Backyard Fun & Craft Night...

We have lived in our current house for almost 7 years. Just last summer we met new neighbors and we've become close to them as our children are the same age. Oh, and we like to drink vino. So there's that. We find ourselves drifting across the street when their garage is open to play, go for walks, or hang out. They, too, mosey over when they know we're home. Never planned. But always fun and relaxing. Friday night we did some playing in the backyard...

 Classy...wine and a playset

 The boys hanging out, doing what they do best

 Swinging in the shade

 Mike turned on the sprinkler and these two littles were entertained for over an hour. No bathing suits? No problem.

 Super Sammy

 Laney preferred to stay dry.

Mike also turned on some music on our outdoor speakers and within seconds Izzy was dancing and entertaining. Jill mentioned she had never seen this side of Iz. Well, that's because we've never had any music on. If you haven't ever seen Iz in action, here you go. She's unreal...so expressive:

 Former cheerleaders, I will have you know that she has every facial expression down pat. She is her mother's daughter, that's for sure.

 I had to leave the backyard fun on Friday to head over to Brenna's for craft night. We made jewelry holders to organize earrings and necklaces in a fun way. Sarah & Lauren, this is for you; your blog debut:

 I did a little crafting of my own...some gifts for adorable little 5 year old twins' birthdays. We ventured out to Browns.burg to spend a little time with Karie and her family. Unfortunately I didn't pull my camera out for a picture...but it was wonderful seeing her mom again and meeting her family & friends. Karie and I met in 4th grade and went to school together through high school. We lost touch until just a few years ago (thank you FB!) and she even ran the relay with me last month. Love reconnecting with old friends!

 Daddy resurrected the ball/bouncer this morning. The girls spent almost 2 hours in it: reading, snuggling, singing, screaming.

 We drove downtown this afternoon to meet my Little Sist.er and her family for BBBS' Summerfest. The girls had a blast and are napping. I should be doing the same; however, the US Women are playing in the finals of the Wo.rld Cup. Too exciting to miss.

 As soon as they wake we're headed to the pool for some swim lessons. Looove the summer!

I'm Alive and Well...

I sing. A lot. In the car. In the shower. At home with the girls. I just love to sing. I'm not very good at it. But I love the rhythm and the beat and the lyrics. Music moves me. And every once in a while a song I hear on the radio hits a nerve. And not the nerve like the Ke$.ha song that my girls have memorized. But a song that I keep repeating over and over in my head because the lyrics sing in perfect harmony to my emotions at that time. This morning I heard Ken.ny Chesn.ey's I'm Alive while getting ready in the locker room. I couldn't have heard a more perfect song for today's mood. Put a smile on my face. Listen to this:

"And today, you know, that's good enough for me

Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see

Today's the first day of the rest of my life

And I'm alive and well"

We are so lucky to have each day. We are alive. We are well. Nurture the body and life we have.

I'm a very black and white person (to a fault). I'm of the opinion that if you're unhappy in your life - only you can change that. Don't like your job? Search for a new one. Don't like your body? Start working out. Bottom line, you are in charge of your own destiny.

I've been running with a group of men since March that are doing just this. Taking charge of their lives and changing how their future unfolds. Haven't blogged about it yet...but feel it's time to share. An organization called Back On My Feet launched in Indianapolis in March and I have had the pleasure of being with them from its inception. It's a not for profit that promotes the self-sufficiency of those experiencing homelessness by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. They run 3-4 times a week and people like me, volunteers, run along side them. Motivate them. Engage them. Run. We run very early in the morning (it's still dark out), warm up and off we go. All of us pounding the pavement on equal playing ground.

These men started from scratch. None of them ran before. But to change their course of life, they started running. They have now run in several 5ks, half marathons and even now are training for a full marathon. These are men that are taking charge of their lives. And I'm so proud to be associated with them. If you have a chapter in your city I urge you to go run with them. Just once. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Early morning run

With Eric and Marty

Marty & I work for The Fin.ish Line and run with BoMF every week. We wanted to share our experience with our fellow employees so we launched a "Back On My Feet Week at The Fi.nish Line." Eric spoke of his addiction and his journey to a positive life, where he is now training for a marathon. Marty & I spoke about what it means to run with these men and how it had not only changed their lives, but ours too.

The BoMF crew that came to my office to speak

We all know I have this passion for running. I tell everyone I know about my journey, and if you've read this blog for a while you've even heard it. But to be able to share my passion with these incredible men that are taking positive steps to regain a normal life...this is priceless.

Since sharing my story with fellow employees, more than 10 of them have come out this week to run with BoMF. This morning I received an email from Eric saying how amazing it felt to walk out to see so many people there to run. With him. What a great feeling.

So as I'm humming, "Today's the first day of the rest of my life," I'm thinking that I don't want to take today (or any day) for granted. I'm alive and well...and will continue to share this passion of mine for as long as my body allows me to keep running.

Date Night, Pool Time & Parties

Last week Mike cashed in his Father's Day gift with a concert to see Davi.d Gray at the Mur.at Theatre. We've been long time fans and his acoustic performance did not disappoint. He's an amazingly romantic and passionate artist and we basked in every one of his songs. Stayed until the bitter end to hear one of our faves, Sail Away (complete with ukulele and all!).

 Murat Theater

Went for my first long run of marathon training (just 17 more weeks until the marathon!) with Meggie and a few of her sorority sisters. Was dreading the long run, as I usually do. But as soon as I stepped onto the M.onon my attitude shifted; I love running and this trail is my sanctuary. Let's do this. Meggie recapped the run eloquently here. Glad the first long run is out of the way and it's re-energized my running spirit to get back into marathon training.

 After a long morning at the pool, we all took 3 hour naps (pure bliss and I loathe the day the girls no longer nap) and then headed over to Katie & Rick's house to celebrate Chris' 2nd birthday.

 Jason & Sandi

 Was an outdoor adventure for the kiddos

 This morning we spent with Jaime, Luke & Jacob at their pool (they joined a different pool and to avoid Feller Family withdrawl, we've planned pool dates at our respective pools all summer). The kiddos had a blast and it was so fun to experience new slides and new surroundings. Izzy has become much more confident in her swimming and is getting brave as the summer days pass.

 Together at last: Iz & Luke

 After another 3 hour nap, we headed out to Izzy's swim lesson, her first of the summer. We walked in and Izzy said, "Daddy, I'm going to swim fast. And beat everyone else in my class." As we'd usually not support this talk, Mike looked at me and said, "I'm not going to ask her to lose that winning spirit!" We just laughed.

Laney Bug had a hard time sitting and watching her big sis swim, so next week she and I will go outside to swim while Iz has her lesson. She's so stinkin' cute!

4th of July 2011

This year we were able to spend the entire holiday weekend with our family in Northern Indiana. Mike's aunt, uncle, grandma and cousins drive in from Wisconsin every year and it's fun to catch up and reconnect.

Izzy "fished" with Bobo using a Tin.ker Stinker pole...they left the pretend / plastic fish at the end of the line and it never failed; each time Izzy reeled in the line, she would say, "I caught one!" So funny.

Grandma Laura and Aunt Deb enjoying a virgin Pina

 Mom & Bug also partaking in the drinks

 We did a lot of swimming. All. Day. Long.

 And we were able to see Laura & Madelyn which was a special treat, given I spent 36 hours in a conversion van with her last month. Learned that our 12 person team really was a 13 person team...so exciting!

 The 3 littles...hard to believe Madelyn is 7 months younger than Laney!

 We ventured out to the Ft. Wayne zoo early in the morning for cool temps and no crowds. It did not disappoint. It's ranked one of the top 10 in the country and we love it!

 Izzy rode a pony, which she loved

 Can you tell?

 Peacocks run free at the zoo...you just never know when they'll pop up and surprise you!

 Mike's personal fave: sea lions

 Waiting in line for the train ride

 Feeding the ducks...another activity Laney loves

 Did some sun bathing in their new shaded chairs

 Izzy & Grandma Great are two peas in a pod. They both enjoy an audience, dance and sing at a drop of a hat, and love to boss each other around. Was special to see how similar they are and the bond they share.

 We spent today at Mike's mom's house

 And enjoyed picnic a picnic lunch on the water and lots more swimming and sunning.

Happy 4th of July to everyone...we're listening to the fireworks as I type. Be safe & have fun!