Mamaw is taking care of BIZ-ness on the phone there...

Jamey cooking up some magnificent food.

The final product. And there are ZERO left overs after a crowd of 20+ showed up for a Sunday afternoon cookout.

A Season of Bright Sadness

Lent is a fairly new practice for me. I say practice, because I have always known it existed, I just never really gave it much thought. In recent years, Jamey and I have become very involved and active in a church that allows us the opportunity to learn about Lent and the meaning behind the season leading up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday. My mom grew up Catholic, so this is nothing new to her. But Jamey growing up Southern Baptist and me with a mix of Methodist and Southern Baptist - this is a newer area for us.
Tonight we heard one of our pastors speak of a "bright sadness" - this is a Christian Orthodox combination of fasting, prayer, meditation designed to help us to remember the sins, the sorrow, the dark parts of our lives. Our secret (or perhaps not so secret) thoughts and actions in which we are not shining for Jesus as we are called to do. It takes courage to think about the sadness of this time of Lent, about the pain our sins cause to ourselves, our family, our God. But to identify these areas of darkness during this time means that we must have hope that we are called to and are able to turn away from those sins and sadness. Easter is hope. If we do not have the joy that comes with the hope of Easter - the hope of salvation and the hope of greater things which we can not understand, there is not much use in worrying about the season of Lent at all. The two parts are connected  - the "brightness" of hope and the "sadness" as we are reminded that we fall short of where we should be.
Bright Sadness - I read more about this online tonight and one writer reminded us of the Sermon on the Mount - the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, those who are meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." We are those people who feel drained in spirit , we are those who are sad, we are those who feel like we sometimes - many times - have no voice or control, we desire something better, something more meaningful. This is the time to remember our sadness so that we can experience the joy and hope that is to come.



PS _ Thank you to Mr. Howell for the Girl Scout Cookies. That were GONE before bedtime tonight courtesy of a sneaky little boy who did not even leave ONE cookie for his daddy....

Ansley competing in the talent show at JCCA

We were riding in the car a few weeks ago and Ansley says to me, "Mama - I need $1 for school."
"Why?" I asked.
"I signed up for the talent show. I am playing the piano. It cost $1 to be in it."

Ummmmmmmmmmm - to say I was proud of my baby girl for signing up for this contest herself would be the understatement of the year. She chose her song (are you sleeping?) and practiced and was ready to perform.
She won 3rd place in her age division and my mom, Steve and I were absolutely thrilled of her performing in front of a chapel full of people.

Here she is with her award after her performance.....

Mardi Gras 2011

We spent a few days in downtown Mobile for Mardi Gras activities. Storms all day Sat meant cancellation of all the parades Sat and Sat night, but a good time was still had by all. There was a Tallship docked at the Convention Center and was open for free tours.

As we walked up to the boat, Stephen looked up to see my mom already on board. "AHOY Captain Nanny!" he shouted!

Here is a picture of Ansley and I on the back of the boat. The wind was AWFUL and I was a bit nervous my children would be blown away a few times. We managed to hang on to them though....

Ansley and Luke in front of the boat...

 The kiddos climbing up to the top deck...

Sara's mom and sister joined us for the adventure on the boat - as you can tell - hurricane type winds were blowing full force....

Stephen at the wheel of the boat!

Jamey and I dressed up for the ball - No, Jamey did not keep on his awesome beer mug hat (Stephen caught this at the Crewe of Columbus parade Friday night) Jamey just looked at this and said, please tell me you did not put this on the internet...

 We ate lunch at Wintzells Oyster House - And as usual, Ansley ordered and and very much enjoyed her plate of oysters. She is more than happy to eat them raw or cooked - but I am a tad leary of letting her eat the raw ones, so she ordered bakes oysters and loved them all. Here she is with her empty plate...

 Stephen showing off his guns.....

 Ansley dressed up in all the gear....

 Sara Martin, Sara Self and I out on the town

Happy Mardi Gras, everyone!!!

Taking a Haircut....

A list of things Stephen loves:

• frozen waffles cooked in the toaster at 6am on weekdays
• Superheros
• playing superheros with his aunt peggy
• Happy Meals
• playing Batman on the Wii with his daddy. 

A list of things Stephen does NOT love:

• Going to sleep
• Waking up
• eating potatoes (except those in french fry form)
• brushing his teeth
• Oh yeah - one more thing - haircuts. Here is a picture of the face Stephen made throughout his entire haircut this afternoon.