What a difference a year can make

I'm falling into the social media trap of not only blogging, but today is my first #tbt. Don't get me wrong, I love Throw Back Thursday especially the high school and college pictures! I also really enjoy pictures of weight loss and success stories of moms getting healthier!  Today I went for a run shooting for a 5k under 30 minutes.  It could have been the new shoes, the amazing weather, or just the right songs playing on my running mix, but either way... I nailed it!

Last year at this time I had 4 grandparents, was planning a trip to New Orleans, almost 20lbs heavier, running a lot slower, and not as happy as I am now.  I can thank my friends, family, faith, and running for my change in lifestyle.  I still need to work on my poor eating habits and then I'll be golden; maybe even look like some of the amazing transformations that I see on other blogs!  These are the only pictures I have of me before I started training for my full marathon and getting SERIOUS about running!

What is in store for my family and me with the next year? February 2015? Only He knows.  Thanks to the Facebook page: Praise God Through Disney for the below picture.

Why I'm Kooky

I started blogging because my life is full of moments that make me laugh and smile... most of the time.  Don't get me wrong, I get stressed and worried as lots of moms do.  I find myself reciting James 1:2-3 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  My husband travels a lot for work so I feel like a single mom of two kids most weeks.  I make sure to use my time wisely with them filling our afternoons with trips to the park and cupcake store. 

But mama also needs her time too!  Thats when over two years ago I turned to running.  I ran around the block, registered for 5k's, started getting tan and loosing weight.  Before I knew it I completed my first half marathon!  I was hooked!

Below is a picture of me running 3.3 miles, in 33 degrees, on my 33rd birthday!

Since then I have completed lots of 5k's, a couple 10k's and half marathons, and one FULL Marathon at Walt Disney World.  That's when our family turned into a "Disney Family!"  My love for running has rubbed off on a few friends, not on others, and influenced my husband to start running.  We are registered for the Dumbo Challenge at Disneyland over Labor Day weekend.  I hope you enjoy my blog during my training over the next few months.

What do you enjoy for your mommy time?

Running Kooky Post #1- Everyone starts somewhere

I am sure your life is crazy.  Mine is KOOKY!  I wanted to start a blog with my free time to share my life full of kids, running, Disney, runDisney, teaching, and everything else that crosses my path.  Just to let you know how kooky I am- I am writing my first post after this weekend:

Saturday alarm goes off at 5:30, snooze until 6am.  I make a direct beeline for the Keurig.  There is nothing like enjoying a cup of coffee with a quiet house especially before a run.  After contemplating my running gear, I choose my favorite Lululemon running capri pants with my new Brooks running jacket (Valentine present from my husband- he loves me), and lace up my Newtons.  Today is a special morning run with my MRTT (Moms Run This Town) group.  10k logged with my new running inspiration; a 2 time Boston marathon finisher that slowed down to my 10 minute mile.  At the finish line awaited mimosa cupcakes, medals, and swag bags and then it was quick good byes.  I rush home to load the family to my son's soccer game that I accidentally volunteered to coach.  My favorite Hawkeye plays until another boy ninja hits him in the face, game over for Cooper. Lunch, nap, dinner, and then my real job starts as CT technologist.  Kooky Saturday, right?

Wait it gets better. Sunday comes with no sleep and a quick trip to the bagel store. Breakfast is ready!  I get the kids ready for church knowing the quicker they get out the door the earlier my naptime.  Kinnick, my daughter, is dressed perfectly head to toe even with accessories and iPhone in hand.  My strong willed Cooper wants to wear his jammies... I try to pick my battles, but what do you do?  They're gone, naptime, silence for two hours until the garage door flies up. Urg!  I have a bitter sweet love for Sunday lunch being so sleepy and a moody mom.  Why is now the time my husband insists on going shopping for a patio grill, really?  We rush back home for another nap and before I know it, Bam, 6:30pm and I'm off to work again.  Two shifts and I can't complain about work, right?

And now here I am.  Monday morning with a quick hand off of the car keys to my husband, Kyron, and he's off to work.  I walk inside the house to two smiling faces ready for mommy time.  Kinnick is off to preschool, Monday Funday, dressed to the nines while Coop and I enjoy our moments together.

I am so thankful that I have Monster energy drinks to continue my kooky lifestyle.  Tuesday will come with more memories to make.  Our family is so blessed. 

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8