what i love about emma

Girls are God's gift to mothers. I am truly blessed to enjoy my only little girl. I told myself I would be happy to have just one girl. I am now wishing I could have 3 more just like Emma. Every moment she smiles, it's hard not to smile as well. She is truly a miracle. I cherish these precious moments that I can spend just with her.



My favorite things about Emma:

1. Her curiosity about shoes, hairdryers, necklaces, and brushes

2. How much she loves her daddy and constantly asks me where he is

3. How the first thing she wants when she wakes up is Andrew and Peter

4. How she will turn my radio on and dance to the music

5. How she lets me hug and kiss her all day long



6. How she will sit on my lap and sing songs with me before bedtime

7. How she chases her shadow on our little mommy/daughter walks

8. Her excitement when she sees a dog or cat

9. Her love of the color pink

10. The feeling I get when I am around her!

Click HERE for more pictures!

Why I Keep Running

I sure love running!! As I was running today, I was reminded of why I keep running. It was 7:15 am and I put on my running clothes. I looked out the window only to be reminded that I live in Washinton State...rainy and cloudy. To some, this weather would pose a serious threat to any outdoor exercise. I don't know if it is because I have run all my best races in the rain, but I absolutely love running in the rain (of course the occasional down pour and hail can sometimes be challenging). Today's run was intended to be an easy 5 mile run to loosen my legs after the triathlon. With my music on, I ran out the door with no kids to push in the jogger. Although I love running with my kids, I cherish the few times I am able to run all by myself. Running alone is one of the times when I can reflect about life. In those moments, time seems to stop. I am not worried about what I am wearing or where I need to be going. I am my own competitor--it's just me, the road, and my thoughts. This was today's run to a T! Everything seemed to click and I felt grateful for a strong pair of legs. That's not to say that it always comes easy for me. On occasion, I have those days where running is just hard for whatever reason. It is in those times I try to remember something my high school cross country coach told me. He said that to be a great runner, I needed to develop the 3 D's: Dedication, Determination, and Discipline. Over the course of many years of running, I have come to realize that these three things that help me to be a great runner, also help me to become a better mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Some people tell me that I am just plain crazy to be running so much. Well, maybe I am crazy, but running is part of who I am. I wouldn't have it any other way!

Triathlon...a duel between spouses

Ok, so this was our first triathlon ever. We made bets with each other on who we thought would cross the finish line first. With both of us equal in the swim, Mike as a stronger biker and Sara as a stronger runner, it's really anyone's game. This was a sprint triathlon which means you do a 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run. We both started in the first heat for the swim and our nerves were running wild. On your mark, get set, ---AND THEY ARE OFF! I think I speak for both of us when I say that the swim was by far the hardest of the three events. The distance wasn't really a problem. We just like swimming in a pool better. The lake is spooky and it just takes longer to get into a rhythm. I started to panick in the water because I couldn't get my breathing down. Mike's wet suit became a problem for him. On the positive side, we learned a lot of good things about the swim for our next triathlon (it might be a year or two before I have the courage to do that swim again). I was first on the bike and was sure Mike would catch up. The biking leg was probably the funnest of the three events. I have a little glimpse now as to why people like biking so much. It was obvious Mike wasn't going all out on the bike, because I came in before him. He really is a much stronger biker than me. I started the run and my legs felt like jelly. I probably went out on the bike a little too hard, but I just couldn't let Mike beat me...yes, I am really competitive. I saw Mike on the run shortly after I made the half way mark so I knew he wasn't too far behind. I crossed the finish line in around 1:29:00 and was so happy to have just finished. Mike came in a few minutes later. All in all, it was a good experience to be able to do this together. We were able to motivate each other and push each other to do better. I also wouldn't have been able to do this without the help of a sweet friend, Esther, who let me borrow her road bike and biking shorts to train in. There is nothing better than truly good friends who support us in things we enjoy to do. Thank you Esther for coming out and supporting us--it was nice to have a fan out there! Check back in a few weeks for the results of our upcoming Half Marathon.

Sara

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British Soccer Camp

The boys enjoyed this week learning how to improve their soccer skills at the British Soccer Camp over by the elementary school (just 2 minutes away---yeah)! Coach Ross was really good with the kids in Andrew's group. You would have never known that at the age of 4, Andrew was terrified of playing against the other kids. He can sometimes be timid about new things. When he realizes that he can do it, then there is no stopping him. He was all over the place trying to get the ball and make some goals. Remember for a 6 year old, making goals is what it is all about. I think he will really enjoy this season of soccer which will start next week. Go Andrew!


This was Peter's first real exposure to soccer. Coach Ali had lots of fun games for these beginners. Peter's favorite game was, "What's the time Mr. Wolf?" The coach would yell out a time and that number would be how many steps they could take. But don't get too close to Mr. Wolf (the coach) or he would eat ya! They would usually start off each morning running around with the ball on top of their head. Then Coach Ali would say stop and tell them to put their foot on the ball and before you knew it, they were practicing some valuable ball skills. How clever!


Although Emma is still too young for soccer camp, she shows no signs of being afraid of the ball. It only took mom one day to realize that we had to bring our spare ball for her to play with while the boys were in camp. I am sure she will take after her brothers, seeing as she does everything they do at home. Some of Emma's favorite things to play with now are the Geo Trax trains and brio trains. She still likes her baby doll so we are safe!

Here are some more PICTURES of the kids at soccer camp!

Frogs . Frogs . Frogs

Andrew: Age 6
I love frogs. I found a frog in the yard one day and I made friends with the frog. I like frogs because they are cute creatures. They are really good hoppers. Sometimes they swim in our little fountain. Mom told me that I should be careful when I hold frogs so they don't get hurt. Frogs are fun to hold because they tickle a little bit.


Peter: Age 4
It is very fun to hold frogs. Their legs are sticky. I love every frog who loves to jump.


Emma: Age 1 1/2
I like anything my brothers like. I was excited to hold this frog but when I felt it move, I wasn't so sure I wanted to keep holding it.