December Birthdays

My wonderful girlies are December babies, mid-December babies, which always makes birthday party planning difficult. I had this wonderful idea about a month ago, a "Build a Bear" party. Essentially everything except for the cake would be done for me. We could meet at the store, the kiddos could build their bear and then we could walk down to the food court for some pizza and cake. Then I find out that Build a Bear stops their birthday parties on December 7th until after the holidays. Of course that makes sense. What parent really wants to haul their 4/5 year old to the mall the weekend before Christmas for a birthday party?

I have spent the last month brainstorming party ideas. A party at home (well at my parents house), maybe. I could hire a clown or a magician. Mmmm do I really want to spend that much money if only two kids can show up? I mean, not to re-iterate, but the party is the weekend before Christmas. No, better find an activity with a per kid charge. Maybe the paint pottery place. Nope, they don't do parties for kids under 6. Finally, I found the solution. Bowling! A per kid charge, everything is done for me (except for cake) and the kiddos are out of the house. I called the local bowling alley today and I now have the details. I need to run over and sign the contract and we can get those invites in the mail :) Now I'm just crossing my fingers for attendance!

Half Marathon training continues

Despite my recent significant life changes, I am still powering on with my half marathon training...actually better than before. When I moved in with my parents, I started running on their treadmill (located in my new living room) nightly. I ran, watched tv, and counted down the minutes/miles until I could stop. Not the best way to train. Then, one weekend, I resumed running outside. It was a delightful 65 degree fall day and I had a wonderful run. I have not run on the treadmill since. I have instead, started waking up earlier to get my runs in.

This past Saturday, the girlies and I woke up and headed to the trail for some longer distance running. The distance didn't happen. Two 35 ish lb almost five year olds plus a 15+ lb jogging stroller is a little bit more than I can handle. My 6.5 mile run, turned into a 3 mile jog/walk. I now have a very nice double jogging stroller for sale. I recommend using it with much younger/lighter children than mine. I do think that pushing all of that weight gave me an awesome workout.

I am gradually increasing my mileage for earch run, thus increasing my weekly mileage. So far so good. I have booked my airline tickets for the race weekend. I have until the end of February to train. I'm looking forward to putting my best foot forward to accomplish this goal.

when life hands you lemons

I've been MIA from my blog for quite a while (almost two months). In those two months, my world has been turned completely upside down. To make a long story short, I'm (essentially) single and now my daughters and I live with my parents.

I've been starting over. Its funny (but not) that I've spent the last six months or so being excited (and blogging about) all of the exciting changes I believed were happening in my near future. All of the sudden, everything changes. What once seemed so important, doesn't anymore. In fact, my entire list of goals, hopes and dreams have changed. Everything is different.

Well, not everything. I'm still just as determined to make a wonderful life for my daughters. I'm still just as determined to reach my own personal goals. I still have the same interests and friends. I'm still working, reading and sewing. I'm still laughing, celebrating and talking. I'm thankful. Difficult situations have a way of putting things in perspective.

I'm trying very hard to make lemonade.