TRI-MOM

My latest goal has been to complete a sprint triathlon, which is swimming a quarter mile, biking 12 miles, and running 3.1 miles. I have come full circle over the past 14 months from zero motivation to run to completing my first sprint triathlon. I am thoroughly enjoying the new challenges and pushing myself to levels I never thought were possible for me. So, here is my new license plate!!!
This is the swimming portion - in a parasite infested lake - in October!!! I am in the lake swimming in this photo - somewhere out there.
I am choosing not to post the pic of me exiting the lake - some images are best left out! This is me leaving on the bike portion on my S-L-O-W mountain bike. I was so tired of hearing people passing me saying, "On the left!" as they rode on their 10 speed street bikes. If - no - When - I do another tri, I WILL definitely be riding a street bike. I feel like I lost a lot of time on this portion because of lack of good equipment.
The girls enjoying the fun while their Mommy is out torturing herself! I am thrilled that Mark and the girls were able to be there to support me and cheer me on. I would not have been able to complete my goal if it had not been for Mark's support and motivation. He rearranged his schedule many days so I could go out for some training. Thank you Babe!
This is me finishing the bike portion and entering the transition area. My legs were literally shaking uncontrollably when I dismounted the bike. I thought how in the world am I supposed to get these legs running when I cannot even stand up. Some how they worked it out, and I was able to get going.
This is me starting the run portion of the race as I was saying to Mark, "This is harder than childbirth!" Not really - but I tend to exaggerate when I am in the moment!!!
This is me coming to the finish line - full force as hard as I could push it!! I was so overcome with emotion at the end. Mark was looking at me like what is wrong with you??!! It was all of the emotions of not sleeping for a week because I was anxious and nervous, hours and hours of training, completing a monumental goal (for me that is), and being female that I just lost it at the end. It was a great feeling of exhilaration!!!!
This is my running partner and friend, Amy R, who tortured herself with me. We decided to challenge ourselves together with this monumental goal, and we both succeeded well above what we had anticipated!!! I am so thankful I was able to run the race "along side" such an awesome person and special friend!!! She and I left home at 5:30 a.m. to get the race at 6:30 a.m. for body marking.
My sweet and supportive family standing next to me cheering me along!!!
Amy R and her family enjoying the day with us. Mark, the girls, Amy R's husband, and her kids left home at 6:30 a.m. to get to the race by 7:30 to see us for the swim portion. They just barely made it in time to see us exit the lake.
We had a wonderful day and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Cracker Barrel (my favorite) after the race! I am so thankful I decided to challenge myself and accomplish this personal goal. I am pondering what my next goal will be. I have to give God the glory for the entire day - HE completely took care of every concern on my heart!!!

Oh - BTW - My van is burgundy not blue!!! If I were going to personalize my license plate, it would not say "TRI MOM"!!!

Deck Camping

Mark and Sarah had a camp out on the deck after we got home from the festival. They (Mark) set up the tent and drug out every sleeping bag and blanket possible to make the deck comfy. Good luck with that!!
Hannah enjoyed playing with Sissy's silly bands!
The girls trying out the tent before night fall. Hannah would not sit in it unless I was in there with her. Oh boy - our REAL fall camping trip is going to be a real adventure!!
Sarah and Daddy before I said sweet dreams and nightie-night!!!
We brought out our fire pit for some ambiance!
They made it all night in the tent. I went to check on the campers around 9:30 p.m., and they were fast asleep. I am so glad Sarah enjoys doing the camping thing with Mark; maybe she can take my place as his camping buddy.

Annual Fall Fun

Mark was out completing a long run (20 miles) in preparation for his marathon in November. So, I loaded up the mini-van and headed out to the Duluth Fall Festival with the girls, along with our neighbor/friend Mrs. Annette and her daughter Chloe. I have always enjoyed the Duluth Festival ever since I moved to the Atlanta area.
The girls got their faces painted - of course! That's Sarah's favorite thing to do.
My sweet friend, Mrs. Leslie, met us there with 4 kids she was babysitting. She and I have always made the Duluth Festival a day of fun together! Here we are during the parade.
Mrs. Annette and Chloe during the parade.
Mrs. Leslie posing with the girls!
Me and my girls on the bus heading back t0 the the car after the festival. Hannah even got in a little snooze while we there! Fun times! See ya there next year Mrs. Leslie!!!

Weekend Trip to Baba and Papa's

Sarah's new favorite activity is .............................
playing nail salon!
She asks me just about on a daily basis if she can paint her nails. I put a towel down on the carpet, and then she goes to work. Occasionally, she will paint my nails; however, most of the time she likes to paint her own nails. She actually does a pretty good job. I guess she has a future career as a nail specialist. Is that the proper name for the ladies who paint nails at these "LV Nail" shops????



Sarah knows how much her Baba enjoys having her nails painted. So, she was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to paint Baba's nails. Baba was very pleased with her work. This is Hannah on the way back home today - eating her feet! Oh, I wish I were still that flexible!!

Daddy and Sarah Home Addition

Mark and I have thrown around the idea of building a deck on our house ever since we married; however, it just never took flight. So, after much discussing we decided to go for it. We have taken on the mind set of "wherever you are - be there". We are here, so we are enjoying it to the fullest!!!

Mark included Sarah and I in every decision. Sarah even helped him draw out a plan for the deck. She was ecstatic about helping her daddy with a wood project!

Sarah is "helping" daddy hammer nails, while he put in the footings.
They are wearing their matching Anchor Synergy t-shirts.
Safety glasses are a must!!!
Of course, Hannah has to help her daddy as well.
I must brag on my wonderfully talented husband! He built the entire deck - solo! I attempted to help him twice; however, he insisted I stop trying to help and let him do it. According to him, it was much easier without my "assistance". Okey - deokey - no problem there!!!
It's almost completed!
The girls cheering on their daddy!
Hannah taking on the clean-up process - along with her blankie - of course!

The deck is beautifully crafted and perfect for our space out back. Our backyard is 100% secluded, so it is very enjoyable having our own oasis in the backyard. The girls are thoroughly enjoying the ability to run in and out without boundaries to play.

This is the finished addition! Thank you Mark for making our home even more enjoyable! You are amazing, and your girls (all 3 of us) LOVE you!!!

Hardware Days With Daddy

We took a few family trips to the Hardware stores with Daddy during the deck project. Mark always enjoys it when he can take his girls with him to Home Depot.
Sarah is trying to help her Daddy by pulling the huge pile of bagged bark we used in the play area.
Sarah is straining to get the pile going and of course, no one is "allowed" to help!

This was another outing for some deck project material. Mark and Sarah are trying to keep up with Hannah. This is what happens when Hannah is permitted to be out of the shopping cart!
I like this picture - so cute of the three of them!

Deck pictures are coming!

Night Under The Stars

Mark brought home a projector from the office, connected it to the laptop, connected some speakers, hung a sheet up on the swing set, and turned our new deck into an "outdoor movie theater".
We sat up lawn chairs, cuddled up with blankets, played nail salon (Sarah and I - not Mark - just to clarify), and nestled in for an evening under the stars.
Hannah was awake for the pre-movie events, ice cream, then she went night-night!
We had a wonderful evening, and we look forward to many more family movie nights! I love starting new family traditions.