I crossed the finish line!

Last Saturday I completed my 5k! What a relief!

But I will back up to Friday. Friday was a hot day up here in northwest Iowa. So hot that no one could sleep that night with our air conditioner on its last leg. Not good for this runner! I also could not sleep because of my nerves. I think i fell asleep at 3 am then awake at 3:30 am because Jaidyn was asking for a drink. Then back up at 6 am, then again at 6:30 am to get ready. Everyone was so tired!

We drove up to Orange City at about 7:20 am, My husband kids and my mom and I. Casey drops me off (7:45) and I am to meet up with a friend at about 7:50 am to get my packet that she picked up for me the night before. That packet has my bib (paper you wear on your shirt) and a few other items in it. I need that bib to race, if I do not have it I do not run. I can not find my friend ANYWHERE! I am frantically looking everywhere. I'm thinking to myself, I have worked so hard to not be able to run! I am fighting back tears. I see the 10k runners take off, still can not find my friend. I begin to ask everyone do you know Sheri Hansen... Do you know Sheri Hansen... then from behind me "Rachel" WHEW! Minutes before my race begins she finds me! Ok now to focus on the running.

Waiting to go!

We take off and the first half was good. The second half was a different story, my lack of sleep, and the wind from the morning storm was really hitting me and dragging me down. I had to stop a few times and when I did my poor breakfast made me a little light headed (I am assuming that was the cause). I kept running and finished! whoo hoo! Its over! Glad to do it, but glad its all over. Glad I had my awesome family to cheer me on! I am grateful for my husband and his support!

My AWESOME family waiting for me! I love them all dearly! 

Almost there...

The BEST cheerleaders a mom could ask for!

ready to cross that line! 

Hello Morning Challenge

Well My 13 week challenge is over. It was rough some days getting up before my family. But what a difference it makes in my day! Its something I want to continue to do. I can honestly say I enjoy that nice quiet hour to myself, just me and God before I start with the house wife, homeschooling mom chores for the day. 

Art day!

Get your paint brush, paints, markers, crayons and that wonderful paint shirt because its ART DAY! 

just one word...

YUCK!

Its not a Sprint its a Marathon!

I could not be more nervous running in this 5 k coming up in a short 7 weeks. This week I knew I had to increase my running times. As I was heading out the door Monday I was ready to puke because of my nerves! I didn't finish my time because of my nerves but also due to no open public restrooms on my route.  A mother just cant run and have to pee at the same time! he he! 

Wednesday I got up and I completed my goal.  It went much better than I thought. Maybe it was because I saw 3 dogs on my route that could "get" me and that was motivating to run away from them too. HA HA!

 I can say proudly that I can go about 2.5 miles! WOW!!! Never thought I could EVER do that. It was not easy at all. I have to keep telling myself to just keep going. I was reminded of the phrase "Its not a Sprint, its a Marathon!" Which helps me out a lot along, with listening to worship songs, to just keep going.

Cup Cake Fun!

Our Church Ladies this year are doing Secret Sisters. And each month we draw names for our secret sister. This month I received a strawberry cake mix, spring cup cake liners, can of cream cheese frosting and Easter candy. What a treat! So my girls and I made some yummy strawberry cup cakes with cream cheese frosting! Needless to say it was lots of fun. After the baking and the decorating we shared a few cup cakes to a few friends. Mommy does not need 24 strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting just sitting around waiting to be eaten! ;) 

Spring Cleaning!

I love that Jaidyn can help some around the house! My lovely sister helped me out with this parenting tip of having Jaidyn clean and help around the house. I love this vacuum. Maybe my other one is just  really bad/old but this small one picks up SO much!