New lens...new photoshop...new photo spot...

I know I posted these on FB already. Sorry for doubling up. But just in case you missed them...

This was so much fun to do! I got to take all the senior dancers pictures for the dedication page in the programs. With hundreds of people seeing this page, saving it for scrapbooks, I knew I had to do good. I think it turned out really awesome. I hope these girls love it. Afterall, they've been dancing since they were 3...they deserve it. My little ballerinas are following their footsteps. What do you think?

Things have been a blur the last couple of weeks...seems like I am literally going somewhere whether it be to the store, to take pictures, to school, to pick up kids from one event and take them to another...I love it. However, there are some things that just have to take a backseat during busy times. My house is a mess, we have been digging clean clothes out of the laundry basket and my pile of papers seems to be growing. Is that a bad thing? I figure one of these days I'll have some time to catch up with those "small" things. Afterall, how many times could I say I've been to the Beauty and the Beast show with my girls, watch all 3 kids cross the finish line, watch them run track and witness the girls growing into beautiful ballerinas. Aaahhh...I sure love this time of my kids lives. I wish it would never end.

So onto the chaos of the last weeks...my biggest and proudest moment was race day last Saturday. I have never felt such joy when I saw my kids run their hardest. Brody passed me up in the last stretch of the finish line! I always knew he had it in him. He ran his personal best time...22:11. I came in after him at 22:18, all smiles :) Then I waited for my little girls, praying they were doing okay. I had taken them out the week before on the route so they knew it well. They decided they wanted to do it by themselves and I am so glad I let them run on their own. Emerson came in next at 25:34. Wow! People could not believe this was her first race. She really rocked it. Madison came in next at 27:39..another great time. The girls got lots of attention afterwards...I don't think they realized how many people they inspired that day. Including me. We all got our medals and celebrated. Needless to say, they are ready for another race. I am so happy they enjoyed it.

Tomorrow is Brody's bday. He is going to be 14. I officially will hand over my Jeep keys to him as he will be driving! SCARY! I can't believe I am at this point in our lives. Driving. Wow. He is a great kid, I know he will do just fine behind the wheel. To celebrate his birthday, we are picking him up from school and heading right to Sioux Falls for a dinner with grandpa. Then we're headed to the arena football game. The best part? He has NO CLUE we are doing this. It's all a big surprise. I can't wait to see the look on his face!!

Business is picking up and I've gotten some cool jobs lately. I'll have to post my lastest project once I get it done. Which is what I need to work on now. So I will log off and wish you the best weekend ever!

Update on the military photos from the previous post...picture of the boys hugging dad in front of the flag is going to be on the cover of the next National Guard magazine that is distributed across South Dakota. Pretty cool. From what I hear, I'm going to have a line of military dads and their kids at my door for the same type of pictures. Love it! Update on us...track is in full swing for Madison and Brody. Madison and Emerson are going to run their first 5K this Saturday! We ran the full route last weekend so they would know where they were going and I am proud to say, they ran the entire trail. Those girls are going to be runners! Madison is slower than Emerson but she is not discouraged. She just does her own pace and enjoys listening to her music. Emerson is a bit more competitive and thinks beating her brother would be cool. I will say this...she could do it! I am so excited and anxious for the race! All my kiddos, same race, 3 miles. Almost makes me cry! Before race day is another fun girls day. Tomorrow the girls and I are getting dolled up, heading to Sioux Falls for some shopping, eating out and taking in Beauty and the Beast show at the Pavilion. Ohhh, I've heard so much about this show, can't wait to experience it! The girls are ready to head out right after school. Exciting day! Biked with hubby tonight to give my knees a much needed rest. We rode to the dam and it was a great change from running. He has been wanting a road bike...I'm not too happy with price tag but am softening up a little bit. We'll see if I give in...:) Happy day, my friends. I'll post more pictures soon!

A few shots of this awesome military dad and his boys...they speak a thousand words. Dad even gave me the American flag he brought along to use. Truly something I will always treasure.

Need some help...trying to come up with a creative idea. The scenario is this:

*2 little boys all dressed up in the army fatigues along with dad who has been to Iraq twice now. I am going to be doing some inside and outside. I LOVE this idea and have a few ideas to do but would love to have that "wow" factor.

Any advice/ideas??

I have no really cool pictures to post except for my post-race photo. This was the only green I could come up with! I had such a great Saturday though! Finally the weather cooperated and we were able to get to Sioux Falls for some family time. I ran the St. Patty's Day 5K in the cold and wind and won my age group! Even better was placing 3rd overall. I have never run this well before in this race. I keep thinking if the wind weren't blowing, I would've really beat my PR. The race was huge, about 800 people. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone dressed in green...and all bundled up at the same time. My hubby came to cheer me on and I think it worked. I love having him there. The kids opted to stay with my dad since the weather was a bit chilly. We joined up with my dad after the race and had the best time with him. This will be the last time I see him before his surgery on Thursday so it was hard to say goodbye. It wasn't a goodbye persay, just a see ya later. I'll be back this weekend to visit him and help him recover.

Then we headed across the city to my mom's. She was more than excited to see us! She offered to take the kids to supper and Seth and I could go out to eat on our own. Thanks Mom! Red Lobster it was! Mmmmm...it was good and we got to talk without any interruptions. Perfect date night. Got home late and was so thankful for the day. So blessed for family. Blessed.

Madison was sick with a fever all weekend. Emerson was missing her sister so I got out the camera and we had some fun! The faces of Emerson...

Wow. Thank you for all your prayers. It means so much to me and I can tell you have been with me. I am so incredibly blessed.

This week has been so much better and not quite so overwhelming. I had this feeling of comfort come over me and like Karen said, God has me covered. Oh yes He does.

My dad is having surgery March 17 to remove the prostrate. He is not looking forward to it, to the recovery or even to the anxiety beforehand. He just wants it over and can't wait to get back on the golf course. I am so relieved that the cancer hasn't spread and he should be back to 100% in no time. Thank you God. In the meantime, I am going to help dad through this as much as possible. I'll even get his clubs shined up for him so he'll be ready to roll once those golf courses open up. I sure love my dad.

My dog bite is healing nicely. Needless to say, I am glad it's not shorts season...the healing process is not very pretty. Quite ugly actually. But before long, I'll be as good as new. Just a new awareness of strange dogs! Still friendly with the neighbors a.k.a. owners of the biting dog although a bit awkward. I'm sure time will heal that too.

Ahhh...now it's the weekend and ready for it. We were planning on going to SF tomorrow but alas, my oldest daughter has come down with a nasty fever. So we are going to stay warm and get her well. Never a dull moment!! Happy weekend and thanks again for the kind words, thoughts and prayers. You can't know how much it means to me...:)

Funny how things can change within a couple of hours. Today was that day. If you didn't know me, you probably would think I was making this up. I can assure you I'm not. And since it is 1 a.m. and I can't sleep, I am hoping "talking" to you will help bring comfort and sleep will prevail.

I have always wished we could live in a place where time would freeze. Only at times. Sometimes I am fearful of the future, of the unknown. Thankfully my faith is strong and I give everything to God. But there are moments where I wish I could just stay right where we are. No one has to get older and I always know the kids are safely tucked in their beds at night. But reality hits.

Today I found out my beloved dad, has prostate cancer. Not only is he my dad but he's one of my best friends. My heart sunk. I was hoping the tests would come back more positive. My dad being the person he is, sounded so calm on the phone. I, on the other hand, was not so calm. I am not ready for this and am still in a state of shock. Sometimes I put myself in a bubble, thinking and believing that nothing will ever happen to the people I love. I am sad and feel different and want to help in some way. All I can do is pray, pray, pray. I keep replaying the image in my mind of the man who came out of nowhere during mile 22 of the marathon...the man who bright yellow t-shirt read "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". I will never ever forget that man and this verse that got me thru to the end. I am convinced he was placed there by God. Just when you think you are alone, you are reminded that you aren't. So now I remember that tonight...that I am not alone. Prayer is the key to feeling peace and comfort.

Seth came home to me, listened, shared my tears and we geared up for a run with our dog. It was such a refreshing run, beautiful weather, beautiful geese flying in the sky...everything was feeling good until we got home. Our neighbor has a dog that gets out quite often and barks up a storm. She was out when we left, chased us for a while and went home. I was ahead of Seth when we came up our street, the dog ran out, came up behind my leg and bit me! I started crying all over again! I couldn't believe it. I've never been bit by a dog before in my life. It hurt. 2 puncture wounds. Ugh. Seth got out medicine, looked up what to do about dog bites and then had to do the task of calling the neighbor, whom we like a lot. Fortunately, he was very apologetic and is going to pay for the doctor bills. Yep, have to go in tomorrow to get a shot. What a day. The girls were crying, Brody thought I was going to get rabies...double ugh. So thankful for my family who took care of me tonight.

I am praying tonight. And truly giving everything up to the one who has control, who has the blueprint to all our lives. And I will be just fine. So will my dad. There is no bubble to keep us all in...there is no way to freeze time so we won't get older...there is no way to have trouble-free days all the time...there is only one thing for sure. Faith.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:3. Thank you to the "man" who reminded me of this verse at the most appropriate time in my life. Now it is time to sleep...thank you for listening to my day.

So...the archery shoot happened last weekend and I have to say, it was one of the most fun events I have ever done! Nerves were in full force though...from the "what to wear" nerves to the actual "acting like I know what I'm doing" nerves. With the help of my hubby, I opted to wear jeans, a camo girl hoodie and black boots. Once that was decided, it was a bit easier to move on!

We got to the archery center and I was immediately teamed up with the "black team". My team consisted of 3 celebrity archers, 3 celebrity hunters and one professional archer. Seth and I got my bow out to practice at the 10 yard targets. He adjusted my bow, I kept shooting thinking I was going to be shooting at these targets during the actual challenge. After a dozen arrows, we took a break and started eating from the venison feast table. It was amazing! The food was so good. Then about 10 minutes before the shoot started, I found out the archers shot at the 10 yd targets. The hunters were considered to have more experience so they shot at the 20 yarders. My stomach went to my stomach. I wasn't set up for 20 yards! So I threw on my release, grabbed my bow, dropped my pheasant skewer, grabbed my hubby and ran to the targets set up for hunters! I shot a few arrows, Seth adjusted and we hoped for the best.

There were lots of people watching...a couple hundred but luckily, all the hunters shot at the same time. Schew. They wouldn't notice the beads of sweat forming on my forehead. I shot the first round and got a 23 out of 25. not bad for an amatuer. Really, I didn't have any more experience than the 10 yard shooters...I am just lucky to have a really, really great teacher (who happens to be pretty good looking too). Anyway, second round came up and I was loose and the jitters were gone. I adjusted my sight and much to my surprise and excitement...5 arrows, 5 bullseyes. 25 out of 25. I think Seth was pretty proud.

Our team didn't win the whole event but I tell you what, it was such a fun night. And for such a great cause. Seth and I talked to professional archers, we ate some great food, we met some new friends, hung out with old ones and just had a awesome time. Who knew that shooting at some plain ol' targets could be so much fun?!

A few weeks ago, a lady from the united way here in town called me and asked if I wanted to be a part of their 2nd annual shoot from the heart event. They wanted hunters and celebrity archers to be a part of the fundraiser. I was honored to be asked! So I immediately said yes. A few days later I get the email with all the details...I am going to be paired up with a "celebrity" and professional archery people and people vote on their favorite teams. so I guess we just go and get to shoot at the indoor archery range (which is a fantastic place by the way) but I began to think, what did I get myself into??

The event is tomorrow night (Friday). I saw the list of of "celebrities" and the list of hunters. I am the only girl on the the list of hunters!! No wonder they were so excited to have me there! Now I am thinking again, what did I get myself into? Well, my husband being the great one that he is, has my bow all set up for me. He is coming with me for moral support and to feast on all the venison appetizers! I still don't know what exactly I got myself into but it's for a great cause and it will be a great night out. I just hope I don't make a fool of myself!! I want to make a decent showing for women with bows and arrows! And a decent showing for my hubby who just as nervous as I am. Afterall, he is the one who taught me everything I know. Pray that I seem to know what I'm doing and that I hit the target a few times. I am more nervous about this whole gig than I was the night before the marathon. I'll let you know how it all pans out.

Saturday morning is the Frostbite Four in Beresford, my first road race of the year in my new age bracket! The one positive of getting older! I have come in 2nd in this race for the last 3 years so I am bound and determined to come home with the trophy...I just hope I don't actually get frostbite. My mom is meeting me and the kids there so I get to see her too. What a great weekend in store.

Hope you all have a fantastic one!!

Visiting Week at dance class takes place every semester and it's the opportunity for the parents to actually go into the studio and watch the class. It's fun to see what they are learning and how they are progressing. It's also a chance to take pictures and I took alot of 'em! I think those around me thought I was going a little camera crazy! Normally, I wouldn't get the best shots in the dance studio...lighting is bad, yellow and doesn't make for great pictures. Until now! I have some really pretty shots of the girls practicing...more for later posts in an effort not to bore you. Here's a couple that I absolutely loved. I may enlarge these big for their room. Ahhhh, ballerinas...is there nothing sweeter?! I don't think so! Happy Monday to you! :)

My girls and I trying out the self-timer...it works! There is nothing trickier than setting the camera, hearing the beepr go off and racing into position to beat the shutter. Scheww. It took a couple of takes, but we got some that we all liked. It was kind of fun actually. Makes the girls smile...they think it's a game!

I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA! It is so cool and has so many "things" I can do! These are the first pictures I took with it. It truly was worth the money and stress about spending that much. I'm pretty sure it will pay for itself in a few months. So this is just a forewarning...new camera = lots of pictures. Many more to come!

Our first hockey game and we got to see Jace play! Couldn't have asked for a better day! Spent the whole afternoon with the Grosdidier's and totally loved the game! It was so exciting and Jace did an awesome job. These are the moments that are just plain priceless...I'll never forget this day, Carey. It was so awesome to see you and to see your boy play. Can't wait to do it again! :)

So excited....I get to see Carey tomorrow! :)

\

I am hoping this is going to be my new camera very, very soon...

I usually never get to watch Dr. Oz becuase I'm at school when he's on. And even when I am home, I usually don't watch him anyway due to other things happening that are more important. I honestly don't remember when I've sat down to watch a complete show without interruption or without multi-tasking...anywoo, Dr. Oz I swear was talking to me over Christmas break. As I was scrubbing my kitchen floor, I heard the previews saying this show was for women over 40 and the changes they should make. That was me...well, not yet. But I'm being proactive here. So with Lysol in one hand and a pen in the other, I began taking notes.

~Women who turn 40 should take extra Vitamin D...check. Got my chewable vit. D and take them every morning.

~Women who turn 40 should take a mulit-vitamin...check. Do that.

~Women who turn 40 should have 25g of fiber a day...check. Bought some raisin bran and craisins. Might not be 25g but it all helps!

~Women who turn 40 should drink Oolong tea....never heard of it. It's supposed to be chock full of health benefits. I don't like tea but I figure if I can choke down raisin bran everyday, I can give this tea a try.

So I went to the local health food market and asked for Oolong tea. The lady told me everyone has been in asking for this stuff! We all must have been watching the same episode. Found the last box, brought it home, brewed up a cup and hoped for the best. The first taste was horrible. The box said to add honey for sweetness so I did that. It was a little better but oh my, it certainly was testing my taste buds. It literally took hours but I get down most of the mug. Seriously? I am supposed to drink this stuff everyday? Seth told me I'll get used to it. I'm not as confident. This turning 40 gig is no fun at all. I would rather drink my daily Coke and be happy.

Not sure if the Oolong tea will hold out but at least I gave it a shot. I wonder how much honey i can add before I end up killing the benefits?! Hmmmmm....may need to do some research on that one.

Happy Sunday! :)

I think I'm in marathon withdrawal. I don't have another race until February 5th. I am itching to get out there and meet up with my running peeps!



One thing different about this years races is that I will have moved up to a different age bracket...instead of being in the 30-39 age group, I will have graduated to the 40-49 group! I can't tell you how excited I am! Yes, yes, I know. I have become somewhat obessesed. But I have to look at turning 40 this month in some postive way and this is what I have come up with. I will now be at the BOTTOM of my age group which may prove to be a financial gain as well. It's hard to be 39 and run against 30 year olds. My hubby thinks I'm crazy to be excited about this new chapter in my life. But again, you have to find all you can find to be happy about the big 4-0.



So..with that comes the big question. I had a goal to complete a marathon before I was 40 and I did it. The experience was amazing and here lies the question...should I do it again while I can? I feel like I want to do it again. Life is so short and I feel like while I am able, I should go out there and fulfill another goal. I don't ever want to look back and wish I would've done it. I think about that marathon everyday and how it has changed so many things in my life. I have another month to make the final decision and I'm praying about it. Kinda sounds like I have made up my mind, doesn't it?!



Another awesome thing this year...have all 3 of my kids signed up for a race in April! Brody and I are doing a 5K and the girls are doing a half-mile. They are so pumped to do this...I promised them we would start "training" once the snow melts and I'll get them some cool running clothes for the big event! This is a dream come true! I am already excited for this day and hope the experience will prove the point I've been trying to show...you can do anything you want to do, you just have to have the heart. And the faith.


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:3