Boot Camp finds new muscles!!

For several years now I have aspired (is that the correct word?) to be a runner. I started running in 2001 after a long hiatus. Then in 2003, after Madelyn was born, I became a more consistent runner, logging 15-20 miles a week. I have completed numerous races, including 4 -1/2 marathons. I was beginning to get burned out with running and getting in a rut. After some encouragement from a friend I ventured to try something new.... BOOT CAMP! I really thought I was in decent shape from running but boy was I proven wrong when I stepped into that class. This class is held two nights a week at a local church gym. It consists of cardio, stength training and pure hell (pun intended). We break up into small groups and have 3 minutes at each station, which consists of running stairs, lunges, stair stepping, shooting lay-ups, grapevine, high steps, suicides, squats, or jumping jacks, etc, and after each station we get the pleasure of cardio bursts!! After we muddle through 5 stations we then get together for strength training with weights, a band and a ball. I cannot remember the last time I have been so sore or sweat so much. I struggled to walk for several days after the first class. I was glad the first time I went was on a Thursday so I had until Tuesday to feel less pain. It has been about a month now and I have made it to at least one class a week. Fortunately for me Madelyn has soccer one of the nights so I don't get to go both nights. It has brought me out of my running rut and although I still run 15-20 miles a week I now look forward to the easy days of just running 5 miles.

In the Dog House

The other day when I stepped outside on the deck this is what I discovered. Of course I had to tell her to rewind and start over so I could get it on camera. That dog house is not that big but she sure managed to get in, turn herself around and get out.

My Favorite Websites

Here is a list of websites that I like to check out on a regular basis.

KAKE.com - This is a local news channel to keep me up to date on the day to day happenings in our area. I also check the forecast several times a day (since it changes that quickly in Kansas).

Kansas.com - This is the Wichita Eagle. I also use this one to find out what is going on in our area but my favorite part to read are the obits. Morbid as it is I find that section to be quite entertaining.

myspace.com - I have a profile on there and I check in daily to see how my friends are doing.

closetomyheart.com - I am a jr. consultant for Close to My Heart Scrapbooking (only because I wanted the starter kit). I check out the message boards and add my 2 cents about whatever heated topic is going on at the moment. I love adding fuel to the fire.


facebook.com - I have a profile there too and I check it often to see if any new friends pop up.

allrecipes.com - I like to check out new recipes although I really don't enjoy cooking I do enjoy baking.

anywho.com - because I'm a stalker and like to find people.

mapquest.com - I'm directionally challenged and this does help me get to and from places. Although it is not always the most direct route.

kiddlive.com - this is the morning show I listen to Monday - Friday. I read the dj's daily blogs.

realtor.com - I'm always looking for a bigger and better home. Although Ryan keeps telling me we aren't going anywhere because our house will be paid off in 5 years. :(

hopecc.net - the link to Hope Community Church. Madelyn and I attend this Church almost every Sunday but if I happen to miss Church I listen to the sermon on-line.

cafemom.com - a very addictive website that has message boards about anything you can imagine. So much fun!

runningahead.com - I use for tracking my running miles and workouts.

Hastas for supper?!?!

Madelyn and I were outside yesterday evening and she asked me to come over and look at the pastas. HUH?!?!? She was referring to the Hastas that have just begun to pop up. She asked when we could eat them. LOL! I'm assuming she thought "pastas" would go well with spaghetti sauce. The thoughts she has amuse me each and every day! I learn so much from her amazing little mind. :)

Soccer Star

This is Madelyn's second year of playing soccer. It is very amusing to watch a bunch of 4-5 year olds chase after that ball. I usually laugh until I'm in tears at every game. It is mass chaos and is a lot like herding cats, but they sure do have fun. It really doesn't even matter if you kick the ball in the wrong teams goal, they all have the same goal which is to kick the ball all over the field. Ryan was at practice the other night and a soccer mom came up and asked if Madelyn was 6? Um no, but she will be 5 in about a month. Madelyn is taller than most of the kids on the team so most people assume she is older.

Preschool is Exhausting!

Madelyn has always been a great napper and up until a few months ago she still took an afternoon nap. Now that she has given that up she usually comes home from daycare or preschool worn out. As I was cooking supper she was sitting on the couch and asked if she could just close her eyes for a minute. A minute turned into about thirty.




This was my attempt to wake her up. :)



I was just goofing around and took a self portrait. That sure was a reality check on how old I'm getting. WOW!!

A true Daddy's girl

Madelyn has been a daddy's girl from the moment she laid eyes on Ryan. They are best friends (Ryan always reminds me). Well a couple weeks Ryan brought out his old High School football jerseys and since then Madelyn insists on wearing one every day. I have at least convinced her not to wear them in public but as soon as she gets home she puts one on and wears it until bed (when she falls asleep I take it off because she is sweating like a football player in the thing). I must admit she looks pretty darn cute in her daddy's jersey

A New Blogger

I'm jumping on the bandwagon and joining the Blogger world. I've enjoyed reading friends and family blogs so I thought I would join this blogging world too. Please hang with me as I'm not so sauve with technology and it may take me a few weeks to get the hang of it. I hope you all join me in this fun adventure