Reflecting on Forty

A year ago I turned 40.  I struggled with the number.  I wasn't ready to be 4-0. Almost suddenly it seemed like I had a lot of changes related to turning 40.  My hormones went berserk! The grey hairs seemed to appear overnight. Additional rolls around my middle appeared and were harder to remove.  My sleep patterns turned wacky.  I got glasses that need to be worn daily. My joints are achy. I still haven't accomplished all the things I wanted to on my 40 Before 40 List (See HERE),

But, I also experienced many wonderful things in this my 40th year -

• A trip to California wine country with some of my favorite gals
• Treated to a Surprise party by my husband
• Watching our vibrant, healthy children participate and excel in their numerous activities
• Spending time with many loved ones near and far
• Nearly daily chats with my cousin
• Lazy weekends mixed in with hectic weekends experiencing life
• Many hours spent reading and enjoying friends on our porch
• Volunteering for groups that I care deeply about
• Drinking lots of good wine
• Reading lots of wonderful books
• Deepening my relationship with Jesus
• Spending a wonderful vacation with my toes in the sand
• Having a job that is flexible and allows me freedom to do the things I love
• Having a husband whose job is flexible, close by, and allows me to be flexible
• The joys of eating delicious food
• Laughter upon laughter with friends
• Conversations with our children

As you can imagine, I could go on and on with all the joys from my 40th year.  I'm sure I've even forgotten something significant.  Reading through this list brings tears to my eyes over the memories from this year. My point is, all that stuff in the first paragraph that frustrated me about turning 40 doesn't even compare to the joys I've been blessed with.  No, I don't have the most in-shape body. No, my house isn't immaculate or professionally decorated.  Yes, my counter has dirty dishes and my floors have dirty laundry.  But, I do have an amazing husband who loves me dearly and three gorgeous kids that make me proud every single day. For that I am extremely grateful.  What more could I ask for?

So, today, as I turn 41, I am truly so thankful for my many blessings: my husband, children, and my parents, my extended family and friends, our home, our community, and our livelihoods that make these blessings possible.

Join me as I continue to work on letting go of the worry, getting my body in shape, reading all I have time for, and enjoying the moments! Here's to 4-1!

40 Before 40 Complete....Sort Of

Tonight my 40 Before 40 project is over.  I will be 40 tomorrow.  I have been working on achieving 40 items during this, my 39th year.  Even though I didn't accomplish all of them, I feel really good about the ones I did accomplish. I would like to think that in the next year, I should be able to finish up the rest.  I have included my list and thoughts about each item below.  The ones I didn't finish are left in black.  Thanks for joining me on this journey.  I am very anxious to get working on my 40+ years ahead of me and I have some thoughts that I will share with you soon.  But first.....I am going to celebrate with my family and then I will be flying off to California with some girlfriends.  This will be our view for the next few days and I can't wait!

Cheers! Here's to my last 40 and the next 40+!

1-Go out to eat with Pat to a restaurant we have never been to.
     - Pat and I went out to a little Mexican restaurant on 1/10/12 called La Salsita.  It was ok.  I think we will stick to our usual Hacienda Las Gloria for our Mexican fare.  We went to Cibo Fusion in Marion, IA on 1/13/12. I would definitely go back!

2-Cook something with an ingredient I have never used.
   - I made Goji Power Snacks with coconut oil and chia seeds - two ingredients I have never used before on 4/2/12 HERE.

3-Try Sushi – preferably with my cousin, Melanie.
    Done - 3/9/12 Tried 3 different kinds of sushi and sashimi.  Read about it HERE.

4-Lose 20 lbs.
    -I have lost 7 lbs as of 2/22/12.
   - I have lost 10 lbs as of 3/9/12
   - Current total loss = 10 lbs...which is better than not losing any or gaining 10 lbs! But, I can do better!

5-Pay for a stranger’s drive through food. Ugh, this would have been so easy, but mostly I just forgot each time I had the opportunity.

6-Write letters to each of our kids.
    - For Valentine's Day I wrote 10 Things I Love about each of them.

7-Write a letter to Pat.
    - For Valentine's Day I wrote 10 Things I Love about him.

8-Write a letter to my parents.
  -  Done on 12/14/11

9-Have all the white walls in the house painted a different color– either by someone else or myself.
   - We hired them done and the painter finished on 5/31/12! All the paint came from Sherwin Williams.  Mudroom is Rain. Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Hallways are Practical Beige. 2 Accent walls are Portobello and YES I LOVE IT!

10-Spend an entire day reading off of MY to-read bookshelf.
    -  I was never able to devote an ENTIRE day to reading, but of the 42 books I read this year, 16 of them were ones that I chose to read for my own enjoyment.  I didn't read them for a book club or for a publisher in order to review it.  I just read it because I wanted to read the book.  That is a little over 20% of the books I read.  Even though I love reviewing books, I need to be better about reading books that I want to read.  

11-Spend an entire day antiquing. - Well, it truly is hard to give up a whole day for myself and I really wanted to do this with my friend, Mary.  Hopefully soon, we can find a day.

12-Visit Tammy in Tennessee.
    - Flew out to visit Tammy from June 22 - June 25, 2012!  Check out my trip HERE.

13-Spend an entire day baking treats and delivering to friends and neighbors. -I had really hoped to do this during the summer, but it just flew by.  Hopefully over the holidays we can get this accomplished.

14-Spend a day with Julie at The Mission of Hope.
     - Done on 12/21/11, but would like to do it again!

15-Have a weekend getaway with Pat. This is just really difficult for us right now with our kids' schedules and not a lot of people able to stay with the kids to help out.  Someday we will get this opportunity again.

16-Send an encouraging/happy card to someone every week.
     Week 1 - Card to our friend Ardie who is a recent and unexpected widow.
     Week 2 - Card to my friend, Diana
     Week 3 - Card to my cousin, Melanie and my friend, Jen
     Week 4 - Card to my uncle, Bill who had surgery due to prostrate cancer
     Week 5 - Card to my niece, Laura for her birthday
     Week 6 - Card to my niece, Jena who has 2 big anatomy tests this week
     Week 7 - Card to my BFF Tammy, who I miss dearly
     Week 8 - Card to my Secret Sister at church for Thanksgiving
     Week 9/10 - Card to my niece, Ali and niece, Jena
     Week 11 - I sent 145 Christmas cards with numerous personal notes to family and friends.
     Week 12 - Card to my BFF, Tammy for her Birthday
     Week 13 - Card to niece, Jena after having surgery and cousin, Gayle to celebrate her engagement!
     Week 14 - Birthday card to my friend, April and card to my secret sister.
     Week 15 - Card to Uncle Eugene after going out to eat together and to niece, Mykenah after she was bit by a dog and needed surgery.
     Week 16 - Card to my cousin, Art who has been recovering from illness and to niece, Kenan for her birthday.
     Week 17 - Card to niece, Krysta for her birthday, and to friend, Eric who got his wisdom teeth out  
     Week 18 - Sympathy card to the family of a high school friend who died of leukemia and to a dear friend of my mom's who has cancer.  
     Week 19 - Card to Joe and Helen from our church.
     Week 20 - Valentine's Day cards/gifts to my niece Jena, cousin Melanie, and BFF Tammy
     Week 21 and 22 - Several postcards to friends and family from our vacation. 
     Week 23 - Sent birthday cards to my sisters
     Week 24 - Sent a package to my niece, Jena to welcome her to Spring!
     Week 25 - Sympathy card to a friend, anniversary card to friends
     Week 26 - Sent the Cousin Box to Jensen and Elise, get well cards to Uncle Ralph and Aunt Ruthie, and birthday package to great-niece Amya.
     Week 27 - Birthday card to Brother-in-law, Steve and Easter cards to several people
    Week 28 - Birthday card to our great-niece, Mykenah.
    Week 29 - Thank you cards sent to two friends.
    Week 30 - Birthday cards to my cousin, Gayle and niece, Jena.
    Week 31 - Birthday card to my great-niece, Morgan 
    Week 32 - Mother's Day cards to several friends and relatives
    Week 33 - Lots and lots of Graduation cards given out this week
    Week 34 - More Graduation cards, thank you cards, and a birthday card to my cousin, Elise.
    Week 35 - Three Birthday cards sent out this week
    Week 36 - Cards to friends who had twins, a friend who is hurting, and another who has breast cancer.
    Week 37 - Anniversary card to nephew and his wife, graduation card/gift to Ali, birthday cards to Emily and Bill
    Week 38 - Card and cupcake to our neighbor for his birthday, card to my cousin, Erin for her birthday
    Week 39 - Cards and gifts given for weddings
    Week 40 -  Card and gifts for my niece, Kara's baby shower.
    Week 41 - Birthday card/gift to our niece, Sarah
    Week 42 - Thank you card to my Aunt Kathy
    Week 43 - Sympathy card to cousin, Wedding card/gift to our niece
    Week 44 - Sent a birthday card/gift to my Great-Niece Aubrey
    Week 45 - Anniversary card to my sister-in-law and husband and to my parents
   Week 46 - Sympathy card to my cousin, Velma and birthday card to my dad.
   Week 47 -  Birthday card and gift to my cousin, Melanie and cousin box to cousins Jensen and Elise
   Week 48 - Encouragement card to my cousin, Charlotte in her fight against cancer and to my friend, Tammy for the beginning of her new job.
   Week 49 - Card sent to my niece, Jena in her 2nd year of PA school.
   Week 50 - Card of sympathy sent to my mom's friend, Mary.
   Week 51 - Birthday cards to our cousin, Jensen and card and gift to my Secret Sister. Get well card to Bennett's teacher. 
   Week 52 - Encouragement card to a friend.
This blessed me more than I imagined.  I felt so good sending these cards off.  Sometimes I even got a thank you card or my card.  I love sending cards and have to continue to make this a priority.

 17-Give a waitress/waiter a 100% tip.
     - Well, I gave my hair stylist a 100% tip on 12/21/11, but plan to do it for a waiter/waitress too!

18-Buy Christmas gifts for a needy family at Christmas.
     - Bought several toys, hats, gloves, and scarves for people served by the Mission of Hope for their Christmas giveaway. Check it out HERE!

19-Get caught up and organized with all our photos. Yeah, NEED to get this done. UGH!

20-Share Jesus with someone who didn’t know Him. - Through our After School JAMS program I am around many kids who know and don't know Jesus.  Through conversations and questions with the kids, I know I am making an impact here each week.  

21-Label all the family DVDs. - Again, a time factor.  Needs to get done soon!

22-Take the kids for a limo ride. - Just wasn't a priority, but it would have been fun!

23- Read 40 books.
      1 - FAMILY TREE by Barbara Delinsky ***
      2 - PRETTY NEAT by Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch *****
      3 - MAI TAI ONE ON by Jill Marie Landis ***
      4 - CALL ME WHEN YOU LAND by Michael Schiavone ***
      5- THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS by Rebecca Skloot *****
      6- PROOF OF HEAVEN by Mary Curran Hackett ***
      7- THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein ****
      8 - WISHIN' AND HOPIN' by Wally Lamb ****
      9 - THE MAGIC ROOM by Jeffery Zaslow *****
     10- ON STRIKE FOR CHRISTMAS by Sheila Roberts ***1/2
     11- THE YELLOW HOUSE by Patricia Falvey *****
     12 - LITTLE BEE by Chris Cleave *****
     13 - SISTER by Rosamund Lupton ****
     14 - THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins  ****
     15 - OLIVE KITTERIDGE by Elizabeth Strout *****
    16 - CROOKED LETTER, CROOKED LETTER by Tom Franklin *****
    17 - THE GOOD WIFE'S GUIDE by Darlene Schacht ****
    18 - CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins ****
    19 - THE PROMISED LAND by Valerie Stocking ***
    20 - FIFTY SHADES OF GREY: Book One by E. L. James ***
    21 - A KILLING IN IOWA: A Daughter's Story of Love and Murder by Rachel Corbett **
    22 - THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Harbach **
    23 - LOTS OF CANDLES, PLENTY OF CAKE by Anna Quindlen ****
    24 - MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins ***
    25 - THE BABY CHEAPSKATE by Angela Wynne *****
    26 - MAKING LIFE MATTER by Shane Stanford *****
    27 - LONE WOLF by Jodi Picoult ****
    28 - LATER BLOOMERS by Debra Eve ****
    29 - THE WORLD WITHOUT YOU by Joshua Henkin ***
    30 - YOUR DAUGHTER NEEDS A HERO by Maria C Furlough *****
    31 - THE REPLACEMENT WIFE by Eileen Goudge ***
    32 - ONE BREATH AWAY by Heather Gudenkauf *****
    33 - YELLOW CROCUS by Laila Ibrahim *****
    34 - SOLOMON'S OAK by Jo-Ann Mapson ****
    35 - RUN YOUR BUTT OFF by Sarah Lorge Butler, Leslie Bonci, and Budd Coates ****
    36- WICKED WIVES by Gus Pelagatti ****
    37 - MRS. KIMBLE by Jennifer Haigh ****
    38 - THE LAST LETTER by Kathleen Shoop ***
    39 - BEYOND THE CHORE CHART by Kimberly Eddy ****
    40 - BARED TO YOU by Sylvia Day ****
    - Done on 8/29/2012!!!
    41 - UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand ****
   42 - HOME FRONT by Kristin Hannah *****
   43- THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin *****

  
24-Finish reading The Bible. Nope, still working on it. I'm in Jeremiah.

25-Photograph something from our life at least once a week.
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26-Make a loaf of bread from scratch. -I have at least been researching different bread recipes....does that count???

27-Send flowers to someone.
    - Done - Sent to my friend Ardie on 12/20/11.

28-Go without sugar for 1 whole week.
     - Began on September 23, 2012 and completed on September 29, 2012!

29-Take my family to LeMars, Iowa for some Blue Bunny Ice Cream. I really wanted to do this during the summer, but time ran away from us.  I also didn't realize how far away from us it really was.  Really not an easy day-trip as I had originally thought.  Still want to do though.

30-Have the “Birds and Bees” talk with our kids. -Will be doing soon!

31-Scan all my childhood photos into the computer. - With mom's illness this spring/summer, I wasn't really able to have the time to devote to this that I wanted to.  

32-Try wine from 40 different wineries.
      1 - Beviamo Sparkling Moscato
      2 - Oktoberfest from Eagles Landing in Marquette, IA
      3 - Red Fox from Stone Cliff in Dubuque, IA
      4 - Pink Moscato from Sutter Home, California
      5- Andre Peach Passion Durazno, California    
      6 - White Zinfandel from Charles Shaw, California
      7 - Happy Camper from California
      8 - Several Wines from Arrington Vineyards, Arrington, Tennessee
      9 - Chardonnay from Huntington Vineyards, Graton, CA
     10 - Chardonnay from Cupcake Vineyards, Livermore, CA
     11 - Demi Sec from Cedar Ridge Winery, Swisher, IA
     12 - Mamamango Moscato - Italy
    13 - Glow from Fireside Winery, Marengo, IA
    14 - Aspok from John Ernest Vineyard, Tama, IA
    15 - 2G2BT Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, CA
Ok, well, so I didn't try 40 different wineries.....I have some favorite wines that I frequently go back to often.  But, I bet I will get closer to this goal this weekend! :)

33- Send 3 boxes to Operation Christmas Child
      DONE!  Read more about it HERE!

34-Get all my recipes and cookbooks organized.- I did get a new cookbook shelf hand-built by my husband, I sorted through all my cookbooks and got rid of ones that weren't important to me.  Now to get binders organized of all the loose recipes.

35-Buy a nativity set to add to my collection.
     Check my new Nativity Set HERE!

36-Start reading the Little House Series to Reagan
     - Started reading LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS on 8/19/2012

37- Have monthly Family Game Nights with the kids and Pat.
     - December - A wild game of Monopoly and I WON of course!
     - January - Game night of 100 Wacky Things, Beat the Parents, and Cranium Brain Break
     - February - Several game nights throughout the month.  Played Spot It on vacation a lot!
     - March - Alas, busy nights and weekends led to no games...I also think the warm weather played a part in that too.  We were often outside til dark.  We did manage to have a family movie one Sunday night, Mr Popper's Penguins. Does that count?
     - April - The kids have been into the Wii lately and Mario Kart has been the game of choice.  Reagan is even getting into it.  Lots of laughs when they race each other!
     - May - A rousing game of UNO Attack was played!  The kids are still on the Mario Kart kick and a few rounds of that are still played nearly daily!
    - June - Lots of Mario Kart was still being played and we had a good family game of Skip-Bo.
    - July - Apples to Apples and Whoonu have kept us laughing!
    - August - Our game of choice was Spoons!  
    - September - Alas, no time for family games this month between activities and practices.

38- Splurge on a rockin’ new outfit to wear to my party!
    - There won't be a party, but I did get a few new clothes for my trip!

39-Have a party to celebrate turning 40 and completing my list!
    - No party, instead I am taking a trip with some awesome ladies!

40- Let Go and Let God!
     - A daily struggle and one I will continue to work on.

Scenes From Our Week - Week 52

Well, it has been one year since I started my goal of posting Scenes From Our Week....snippets from our little corner in Iowa.  I've been sharing photos of our family, friends, and scenery throughout the last year.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing them as much as I have had taking them.  This project forced me to be more deliberate in my photography, being sure the camera was always close by.  Now we have the photos to help us remember those moments.  Stayed tuned for many more Scenes From Our Week.

Every 6th grader needs to construct a boat for science class.  The boat must be able to float and be creative.   This year, Bennett came up with a canoe made out of Rice Krispies.  So, I mixed up a batch of Rice Krispie treats for him and he formed it into the shape of a canoe, adding popsicle sticks for the seats.  After letting it sit for a couple days, we covered it in Shellac and we wait to see if it floats.  Tomorrow is the big test.

Bennett, #77 has been getting some action on the football field.  He's been going after tackles and having fun with it.  It has sure been fun to cheer the team on and celebrate their winning season so far.

Every week, Patrick improves his time during his Cross Country runs.  This week he ran a mile in 6:47.  Way to go Patrick!  Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Elaine came out to cheer him on.

Finally, Patrick reminded us we are never to old to be a kid.  

Have a wonderful week and be sure that you are taking in all the beauty of fall that surrounds us.

Scenes From Our Week - Week 51

Last week I forgot to post a special photo. 

 We had a double date night with Pat's sister, Julie and her husband, Bill.  

We had such a fun time visiting and enjoying wine at our local winery, John Ernest Vineyard 

and then a delicious Chinese meal in a neighboring town.

Last week was busy with Bennett's two football games, a cross-country meet and it was Homecoming! Thank goodness we still had excellent weather!

  Bennett is right in the middle in blue, 

but I love how the kid in black seems to be giving me the thumbs up for this shot!

It was an exciting first game and the boys won 24-16!

Tuesday night, Bennett's team played a game in the UNI Panthers Dome.  This is such a thrill for these boys and was a great game.  They scored. We scored. Back and forth the whole game.

Bennett #77

Bennett's #1 Cheerleader - Reagan

Time Out

Pat and Patrick helped with the chain gang.

It was an exciting game, but sadly we lost 40-38. 

I made Bobcat cupcakes for the kids and their friends to enjoy after the pep rally.

Patrick was super excited to perform with the marching band in his first parade.  

He played the Tri-Toms and had a lot of fun marching through town playing the Benton Fight Song!  

So much school spirit!  What a fun pep rally!  As a former cheerleader, I love Homecoming week!

There was even a teacher flash mob! So fun!

The FFA sponsors a Kiss the Pig contest each year.  Teachers are nominated and students donate money towards a certain teacher.  The teacher with the most money has to kiss the pig.  All the money is donated to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Mrs. Noettger was such a good sport!

We closed out our week with a lazy Saturday morning.  

We spent some of our Summer Fun money and went bowling 

and then out to dinner at one of our favorite spots, Fazoli's. 

Fall is here and the kids are anxiously waiting for the field behind our house to be harvested.  Our days and nights on the porch are limited and the fireplace will soon be lit.  But, it truly is my favorite season of the year! 

My 5 Week Challenge Update with Peak 313 Fitness

Today begins my 2nd week of the Living and Active 5 Week Challenge.  I was surprised how easy last week was.  I was able to fit in 4 workouts into my week which was a new thing for me.  I was usually happy if I got one or two times in.  But, I made it a priority and my muscles reacted.  I didn't drop any pounds last week, but I didn't gain either.  What I did noticed was that on my workout on Sunday, I was able to go farther and burn more calories in the same amount of time.  That is a great challenge to work on right there.

I find that running on the treadmill is so much better than running through town.  One, I'm invisible.  I'm self-conscious and don't like having people see me running around town.  Two, I can keep track of my progress....how far I have run & how many calories I've burned.  I can change up my run with my incline or my speed whenever I want.  So, as long as it is getting cooler, I'm going to stay on my treadmill.  Plus, I just found a show I can start watching on Netflix Instant....Downton Abbey.  I've heard so much about it and have been curious, so now that I know Season one is available, I can check it out.  If I only allow myself to watch it on the treadmill, I will be motivated to go run, just so I can watch the show.  I did that last winter with GLEE and it worked really well for me.

The other benefit of this particular challenge in the Soul Food part of it.  Week One's verse was from Ecclesiastes 4:12 - Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  I really love this verse because it reminds us that we are never alone, we are  all part of a team...God's team. Your family is a team. Your friends are your team, and I joined this Peak 313 team.  We are all in it together, here to help each other, support each other, and love each other in this life and we can't be defeated!

So, here I am, ready to give Week 2 a go.  

Scenes From Our Week - Week 50

Like I mentioned last week, Bennett won the election for Student Body President.  

Here he is with his campaign poster.

We had our first week of After School JAMS.  JAMS is a program that we started at our church on Wednesdays after school.  Our goal was to reach out to kids in our community and share the love of Jesus with them hoping they will in turn share that love with others.  

JAMS stands for Jesus And Music Service. This week we had 30 kids which is more than ever and there were some kids who couldn't come.  

We are so thrilled that each year our program is growing and we are reaching out to kids that have never known the love of Jesus.

 Since it was so nice on Wednesday, we took the kids outside for some relay races.  

We had the favorite Egg On Spoon race 

and then the Balloon Between the Legs While Blowing Bubbles race.  The kids had a blast!  

On Thursday night, while doing dishes, I was in awe of the amazing colors in the sky.  It seemed every time I grabbed a new dish, the sky was different.  I had to run out and snap a couple photos. 

 I wasn't the only one to be amazed with the sunset that night as many friends posted photos as well.  

We truly are blessed with the amazing sunsets we get to see outside our windows.

We have a busy week ahead with 2 football games, a cross-country meet, a no-school day, and it is homecoming week.  There will definitely be lots of pictures to post next week!

I've Joined the Challenge

In my 40 Before 40 Challenge, I had stated that I wanted to lose 20 pounds.  Well, I don't think I am going to make that goal, but I'm going to give it one last good run.  The perfect opportunity popped into my regular blog reading and I decided to join in.

PEAK 313 FITNESS is offering a Living and Active Challenge for the next 5 weeks.  Even though I am turning 40 in less than 5 weeks, I decided this was the best thing to get my rear in gear.  Clare offers much needed advice and encouragement when it comes to getting fit.  She is also a Christian and includes spiritual guidance throughout her blog.  This current challenge offers a exercise plan and "soul food" of a Bible verse to memorize each week.  Clare offers exercises (with instructional videos) for you to fit in or you can do your own.  The requirement is that you are exercising at least 4x per week and memorizing your verse.  If you complete the 5 week challenge, you will be entered to win a prize.  Everything Clare is offering is for free.

For me it isn't about the prize Clare is offering, but the prize I hope to get from myself at the end of 5 weeks. For me, I just need to be accountable to something or someone and have some motivation.  So far I am 2 for 2 with tomorrow (Wednesday) being my rest day.  My muscles are aching but I have slept really well the last 2 nights.  I hope that continues.  I have also stopped drinking Diet Mountain Dew.  The last few times I have drank it, I have gotten terrible stomachaches.  I wasn't even drinking it that often anymore, maybe one a week.  So, I just decided it wasn't worth it and haven't bought any more.  I am drinking water all the time, and know the benefits will soon show from that.

There is still time for you to join in on this challenge.  Click HERE and print off your calendar.  I put mine right on our counter where I see it throughout the day.  If you are going to join in, let me know in the comments.  We can keep each other accountable.

Scenes From Our Week - Week 49

We had a fun Sheltered Reality performance last Sunday night.  We were able to perform with some of our friends and get them up on stage.  Everyone had a great time!

Patrick had his first Cross Country meet on Tuesday.  Yes, Tuesday, if you remember was HOT.  It was still 95 degrees with high humidity at 4:30 when the race started.  It was hot for the fans watching let alone the kids that had to run in it.  We were really proud of Patrick for finishing his 1.25 miles in 9 1/2 minutes.  

And...they are off.....

Sticking with the pack.....

Coming in for the finish.

Both boys came home with exciting news this week.  Patrick was selected to play the Tri-Toms for the Middle School Marching Band, which apparently is a big deal.  He is certainly looking forward to Homecoming now!  Bennett decided to run for Student Body President since he is a 6th grader this year and he won the election.  He is thrilled and is looking forward to leading his school and classmates to a fun and exciting year.  Hopefully, I don't have to start calling him President Bennett!

Patrick had a second Cross Country meet on Saturday morning and it was our home meet.  The weather was perfect and he had a much better time.  I don't have the official time but it was just over 8 minutes.

There were a lot of Middle School Boys to race against.....

He placed 23rd and received a ribbon.  We are sure proud of his accomplishments so far.  

Cross Country is not easy!

After our meet on Saturday, we headed over to Pat's sister's home to pick up our nephew for the night.  

We just had to get some kitty lovin in.  This kitty liked licking and then biting Reagan's fingers.

One Month Left

One month from today I will turn 40.  FOR-TY.  That is tough to say.  Why?  I'm not sure.  I know that it is better to be turning forty than the other option, but it just seems like half my life is over.  Have my first 40 years gotten me ready for the next 40 years?  Am I happy?  Am I where I should be at this point in my life?  What am I going to do in the next 10 years to prepare for being 50 and an empty-nester?

I set a goal for myself to accomplish 40 things before I turned 40.  The list of them is available by clicking at the top of the page.  When I looked over that list today, many things have been checked off and others likely won't be and yet, others really aren't that important any more.  I was working on this list a year ago, trying to decide what I wanted to accomplish in this year.  Some of the things that were important to me a year ago, no longer are....for example: Having a big bash to celebrate.  I'm not going to do that.  I have something else planned and I am so excited about it.  Some of my organizational items likely won't get done in a month and I am ok with that.  They are still there, hopefully I can tackle them soon, but, if it takes another year, that's ok.

Lately, I've been trying to take things as they come, relax, go with the flow, and just Be Happy.  I am currently reading THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin and I look forward to writing about my experience and thoughts while reading this book.  I think this will be my focus for my 40th year.  But, you will have to stay tuned to find out.

Until then, I'm going to enjoy my last month of being 39, work on a few more of my 40 Before 40 goals, and look ahead to my next 40 years.

Scenes From Our Week - Week 48

If you know me at all, you know I am amazed with the glorious sunsets we see here in Iowa. 

Here are some of the shots I got this week.

 

 

 

Patrick is participating in Cross Country for the first time this year. 

After running the 5K in June in our town,

he decided to try out the one in a neighboring town this weekend. 

He improved his time by 5 minutes finishing in 24.29. 

He has his first Cross Country meet this week and I can't wait to cheer him on!

 

Patrick starting out the 5K

Patrick is coming in with a strong finish...doing just what his dad told him....Run it out...Don't leave anything left!

After the 5K was the annual parade. 

It was fun to see Pat's brother and his family with their Oliver Tractors in the parade. 

 It isn't a small town parade without tractors and candy!

 

 

Reagan loves her cousin, Ali. 

 

May your week be full of beautiful sunrises and sunsets

 and may you be blessed with family-time this week!

 

Scenes From Our Week - Week 47

School began for us.  The kids had a full week....except for Reagan who started getting sick on Wednesday, ran a fever Wednesday night and stayed home on Thursday. I think allergies turned into a nasty cold.  

Patrick - 7th Grade

Bennett - 6th Grade

Reagan - 2nd Grade

Because we are a large (in square miles) district, this year we have all 3 kids in 3 different school buildings.  It made open house night interesting and will keep us very busy with all their activities.  It was already a week of adjusting to no more family meals.  Patrick has Cross-Country practice after school until 6pm and Bennett goes to practice at 6pm for football.  The boys don't even see each other until 8pm.  So, I am making several suppers and trying to keep everyone happy. With this schedule it at least makes the week go by fast.

Oh my, these years are going by so fast.  Trying to cherish all the moments.

Bennett was having a little fun posing before heading off to football practice.

This may not be a big deal to most of you, but for us it was.  Patrick ate the WHOLE BURGER at Culver's. Patrick is a picky eater and has trouble with aversions to certain foods.  So, this was pretty exciting and he sure enjoyed his ice cream after eating this burger!

We had a nice, relaxing weekend.  

I loved this sunset because it looks like we have mountains off to the west.  Hey, I can dream a little, right???

I spent a lot of time on my porch reading, listening to music, chatting with friends, and relaxing.  

I know those days and weekends are very limited and I am soaking up every moment of it.