Training...

My training has picked up lately after a couple weeks of rest. I took a week off, because I started to get burned out, and then I took another week off, because I was sick. I am back on track thanks to much encouragement from friends. I have enjoyed running more than I thought I would. My motivation has changed a couple of times. In the beginning, I just wanted to get skinny fast! Then when that disappointed me, I started focusing on what I could make my body do. I am amazed that I can run 4 miles 3 times a week and consider them short runs! I never thought I would be able to run 13 miles, but I am now confident that I can do it. I run early in the mornings (5:15am-6:00am-MWF) with my friend Michelle who encouraged me to run this ½ marathon. I have really enjoyed her friendship and running tips! On Saturdays, I have been running with a group from my church. Last Saturday, we ran 9.5 miles. My friend Nora humbled herself and ran with me the whole way. She is a 5 time marathoner!…and will run in the New York marathon this Saturday. The ½ marathon is in 2 weeks and I am glad. I am ready to just do it. I look forward to the days when I don’t have to get up early! It should be an interesting experience. The marathon is sold out with 30,000 runners! I know…it is hard to believe there are that many crazy people like me!

Pumpkin Patch!

Sunday, Aaron and I decided to take Rachel to the pumpkin patch. We had a great time watching her roam free among all the unique pumpkins. When Aaron asked her what they were, she very excitedly said, "APPLES"! She liked to pat each one as if she were testing its ripeness or something. She also liked the ones she could sit on. We took several pictures, and they turned out pretty good considering most of the time she was way too busy to be still for a picture. The weather Sunday night was very warm and we all enjoyed being outside at sunset.

Big Girl Bed!

A couple of days ago, I assembled Rachel's toddler been that has been sitting in the garage. She "helped" me put it together and was so proud to show Daddy when he got home. It is a bit of a struggle to put her to sleep now that she can get out! She is getting the hang of it though. She likes it a lot!

Rachel singing with a jelly sandwich!

I have learned how to use the video feature on my camera! On the way home, Rachel started singing at the top of her lungs to my praise music CD. It was so hilarious! She can sing the whole chorus by herself! When I got home, I rushed in to get my camera. The video doesn't show her singing the whole chorus, but it is still pretty entertaining. Enjoy! (notice at the end when I ask her to say bye bye, she says, "Bye, bye Aunt Amber!")