God has not lead me wrong and has made me strong.

This morning was almost a 7 mile run for me and I am so thankful to feel my legs, lungs and ankles ready for the challenge.

Running is something that when I don't have time for it, I really miss it and often don't realize the different ways it benefits my body and entire self. While running my mind goes into 'defrag mode'. It properly files away the randomness I have throughout the week, month or day.

While running and being absorbed by music I often find myself able to plan vacations, start businesses, schedule childcare and prep amazing meals. That is only in the first 3 miles. (Of course most times its all gone when i walk in the door to the 3 and sometimes 4 boys!). 3 miles is what I have always considered the amount that you need to run and 'get started'. But lately that was all I had time for if I had time for that at all. No one wants to push 3 kids in a stroller, nick need significant motivation to run or bike along side (and often time I need that motivation) so I finally put a hold on teaching my Saturday morning cycle class and am hopefully gifting that motivation to myself. Today was my 2nd journey. The mark on the wall is the Army 10 miler October 20 ten miler.

After all the needed brain re-organization, my run took me through a new neighborhood (we have SO many here is NOVa -i would love to one day live in a long established community-but surely that has its struggles that I am unaware of too) so while smiling and waving at all the workers on a brisk early Saturday morning my mind let me float back to my former life as a builder and my appreciation for what that taught me and has helped me become and the folks that enriched my life. I remembered the struggles than as if they were today (but I am thankfully treasuring the high points) and as I do not long to return yet enjoyed the nostalgia of the thoughts,

As my run took me back though a tunnel in the forestry preserved portion of the run - a place I am excited to be captured by fall in a few weeks- i started to delve into my emotions from the summer. As I currently dive into books written by bloggers and amazingly imperfect women I wanted to write down or amplify my own imperfections. Maybe paper (or iPad) or blogging further de-frags the process.

This pasted year has been a struggle for many reasons and one of the first times I have turned to therapy and than medication in a hopes of strengthening myself. Aleve, Bractrum, sebhorric dermatitis, steroids, Prozac, lexipro were all words that were consuming my brain figuratively and body literally. All things to 'help' me but as I sit back without any of those things I wonder if they removed my 'reserve'.  It was as if I couldn't just pull myself up and knock it out - I was disappointed inmyself, my guilt, my kids and nothing I did took it away.  As I am back to running as my medication I felt a strength in more than just my legs, just because I struggled this summer and feel good today doesn't mean that my struggle may come again. Matter of fact, it certainly will. I will never know the path that god has chosen for me or my family, but I am certain with each turn he has made me stronger. So here is where my thoughts are at about mile 4.5.

Amen to the Nike running ap that keeps me informed and on pace.

'demons' from imagine dragons comes on. Love where that takes an acceptance of me and the fact that truly, we all have them - its just how we deal with them is what transforms us...

next up, macklemore can't hold us-well planned (unknowingly).

Living on a prayer, tears of emotion-fair enough.

Thats my kind of night takes me directly to Austin Texas and pretty much into Chelcy's house (that I still haven't been into yet, so it was your old on canyon).

Now I am at the stage that I know I will finish strong and my adrenaline is in full effect, true energy.  I am singing out loud (almost), smiling at anyone i pass hoping to motivate them in anyway a smile can. My final song has been Cave by Mumford for a while now and I have yet to tire of if, but I am drained at the end as the final push it carries me through is exactly what my doctor ordered.

I run by the gym that normally in 2 minutes I would start motivating a class of quite often 34 cyclists. I am excited to be back there someday, and am thankful for the members that have inspired me and told me how much I have inspired them with the passion and songs I bring to the bike. But thank you also to the members-really friends-for knowing and understanding the break I am taking,

We Own the Night is a new favorite 'I am done' song. Euphoric.

Now, let the morning and the next challenge begin. Thank you god for the path I am on and thank you god for making me strong. We all affect each others lives and you are all a treasure in mine.

The day was not void of further frustrations - but my foundation is getting stronger - I can feel it (it better!)

Drew is a biker - well almost

Drew is SO HAPPY - here is why....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEmaaDKDBjs

I remember Shane learning to ride this bike for the first time for his second birthday.  Drew is just shy of that but over the moon when we took it off the rack for him to try.  He will NO LONGER sit in the stroller (which TOTALLY makes Shane's day as he will GLADLY take back the position that he was pre-maturely ousted from)

He hs gotten MUCH faster in the passed 2 days - but i am not running to keep up with him yet.  There are COUNTLESS folks that stop their car not only to let him cross, but to oogle at his cuteness.  He is surely soaking it all in!

Go Drew Go!

Shane to School!

Round 2 for back to school.  

Although in most minds - pre-school is thankfully not as intensive - however equally as important in Shane's mind.  He LOVES that he goes with Evan - our fabulous buddy from next door.  We will soon start car-pools and have playdates too.  Are we sure we can ONLY go 3 days/week?

This is meet the teacher day and these 2 goofy balls are already goofing around.

Big day hot stuff.

the famous painted horse

photo bomb Drew style

You boys ready?

This momma is ready!

Last year Shane went to preschool only 2 days a week.  The teacher said he was so quiet wasn't terribly thrilled or often uninterested in participation - apparently he was saving it all for me as Shane is my chatty kathy.  

However this year - we are fortunate to have the same teacher - and after the first day she slipped a note in Shane bag saying there is a whole new Shane in the classroom!  Chatty and all.  Sure he is another year older - but honestly the power of having the support of a friend even at the age of 3 is so truly valuable.  Shane will be my man that truly blossoms among his friends.

We love you too Evan!

Summer in September

Mother Nature asked us to squeeze out a few more days of summer - 

 with 90 degree heat and yucky humidity - the kids were HOT HOT HOT after school

Let's dive on that slip and slide one more day!!

I didn't snap a photo of this, but JoHanna came home around 5 and her kids were fully dressed from school - the slip and slide and other water events look so fun that her kids dove right in (whether she liked it or not)  The next day when Dawn and I did it again, we were thoughtful and packed it up before they got out of the car =)  We are part of team mom right?

In Ann Arbor this would look totally normal

Yes, we own a few Michigan shirts - however i am certain I have plenty of college roomies that have our family beat.  Its normal wear up there!  But here, it tends to stand out.  Honestly, I am just fine with that.

Here is the next Michigan Quarterback - say his name with me....  Shane Edward - rings right?

So its the Michigan vs ND game tonight - this is totally NORMAL attire.

But it looked like we should have a photo shoot.  Got LOTS of odd stares, but those who know college Football wink at us or say 'go blue'  Just like those out of place Oregon Guys i saw at the airport this morning....  Yes, UVA played the Ducks!  Of course.

I'm thinking Drew is the running back. 

These guys need a little motivation 

Look at that ball control 

Chris and I escaped for a beer out to watch the first half.  We knocked on the door of our good buddies (MSU fans the poor things) to ask them if they wanted to join us for beer.  We figured they would ask us to change - but instead we set a football date for November 2nd.  Hmmmm  could get ugly!

Final game in the rivlary (for now)  a win for Michigan in the books!  Go Blue!

He's home!

Within 4 days of Chris switching 'career gears' to an exciting new company here in NoVa (Tyson's corner actually - how upscale right? - Toll roads aren't cheap!)  He discovered they wanted/needed him to help out with their project in Baghdad.  Meaning - go to Baghdad...  For a few weeks...  

O.k. he is no stranger to Baghdad and we have surely done some separation so with summer in full swing and Camp Carlson counselors staffed we extended our time in CT and my mom endured the drive to VA with me to join in the first day of school excitement (how fun since after 25 + years she won't have to go - just wave with coffee in hand!)

Chris made the effort to Skype with us as often as possible (quite often VERY late for him as we had a 7 hour time difference and his project was working both a day and night shift)  It was interesting for me to he his coordination work for an Iraq crane, material delivery, as well as the colorful crews he was working with.  What better way to truly understand the company - but to spend a few weeks fully immersed....

We missed him tons, but commend him for his ability to head out there an sink his teeth in.  He knows so many folks that sure enough - as he sat in the defac on the Embassy, he ran into an old classmate who is living out there fore 4 months.  A familiar face does WONDERS for the moral!

On Saturday 7 September he took the 18 hour trek (2 flights) home (Iraq to Dubia - Dubia direct to Dulles)  Nick, Drew and I picked him up in our PJs at the airport.  LOVED seeing them run to him =)!  Almost as much as he may have felt receiving their hugs!

Thank you for being a strong and amazing man, husband and father.

First day of School

Let the excitment begin!  Here is meet the teacher day!  I LOVE Nick's teacher  - she has been teaching for 34 years, raised 4 kids of her own and LOVES sports.  As much as first grade has a curriculum - she hopes they really just enjoy school.  Love her and hope Nick does too.

Checking out his desk.  He is surrounded by all girls - I love it, and someday he will too - just not in 1st grade I guess.

The night before school prep.  I can honestly say I have NEVER ironed a shirt for Nick - but my mom wasn't afriad to whip out the ironing board for his first day =)!

Its 7:30 AM and we are READY! 

some of the neighborhood moms were up writing exciting and movitating notes on the sidewalk.  So cool for the kids to wake up to 

not sure even this photo can show how many folks and kids are at the bus stop.  Literally, the begins the route here and goes directly to the school because its FULL. 

Seriously, these kids are TOO CUTE

Dawn and I got to volunteer on the second day for cafeteria duty.  Just to make sure the kids could purchase their lunches, get settled, open snack bags, you name it.  Its a pretty 'well oiled' machine - this lunch time routine.  The classes change out in 5 minute increments - but each class gets 30 minutes total in the lunch room.  I was totally struck by the diversity on Nicks lunch room table.

And the fact that I packed a lunch for Nick that morning, but once he saw me, he opted to leave his lunch behind and experiment with this whole 'buying lunch' thing.  Guess we need to work on the communication...

Its a long day for them - but I must say, they come home with PLENTY of energy.  Check out Aidan and his explosion off the bus.

I love my hug in this photo, but I love Drew reaching for Nick's water bottle even more.

School brings many things and for now we are adopting and loving the new routine.  I give myself 3 more days before I am standing at the bus stop in my PJs....  Actually, I am just hoping for that.  Maybe it will come true.

Yeah Nick!

Back to life in NoVa

Apparently I was a bit 'over confident' about our ability to knock out the 6-7 hour drive with 3 kiddos easy peezy...  thankfully my mom was able to join us for some much needed entertainment, conpanionship and moral support.  2 hours into the drive we hit this...

o.k. I will back up, we didn't hit this truck, but because someone else hit this truck, 1.5 hours back we were grid locked in rainy traffic.

The kids were great, but an hour into the slow move, I had to go use the facilities...what facilities you might ask?  Well since we were moving at 1 MPH it was easy to duck out, find a tree and resume (thankfully we had another driver...) and maybe I entertained some bored traffic sitters.

It was a long day - but we made it THANKFULLY.  after being away from my house since July 25 - it was really quite nice to be back home.  We missed our way of life here, our buddies, our bikes, our routine.  But sometimes you have to get away from it to remember the appreciation....  

Chris is still slaving away in the heat of Bagdad (and skyping us almost every day!). so in his honor, we opted to spend an evening at the pool.  We came equip with dinner and jammies - so we can rinse off, and head straight home.  A+ for planning!

Here are the boys - exhausting themselves!!  Mom and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!

http://youtu.be/ShX3AlEjXDE

The next night we tried to 'got to the well' one more time...  We were thwarted by some phantom thunder (as a former life guard and many of you were - we all know this phantom thunder...)  they closed the pool. but since there wasn't any rain, we opted for the playground for a picnic...

http://youtu.be/I67fb9VJdvY

a littl summer time smoothie - since normally Drew's smoothies are PACKED full of spinach, carrots and all the other veggies he refuses to eat, the fact that this one had ice cream, berries and yogurt made it a home run, he went around the table finishing everyone else's smoothie!

So this is our cheers to the final days of summer - school schedule here we come!

The dog days of summer

I feel like these weeks at my folks in CT were filled with everything a summer should be filled with. A LAX schedule, morning cartoons, walks in the park, afternoons in the pool and time with family. So here are some some of our favorite captures.

Love the mornings this little guy snuggles in and I get to wake next to this cute head!

A fabulous morning at a splash park/playground with Diane and her munchkins

 Good Therapy for all

 these kids really can play anything.  We were thrilled to see these playground 'diggers' that we both remember from Germany.

This tractor was mowing the local walking trail by my folks. Of course my dad ran the boys up there for a quick ride and photo op!

Summer party at the brinks-although we aren't the only kids anymore

How cute are these two

O.k. I guess we are still all kids. This is the winning team from the party events Jill planned for us, flip cup, closest to the pin, relay races - Chris rolled up halfway through the flip cup game wondering what frat party he was walking into - adults are just big kids...

Hands full maybe, or lap full at least

 An evening at the movies complete with buddies, cousins, inflatable slides, popcorn, blankets and Lorax.

Look at those teeth or lack there of.... 

When is it going to get dark so we can cuddle up and watch the movie?  (the screen was 2 TVs, but a bit smaller than Goombas') 

Love this lady on her bike. Is a classic!

A little family time of doing not much of anything

Date afternoon to Planes!

Date afternoon to mini put! (admission on NICK!)

Dinners outside with a FULL table

Baby time

Nap time

Play time

Check out this Monkey too http://youtu.be/iAXHNibv3JM Time getting to know each other Reading time

Visiting old haunts (my elementary school! Latimer lane you look so much the same)

This was there when I was there..

Swing!

This a little more recent.

Lounging

Watering the driveway

See what I mean about the cartoon watching? That's a full bed;)!

My boys LOVE their time in the sand trap

I thought they were supposed to aspire to sitting at the big table, not the other way around.

An evening of smore's at the chiminiea 

A little tree trimming 

Some ice cream shop time with a few pretty ladies 

Time for Nature right?  Drew apparently LOVES my favorite trail run.

The boys enjoyed it - mostly their search for worms. 

minor dip in the mini lake too 

on the way home - I stopped to snag this photo (in my suburbia neighborhood) and immediately text my hunting buddy Steve that we got a great house for him.... 

Tree climbing of course 

A little pool racing....

http://youtu.be/ry8VwpoZxlI

the cat post is truely the coveted TV watching spot 

My dad and i at the basement espresso bar

A little neck rehab

Not from riding in this sweet car, and how sweet the car is!!

Can u just hear the engine?

One final golfing night for these 2 Qts. Free cart, a little rain and lots of fun.

Look, even my best high school buddies are still party of my home. Can u count how many kids we bring to the pool these days? This photo is only missing Paige and hears hoping she wasn't swimming in the pond.  Funny, as we got together that afternoon (my final afternoon in CT) each mom almost cancelled for many different reasons, nagging kids, a busted head, poop on the floor, crazy packing, but we all wanted to catch up so bad that it just worked.  Who would have thought life in calculus was actually easier.

Maybe I saved finishing this blog to revisit and be again thankful and grateful for the home I grew up at. My kids enjoyment there (I remember Shane asking me if we get to stay at 'this house' several times). My folks enjoyment of the bustle we bring to the house. My husbands ability to be without us knowing its AWESOME for us. And the feeling of being away from it all and loved. It's really home to me and for the summer, my boys too.