To All Female Runners

Okay - this is not a picture of me, and this is most definitely not what I look like in my running skirt, but it is my new favorite thing.

After 17 years of running, I never thought I would like running in a skirt, but I have heard other people rave about it, so I thought I would try it.


What is it? Basically, biker shorts with a skirt on top.
Why do I love it?
* It's actually less revealing than running shorts. Go figure.
* It's SUPER comfortable.
* So far, no chafing. (Sorry if that's tmi)
* It dries really fast.

I just got back from a six miler in 97 degree weather and am seriously happy with this purchase. I got one of the cheaper ones from Target. I can only imagine how awesome one like this would feel. (RunningSkirts.com)

Now, if only I could get my abs to look like that. Anybody know of a magic skirt that will do abdominal transformation?

First lesson in grieving

What makes a four year old cry and wail uncontrollably for half an hour?
(Grieving to the point where she eventually gets in trouble for her heartache.)

The loss of a pet or friend? A neighbor moving? Not knowing what she wants to be when she grows up? Giving in to peer pressure? Having a huge fight with her brother? Bodily injury?

Nope.

There was a vicious attack in our home this week. We have only circumstantial evidence, past history, and no witnesses; therefore, there was no conviction. (Though we're pretty sure the culprit was a certain 3 year old who lives here.)

Our only hope is that, though her limbs were heartlessly severed from her body, Polly went peacefully in her sleep.

All in a week's time

Okay - the internet is back. Here is some of what you missed while it was down.

Exhibit A: Another attempt at a cute pic of the three children.I don't know why my son never has pants on inside. Please don't blame me - he's the one who takes them off.

Exhibit B: This guy came back. We were all very excited.
This picture was literally taken twenty minutes after he walked in the door.Think he was tired?

Exhibit C: Owen started this....
Don't be fooled by the smile,

Exhibit D: This is how he really feels about it, even still.

Father's Day, The Making Of....

How hard is it to get a good, cute picture of five smiling kids, age 4 mos, 2, 3, 4, and 4? I'll let you be the judge. Keep in mind these are the best shots out of the 215 pictures taken. Yes, 215.

PS - we have no internet right now, so regularly scheduled posting should resume on Friday. I know you will all (4) be on the edge of your seats, dying with anticipation.

Busy Week

I didn't disappear. Promise.
I've been single parenting it all week.
A job that I do not envy, but greatly respect.

So, how have we spent our time while Todd's been out?

Playing in the sand at the church picnic...



Getting hyper after too much chocolate ice cream.
Is there such a thing as too much chocolate ice cream?

Playing chef in our daddy's football shirt and our sister's high heels.
(Yes, I know he will kill me one day for posting this.)

And all of us have done some of this...
(but not too much)

We've also gone swimming twice,
played in the rain, eaten out,
gone to UNC, gone on walks,
decorated the sidewalk, ridden bikes, etc.

Why do I mention all this?
To let you know that I'm tired.
Good, but tired.
Grateful for Nana who came to help,
but still tired.

PS. Owen decided this week that 5:30am is a much
more appropriate time to start the day than 7:00am.

No more UNC

This cutie had his last visit to UNC today!
After 3 hospital stays,
2 surgeries,
a team of specialists,
many hours screaming,
many nights awake worrying about his breathing,
many trips to the pediatrician for weight checks,
and many medical bills,
we were told to go home and relax.
He's doing well.
Really well.
Thank you, God!

The Real Ethiopia

Okay - I'm posting a more in-depth slide show of our trip for any soon-to-be Ethiopian travelers. Congratulations! (and for my four loyal followers...)

Warning: These images cannot do Ethiopia justice.

We were so blessed to travel to such a beautiful country full of beautiful people, and to bring home one of the most amazing people I have ever met. Isaac has overcome so much, but has such a happy spirit; people are always drawn to him. He loves to laugh and live life to the fullest. After seeing his country, I believe his over-the-top affection and zest is in his nature. It is a part of who he is. One of the social workers there told us that their hope for all the adopted children is "to have a better life, better doctors, and better education, but to keep their Ethiopian hearts." That is our wish too. Somewhere along the way, we've missed the boat on true happiness. We could learn many lessons from a country that could (and does) easily live on what Americans throw away, but is still full of hope and love. A country that is centered around family, friends, and faith. You can't see that in a slide show, but it's there.