Heavy Hitter

This handsome fella hit two homeruns at last night's game.

Awesome job, Little Man!!

Love/Hate Relationship

Love


Hate
I am in a dysfunctional relationship.

I'm in love with the run...On those days I am consumed with thoughts of it; When is my next one? How will I get faster/stronger? Running is my serenity. I leave this world and escape into my own thoughts. I work through life's issues, talk with my mom, plan tonight's dinner. The run is where I leave all of my worries and frustrations on the pavement. It makes me physically and mentally strong and the feeling of complete and total exhaustion after a run is one of the greatest highs you can experience. And...finally, I have a pair of calves I can be proud of.

But, sometimes I hate running. I ran eighteen miles yesterday morning. Two miles in, my knee ached and this nagging, terrible pain in my ankle decided to make an early appearance. The pain doesn't go away. My willingness to acknowledge it does. I run on. I spend at least 2 hours/day icing, alternating between my right knee, left ankle, and right calf (and sometimes, strange as it sounds, my left forearm). I wear this magnetic knee stabilizing brace at night. I have a side of ibuprofen with my breakfast, lunch, and dinner and my physical exhaustion has, at times, impaired my mental keenness (I ran straight into a garbage can on a run recently). For all of these reasons, at this very moment, I hate running.

However, like most people in any dysfunctional relationship, I will acknowledge all of damaging and destructive effects of my running and then I will ignore them and hope they go away.

Because, after all, the run is just too good to give up.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. After so many of you have generously adopted my marathon miles, I only have one more left. After all 26 miles are sponsored, I hope to continue to raise as much $$ as possible. If you donate, you will be listed to the right as an additional sponsor. This morning, I attended the funeral of a friend's mom who died last week of pancreatic cancer. Again, we were reminded how devastating this disease is. On May 31st, I want to cross that finish line knowing that I have raised as much as I can to contribute to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of my mom. Thank you for supporting me. It helps me get through those painful days!

26.2 for Mom

I will have days when I don't know if I can run a marathon.
I will have a lifetime knowing that I have.

I have been waiting until my legs decided that they can endure 26.2 miles. And... now that I am almost done with the most intense part of my training, I want to invite you to join me in raising money in honor of my mom!

On May 31st, I will be running the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon. I am using this opportunity to give to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to advance research, support patients, and create hope for all those affected by pancreatic cancer.

I am hoping that you will become a part of this important and exciting experience by adopting one of my miles. If you would like to support my run in honor of my mom, please choose a mile to adopt (the available miles will stay posted on the right side of my blog) and donate a minimum of $50. To do so, simply click on the "26.2 for Mom" button on the right and follow the directions. I know times are tight and if you are unable to adopt a mile, please click anyway and make a donation in any amount. Every little bit makes a difference!

As many of you know, I have been wanting to run a marathon for a long time. Combining my love for running and doing what little I can to fight this devastating disease seemed like a great opportunity. My mom did not just sit back and watch life from the sidelines. She got in there, got involved, and made a difference. She changed people's lives and I know that she will be with me the entire 26.2 miles whispering, "You can do this!"

Trouble

Pat's Run

My whole family joined 20,000 other sundevils for Pat's Run at ASU on Saturday, April 18th. Bri and I ran the 4.2 mile run in honor of Pat Tillman (and..yes, Bri and I both killed our times from last year!!), while the kids got to run in the .42 mile fun run. I was excited for Max, Cal, and Elle to experience Pat's Run for the first time and learn about a great American hero.

Bri & I (asu grad. 1996) post race

Grandpa (asu grad. 1971) supporting the little devils
Elle exhibiting her disturbing fondness for port-a-jons???

Max (future asu grad. 2023) and Elle getting in a pre-race stretch

Elle (future asu grad. 2027) always with great fashion sense

Cal (future asu grad. 2026) and Elle keeping up with the big guys
At the finish line

Elle enjoying a post race nap

Go Devils!

Easter

On Easter we managed to squeeze in an early morning egg hunt, brunch and an egg relay at my sister's house, church, and dinner at Lance's parents' house.

and...If I never see another egg or jelly bean again, it will be too soon!

Cold Case

On Saturday, as I went to close the family room blinds, I discovered a large break in the window.
Nearby, I found several baseballs, all belonging to Max, but played with by all three kids. I began my investigation...

I interviewed all three suspects and nobody was talking. I even used my well-honed interrogating skills, acquired after years of faithful CSI and Law & Order viewing. No good. Unfortunately, these three suspects have perfected the "I don't know anything" face after a lifetime of denying any wrong doing. Deny, deny, deny...

I just have to be patient. Soon, one of these hoodlums is bound to rat out the other.

I will keep you informed on the status of this case.

Happy Easter!

We spent Friday night over at Brandon and Rachel's house. The boys had to try out their new half pipe. It's been a while since Cal and Max have dropped in, so they needed some pointers from their cousin Leif and the big boys.

(and how can you not enjoy a night with this handsome devil?)

Genius

Anybody that can turn these babies into these...

is a cool mom in my book!

Thanks Bakerella!

Girls' Day

I am lucky.

I get to spend today with this beauty...

shopping, lunching, pedicures.


After all of the boy stuff (baseball practices, games, espn.com, sportscenter, basketball, etc.) that Elle and I experience, some girl time is greatly needed!

Homerun Hitter Here

This little boy got his first homerun of the season tonight!

It's amazing how one great hit can make a boy so happy and a mom so proud.

Great job, Max!

It's so fun to watch you play.

Race in Prescott

On Saturday, Lance had a race in Prescott.

The weather was beautiful and he did great...2nd place!


Great job, Babe! Can't wait for the next one!

Let It Begin...

Baseball season is here... my favorite!

Juggling four games a week is not easy, but so worth it.


Have you ever seen a cuter grasshopper? Muckdog?