Firecracker Run

Most everyone knows that I ran in the annual O'Fallon Firecracker Run. This is my second year of running it (only my 2nd 5K to run ever). I had an awesome running buddy. When I wanted to quit, she kept me going; and if I did quit, she didn't put me down. We had our struggles through training since we started running at the end of March. The weather was always fun to plan around. We ran in the pouring rain, strong wind, and there was only one thing that would keep us from running...lightning. The longer timed segments of our run seemed so much harder since they were perfectly planned when the temperatures went up along with the humidity. We also learned that we are morning runners. Anything after 8am is too late (There was a day we tried to run in the afternoon and we both almost threw up)! Since time was an issue, we had to plan out every week and make sure we could run before school during the school year and before the children woke up. After school was out, we tried to run before the blistering heat. Perfect conditions would be somewhere in the 60s - 70s with low humidity if anyone cares. =)

The beginning of the race.

Near the end of the race.

Me finishing the race.

My running buddy, Laura, and me after the race.

Our first goal was to complete the race running (no walking allowed). The other goal was to finish under 32 minutes and we DID!!! We plan to keep running and hopefully improve times. It has been so fun to do something good for myself and to enjoy some adult/no child interrupted time.

Thanks to Laura for being such an awesome running partner! Thanks for keeping me motivated when I was ready to quit and making sure I got all my runs in. Hopefully we'll have many more races we can do together.

Cake Boss

We have enjoyed many shows via Netflix. One of those being Cake Boss. It's a silly reality show about a guy who makes and decorates beautiful cakes. I must admit, I would LOVE to try some cake and eat the modeling chocolate. =) Haydn enjoys watching this with us and it is clean enough for him. He has proven that he is picking up on all things we do, say, and see. Since watching the show, Haydn has shown interest in helping in the kitchen. He's always enjoyed helping load or empty the dishwasher. Like everyone else when working in the food industry, he started out a dishwasher. Now he likes to crack the eggs, shake seasonings into sauces and stir. It's a little frustrating sometimes, there are days when I just don't feel like cleaning up any extra messes. However, I try not to discourage his interest in cooking/baking and helping in the kitchen. (I think it's great when a guy knows how to cook!) Haydn has asked a number of times for me to make some cookies. I said I would make them and then every single day, something would come up to keep me from making them. Last night Haydn pulled out a cookie sheet and handed it to me. I asked him what he wanted me to put on the pan and he said "Oh NO! No cookies! Mommy, cookies please." How can you say no to that? Then he gets into a drawer and pulls out the cookie scoop. He proceeded to hand it to me and said "Here Mommy. Cookies!" So, I made cookies. Haydn did help stir the dough though!

So much Catching Up to Do

I have not been too busy lately, but I just don't seem to have the time to blog lately. It doesn't help that every time I try to get on the computer to do something, Haydn wants his turn on the computer. Since Haydn doesn't take naps anymore (every now and again he does) I can't use that time either. We have done quite a bit, accomplished goals, enjoyed fun days at parks and pools, and even just staying home. I have plenty to post about, if I can I will get as much done as possible. Stick with me, I'm still here and still filling you in on the happenings of the Roe family!