Happy 7th Birthday Caden and Maggie!

7, SEVEN how did it happen?  Everyone warns you when you are dead tired on your feet from newborns to cherish it because it will go fast, you cannot even fathom it at that point you just want sleep but boy does it fly by.

Caden and Maggie, your 7th birthday and it was so much fun!  Laser tag and jumping with our friends and family.

So much has happened in a year.  You are in 1st grade, separate rooms this year and doing so well.  You both are surprising us in school.  You are reading like champs and learning that life isn't always fair.  You have hearts that become sad but you learn the lessons God has planned.  You embrace life and whatever it is we are doing.

Caden, I have never seen a boy have more passion for sports at such an early age.  Yes you love the Steelers and Purdue but we can agree on the Reds at least.  You know more about your teams than most 7 year olds should and you cheer with all of your heart.

You give you all in all you do.  You amazed me on the baseball field this summer and fall.  You play hard at soccer and are still my caution, conservative kid.  You weigh everything before you do it but you eventually do it in your time.  Being competitive is in your blood but you play fair.  You appreciate your time with Papaw Casey and I often think you enjoy it more as you get away from our chaos.  You help clean like no one else and just flat out make this momma proud.

Maggie, you want to perform and you do it every chance you get.  The world is your stage and you are constantly putting on a show.  Your imagination is BIG and alive.  You have very big dreams that I hope you achieve.  I have watched you learn more about doing your best this year and to know we won't always win the crown doesn't mean we aren't winners.  You are a teacher, you are constantly quizzing Mallory and Cale and you are destined to lead.  You want to help others and to make their life better, which melts my heart.

You are a strong willed little person, you set your mind to something and nothing can stop you.  I promise to help you achieve all of your goals in life.  You make me proud and challenge me to be a better mom each day.

I hope you two have a very happy year at 7 - it is fun to watch you learn and grow so much.  To sit and hear you read.  To see you read to your brother and sister.  To see you lead the game and for me to be the student.  I love you both and I am blessed to be your momma!

Happy Birthday to my little chickens who could not wait to enter this world!

Maggie at her dance recital!

 

Caden trying his hand at catching!

Happy 4th Birthday to Cale and Mallory!

Disclaimer, this post should have happened June 24, 2014 or shortly there after.  But whatever, here it is now.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLES!
 4 years old, wow really seems like yesterday we waited to see if they could finally deliver you on the 24th of June 2010.  I truly had no idea what we were in for when you two were born.  You are the best of friends at times, I think you have an amazing twin bond for boy/girl twins and you constantly look out for each other.  

You could not be more different and more unique than kids who did not share the womb.

Mallory, you are fiercely independent, the quiet one and the caring one.  Your love for everyone is amazing and you take care of your baby dolls like they are real.   I love watching you with Suggie and the excitement you show for her.  You so badly want to hang with the older kids, I am trying to keep you in your age.  You are a trooper to go where ever we need you, be it a pageant or a ball game you are along for the ride and do not ask for much.

Minnie is still a favorite, as well as getting yourself dressed.  I have learned to let it happen and to take photos because you never know what your fashion sense will show.
You are most excited about being in Ms. Lauren's class and getting ready for Kindergarten.
You are breaking out of your shy shell and continue to amaze us little one.  You take the most random photos on our phones and I love finding them!

Cale, oh Cale. Our surprise and last baby.  You have taught me so, so much in 4 short years.  I never knew life could be lived even fuller than it was, you have shown us that.  Until you we didn't see life at 100 miles an hour.  You do not slow down, in fact you do not believe you need sleep.  You are a fighter and a lover and the same time.  You are a sweetheart and always know when I need a hug.  You are a little sneaky thing when you try to get your way but we cannot help to have our hearts melted.

Baseball, soccer, hockey you enjoy it all.  You will play with Monster trucks until you fall asleep. You have busy days and you have days you want to be home and veg on the couch watching movies. You will tag along with Caden and can keep up with the big kids.  You ride a bike better than most 4 year old kids and would live on your bike if we could.   I have loved watching you and Maddox develop a special bond and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you two.  You are the king of selfies and funny faces!

Being 4 - it is about change and realizing so much.  It is preparing for Kindergarten and it is showing mommy many last of the firsts.  Many lasts of the lasts.  You two have taught me to slow down a bit and enjoy it more.

I am grateful to be your mommy and I hope you have an amazing year!

2014 That's a Wrap...

2014, I think all I can say is WOW so such has been packed into one year, just 365 days and so much change.

My year started by being focused on my first Half Marathon ever and accomplishing a goal (I DID IT!) and sadly saying goodbye to my Grandma Ramey all in the same weekend.

I assumed it would be a normal year for us, well as normal as our year can get with two sets of multiples who are crazy awesome and two busy working parents.  Little did I know that God had a plan of teaching me to manage change in a way I never thought possible.

The Bigs graduated Kindergarten, really Kindergarten.  I remember when they were born and thinking that was so far away.  Now we are half way through 1st grade and I still cannot believe it.  I didn't cry too much at graduation but I won't lie there were tears.

The Littles have grown and are little people, adults some days and not my babies.  They are hilarious and amaze me everyday. They watch out for each other and just love life. They keep me grounded on the rough days and make me laugh.  They make me want to pull my hair out some days but I constantly remind myself they are 4 - there is a lot changing in their world and they are learning a lot so let them go - again they are 4!

Matthew has traveled a ton and that has taught me patience on getting the kids out the door and to let go of expectations of when we would get out the door.  He was gone most weeks 2-3 days during the summer.  We missed him but wow did we learn how to make things work and came to rely on our village to help with the kids even more!  We are happy that the end of year brought less travel for him but know that 2015 will be just as crazy.

Me, well let's just say I have learned more than any other year that it's Gods plan that decides where we go.  I would like to say I enjoyed my weeks off this summer but I am not sure it is 100% true.  They were stressful with the unknown.   Hard work with getting through all of dad's stuff. Tiring because I tried to fit way too much into each day, my to do list was ambitious.  Rewarding when I got to spend the whole day with my kids and shut out the rest of the world.  Amazing when I got to take them to school and pick them up.  Fun when I got to spend the afternoon with my niece.  Hard when I had to figure out what I wanted to do next in my career, emotional when what I thought I wanted did not happen and scary when I finally found the fit.
I am happy to say I believe I made the right decision for myself and my family.  I am enjoying my new role and team.  It is different but a great different that I didn't know I was looking for. I am grateful for all of the support I had during this transition.

I am excited that I have continued my running, I LIVED for running this summer during the stress and looked forward to fitting everything else around it.  I put in many, many miles with my dear friend Kelsey and I am grateful for the time to chat and run. She has pushed me when I did not think I had another step in me.  Matt and I were able to run a few races together this year and the kids came along to cheer for the Redlegs run with our moms.  There is nothing better than seeing your kids on the side of the road cheering you on.   I have to say it is amazing to know that we are both out there trying to do something we never thought we would do.

As for 2015, I will not write all of my goals.  I am too hard on myself when I don't hit them but I also know life happens, things change and when I look back I can say I am happy with the year then I hit goals I may not known I had.

I can tell you these:
I will try not to knock out anyone's dry wall.
I will be present with my kids and husband.
I will help my friends and family with whatever I can.
I will yell at my kids and lose patience but I will ask for a new day after.
I will cry tears of joy and tears of pain.
I will wipe tears of joy and tears of pain from my kids.
I will hit a wall more times than I can count and will get up and do it again.
I will run at least one 1/2 marathon.
I will live the life I am given and be grateful, we only get one and our time is often too short.

I hope your 2015 is everything it should be.  Life is a gift, we have been reminded of that way too often this year.  Live the year with no regrets, enjoy the gifts we are given and what we have.  Live life to the fullest.

To my kiddos and husband, I love that you keep me dancing and going.  Our life is unique but it is ours.  We are blessed with amazing family and friends, cherish them.  Here's to a great 2015 and many more memories!
So long 2014 thanks for the lessons and great times!

Our Christmas Letter 2014

A few years ago I received a Christmas letter from a family that had a recap for each family member and we have adopted that structure.  It is fun to think back over the year and to see what has made an impact.  Here is our letter for 2014!

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We definitely cannot believe 2014 has come to an end.  It seems each year goes by faster and faster as these kids grow.  For the McCools 2014 was a busy year with many activities, vacations and memories.

Cale and Mallory:  Both Cale and Mallory are growing up and changing so much. 4 years old and they are in Pre K with Ms. Lauren and Ms. Mandy and LOVE their friends and teachers at daycare.  We hear many stories of what goes on during the day and let me say that it is A LOT!  They cannot wait to go to Kindergarten, which we will determine in April 2015 but this mom is trying to keep them in the moment as much as possible. 

Cale enjoyed outdoor soccer where he scored some goals and we had to teach him that pushing kids down is not how the game goes.  He is fun to watch and enjoyed making new friends.  He is looking forward to indoor and then finally being able to play baseball in 2015.  His loyalty in cheering on a team lies with his daddy and Purdue, the Cyclones and the Reds.

Mallory too played soccer, she is more into the social side vs. the game side but did well and played hard.  She is on her second year of dance, she now does ballet and tap and will perform two dances in the recital in 2015.  She LOVES tap, is still our quiet one and the only one who will stand for IU with Momma.

Caden and Maggie:  Both Caden and Maggie graduated Kindergarten in May 2015 and loved their year with Mrs. Pindell and Mrs. Albright.  They are doing AWESOME in 1^st grade and enjoying being in their separate classes with their amazing teachers.   Being in separate classes has been an adjustment for all but good as well so we will see what the future holds.  They just turned 7 but cannot wait to be 16!

Caden enjoyed soccer, basketball and LOTS of baseball for 2014.  He did and is currently playing indoor soccer and doing well, learning lots and enjoying himself.  Basketball was very different for him and something he has chosen to not repeat again but we okay with him trying new things.  Baseball is his love and passion. That kid would play every day if the weather would allow.  Many days in the backyard with Papaw Casey and his brother or whoever will play is how we spend our days.  He was selected for the All Star team this summer and enjoyed playing with all of the kids and learned a lot from Coach Knigga.   He loves his Steelers and Boilermakers and will continue to surprise us with a new favorite team every once in a while.

Maggie continues to do ballet and tap as well as adding hip hop this year.  It will be a busy recital for her but she is enjoying herself and really loves to perform.   She continues to compete in pageants and is learning a lot about winning, not winning and working hard for what you want.  She did perform a talent this year where she sang a song from Annie and it proved to us this kid can do anything she sets her mind to – a few lessons and up on that stage she went.  We did not place in talent but none the less she did it.  She did bring home most promising model, runner up in Photogenic and Casual wear.  We did not travel to nationals but that is her big goal, she wants that crown.  She played softball and soccer this year and is enjoying both, mostly to hang out with her friends but she is doing well at soccer and learned a TON this year in outdoor.  She remains neutral on colleges in this house divided and says Ball State is a good school for her, which we know Aunt Erica agrees.

Matt:  What a busy year 2014 was!  I needed my own personal assistant to manage my schedule of husband, dad, coach, and employee!  I’m still working for Coca-Cola after almost 13 years.  My new position has led to a lot of travel.  While it is hard being away, I did get to do some fun stuff while on travel.  I was able to see a Reds/Cubs game at Wrigley, a Bengals/Chiefs game at Arrowhead, and a Royals/Cards game at Busch Stadium.  I managed to balance my travel with coaching 2 soccer teams and a baseball team.  I love that the kids are getting so into sports!  I joined a running team this year, Tatum’s Bags of Fun, and competed in many races.  I finished my 2nd half marathon with Trina this fall in Indianapolis.  I’m shooting for a full in 2015.  We had 2 very fun fundraising trips for the team to Keeneland and can’t wait to do them again next year!

Trina: So much changed and was accomplished for me in 2014.  I completed my first ever half marathon and was super excited to do this at Disney World, what an amazing run that I could not have done without my side kick Alex.  Matt’s cousin agreed to run with me when my friend could not due to injury, we are grateful for Carmen sharing her bib as I am not sure I could have done it without Alex by my side the whole way.  We had Matt, his cousin Whitney, Mary Jo and the girls cheering us on and it was a fabulous accomplishment when my heart was heavy with the passing of my Grandma Ramey the day before the run.  Our run was topped off with a quick trip to the Magic Kingdom since Whitney and Alex has never been before, they look great in Minnie ears and we had a fun fast visit.  I guess you could say I became a runner this year because I ran 3 10K races and two half marathons and logged many stress relieving miles in between.  I LOVE an early morning run and will schedule life around them. 

My Grandma Ramey passed away in February but she is no longer in pain.  She is enjoying a healthy life reunited with my dad and I continue to miss them both in my life and deal with the after.  We also had to say goodbye to my Aunt Lisa, Uncle Butch’s wife this year as she passed unexpectedly.  It was a rough 10 months for our family and appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers while we were going through everything.

Lastly, I started a new chapter in my career.  My almost 9 years at ConAgra ended and I began a new adventure at a broker, The Sell Group, calling on Kroger.  My new team is great, small and I am learning a ton and still calling on Kroger which is what I love to do.  I am looking forward to 2015 and what it may bring, I pray for less heartache and more memories and learning my new job. 

The kids keep us busy and I maintain a part time job of juggling the calendar and logistics especially with Matt’s travel.  Matt and I are grateful to all of our family and friends who help us out to raise these little people.  It takes a village and we have a pretty awesome village! 

McCool Family Top 10 of 2014:

·         McCool Family vacation to Orange Beach, Alabama (lots of McCools! 26 of us!)

·         Family vacation to Pompano Beach, Florida

·         A new career for Trina

·         Caden and Maggie turned 7

·         Mallory and Cale turned 4

·         Trina and Matt run the Monumental Half Marathon

·         Caden makes the All-Star Team           

·         Maggie wins Most Promising Model at National American Miss Indiana

·         Mallory’s First Dance Recital

·         Cale scored his first goal in soccer

While these are not in any particular order they are what stands out as good memories for us and fun times.  You can follow along on our adventures at trinamccool.blogspot.com I am on there as much as possible and have so much more to write!

We hope that 2015 is an amazing year for all, we send you blessings of healthy, happiness and laughter.  We love hearing from you all and hope to see you in 2015. 

Much Love,

The 6 Cools,

 

Pompano Beach 2014

He will still hold my hand....

Today something happened that moved me to tears, Caden reached for and held my hand.  I know may not seem like much to most moms but this is my kid who will not give me a kiss, will run away most mornings with out a hug and very rarely will hold my hand anymore.  He is 7 yet becoming a strong young man.  He still shows signs of being my baby when he wants to snuggle and not sit alone but today he made this momma cry happy tears.

I had the amazing opportunity to join him on his field trip to the Taft Theater.  We saw the Snow Queen, such a great show and I am so excited that he and his sister want to go see more plays.  I love that they love culture!  As I we were entering the building I was helping to get lunches off the bus and my 5 kids went ahead and into the building as we were running a bit behind schedule.  I did what needed to be done to help out and then hurried to my seat, which my little man saved for me right beside him.   A smile hit my face, he did not want the other kids to move down so I could just sit down, I had to climb over 4 of them to get next to him.  The show started, the kids settled which was pretty amazing being that many of them had never set through a play or anything like that.  As we were watching the show I was watching Caden and his reactions, like all moms do and then he grabbed my hand and did not let go for half of the show.  So here I was sitting in this amazing production with tears running down my face all because I thought he was past the point of holding my hand.

This all may seem silly for many reasons but what I know is that I do not get enough one on one time with my kids so for this to happen today and for me to be able to spend the majority of the day with just Caden was awesome.  My heart is full, I believe we are doing something right in raising him and I am so, so proud of him.  Caden tends to choose time with Daddy or Papaw or Memaw before mommy so I never even told him I signed up to go with him.  I did learn today that he was shocked when his teacher read the names of the chaperons so I knew this was going to be a good day.  I had to handle how his twin would react to me not being in her class but I am proud of her too, she did great.  I am very thankful for her teacher, she understood how we could make today work (she too is an amazing twin mom!) and she filled in for me when Maggie needed some help today.   I am extremely grateful for a new role that still allows me to be mom, more on that role and the next chapter later.

Today, well it was pretty great and now I am sitting at the table recording this moment while I listen to Caden tell his brother that I watched Rudolph the night he was born while I laid in the hospital, which is true but little did we know while I watched that they would be born 2.5 hours later!    It is days like today especially during the busy holiday season that I am glad I am trying not to care about what needs to be done or the messy house or the gifts that are not bought.
I was there, being present and he gave me one of the best gifts ever - he held my hand.  He was a great date today and I am blessed to be his momma.

Caden Joseph, if you read this when you are older, which I hope you do, please know I love you, I am proud of you and I thank you for the gift of today!

Caden and I at the Krohn Conservatory

Caden with the all natural tree!

He likes palm trees with lights!

One year later....

October 4, 2013 the day I received a call that changed so much and left so many ends undone.  So many "what ifs" to be answered and so many emotions raw.  One year later and I can say it has been a year of healing, taking care of things and realizing that my decisions were right for my family and that no matter what I love my dad and he loved me.

It has been a roller coaster year, I have learned so much about making sure things are in order for your family and truly have embraced each out reach from his friends to hear the stories of dad.  I learned what it takes to keep going for your kids and to when it is time for a timeout for myself. 

I ran a half marathon during which he and grandma were heavy on my mind because it was Disney and they had taken us there as kids, as I ran through the back lots where they kept the floats I thought how much he would have loved to see this as he got a kick out of the parades.  I start talking to any stranger and feel my dad guiding me because he never met a person he didn't know.  I stopped by the car lot when I could have made a phone call just because he used to.  I am excited we are keeping his car and will keep his treasure going, for now anyways.  As I sit and watch my kids play sports I realize how much time my parents took to be there for me and to cheer us on.  I am grateful they were there and I hope my kids are one day too. 

I am no longer wishing for that last conversation to make things better, I am at peace and have prayed for a sign that dad and I are okay, I have received them.  I no longer say, "I wish things could have been different" because this is the story that has been written for us and I know it hurts but it is part of who I am and what I was supposed to learn.  I know that one day I will get another hug from my dad and I am grateful that he is healthy and happy now. 

Our family has been through a lot in a year, three times we lost someone in our little family.  My dad, my grandma and my aunt.  We are stronger because of it and I truly hate that this is how we have seen each other so much I am grateful I have them in our lives. 

Since the day of dad's visitation I have been wearing the bracelet he gave me when I graduated college.  I have only taken it off a handful of times and mostly to keep from ruining it.  I feel strong with it on and don't know when I will take it off if ever.  He was so excited to get this for me and I hadn't worn it in so long.  I look at it many times during the day and know that my dad is watching. 

Erica took this photo right before she found out about dad - a beautiful rainbow - double rainbow - which we now find as a sign from Rainbow!

This is what greeted my family and I as we arrived in Florida for fall break - the biggest and brightest rainbow I had ever seen - one year to the day.  This rainbow went across the entire sky and we could see it all.  I immediately cried when I told my sister. 

 

We finally got dad resting right and I was so happy to hear from a friend that she saw it while visiting the cemetery, she said it jumped right out at her.  I have been there many times and the kids and I often stop by to see Grandpa Jerry on the way home from school.  They still ask many questions when we pass the funeral home. 

So one year later, I feel peace.  I miss him and still want to talk to him but it would be a different conversation than I thought I would have with him just a few months ago.  It is truly amazing how prayer can heal and help. 

Big Jer I hope you are riding happily in your racecar and enjoying your life.  I love you and miss you, until I see you again hugs from us.

The 1st day of 1st Grade!

Well this post should be dated July 31st but whatever, July or October it still doesn't change that the first day of school was great and I was so happy to be there and able to take them to school. 

We were excited, 1st grade, separate classrooms, new teachers, new friends, new worries so much to look forward to, so many questions.  Needless to say we all were excited and nervous for what the year would bring.

These two crack me up and are so different in how they approach life.  I love them to pieces and could not be more proud of them and who they are becoming.

 

We are blessed with amazing teachers.  Caden has Mrs. Fox and Maggie has Mrs. Sampson.  While they did not end up in the class or with the friends they wanted they are both excited after we had meet your teacher night.  It amazes me how that 30 minute session allows them to get to know so much.  We are grateful that Memaw Jo was able to go with us as Daddy was out of town.

 

 

 

 

This photo says so much about each of their personalities!

 

photo courtesy of Cale!

 

My babies and I!

 

Waiting to go into our class

 Right after I took this picture of Caden, his class filed out of the gym, I was waiting for Maggie's class then I was heading to their rooms too.  I happened to just walk into the hallway when I saw Caden turn around to look for me, his eyes said it all.  This was his first adventure without his twin and he needed to know I was still there.  He was fine once we hit his classroom but this was a big step for my cautious child!

 

My littles and I just had to have some donuts after we dropped off the bigs and enjoyed some time the three of us.  These two are crazy and I cannot believe they are in Pre K - they have a few more weeks before they being classes but they cannot wait.

Overall, this day was awesome, we all made new strides and are learning new things. 
First grade is awesome and I fully believe these two will rock it! 
 

Today....

It's been a long time since I have written, too long but today I am starting again.

Today I am praying for strength to handle all that is coming my way.
Today I am praying for the correct path of my career to been seen.
Today I am praying for patience, because of said career path not yet showing and because my kids need their momma to be patient.
Today I am remembering what is important in life.
Today I am not looking for a job, I am spending the day with my little ones at the Reds game and taking care of some of the overwhelming project list items.
Today I am grateful for what I have in our lives and our family and friends.
Today I am excited to spend an evening out listening to music.
Today I am FINALLY downloading 1012 pictures from my camera and sharing them with family.
Today I am promising myself that it is okay that I have slipped in journey to be more present for my kids and that today is a new day to start again.
Today I am just starting over.

It is a new day, the sun is shining and we are healthy (well for the most part aside from someone's back)

I am sad about many things but I have to see the strength in what they are teaching, even if it is hard.

I am learning that I need to talk to people and have a normal interaction schedule, I miss the people the most.

I am learning each day and that is okay.  It is who I am and who I will continue to be.

Take a minute today and realize that it is a new day.
They are not all great, they shouldn't be but today is mine and I am going to make the most of it.
Give your loved ones a hug and say hello to a stranger, you just may give them a new day.

Until tomorrow, when I will write again about my kiddos enjoy today.

The End of a Chapter.....

Today, June 13, 2014 I will say so long to my friends and more importantly the family I have made at ConAgra Foods.  It is the end of a chapter that has been pretty amazing.

During my 8.5 years at ConAgra I made a leap which was because my hubby supported me, had 4 kids, was able to do 3 different roles, lost a parent, lost a grandparent and truly grew as a person.  THAT IS A LOT TO WALK AWAY FROM!

I would have never gone on even an interview almost 9 years ago if it was not for Matthew and his support.  I am not totally excited about how this chapter is ending but I am looking at the blessings and preparing for what may be next on my journey.

I am truly grateful for many things that I was able to experience during this chapter of my life.  I have grown, in so many ways professionally and personally.
I was able to be pushed beyond what I believed possible and then pushed others to do more than they thought possible.  I have made some fabulous friends and had an extended family who was there and ready to take care of me when I needed them most.  You do not always get the chance to work with such amazing people as I have and I will miss those people but I know they will always be a part of my life.

Life works funny, God has the plan, today is the last day for me on this particular path of my journey he has chosen for me.  I am not scared, I am anxious and excited for the next step and blessed that my chosen path was one which allowed me to do SO much in such a short time.

Eight and a half years, seems like a lifetime some days and minutes others.  Who knew so much could happen during your career?  Who knew what the plan would be when I took a leap of faith?  Who knew I would be so blessed to work with so many AMAZING people who are priceless?  

To each of you, you have touched not only my life but my family's life and we thank you for all of your support.  Take care of each other.  I will not say goodbye but would rather say, "until I see you again"

So long ConAgra, hello new chapter, whatever you may be I know it will be amazing!

I love Mommy You and me we are vrey haqqy toger!

This is what I came home to last night:

The translation, "I <3 mommy  you and me are very happy together"  This is from my 6 year old daughter who has no idea how much this means to me or how much I love her.  It was all because she missed me while I was gone.

I had to run up to my dad's place late last night to take care of a few things, while I was gone the hubby was managing to get the kids fed, it was 8:30 PM thank you kids activities, bathed and just to keep them out of the street because they wanted to be outside.  I headed out and took care of what I needed to and arrived home about 45 minutes later exhausted, starving and a sweaty mess to find to this beautiful artwork.
Her gift to me changed everything!

It gave me the hug I needed after working at dad's and hating that he is gone and things could not be different, energy to get showered and eat even though I just wanted to crumble to the ground and go to sleep, and lastly reassurance that even though I am not a perfect mom and do not always get it right, in her eyes none of it matters other than being together.  I am trying hard to let go of things and my "to do" list.  I am trying hard to be in the moment for them and not distracted by work, phones, technology or unnecessary worry.  I am not always great at any of it, the "things we should be doing" list vs. the "things my kids want to do" list is hard to balance.  However, I can tell you that in the last 6 weeks as I have tried to let go and just enjoy my kids and I have seen more of them, laughed more and been more patient with them.  Heck yes my laundry is piled to the ceiling, shoes cannot be found, mail is piled up and dishes need to be done but I will get to that "junkie room" on a rainy day soon but right now my kids need me to be present in their lives and connected to them.  Do I still need a break and adult time - double heck yes - and why I am grateful for last Sunday evening when they stayed with grandparents but I can tell you that being focused on them at the right times is making a difference for us all.

I now know from talking with Maggie that she really doesn't want to leave kindergarten because she is loving it and will miss her fabulous teachers but that deep down she is really excited to see what first grade will hold.  I would not have had this adult conversation with my 6 year old which brought me into her fears and excitement had I not taken the time last night to thank her for my fabulous drawing and the love she brought me.  A simple thank you opened up her little world to me.

I love this little girl, my 4lb. baby is growing up and growing into an amazing little lady.  She is funny, smart, driven, loves to perform and loves to create art.  She has a BIG imagination and goes at her own pace and in her own direction but it sure is a fun ride.  I am grateful I am her momma and honored to have the title.

Maggie Lynne, I love you and will never be able to tell you enough how much you and your message means to me.  You are a blessing and while I may not always look forward to your teenage years because you are just like your momma in many ways, I will cherish the lessons you teach me and the love you give.  Plus you do a pretty great drawing of momma, I will cherish it forever.  Love you Doodle!

I DID IT!

Well I did it - I completed a goal I set back in February 2011 and I ran my first ever 1/2 marathon at Disney World!
February 23rd 2014 will be a day I will never forget and one that I am super proud that is a part of my story.  If you rewind to February 2011, I had four kids in 2.5 years, the littlest had just turned 9 months old and you can say I was tired of carrying the extra baby weight but yet had no energy or real motivation in me to take any of it off.  We were on our first family of 6 vacation in Disney and were a week later than we had gone before but I am sure glad that Daytona 500 moved it's date because I got the chance to see all of these runners at our resort.  I was amazed at their accomplishment and LOVED the fact that most of them ran this race in a tutu.  I was inspired to do more for myself.  I was looking for all of the runners who were wearing their medals through Disney that week and just continuously amazed at these ladies.
As we were leaving Orlando to start the 16 hour drive home I silently vowed that I would one day run that Princess Half Marathon and be a princess for a day!

My story started 2 years ago however, it truly began June 28th when my dear friend Carmen posted that she had signed up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon, I thought to myself, "this is my chance to do this with someone and not alone" so you know what why not sign up?  A call to the hubby to see if I was totally crazy (I was not is what he said as he was training for his own first 1/2 in November) and then to my mother in law to ensure that she would watch the kids if Matt went to the race while I ran this race.  That was it - there was  no looking back - well maybe a little, remember this post Holy Crap What Did I Just Do? My journey to become a runner began.

I did not do much running prior to this, okay I did no running.  I was the girl in high school who was always made to go first when we had to run the bases because I was slow and HATED running.  I had tried before to get into running because it was one way to get some quiet time for 30 minutes a couple of times a week but it never stuck.  Then I found the support circle, those who were runners and who were there for me along the way.  There are so many people to thank and I did not do this alone, that is for sure, but I did it!  My feet carried my tired body across that finish line and I cried!

My journey is here in the photos, yes I took pictures along the way it was fun and nothing like I had ever seen before (well when you had only run two other races which were truly timed and they are in Greendale and Lawrenceburg you do not have much to go on!)  It was truly amazing and a perfect accomplishment for me to help me through so much.

My name on the wall at the expo
along with all of the others who ran

My running partner Alex and I at 4:00 AM!

Patiently waiting in corral L

Entering the Magic Kingdom, yes blurry but VERY foggy

Random folks getting their photos taken

THE CASTLE!
So amazing coming down Main Street

The only character we stopped for
she was at about mile 12 and had NO LINE!

We DID it!

Best beers ever!

Our Cheering squad so kindly sent this to us at 4:30 AM!

So excited my girls came to see me finish

From the girls

1st 1/2 Marathon Complete!

My many thanks, I think I have everyone I want to thank:

My Hubby - thank you for putting up with the training schedule and the support along the way.  Thank you for getting up at 2:30 AM to go with me and being there for me when I crossed the finish line.  I guess I will forgive you and Whitney for missing us at the Magic Kingdom due to potty and beer breaks!  Thank you Matthew, I love you more than Burritos!

My Kiddos - thank you for supporting momma's runs.  I loved hearing, "how was your run mommy?" when I walked in the door.  This was quickly followed by, "can I have some .......?" but it is the thought that counts.  You cheered me on during those LONG treadmill runs, boy this winter made training interesting with record snows!  Thank you kids for loving Disney and giving us a reason to vacation there.  

My family - all of your support and words of encouragement got me through there.  Especially after losing Grandma on Saturday before the race.  I know she is proud.  She and dad loved taking us on vacation and were crazy enough to take us to Disney, it was a very fitting tribute to both of them.   Ricki and Mom, thank you for everything and all that you said along the way.  

Carmen - you will never know how much your friendship means to me.  By chance and the awesome John we became friends because we were having twins.  You got me to this race and I cannot thank you enough.  One day we will cross that finish line together and I know you were there with me every step of the way.

Liz - you created a Facebook group that got me motivated to get off the couch and get moving.  Granted I was walking but I was moving.  You answered my many running questions when you could not run yourself.  You gave me renewed hope and guidance more than once and I thank you.  You pick the race and I will get there!

Kelsey - you got me into a routine, granted I think our first motivation was because the husbands got to golf on vacation and we needed a kid break but whatever the reason you started my running on vacation!  I never imagined that would get me going.  I knew you had me when we got out there at 7AM after we drove 14 hours home!  You kept me on track and you were patient with my speed and lack of method.  You got me out of bed most Saturday mornings even if there were Friday night beers.  I cannot thank you enough and cannot wait for our Saturday mornings to come!

Alex (Phyllis to me) - my savior!  By a whim I asked you if you had any interest in going to Florida with me to run this thing since Carmen could not.  Less than 4 hours went by and you were in!  You were there by my side when I wanted to sit down on the side of the road at mile 9 and kept me going.  You were there when we crossed the finish line and there when we celebrated.  You put up with the crazy condo full of folks and made this journey not so lonely when race day came.  You calmed my nerves and stayed with me the whole way.  THANK YOU, I will never be able to tell you how much that meant to me.  

Whitney - well Whitney what can I say, you came along, got up super early, braved the birds and were there supporting us.  I am so excited that you made this trip with Alex and that the two of you let me come along on your first ever visit to Disney.  You made me laugh when the two of you sent us a photo at 4:30 with beers and made sure there was never a dull moment.  Thank you for being a good sport and for the chance to see Disney in another way.

Mary Jo - thank you for bringing the girls over to see us finish!  I was so excited that you all made it and were there to celebrate.  Thank you for getting them up and going and being there.  Thank you for finding an amazing place to stay years ago and sharing a love of Disney with the kids.  

Grandpa and Frank - Thank you for taking the boys to the Daytona 500 so that everyone else could come along with Alex and I.  That was a big task and is much appreciated!  

My team at work - for the support, massage and for listening to my stories on running.  You all are great and were patient with me.  I could not have a better team to work with!  

I am sure I am missing someone, if I am I apologize but want to thank you too.  All of those who sent me messages of congratulations, running songs and many other thoughts I thank you.  It all helped me along the way.   

My 1st half marathon may be behind me but it is something I will always carry with me.  I am now truly a runner, I know what the runner's high is and I am addicted!  I am already signed up for another half and cannot wait.  I just hope that I can hold onto the rest of my toenails!

To RunDisney thank you for making that possible, I will see you again before I turn 40!  

I DID IT!  I completed the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon!