Boston Qualifier

Jason decided to step up his training the last couple of months...he was determined to qualify for Boston. He has been running marathons for 3 years now and was tired of being so close, yet so far away. So he started running every day (except Sunday) and began to add a lot more miles to his training.

So...I've been to a few marathons in my life. I'll never forget the first one, Ogden. It blew me away. I had a really hard time fighting back the emotions and tears that hit me as I watched people cross that finish line. People of all shapes and sizes, struggling, perservering. Watching the few people that gave every last bit that they had and falling short 300 yards. It's amazing. But, over the last couple of years, I have become somewhat immune...or maybe just better able to suppress the tears, I'm not sure which one.

I realized Saturday morning, as I was running around getting the 4 girls ready to go, that this could be the big day for Jason. But in the hustle and the bustle I didn't give it much thought. So I wasn't prepared for what happened when I got his "half text time." I was pulling out of the driveway when my phone trilled and I looked down to see his time. He was doing sooo well! I instantly teared up. So we stopped the van and said a prayer for our daddy and then began the treck to meet him. At mile 18 he looked so good (this is where the top picture was taken). He blew the girls kisses and flew on by.

We saw him again at mile 24, and he was tired and wearing down, but still smiling and his time still looked good. So we walked to finish line and waited. This had to be the longest wait ever! I just kept watching the clock and saying, "Come on Jason, come on." When he finally made it down the home-stretch I yelled my guts out for him to sprint. But he had nothing left to give. He looked at me and smiled and simply kept going...

We found him after the race. I was ecstatic about his time. 3:00:38. I cried for him. It's amazing to see people reach their goals... Way to go Jason. You deserve it. Thanks for letting us be there to share your triumphant moment.

I'm Still Here

Hi! I'm still here, sort of. I need to post about Jason's amazing marathon...but I haven't downloaded pictures yet...so it will have to wait. In the mean time we have been running (as usual :)), canning peaches, taking in a session or two of free marriage counseling (just for fun), and getting ready for HAWAII!!!!! Aaaahhhh. I am so very excited and at the same time completely overwhelmed, and at the same time ecstatic, at the thought of leaving my children (especially my little baby) for 11 days!

The kids seem to be adjusting to school now. Mialee's biggest hang up is all the dirty kids talking to her (and thus possibly spitting on her), and touching her. Her first solution was to take a bath everyday when she got off the bus. I vetoed that. And yesterday she came home and said, "Guess what? The kids that I didn't want to touch me, touched me, and I'm doing okay!" Poor kid. Ya gotta feel bad for someone whose stress level is that high. Today I went to help with homework and wrote a smiley face on her paper in marker and she had a melt-down. She doesn't like it when people write on her papers in marker because she can't erase it. But, really, she is doing okay, I think....at least as okay as is possible for her.

More later, I promise.

Help Our School

Hi, this is Sierra and Mialee. Our school, Wilson Elementary, got nominated for a Pepsi Refresh Grant. But we don't get it unless we have the most votes. Will you help us vote please? You can vote EVERY DAY in September. Here's how.

1. Text 102480 to 73774 (PEPSI)

AND you can

2. Go to Pepsi Refresh and sign up to vote or vote through facebook in the same place!