My Quiet Life

It's cold. It is 28 degrees. I am wearing socks--this is monumental. Socks typically make my feet hot, and then my whole body overheats (even if I'm not pregnant). This has only been happening to me for a few years-kinda strange.

Our leaves have turned and are halfway gone. It's time to get warm and cozy and stay in the house--thankfully, I now enjoy this part of life.

There are a few new things with us:

• I sprained my foot last weekend. It still hurts to walk on it, and there is still some swelling--not much, but enough that it makes my shoe too tight. There are some pretty purple and blue bruises on it as well. Festive.
• Baby A (Felix) is now breech. He flipped. We are praying he flips back over or I will be having a c-section. I have heard some stories of twins with the first breech that turned out alright, but I've also heard otherwise. Bottom line: my doctor doesn't feel comfortable with it, and he is comfortable with breech deliveries--just not with the first twin. So, if you would, pray that Felix turns over. Either way, things will turn out alright, but it is hard to deal with the reality of it all. I'm getting there--slowly.
• My emotions are out of control. Steer clear.
• I wish my body wasn't so cumbersome right now; I would love to be taking walks in this fine weather. Instead, I just look out the window. When I walk, I feel like Godzilla or Frankenstein. In fact, we had to do some grocery shopping last night, and for the first time ever, I drove a motorized cart. It was great.
• My life is quieter now than it has ever been in the friendship department. This isn't a bad thing, although it is an adjustment. I'm learning with this codependency thing how often I was turning to friends for fulfillment instead of Christ. I have by no means arrived, but I am catching myself about to pick up the phone, and then I will stop and take it to Him first. It isn't easy. I am thankful for my friends who have let me "get it all out," but I am even more thankful that they aren't assuming His place in my life.
  
• I've purged my facebook a couple of times to either get rid of those I never talk to or those who try to fix me. It's been good so far. I am also being much more reserved in accepting friend requests from people that I don't really know that well or people that I don't think need to be seeing so much of what I say. :)
• My husband has been working extremely long hours (especially for someone who is finished with his training!), and it is wearing on all of us. I am thankful that in a month or so, his nurse practitioner will return from maternity leave and lighten the load a little bit. We've had some disturbing news about his call schedule for the next year, and we're praying for God to send some relief. We need relief in so many areas...
• We have decided to look for a different body of believers. Things were pretty crazy where we were at, and we didn't have peace about staying in that kind of environment. We felt things were not being handled in a Biblical manner, and we don't feel like it is a healthy place to be. We love the people we connected with and will continue to love them.

It is quiet, Dave is off for the first day in a few weeks, so I am going to go drink something decaf and hot next to him on the couch while he plays a game on his phone. ;)

4 Loads of Sick Laundry...and counting.

This week has been exhausting. I had an appointment with the OB on Thursday which entailed a 10 hour day for the kids and me. All is well. My iron and glucose are fine, the babies are growing fine, and there is nothing alarming going on. The highlight of the day was hanging out with my college friend, Amanda. It was fun to be with her if only for a little bit. I love that about old friends--you don't have to try; they already know you!!! Plus, she taught me some knitting, and that is great.

Lucy got a stomach bug at 1:30 Saturday morning. She was sick again at breakfast yesterday, and again at breakfast today. I wish it would go away!!! Other than those times, she's been fine--a little sleepy, but fine. I slept several hours yesterday. I don't know if I was catching up or what. I busted my tail getting the house cleaned up for my brother-in-law and sister-in-law who were going to come for a visit, but then when Lucy got sick, they couldn't come. I think I overdid it. I feel much better today. So far! I am hoping and praying no one else gets sick. I have little energy anyway right now, and like most people, Dave has to go back to work on Monday!

So, here's to a quiet day at home! I hope we all can rest and stay healthy.

Twice is Nice

We have had yet another ultrasound and an appointment, and we are having two boys, for certain!

They are very cute. I get more and more excited about meeting them and seeing their personalities up close and personal. They are growing well, and I am healthy. What a gift!

My oldest two children are very excited about having two baby "brudders". My dad has come up with several silly name combos for the boys as well--Phineas and Ferb, Thaddeus and Thor, Cash and Dash. Not gonna happen! :)

We are a bit stuck on names. We don't want anything that rhymes, and we want to have very meaningful names. It is hard to find two names that work well together and with our other children. And then there are middle names to consider! It is too much! I mentally go through my children's list of names to see how it would sound, "Sam, Maryn, Lucy, ______________, and _____________." I also have found a name or two that I liked, but I just didn't like the potential nicknames. We shall see, and I believe it will be a matter of prayer! I am sure there are names for these boys!

Just not Jacob and Esau....

Appointment and Disappointment

We had our first appointment with the OB/GYN yesterday. Everything went really smoothly, and I was not required to repeat all the lab work and exams that I had already done at the Health Department for my midwife risk assessment. That was nice.

We really liked our doctor, even if he was a bit chatty. Once they find out your husband is a doctor, the conversation can kind of stray! It was fine, though, and we feel really comfortable with him as our doctor. He is very confident in his own abilities, and he was confident in ME. I really like that kind of support--especially when it comes to birthin' babies. Because really, I am the one who does all the work anyway. :)

The disappointment was that we did not get to have an ultrasound because he doesn't do them in his office, so we have a separate appointment to have that done next week. In the future, I will have ultrasounds every month to check on the babies and make sure they're both getting enough to eat. These appointments will be right before my doctor's appointment, so I won't have to make the trip twice. Thank you!

We got to hear their heartbeats. It really might be one of the most beautiful sounds in the world. To hear two was comforting--I'm glad they're both okay in there. I've felt them flutter around a bit, but at this stage of the game, it isn't regular enough to gauge anything by it. My blood pressure is stellar, and so far, my weight gain is great. I'm right where I should be...hope I can keep it that way. :)

We ate Indian food last night for dinner since we were in the city, and it was delish. But there was this obnoxious woman who came in to do a take-out order. She was talky-talky and passive-aggressive, and it was so sweet because Dave caught my eye and said, "I love you so much." I laughed. I guess he's glad I'm not as neurotic as that lady. :)

Well, stay tuned for a post on Twins 101. The facts, the myths, and the common questions that I get asked almost EVERY day.

Diseases, Books, and My Exciting Life

Not too much has been happening here...well, nothing exciting anyway.

Last week, all three of my kids had hand/foot/mouth--a nasty virus that has sores in those three body parts. Lucy was the worst, and it was miserable. She didn't sleep well (translated: we didn't sleep well), and she was just very fussy. I am so thankful they are all better now.

We had a friend who is a missionary in East Asia come stay the night with us this week. It was nice to visit with her and hear about what God is doing in her part of the world. He is really moving among the church there and is drawing more to Himself.

I read another book by Wayne Jacobsen--So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore? It was really interesting. Too many thoughts to go into here and now, but I will say, I agreed with far more than I disagreed with. It is not a proclaimer of house church or no church or anti-traditional church. It is all about US as THE CHURCH living in community with one another--transparently and honestly--loving people and making Jesus our focus instead of buildings, programs, classes, methods, or men. It was very encouraging, and it is exactly what I needed to read right now. I do recommend it.

I'm reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett right now for book club. I am loving it so far. It is really well-written, and I can tell it is going to be one of those books that I am going to want to own. If you're wondering, it is about some black maids in the 60s who have been raising white children for years as nannies, but they are also discriminated against by their employers. A white woman comes along who wants to see change, and the three of them together embark on a journey of change during the civil rights era.

Lucy starts speech therapy next week. I am glad. However, in the last month since her evaluation, she is already saying new words and trying oh so hard to say many more. I'm very happy for her. We're still trying to decide whether we want to pursue developmental therapy. We really feel like the speech will help her in her weak developmental areas. I am hoping she does really well with speech in the next three months, because once I hit my third trimester, traveling an hour twice a week for therapy just may not be reasonable--it just depends how well my pregnancy is going.

We go to the doctor I found on Monday. We are very excited. We are not expecting to see their genders because I will be almost 15 weeks. It is possible, but I am not getting my hopes up. We are very thankful for the doctor we found. He is so reasonable and kind and supportive. Now we just have to pray all goes well and that the babies stay head down throughout delivery! :)

Well, that's about it for me. I hope your week is going well!!!

Couch to 5K=OVER TOMORROW

My race is tomorrow morning at 8am. I am nervous and excited and hopeful. I am nervous because I've never done this before. I am excited because I have been working hard and want to see myself accomplish this goal. I am hopeful because I want to run the entire race--no walking--and I want to keep a steady pace.

Today is a restful day. I'm not doing much, and per Marla's advice, I'm staying off my feet. I intend to drink a lot of water and rest. I hope Dave has a quiet weekend of call. I hope hope hope so.

As for my hair, I am still holding out. I think it is getting better. :)

This is a busy week coming up. Today is my Grandma's birthday. I haven't been able to get cards out for Mother's Day or her birthday. I can't look at cards with my kids. It takes too long, and the kids all fight and pull the cards off the shelf. So, it looks like they will be late. I hate that, but that is how it goes sometimes.

Maryn had an axillary (under the arm) temp of 103 yesterday. She had no other symptoms. I got a little worried about her last night. She's completely fine today. Weird.

Maryn will be four on Monday.

That is hard to believe.

We will be having her birthday party the following Saturday with our family. She is looking forward to it. It is a Tinkerbell birthday. :)

This is a boring post, so I think I'll stop. Blah blah blah. :)

Couch to 5K--Week 9--Already!!!

It is Week 9. I am a bit behind, but my friend, Lee, modified my running plan. Here's what it will look like this week:

Monday: Run 20 min.

Wednesday: Run 10 min, Walk 5, Run 10

Friday: Run 21 min.

Sunday: Run 25 min.

I ran 19 minutes last night and walked 5. It was hard--I wasn't paying close enough attention to my breathing. Once I got it even, it got easier. I was 40 seconds shy of running 2 miles during the 19 minutes. I was very proud of myself. That's a little under a 10-minute mile. I have less than two weeks to be more comfortable running that far. I would still really love to run the whole 5K (3.1 miles), but we shall see. My ankle pain is so-so. We will see if my vitamins do their job.

Also, I am on a "making natural cleaners" kick. It is so cool! I never realized how many cleaning solutions you can make yourself. Last night, I was reading online about clogged drains--our kitchen sink was clogged, and I really hate using and paying for Drano. Most natural sites said that you should first try a plunger--that will sometimes do the trick (or a pipe snake). If not that, then try this:

1 cup washing soda (not baking soda)
3 cups of boiling water

Wash that down the drain, if it doesn't work, chase it with 1 cup of vinegar.

We tried that, and stuff started coming up into the sink--nasty. Dave grabbed the plunger, plunged it once, and skadoosh--the sink drained immediately. Awesome. My sink also looked a lot shinier! The washing soda is awesome. Arm and Hammer puts it out, and it is usually in the laundry aisle. Not all Wal-Marts carry it--you are more likely to find it at a Kroger, Reasors, etc.

Here are some links to other natural, safe, cheaper homemade cleaners:

Furniture Polish (instead of Pledge--which is neurotoxic!!!--who knew?)

Laundry Detergent

Window Cleaner

Dishwasher Detergent

Deodorant (not an anti-perspirant): HERE and HERE (two different kinds)

Shampoo


Isn't it weird to use these homemade cleaners? No, it's just weird that we've been buying stuff (chemical-laden, at that) because the TV tells us to. Or it is what our mom used. Or we don't want to take the time to make them. But seriously, most of of them take a few minutes to prepare. Give it a try, and see how you like it! I am going to!

Also, Sam is doing really well. He's been in his cast for a week now. Only two more weeks to see if he can bear weight on it! He is getting around like a champ. If anything, he has been a little demanding. :)

Our garden is going crazy! Everything has sprouted except for the red bell peppers and the marigolds. We are so excited about it! Yea for fresh veggies!!!

Have a blessed week!

Earth Day and Mildly Interesting Stuff

So, it is Earth Day. I've been thinking more and more about sustainability practices and making wise choices concerning our planet. I have no idea if global warming is true or not, but that is not my motivation for making greener choices.

As a Christian, I believe it is part of my role as a human to "subdue the earth and have dominion over it." I believe that if I must be a good steward of the earth. So, here are some things I'm thinking about changing:

• Being more careful to conserve water--watering my garden from a watering can rather than using the hose, short showers, not leaving the water running in the sink--little stuff.
• I am seriously contemplating only buying secondhand clothes--refashioning if necessary.
• Learning to can my own food to reduce my waste of tin cans from the grocery store.
• Using soaps/detergents that are biodegradable.

I'm sure there are more I'll think of later. I want to somehow remove myself from the consumerist mindset I'm stuck in.

Reduce your waste.

Re-use what you have.

Recycle what you can't reuse.

We can all make a difference, and it will even save you money.



And onto the other mildly interesting stuff...

I ran on Monday. It hurt a bit. I saw my OMT dentist, and he said I have plantar fasciitis. He did some muscular releases on my feet, and my shin splints DISAPPEARED. He did an ankle strap release on my foot, declared my ankle as strained, and then gave me a vitamin. We shall see. I was supposed to run yesterday, but our schedule was biznizzy. It didn't happen. I will go today--at some point.

The race is in 2 weeks. Holy cow.

Our garden is sprouting things!!! We are excited and hoping they all make it! I have uploaded pics from my phone to Facebook, so if you're my friend there and want to see mini-plants, check 'em out!

Give Me a Break with the Bullets, Already!!!

Here it comes:

• My run on Friday was fine except that my right knee, shin, and ankle killed. I did not get to run on Sunday (and not because I'm that guy from "Chariots of Fire") mostly because of circumstances and the weather.
• Sam broke his leg on Saturday, but we didn't take him to the hospital until Sunday. We really didn't think anything would show up on the x-ray, but Dave saw something. The radiologist missed it, but then upon reexamination, agreed there was something there. Then, we did a CT scan of his leg which did show a hairline fracture of his tibia.
  
• How did he break it? On a trampoline. It was a bit bizarre, but he got double-bounced and there were two other kids on there (one was a bigger kid). The orthopaedist told my friend (the SAME thing happened to her son when he was 5) that when he came down, there was no give on the trampoline, so it was like falling on concrete. So, even though he didn't fall OFF of the trampoline, he still broke a bone. Sheesh.
• I'm trying to figure out what is a good balance as a mom--I don't want to be overprotective of my kids, but I had a BAD feeling about him jumping out there. I didn't want to tell him that he couldn't jump and have fun with the other kids. What do you do in that situation when your intuition says "NO!!!!" Do you listen to it like you would the Holy Spirit??? I just wonder.
• I am slowly gathering homeschooling materials. I want to look at math books. I need to search for a fair so I can see them in person. I just want something that will work well with my personality and Sam's learning style (I'm not really sure what that is, either!).
• I am finishing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and I LOVE IT. If you haven't read it yet, you should. It is delightful--witty and funny, but also serious and sad in parts. It is an interesting reflection on the post-WW2 years.
• We bought Sam some Legos to play with during his convalescence. We bought Maryn a Tinkerbell doll so she wouldn't feel left out. We didn't get Lucy anything because she doesn't know. :)
• Big news! Lucy gained 14 ounces last month! I switched her to lactose-free milk. I don't know for sure that is what helped, but I am sticking with it for a while. We are thrilled. She is now in the CDC growth chart's 3rd percentile, and the WHO breastfed chart's 10th percentile. Yea!!!
• Got to see my niece and nephew this weekend for his 5th birthday party (and my other family too!). It was so great. I love those kids. They are so funny. Especially Case. He says the funniest things. Addison is ADORABLE and chubby all over. I had a hard time not kissing her neck non-stop. :) I see both of her parents in her, but she does look an awful lot like my brother. It's a little weird!
  

Well, I think that'll do. If you come up with any great ideas for a bored 5 yr. old boy, let me know! So far, he's okay...but 4 weeks is a long time!

Week Lame-O: Couch to 5k (Week 7ish)

This week has just sucked--in so many areas. I feel the fog lifting though, and for that, I am grateful.

I ran yesterday for the first time since Thursday. Almost a week. My ankle is STILL hurting. I am going to see my dentist/osteopath trained doctor on Wednesday--get my teeth cleaned and get an adjustment. Gotta love that! My friend has reworked my running schedule. Yesterday, I walked 5, ran 13, and walked 5. It was fine. My pace was a lot slower, but I was fine aerobically. It was the ankle pain that was the bother--it wasn't horrible, just achy.

I don't know if I will be able to achieve my goal of running the whole 5K, but I will see what I can do. I am definitely going to give it my best.

I think this is week 7. If so, here is what I'm going to do:

Friday--Run 13, Walk 5

Sunday--Run 7, Walk 5, Run 7, Walk 5

I'm morphing the schedule. I think I will be able to do it. I hope so. I'm a bit discouraged and frustrated over the whole thing. It's hard to have to take a week off and then not see the improvement I was looking for.

Anyone else still running? Signed up for races???

Tids and Bits

Here comes the bullet list:

• My ankle is still hurting. Doing exercises for it and resting. I ran last night, but the pain is still present. More rest. I really hope I am ready for the race in a month!
• I really want to go on vacation with my husband. I hope it will become a reality!
• We are building a square-foot garden. Go HERE for details.
• I am in a funk. I need a nap. I want to go on a date. I don't want to do anything that resembles work.
• I can't seem to kick my soda habit.
• I want to blog, but my head is fuzzy. I think I'll blame it on the pollen.
• I have important things to share, but a bullet list is not the place (not pregnant FYI).
• I have a headache.
• Sam had a stomach bug. No one else has gotten it. Yet. Hopefully won't. He's still not 100%, but at least he's not throwing up anymore.
• I think I am bulleted out.
  

My Mental Eyes Are Bigger Than My Emotional Stomach

I've bitten off more than I can chew--emotionally. Jesus is so gentle, even in that. He reminded me this evening that He will heal me in His timing. He will do the transforming--I just have to be teachable and receptive. He will overcome my struggles for me as I rest in Him.

I don't want anyone to worry about me. I'm okay, really. I think I underestimated the emotional toll that weaning and hormones combined might have on someone with as delicate a constitution as myself (a little Jane Austen for ya).

There are several areas of my life that I suddenly felt I had to repair--parenting, marriage, my own baggage and life patterns. It's just too much all at once.

I am thankful for the grace and peace that comes when I listen to the One whose opinions are just and true and perfectly timed. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness to me.

Solving Amanda

I first want to say that this post is not directly at anyone in particular. It is merely an introspection into who I am and figuring out what is okay and what is not.

I am a strong personality. I am assertive in arguments. I desire resolution--immediately. I am organized (in my own way). I prize efficiency above many other things. I like punctuality. I am intentional.

I take initiative.

These aren't bad qualities, though they can rear an ugly head when not used in a positive spirit. What I have been considering recently (and many times over the years), is that I take initiative in most of my relationships. What I'm trying to figure out is if it is my fatal flaw (yes, a bit arrogant comparing myself to a Byronic hero).

Do I take initiative more out of my desire and value of relationships or out of a needy place in my life?

Do I initiate conversations because I'm lonely or because I value the relationship?

Why does this seem to be a pattern in my life? Are others just letting everyone else initiate their relationships? Or am I just such a strong personality that I don't give them a chance to do so? Do my friends take me for granted? I often wonder what would happen if I stopped taking initiative.

It seems in so many of my relationships that I am the one who takes the initiative to hang out, to call on the phone, to travel, to visit. If I were to stop, would my friends still be my friends? Would we hang out? Would we talk?

I don't know why I am this way. I am really soul-searching here trying to figure out why I give SO much in my friendships. I want to see if there is something broken in me that Jesus needs to heal. I don't want to be unhealthy in my friendships. I want to make sure that me taking initiative is out of value rather than brokenness. Do I need to set boundaries for myself in this?

I'm not looking for answers from my readers. I am just verbally processing what is going on in my head. Please don't feel a need to counsel me or try to make me feel better about this. I'm not upset, just curious. I pray for Holy Spirit insight into my own heart which He knows better than I.

Milestones of Varying Sorts

Milestone #1--Halfway through the Couch to 5K plan!

I can't believe I have made it to the halfway mark. To celebrate, I hurt my ankle. I am not really sure what it is, but more than likely, it is joint weakness (because I'm hyper-mobile). I am resting, and NOT running today.

I am also modifying my plan. A friend of ours, Lee, is a super runner--like a running genius or something. He's also in Physical Therapy school. He is looking over my plan and seeing if it needs to be modified. He explained that these plans must be taken with a grain of salt because each person responds differently to a regimen and may need different things. My goal is to run the 5K without walking, but we will see what happens after he makes his recommendations. He did give me some exercises to do to stabilize that joint.

Milestone #2--I have forgotten to talk about Lucy. She is walking!!! She's been walking for about 3-4 weeks! We are so thankful. Although, now, she wants to walk everywhere and doesn't want you to hold her hand or pick her up. :)

Milestone #3--Lucy is weaned. I know there are varying opinions on how to wean and when to wean. It wasn't (and isn't) easy for either of us, but it is done. :( and :)

Milestone #4--I finished the baby gift--a quilt! I made it for my friend, Kristina, and her new baby girl, Ali. I fell in love with it. I do every time I make something. I'm working on the sweater for Gayla's dear Lilah. Pictures to come.

Milestone #5--Sam finished the Beginning Reading set of Hooked on Phonics. He was so proud of himself. I'm looking for other material for him to teach further. They have revamped the Hooked on Phonics sets since I bought the last one, and I wasn't sure I liked it as well, so I want to go another route. He needs to learn blends and long vowels and silent e's and that sort of thing. If you have ideas, I welcome them.

Milestone #6--I don't know if I ever announced it, but Maryn is completely potty-trained. Finally. Once in a blue moon, she may have an accident while playing and distracted, but she is golden. Day and night. I'm so thankful and proud!!!

I think that's all for now. A big post is coming up this week...stay tuned (no, I'm NOT PREGNANT).

Day 20--Couch to 5K--Rottweilers be crazy.

I am sorry I have not posted since Tuesday! Things have been a little busy.

Wednesday, I had the hardest run so far. I thought I might not make it, and I even reconsidered my commitment to this plan! I've mentioned before that I live at the bottom of a mountain (really a large hill). This day's schedule was to run 4 min, walk 5, run 4, walk 5. Sheesh. Both times I had to run, it was UPHILL. My lungs felt like they might explode. In fact, the air was humid and cold, and I got a little wheezy. I had been diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma when I was in the 8th grade. I hadn't really had any problems until now. Maybe the warm-up walks were helping more than I realized? To start off running uphill was quite a challenge for me. I made it, though!

I have decided I need to get some pepper spray--not for people, but for animals! There were two rottweilers loose that day, and I was afraid. I tried to maintain my cool, calm, collected attitude and act like I was supposed to be running there. I ignored them, and they ignored me. I'd still like to have something in case any crazy animal tries to attack me!

The wheezing lasted until Thursday morning. I have an albuterol inhaler, so I may have to use that again. I think it really must have been from starting off running...

Well, it is Friday, and today I am supposed to walk 5 min, run 7, and walk 5. I am looking forward to this, but I am planning to do it when Dave gets home from work--the air will be warm. It'll be good.

Spring starts tomorrow!!! Enjoy it!

Day 17--Couch to 5K--Progress

Dave and I both got to run last night. We met some friends, Bryan and Nicole, at the park and took turns running. It was fun to hang out with friends and get our exercise in. The wind was a little out of control, but I think I did alright. One of my goals is to get my pace down. It seems like I struggle to keep it in the same spot, but I guess that's how it goes as you get more tired.

I went 1.26 miles (walked 5 min, ran 6, walked 5). I think my fastest pace was 9:17 min/mile.

I'm getting there. So can you! Have you started? How is it going?

I think my posture is better too. Isn't that great?

Dave and I are doing our strength training videos on rest days. Tonight is Abs, Chest, Back. Yea.

But, I need it. So I better stop complaining.

I'm really privileged to be able to do this. There have been seasons in my life (i.e. residency) when exercise outside of my home was next to impossible. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. And I'm loving it--the way it pushes me and makes me stronger. It's good and beautiful all wrapped up into one. I may talk more about that later.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!!! Are you doing anything special? I am! I am cooking St. Patty's Day food--Irish Soda Bread, Beef and Irish Stout Stew, and mashed potatoes and spring mix (for something green!). Don't forget to dress in your finest green attire!

Week 3--Couch to 5K

This is Day 16. I was supposed to run this morning. But, because of Daylight Savings Time, it was pitch black. So, I will have to wait to run until this evening when Dave gets home. Dave has agreed to join me, and I think we may sign up for the Dino Dash 5k in Little Rock on May 22nd. The kids will be able to have a blast there too. I just need someone to watch my kids while we race (any Little Rock takers?). The proceeds all benefit the Museum of Discovery downtown.

I'm looking forward to longer days for sure. At least my kids slept until 8! I'm sure they'll figure out soon enough that 8 is merely the new 7 and start getting up at 7. :) Here's my schedule for this week (the numbers represent minutes, not miles!):

Monday: Walk 5, Run 6, Walk 5
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Run 4, Walk 5, Run 4, Walk 5
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Walk 5, Run 7, Walk 5
Saturday: Rest (I may run again on this day just to push myself)
Sunday: Rest


I'm looking forward to this week, Wednesday especially. I wonder how that will go with me starting off in a run?

Lucy's weight check was today. She gained about an ounce and a half. We're going to continue with what we've been doing until her 18 month appointment and then go from there. The worries are taking a backseat for now. She is otherwise healthy and happy. Just little!

I am so thankful for my husband. I just want you to know what a blessing he is to me. He esteems me and loves me. He is far from perfect, but he has grown and is growing so much. Even on his bad days, I can see God giving him grace. The other day, I just strongly sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that a major part of my role with Dave is just to love him to death. Just love him.

So, I've been acting on love impulses with him--if I have an idea, I carry it out without debating about it. I think this is blessing him a lot. He's had a lot of hard days recently with his work, and it is so nice to make our home a haven for him, to surprise him in the middle of the day with a treat, or just a visit to get hugs and kisses from the kids (and me!).

What do you do for your spouse? I find all too often that I am making a list of things he isn't doing for me without realizing that I'm not doing them for him either! It shouldn't be so one-sided! We are both responsible for our relationship.

So, in true Flylady fashion, I say, "Get off your franny and stop feeling sorry for yourself!"

And as Ghandi said, "Be the change that you want to see in the world."

This can apply to all of our relationships. Not everyone will reciprocate, but your relationships will be better for it. Find a way to serve your spouse today--with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. Just love them tangibly. Comment back once you've done it and report how it went for the both of you!

Day 15--Couch to 5K--New Shoe Trial

Even though today was a rest day, I just couldn't wait to try out my new sneakers (by the way, do you call them "tennis shoes" or "sneakers"?). My GPS got confused and said I ran 6 miles...said I ran 2.5 minute miles. That was not even close.

I went 1.23 miles, 15 minutes. I fudged a little on the timing. I walked 5, ran 6, and walked 4. I was feeling pretty good and strong about the running. I maintained my pace pretty well even though I had to climb a hill halfway through the running portion. I don't know what is normal. When I run, I average about 8:45-9:30 minute miles. I would love to be a 7 minute miler, but that seems far, far away.

I feel great. I was feeling a little puny after a rough night with Lucy. She threw up 5 times. Poor child. It was so pitiful. Dave bathed her while I cleaned up her bed. With the time change, I was tired. Dave took the big kids to church with him. He led the S.S. class today. It was nice to have a quiet house and rest with Lu Lu. She has kept everything down today (mostly water, bread, and applesauce). I'm glad she's feeling better. I just hope no one else gets it! Me especially!!! It's extra trying when mamas get sick.

Dave is going to join me in the running this week. I'm so excited. I think he is going to enjoy himself. We're talking about running a race together a couple of weeks after the one I'm scheduled to run. We'll see if he wants to.

About the shoes---they performed great. I was quite pleased, though I think I may have had my laces a tad too tight. One spot was rubbing a bit and felt bruised. Hmmm.

This week is supposed to be beautiful and sunny. I'm ready for it! Spring comes on Saturday!!!!

Day 13--Couch to 5k

1.2 miles this morning. 5w/5r/5w. It was hard this morning. I'm not sure if it was because it was misty outside and uber-humid or my shoes or just the fact that my body is rejecting the idea of exercise. I'm having some pain in the muscles alongside my shins. I'm thinking it is due to my shoes or from running uphill and downhill.

My grand total for the week is 3.4 miles. I may run again on Saturday or Sunday just for fun. I get my shoes tomorrow, so I'm wanting to give them a try and break them in for the coming week.

I came down with the sniffles again. Afrin is my friend for the next couple of days.

Lucy has a weight check on Monday morning. I am hoping she has gained. She feels heavier to me, but that could be my imagination. Our scale here at home is really inaccurate, so I don't trust anything it says. She is eating better and eliminating okay. I've been giving her acidophilus every day hoping to help her digestion. Please pray for her if she comes to mind. I'd appreciate it.

My coffee is delicious this morning. I think it is because I am so tired! Well, that, and it is Starbucks, so we can't really go wrong.

I don't have much else to say. My head is a little too foggy. 2 weeks down in training--8 to go!!! How's your progress?

Day 4 of Couch to 5k

Okay, so here's the schedule for this week:

Sunday: Walk 5 min.
Run 2 min.
Walk 5 min.

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Walk 5 min.
Run 2 min.
Walk 5 min.

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Walk 5 min.
Run 3 min.
Walk 5 min.

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Rest

So far, so good. It's even going to be warmer out the rest of the week, so I may even decide to do it on Saturday anyway. By the end of the 10 weeks, I will be running for 30 minutes--no walking warm-ups or cool downs. I am so excited about this. I started thinking that 30 minutes is really not that long. So, I think this is the type of cardio that will fit nicely into my life.

I've had a lot of encouragement from others. I think this is so good and motivating. It's baby steps. I think blogging about it also helps me remain accountable b/c you guys are real slave drivers! Okay, not really, but it is nice to know you're expecting me to follow through.

I went to get some adjustments today. From a dentist. That's right. He's a fellow here in town that is a dentist and has been trained in osteopathic manipulation (a little different from chiropractic care). My neck was pretty sore last week--just from stress. Yesterday, the muscle started seizing up and got really tight shooting pain into the bottom of my skull. He fixed me right up. He's been treating me for TMJ, and the therapies are helping me. I'm so thankful. If I didn't have this option, I'd have to wear a splint on my jaw 24/7. He also adjusted my knees, hips and ankles today. I'm glad, and I'm hoping it will improve my stride. :)

It appears there are people joining me in this 10-week adventure. Let's keep up with one another's progress!!! I'll be up early tomorrow!