My First Marathon!

WOW! That is how I would describe my first marathon. I worked for about 6 months for this one day. I was so nervous,I thought I might throw up. Things got off to a rocky start with Anna getting sick the day before we had to leave. I was so sad she wasn't able to be with the group but because of the issue of spreading the flu she drove herself and stayed in her own hotel room. It was a bummer not having her there but at least she was still able to run the marathon even though she was under the weather.

We got to Newport and picked up our packets and then headed to the hotel to check in. While we waited to go to dinner we went down to the beach.

We then met the group(minus Anna:() for dinner at Quimby's to load up on Carbs! I think I had enough to last me a lifetime.

Sean drove down with the kids and my parents and stayed in the Trailer with them. My parents watched the kids while he joined us for dinner. It was nice to have him there!

This was my yummy dinner!

Saturday morning we woke up at 5am to eat our banana and bagel before the big race. The thing I have been waiting for and dreading since January. I was a bundle of nerves and thought for sure I would get sick but I managed to make it to the start line without any problems.

Carrie and I started the race together and felt good for the first little while. Unfortunately Carrie was still feeling knee pain and she hadn't been able to run for a few weeks. At about mile 3 I got a migraine and had to run with my eyes closed for about 2 and 1/2 miles. Luckily after many prayers and a little shade to help it, it went away. I was so happy. About mile 8 Carrie and I separated and I was on my own.

I ran the next 17 miles by myself. I talked to many people along the way and had some good conversation but also just enjoyed the scenery and had a lot of time to think. I was able to think about all my friends and family and how blessed I am. I was so happy to have a healthy body that would carry me 26.2 miles.


I had such a good support system and was so happy to see everyone at the finish line. My parents came allthis way just to be there to see my accomplish this. I love them so much! what would I do without them??

The last mile Connor had come out to run with me. It was a life saver. When I saw him,I started crying. He said to me that I could do it and to keep going. It gave me just enough energy to keep going. I love that boy. He is so sensitive and kind. He took his flip flops off and just ran right along side of me. Just thinking about it makes me tear up!

I was so glad that someone(I think Kaylee) caught this picture. It is my favorite!

So my official time was 4 hours 43 minutes and 14 seconds. My goal was to do it in under 5 but I really wanted between 4:30 and 4:50 so I was able to obtain that and I was quite pleased.


Tiffany, Soila and Me right after the race. Our metals were really cool. They were made of glass and know two were alike.

Here is all of us: Anna, Tiffany, Soila, Carrie, me and Debbie.

I have to say my first marathon experience was amazing. I really enjoyed taking my physical strength to another level. This was a goal I never thought I could ever accomplish. But with hard work I was able to do it. And I will do it again. I am already thinking of the next one I can do. I would like to have 5 marathons under my belt by the time I am 40. That gives me just over 5 years to do 4 more. The skies the limit!!!!!

We did a few fun things together as a family in Newport but that will be a different post. I have some much to blog about but right now the marathon is the only thing that is on my mind. More to come very soon!:)

Florida Fun!

Sean had a business trip in Jacksonville, Florida last week so I tagged along to have some quiet time. I guess you need that every once in awhile when you have 4 lovely children. I had the best most relaxing time and I am so glad I was able to go. It was awesome for our marriage and made me love my kids even more. Sean stayed for 3 more days than me and he gets to go back for another week tomorrow but I guess he IS working so it's ok.

We spent a lot of time at the beach swimming and sunning. You won't be seeing any pictures of me at the beach although I was there just as much as Sean.;)

It was so hot out everyday we were there.

I love Joes Crab Shack and they happen to have one right on the beach. We had a great dinner the first night we got there.

I love crab legs!

The beach was full of little shells. The kids would have loved to look at all the shells.

I was trying to use the timer on the camera and couldn't quite get a good picture.

The darn wind was blowing........

We visited an old town, St. Augustine. They have a light tower that you can pay to go up to the top. It was a ton of stairs but totally worth the view. It was a little scary but I managed and was glad to get to the top.

Sean read this sign after he dropped a penny off the side!;)-lol Hope he didn't hit anyone!

It was a nice relaxing trip and I am grateful that my parents and sister were able to have the kids while we were gone. Thank you!!!


Now this is the best invention ever and I was so excited to see it when I had a lay over in Chicago. Hopefully they will be in every public restroom very soon. I have turned into a germ freak and things like this make me happy so I had to take a picture.

on a side note:Sean had a birthday on Friday and we celebrated by taking the kids to Chuckie Cheese. The one place Sean hates but he did it because the kids like it. It was actually his idea. What a good dad!

I did 20 miles in my marathon training yesterday and I will be posting about my experience soon. The whole experience has been very interesting with ups and downs!:)

Pine Wood Derby and Cierra's first baseball game!

Connor had his Pine Wood Derby for scouts on Friday and he had a lot of fun. He won the first 2 races and then went a little down hill from there but he had a cool car and that's all that matters, right? Of course, it's a Dallas Cowboys car with Sean being the designer. We couldn't have done it without Doug's expertise, so thanks Doug!

There were a lot of very creative cars!

and the snacks for the boys were also very cool!

This is one of the races Connor won!

Connor got the "You Rock!" award. (whatever that means!)

Cierra had her first baseball game and had a lot of fun until she got hit with the ball in the leg. She was tough though and bounced back and got two great hits.

Dad is behind her coaching her to a home run!

ok, maybe a single!

It started to pour down rain on us and this is what Cierra was doing out in the field. I guess she was thirsty!

It was a great weekend. I ran a half marathon in Snoqualimie and it was the best run ever. It was so beautiful even though it was rainy and I had great friends there and I got my best time out of 6 half marathons by about 11 minutes. I was so happy! The full marathon is in 5 weeks and I am getting anxious. the training is long and hard but I think I may be able to do it. it may take me all day but I think I may actually finish it! Our 20 miler is next Saturday and that will be the true test!:o)

Kaylee and Connor's Violin concert at Stahl

On Tuesday night Kaylee and Connor had their final concert at Stahl Junior high where they go twice a week for orchestra. You can really tell they improved and it was fun to watch. Kaylee's friend, Brittany came with us. I know Kaylee will continue to play the violin but not sure how much Connor is digging it. He says he like it but he doesn't seem to in to it. I will let him decide if he wants to play next year before I buy him his own violin. Right now they are sharing one since they go on opposite days.(we borrowed for the concert-Thanks Amy!)