Gramma's Visit

Phillip's mom came for 5-days and had a great time! The boys ate up every minute of being doted on.

On the first day in town I took her to IKEA. It opened a month ago and is on the way home from the airport. Second floor is a mad house where the kids stuff is and the restaurant. I compare the whole experience to Costco on steroids. I think she enjoyed the first floor...we did find the cups and bowls I was looking for and the meatballs for Uncle Arthur (I do keep forgetting to bring them, oops!)

On Friday Phillip took her to the beach- Seaside- with the boys since I had to work. Here are the photos. They had a great time! I was sorry I missed the rides and arcade.

Saturday we took her to Sauvie's Island and got the cukes for pickles. We also did Dim Sum which is always a nice lunch for the fam so everyone gets something they like, fast.

Sunday we enjoyed church and dinner at my Aunt B's. We made pickles there and I found out that after all of these years the recipe I have been using thinking it was hers and her mother's was not. She has no idea whose recipe it is and was suprised that Phillip didn't like the Apple Cider vinegar ones I made years ago, since that is all she does. It is now officially my recipe since I have changed it so much and no longer do I feel bad for messing up hers since it never was...what an uplifting moment;)

Monday was a lazy day for me but great for her and boys since we just hung out and played. I was glad that we could have her for so long and it was a blast. I think by the end she was actually sleeping through the night and sleeping in too. No better vacation then that! Can't wait till we see her again and neither can the boys! Loves Gramma XOXOXO

H2C

Okay, so a couple of days later and I have the oddest sensation, my second toe hurts like an SOB. It is purple on both feet and on my right foot I think the nail will fall off. The two women on my van loose their toe nails every year and another lady told me it happened to her last year. I swear my shoes fit, what gives? If you want here is a photo...purple and painful. Needless to say that soccer tonight bit the big one. Socks are painful so imagine cleats ontop of that... What a mama won't do for her boys!



No running for me for a week at least. I am eating all the crap I cut out of my diet for the last month; Burgerville on Monday, McD's today. Gained every pound I lost over the weekend. C'est la vie!

Other then that I am a little sore now and then but not too bad. I have had more imobilizing days w/ my trainer at the gym. I was a lot more ready then I thought. I would like to think that I could be faster next time but the thought of doing it again gives me goose bumps. I think I will stick to short races that are over before the kids have lunch.

P.S. Phillip is appauled that I put the photo up but really this is such an odd thing for me...sorry to those that are opposed.

Jack's Playdate

Here are some photos of Jack and his friend Avi. Jack went over for a playdate and I had to leave for an apt. Jack did well and apparently didn't miss me at all...go figure! They even "traded" bears, they are the cutest two to watch! I just love it:)

Hood 2 Coast

I ran! I finished! Injury free and exhausted. I had a wonderful time and learned quite a bit about myself. I am one determined Mama. Considering the week I had (hormones crashed on Wed and couldn't get in to get a shot/boost) I ran my all and had fun doing it. However, another H2C in my future is a resounding no.
Ran w/ a great group and enjoyed their company. Fun guys and gals!

My team name was "On a Diet of Worms". Overall we came in 26 minutes under our projected time. I had 7 road kill- which is how they track people you pass. I tanked my first run but rocked my second one and the last one I accieved my goal of running it and just outright finishing. I ran two 4-miles and the last was 7.38-miles. Ahhh the feeling of achievement. I even crossed the finish line w/ Jack so in true Mama E style!

Lots of love and will send photos when I get them. Will update on the boys later this week.

This Week

It is the big week for us! The cabinets are starting to be installed Wed! I can't wait!

RJ is at scout camp and I am glad that he is busy all day vs just the morning. Is is a bad mama of me to be longing for school?

The countdown begins for Phillip starting his new job. He thinks that things will slow down at that point; whatever.

Grandma Judy will be here next Thursday for five days! The boys and I are thrilled to have her for so long. It will be a great trip!

Pictures soon...

Hammie

Phillip caught a sleeping hound...it is hard to get a photo of him like this as he is usually mugging for the camera and getting right in the middle of most shots. He was wiped out from a long walk with the boys last night. Such a love!

Hammie is our new dog, we rescued him about two years ago. He is ten, or there abouts, and has settled into Erwin life pretty well. He has gotten to tollerate Jack pretty well and loves RJ. Jack can't get enough of the dog, he even takes him on his walks, really, Hammie will walk w/ Jack holding the leash saying, "walk" the whole time. We had to hire a trainer awhile back and she worked miracles w/ us, apparently Hammie was not the problem, such a suprise;)

RJ is enjoying another week of VBS (vacation bible school). There are so many churches in the area that we put a cap on four this summer. I think next summer there will only be three. They last about a week and are only mornings but it gets him out of the house and so far no sign of him being overchurched.

Jack is just taggin along this week, playing catch up with his sleep and me on the errands.

Phillip has had a much better week of things at work. He has been able to work some things out and has a choice of a couple of positions so he can stay with the company. He has a couple weeks to decide so he has been spending a lot of time being very thoughtful. Your prayers have been answered and we cannot thank you enough! It was very upsetting last week and we are just so grateful for your support and love during this challenging moment.

H2C is in three/four weeks and I am ready. Well, mostly. I think it is all mental now. I am set w/ my equipment and gear. Just need to test a couple of electorlyte tablets and salt tablets in the next few weeks. I have found an energy bar I like, hard to do you would be amazed and I have the right shoes finally.

Kitchen cabinets come next wednesday! I cannot wait, we are all sick of eating out, literally.

All our love...