Stuff the Bus...

On Saturday I volunteered with some teachers from Holcomb to Stuff the Bus for United Way. It was over 100 degrees out and we were seriously melting, but we had a blast doing it. And, most importantly, it was for a great cause... to ensure that all students have the supplies they need when the school year begins. I'm so lucky to work with such a great group of fun, kind, caring people each day.

Karen didn't quite understand what they meant by "stuff the bus"...

Sonya, Karen, Me, Cara, and Paula

The whole Holcomb group...

Janice, Bekah, Cara, Sonya, Debbie, Karen, Paula,

Me, Alison, Tanika, and Tracy

What We're Lovin' Now...

Here's a sneak peek of what's cool in our house right now...

Ryan just got a new Subaru Forester and is enjoying how much less it takes to fill it up. And how much higher his gas mileage is. I'm enjoying that it's not bright yellow. :)

Payton spends a large part of the day wearing his strengh shoes. At this rate, the boy will be able to jump to the moon by the time he's 14.


Elle and I are into this show. Love watching these amazing performers! Elyse only likes to watch when they're dancing like ballerinas.

Mmmmmm... need I say anything? If you haven't tried these yet, grab a bag asap.

They are the bomb!

Run For It...

Last night when I was out for my evening run, I was feeling good. It was one of those easy runs.

My legs felt good.

My music was pounding in my ears.

Encouraging me to go faster.

Run farther.

When I realized that I was on pace to finish my 6 mile run with a pace that was below 8 minutes per mile! I've been in the 8:15-8:30 range consistently whenever I go on runs that are longer than 3 or 4 miles.

When I realized this, I really started pushing. Watching my pace. Trying to stay below that 8 min. mark.

6.25 miles...47 min 8 sec... average pace {7.32 min/mile}

I did it!!!! I hadn't really been striving for this goal, but when I realized that I was there, it felt so good to accomplish it!

So, I've decided to list some running goals. To help me push myself. Here they are...

1. Run 30+ miles per week for the next 2 weeks.

2. Run another 5+ mile run with a sub 8 min/mile pace.

3. Run one 13+ mile run in the next 2 weeks.

Trip to the Aquarium...

Yesterday we went to the Oklahoma Aquarium for the day. It was Elyse's first time to go and she had a blast. Payton was excited to see the sharks again and show his little Sis all the crazy creatures.

Hanging out in the shark tank...


Bubbie explaining something to Sis...

In the shark tunnel...
{Elyse was afraid one of the sharks would bite her head off,
so she was covering herself}



Elle's favorite...

Checking out the shrimp...

Amazed by the GIANT eel...

Exploring the tide pool with Daddy...

Feeding the turtles...

Ahhh! Watch out for the gator!

It was fun to see Elyse so excited and amazed by all the fish. She learned a lot from her super smart brother and daddy. She is now an ocean expert!

Going Paddling...

This weekend Ryan's Canoe Club had a roll session at one of our local parks. Since it was so close, Elyse and I went as well so she could swim. She had a blast playing in the kiddie pools and then decided she was ready to go for a ride in Daddy's boat too...

Going for a relaxing ride with Daddy...

Sweet girl...

Kayaking on her own...

P90x'n...

Over the past month I've started doing P90x.

I've heard so much about this exercise program, and at first I was a little skeptical.

But it is amazing! Hardcore!

Although I haven't lost any weight, I can tell a huge difference in my body.

I feel better. And when I run, it's sooo much easier!

I can go farther and faster without as much effort.

So now me and some of my friends are training for this...

Before long I will be RIPPED!

While I've Been Gone...

Hello, hello!

A lot has been going on in the past few months.

So much in fact, that I have seriously neglected this little blog.

So sorry to the three of you who read this. :)

I took my National Boards exams at the end of May, and feel ok about how things went.

Now I just have the looooooong wait until November when I find out if I passed or not.

Please say a little prayer (or a million) or keep your fingers crossed for me.

Or something.

Any token of good luck will be appreciated.

More big school news.... I'm LOOPING with my kiddos!!!

This means that I'm moving up to 3rd grade with them and get to keep all 25 of my sweet babies for another year.

Woohooo!!!!

I am more excited about this than I can even explain.

I've just been jumping up and down a lot to show my excitement.

And screaming.

People are beginning to think I'm a little strange.

{Luckily, Jenn understands how I feel...}

Now on to the good stuff... the pictures.

So sorry you had to see this awful picture, but I just had to show this since Ryan just did not believe that I actually held a snake.

My. biggest. fear.

I look awful because 1)it was pouring down rain 2)I was trying not to scream and frighten all the children 3)I was trying not to scream and scare the boa constrictor that easily could have choked me to death.

Shudder.

Our littlest angel, Elyse, turned 4 and celebrated with her besties at a spa party where they were all treated to manicures and pedicures.

These kids are living the life!

Payton made the team again at his junior high. Go Payton!

He also joined an elite AAU team out of Little Rock, The Wings.

This group is much more competitive and has players from across the state and even from Tennessee and Louisiana.

They are awesome!

Unfortunately, a week after joining this team he broke his big toe at practice and is now out for 4-6 weeks.

He's hoping it heals in time for Nationals at the end of the month.

Elyse started her dance classes.

She's had a great time learning ballet, tap, and tumbling.

Cutie Patootie!!!