Goal Setting

Last January I decided that I would write down a goal for each category in my life. That would be physical, mental, and spiritual. I seem to do this every year and work really hard for a couple weeks and then kind of phase it out. However, I just accomplished not only my physical goal for this year, but a life goal as well. On Saturday September 27th, 2008, I completed the Akron city marathon. I (along with 1000 men and 500 women) ran 26.2 miles. It was an incredible experience. It was hard mentally and physically. There were a lot of hills that I walked up and I had to over come some major thigh cramps (by the way, did you know that if you cramp up you can run it out? I would always just stop before, but a good 2 min. jog and they leave!), as well as some blisters. I had been sick and throwing up the week before and so that made me more nervous, but I took it really slow and came in right at 6 hours. It is bitter sweet to have it over with. I was REALLY sore the day after and now (3 days after) barely have any signs that I ran a marathon other then my bruised toenails. In fact I was online yesterday looking for another one to do this winter. I think I am hooked and have that desire to better my time and become a true MARATHONER. There is nothing like it in the world. In fact I read that less then 1% of 1/10th of the population have ever run a marathon-pretty special. I would love anyone to do one with me-you pick, we'll train, and run together!

Here's to goal setting!

By the way-my pic of the race aren't back yet but I will post them when they come in.

PARTY

Nine nine year old boys...Need I say more? Yes, I need. Last night I descovered again how strange boys are. Because Cole is pretty mild mannered, I had forgotten. Let's just say LOUD farting noises, burping, air guitar competitons, wresling, and genuine anger. First of all, when all the boys came I had to crack a window (or all of them) because the stench was awful. Sweaty feet, pits and hair actually wet with sweat. I had everything planned down to the minuite as to how the party was going to go and what we were going to do. All I have to say is we did not follow the plan. After eating pizza the boys wanted to go outside and "eviscerate" eachother (yes, that was the actual word used). After about ten minites out there, two boys came in very angry and said they were leaving. Apaently, Cole told them to stop wrestling and they were so mad they decided they would take their card (which they loudly informed everyone that it contained $25 in cash) and leave. Cole started to well up and told them they couldn't take the card because they had already given it to him. Travis was able to smooth everything over by letting them know we were starting games and that there were prizes. So, they stayed and Cole got the money. We played a pop the balloon game, pin the tail on the donkey (which despite their age, they LOVED), and the layered wrapping paper game. After all those games, we still had a hour to go. So, Travis took them outside and lit the three remaining fireworks from the 4th of July and let them do sparklers. They thought that was "way awsome" . Then we opened gifts and had cake and ice cream. With still a 1/2 hour to go, the boys spread out all over the house and proceeded to "play". As boys were leaving, I heard form 2 that it was the "best birthday party they ever went to" and Cole got several hugs and thanks for inviting people.

Writing about it has now given me a headache. Boys. I think next time we will find parents for hire just for those few hours and go get a couples masssage.

9 years old

Cole's birthday was yesterday. As I told him to go get dressed for church, he looked shocked. With tears in his eyes he said, "but it is my birthday, I thought I would get to stay home from church!". He was VERY upset that he had to go to church and the whole three hours kept muttering that it was not fair. Despite the church thing, I think he had a good birthday. He picked lasagna, homemade breadsticks, and strawberries for dinner. For desert, he chose to have brownies and ice cream. He got some good gifts amoung which was a gameboy game. He was excited to play it, but at first could not find his DS. Anna eventually "found" it under her pillow. The screen had been cracked by "Taylor" (so says Anna). It only took me 2 minutes to get Anna to confess. She got frustrated while playing a game and hit the screen really hard. Needless to say, Cole could not play his new game. Anna will be donating her $7 to have it fixed.

Cole is such an important part of our family. His personality is so much like mine. He has a tender heart and does not like conflict (unless it is with Anna, then he loves it). He will still hug and kiss me as long as nobody is around and "I love you mom" is still often heard coming from him. He is really good at math and reading. when doing a job, he almost always does it right the first time. Taylor adores Cole and loves to mimic his actions. Cole is having a birthday party on Friday with 10 of his "closest" friends (half of whom I have never met). He keeps adding people to his list because he does not want to make anyone feel bad about not being invited. We love Cole so much and are so greatful he is part of our family!