Work Hard Play Hard

This is where I'm in my element! 

Been working hard this year to get back where I was before my hysterectomy and all the damage the Essure device did to my body. I have a 5k next week! I'm finally ready to race again! Starting short! 

End of Elementary

All those years in elementary school feels like it goes slow until the day they reach 5th grade...can we hit PAUSE! This year flew by! I am so proud of your achievements and the little man your becoming! Your brother's are going to really miss you when you are not there next year! I will miss knowing all my babies are in the same place! You are onto bigger things and more exciting things are awaiting you! I can't wait to see what God has in store for you!

4 years old to 11!

How did this go by so fast!!! Last day of 5th grade! 

The Best 5th grade teacher!

First day of Kindergarten to First day of Fifth grade

My brave boy sang a solo at the 5th grade ceremony and I was so proud of him. He sang "I Lived" by One Republic and did wonderful. I was shaking for him. I was trying to video with tears in my eyes! Proud mom! 

the 5th graders do a last walk thru of the entire school...this was emotional!!!  Alot of the kids had tears in their eyes except mine he was like "I'm outta here!"

Proud mom and dad!

YOUR FUTURE IS BRIGHT MR!

Happy Mothers Day

Today is a special day for all moms. One day to stop and appreciate the ones in our life who brought us into this world. 

I am blessed to have a wonderful mom and best friend! 

Never did I know how much a person could love so deeply until I became a mother. 

I'm very blessed to have three beautiful healthy boys! 

I have a husband who supports us and loves us very much and has given us a wonderful life! God knew what he was doing when he brought us together in a time of our lives when we probably weren't looking. It's been the hardest job I've ever had but the BEST! I would never change it for the world! I love being their mom! I'm proud to be their mom! Thank you to my husband for letting me be able to celebrate Mother's Day! I can't do this alone! 

Weighted Stick Trainer

Cooper came up with this for stick handling and shooting. 

So he duct taped two hockey pucks to bottom of the shaft and put Braedyn's bat weight on top of that. 

It actually is pretty heavy... 

It is supposed to help with making your shot stronger and faster... And stick handling quicker. 

Finally Friday!

How we usually feel by Friday!! 

Parking spot

I wish! 

We had to build another garage so I could park... Life in the house of three boys! Well four! Dads toy--They can't drive the mower yet! Funny thing about that is we have a lawn service! 

Shooting area, two hockey bags, a lacrosse bag, two baseball gear bags, golf clubs, three scooters, five bikes ( yes I can't understand that one), a dog kennel, and deep freeze because that is a necessity in my house! 

Maybe this explains why I'm also driving a 12 year old minivan that has science experiments growing in the back and I have lost count of the miles and the dog gets a  bonus snack if he comes along for a ride. In the mornings, I often wonder what the heck that smell is coming from. 

I had a nice car for almost a year but that's a story for another post. 

It actually made me realize I don't mind driving a beater Van until the boys can also appreciate a nice car! It kind of stresses me out to have a new car! Three boys it can only stay "new" for so long! I think the no food or drink rule can last a week tops! Anyone who knows me know we pretty much live in my car! I even carry toilet paper in my car! You just never know! Also those who know me probably can't figure that one out because my OCD must only apply to everything besides my vehicle! 

Also the cars these days are way too high tech for me! I just want to get in, turn on my radio, turn on my heater or A/C and go! When the car starts talking to me, it feels like a knight rider episode but I'm not as cool ! 

The only thing I need is to get me from point A to point B safely at this point. 

If I have to wait for a cool and fancy car that's ok..., I've wanted a jeep since I got my license at 16! I love the wind in my hair and is always what I want. I know my husband would be against a Harley so the closest thing would be a convertible or jeep! I'm more of a Jeep woman! So now  I just roll down the windows in my minivan and pretend right now! 

Maybe one day I'll have a cool mom car and a parking spot to go with it! 

Who am I kidding, I have three boys and three boys that will be driving one day! 

You know what I really need is a limo and a chauffeur!!! 

My Evolution of Running

I have ran for many purposes which have changed throughout the years....the high school track and cross country teams, fitness, health, self-esteem and now the main reason for running now is for my sanity. It has become my release from everything. It's just me and my Ipod or just me and nature or me and my dog. I do so many things for so many other people and taking care of other people's needs, this is one thing I really do for myself. I am not spending money on haircuts, colors, mani and pedis, I would rather get new running shoes or register for a race.
I believe that the runner's high I used to get after completing the 400 yard run in track could be considered a drug because I now I get that same euphoric feeling after completing a great run and it is probably as addicting as any "real" drug. This just happens to be healthy. I have always enjoyed running but not always was I disciplined about it. If I would have put in as much effort in High School as I do now who knows where that would've taken me. I guess it started back in 4th grade when we had elementary track and field days. I would always compete in the hardest running races available...the 200 and 400 yard dash. Little did I know then, that is what I would run in High School as well. I had a coach who was very hard on me and pushed me because he knew I had more in me but I didn't listen to him all the time. I had success later in High School but it was kind of a little too late. I had the opportunity to also see for myself some amazing atheletic women on my team that inspired me as younger runner. One of them had even went onto compete in the Olympic Trials. If I would have dedicated myself then like I do now I would have been at those State track meets. I did not appreciate him at the time but now I do! When I am running a hard race or feel like giving up I hear Mr. Gilman's voice in my head cheering me on and telling me to pick it up from the sidelines of the track and to keep going. This was an eye opener now that I have kids myself involved in sports. I don't want them to look back on their sports experiences and say I wish I would've given more or cared just a little bit more...I also know what it is like to look up to those older atheletes and inspire to be like them. I am glad my boys have chosen positive role models as that is hard to find these days!
Now when I lace up its to become a better mom. Those minutes I spend thinking, sweating, and getting out my emotions help me to take on the pressures of being a good Christian, a wife, mommy, taxi cab driver, coach, housekeeper, lunch, team manager, a lady, referee, nurse, teacher, friend, dry cleaner, therapist, bargain shopper, landscaper, tutor, and secretary. All these jobs on one person is a kind of stressful. So my stress relief is found on a road or a trail! Some days if I have to choose between fitting in a run or a shower I choose run. A shower is a bonus! I am a mom on the run in more ways than one!
I have seen not only the health benefits of my running, except for the minor aches and pains that goes along with it but the way my children feel about running. They know when I have not had my run or maybe I need to head out for one. I look back on the fun times we had together and I will always remember taking them to the trails which started with Braedyn in the jogging stroller as each aged up to big boy bikes with training wheels and then no training wheels and then they were off and I had to pick up the pace! I remember bundling them up in the stroller if it was above 30 degrees we would still head out. They would be out there with winter jackets, hats, and gloves. But if you are a mom with boys you will understand the more energy they can burn off the better kids they are. They find enjoyment out of it and adventure. It was an emotional sad and happy year as I said goodbye to the age of the jogging stroller. My last one entering Kindergarten and pushing 50 pounds was getting more difficult to do! He proudly graduated to his big boy bike. It's kind of turned into their special time with mom and then we play at the park or may go grab an ice cream treat when we are done. I hope one day they can do it with their own families and remember the fun times with their mom. 

They have such endurance because of this as well. It makes them strong. I see them out on the rink or basketball court and they are one of the last ones to tire out. My oldest is starting middle school on a different school calendar and he is actually excited to drop of the younger two and start hitting the trail with mom. I am looking forward to it to. Some quality time with my oldest with one on one I haven't had since I had a second then a third.
The other benefit of having a mom as a runner. They see what setting a goal for yourself means. They know if I sign up for a race, I now have to train for that race and I have certain goals I want to reach and they also see their mom achieve that goal. It shows them that if you set your mind to something that may seem a little out of reach, with hard work and dedication you can attain your goal.
I hope that inspires them to want to reach their own goals.
I have connected with so many women through running and have some great friendships. There is a lot you can talk about when you are out running for 1- 1 1/2 hours! They become are cheerleaders and get us through those tough long runs or make us accountable to meet in the morning when you really don't feel like it. We share each others trials and triumphs. Its seems as if it is a support group. You take turns talking and switching topics from your child's successes to disappointments, our gray hairs starting to creep up, recipes, and parenting. Being a stay home mom you become accustomed to being with babies and toddlers all day. This allowed me across the miles running to remember the pleasure of visiting with a friend. Long lasting friendships I have because of running.
I read a book actually given to me by one of my running partners and it is called "Sole Sisters". I loved it. If you are an avid runner, you would enjoy it as well.
As I sign off, its time for my daily run...
Get out there and move!
Running can transform your life. Because it doesn't matter how slow you ran 3 miles it is still better than 0!

Dirty Toilets?

This product you can buy at Lowe's. I use around our pool to get the salt water grime off the porcelain tiles. 

But if you live in the country on well water like us or find you have a ring around your toilet... 

This will scrub it right off! 

We use it on our toilets and they are shiney white again !

Trust Your Confidence In The Lord

Came across this in my journal today... I forgot to write book this quote came from but it's quite good!!!

"Just because God does not work the way we would like, does not mean God is not working. Our joy comes not in the way God works, our joy comes in the confidence and trust THAT GOD DOES WORK."

Waiting for a prayer to be answered and putting your trust in the Lord that is the confidence and joy we can celebrate as a believer to put it in his hands! 

What happens will happen! 

Things happen for a reason, I'm a believer in that saying... It's all in his big scheme of your life! 

Someone Has To Be Goalie

By default, being the youngest meant being goalie. Someone had to be. His brothers would help him get all the gear on and then shoot balls at him. 

This kid is going to be the toughest one of them all! 

Most kids would think that wasn't fair and would not want to play goalie...

Not this kid...he loves it! 

The leg pads have to be taped together they've been used so much, then he's got Lacrosse shoulder pads and a baseball catchers mask... Hey whatever works... 

He kind of looks like the character that comes on TV during the NFL games:) 

This kid takes a lot from his older brothers but it sure is building his character. He may be a sweet little boy but don't mess with him, remember he's got two big brothers. 

Buffalo Chicken sandwiches in the crockpot

This is so easy and soooo good! It's not to spicy! 

Ingredients: 

A family size package of chicken breasts... 8-10

1 packet of DRY ranch dressing mix

1 bottle of Franks hot sauce 16 oz. 

4 tablespoons of butter

Spray crockpot with Pam. Clean up the chicken breasts

Put in all the ingredients 

Turn on crockpot to low 6-8 hours

I've even done this by turning on high for about three and low for a couple more hours if I didn't get it started until later in the day... 

As it cooks down you can break up chicken breasts and by the end before serving shred it up... 

The serving options are endless... 

Buffalo chicken tacos

Buffalo chicken salad

My boys like the Hawaiian sweet buns and put some blue cheese crumbles on it and it is yummy! 

Have toasted some French bread melted provolone sprinkle chicken with Blue cheese. 

Enjoy!! 

Proud pictures from weekend

Working it!!! Getting the win! 

He had this smile all night long!!! 

Working Hard Pays Off

One of the biggest joys of parenting is when your child sets a goal and achieves that goal! All on their own! 

That Ah Ha moment for them when they realize all the preparation and practice they put forth paid off! 

I'm a very proud momma right now!!!

My oldest son has been lifting light hand weights at night doing curls and doing push ups and sit ups before bed. He has gotten stronger and has seen the improvements in his throws and pitching. He was the closing pitcher for one of his games this weekend and they won. 

My middle child just decided a little over a month ago he wanted to tryout for a AA  travel hockey team for next year, which at his age 9 is the highest level of competition. He hadn't been on the ice for a month because he was playing Lacrosse. I was able to get him some lessons at his request to get some help and ice time and he was in the garage every night and morning practicing stick handling drills, watching you tube videos on how to get better at hockey and taking in all he could. 

He talked about it and prayed about it. He was determined to make it. The night before tryouts he came to me at 8:00 and told me to tuck him in. The MN wild were playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs his favorite team and player Zach Parise and he went to bed without watching. 

He and I went to tryouts which is something new to us. He has done baseball tryouts but not hockey. It was the organization he played mites for at 5 but now going to be 9. He was nervous and remembered a few of the kids. I said just go out there, have fun, pretend it's a practice and do your best and do what you know... 

I watched from the stands as nervous as a mom could be. I was sweating and I wasn't out there skating! 

He did great. He ended up getting the call he was anxiously waiting for.... 

He is now a. Jr. Hurricane Squirt AA Minor teammate. 

He came home and while he was shooting around said "mom, all that practicing paid off". 

"Yes son, it did!". "We are very proud of you."

He was grinning from ear to ear and was on cloud 9. We snuggled together and watched the playoffs as he drifted off with a grin still on his sweet face. 

It was his decision to do this and tryout and who am I to say no to a kids dream because it's gonna be hard on me. I'll figure it out... 

I will always support my kids in what they want to do and help them achieve it but they have to do it on their own merits. 

If they succeed that's wonderful and if they don't you pick them back up and be there for them as to whatever reaction you get, its a life lesson learned. Unfortunately, these life lessons happen a lot earlier these days then when I was involved in sports. 

Unfortunately, Cooper experienced one of those cuts and didn't make a team at one point and after that experience he doesn't want to feel that again... 

Kids are resilient. It just may make them work harder... 

A Homemade Shooting surface

 

This has been the best thing I've come up with! A slick shooting surface for boys! 

It's melamine board cut from local Lowes store... Cost around 40$!

And a bottle of pledge! 

Spray the surface with pledge and wipe dry! 

It's slick!!!

Can stick handle and shoot! 

But be careful if you have socks on and then go on wood floors in the house!! 

Yikes!! 

I also use it for workout as a slide board! Great glute workout!!