Mud Runners

The Mud Runners hit the course today! Leah, Joni, Sebastian, and I ran the 5 mile obstacle course in Verona and had a blast! We started with a gunny sack and ended in a huge pit of mud. Along the way we faced our fears, climbed walls, hurdled hay bales, went down an enormous slip and slide, and towered the 30 foot monster! It was so much fun and we all made it! Mud Runs are so much more fun than a regular 5 or 10k especially when you have a  fantastic group of people running with you!! Thank you Mud Runners for a great race and as always thanks for reading xoxo

Green to Purple

I had another belt test a couple of weeks ago. It was chaos. I had extra kids at daycare, my mom was arriving for a visit, and Alex had his first flag football game. I was not prepared for the test. I didn't get to eat before it because I was too busy with daycare kids. I was rushed to get there on time and we didn't get to warm up on the floor like usual. Needless to say I didn't do my best and felt like I didn't deserve my new belt. I cried hard that night but learned that I need to make the time for myself to prepare. At my next test I will have all daycare kids picked up by 3:30 so I have time to hydrate and eat. Each test is getting harder and harder and I take my martial arts seriously. This is important to me and I shouldn't put it second at belt test time to anything. I feel better about it now but every time I step onto that mat, every time I tie my new purple belt, it reminds me I have to prove that I deserve it. thanks for reading xoxo

Feb Trip To WA

I was lucky enough to have 10 days in Washington this time.  I miss it, it is my original home. I miss my friends. I miss my family. I don't miss the traffic or the rain everyday.  I was able to get outside and run and loved it. I was shocked I was able to run over 3 miles still without stopping.  Here its snow and ice outside so my options for running are limited.  I don't like our treadmill because it sticks and I feel like I am going to fall, otherwise I would run on it more.  It was cheap.
I was so excited to meet baby Zoey and hold her.  She smells divine, even with a messy diaper.  She told me stories and smiled with me.  I miss Julie, I wish I could have more time with her whenever I want. She is my bestie and I couldn't have created a better friend with a fancy magic machine if it was available.  Its amazing to think when we first met we were not married, didn't have mortgages, and our responsibility levels were at a minimum.  I, of course was a mom so it might have been slightly higher but none the less when we got together and went out, you wouldn't have known it.  I am very proud of all her accomplishments and enjoy her friendship, company, and just love her to pieces! I can't wait to see her again.

My baby brother took me to see my grandpa. It was the first time I went to his grave. I miss him terribly and would give anything to have been able to see him one more time.  I am thankful to have had the time I did with him but he is irreplaceable!

Having the alone time with my brother was wonderful. Who would have thought after all the fighting we did as kids he would be such a great guy to hang out with. What can I say, I love that guy!
My nieces were perfect, my Auntie made some super yummy cupcakes and my mom created her masterpiece dish, chicken & dumplings! So good!!! My grandma looked well although she was losing her voice by the end of the week and my dad was busy planning his retirement job. Apparently he is going to become a hot dog vendor.


I had a wonderful visit and all is well in Washington. I visited with most of the people I wanted to but still had to leave some out.  Its not easy scheduling to see 5 people in one day.  I guess I will just have to get back again soon! Its good to be home, back with my babies. They are all sick but its still good to be home. thanks for reading xoxo

Alex's Wrestling Debut

Alex had his first wrestling dual meet yesterday in Reedsburg. He is so shy and I was afraid how he would take it if he lost or got hurt. I was worried for his confidence, I was worried about his safety, and I was worried he would not show good sportsmanship. All my fears were useless, warranted but useless! He did an amazing job! His first match he got a forfeit.  The second round he wasn't going to have a match either but the coaches worked together to get one for him.  His first match. His first take down. His first win! He beat the kid 21-9. I was so impressed with his skills! I had heard he was good but never did I imagine he was as good as he is. I couldn't believe how calm he was, how natural the movements came, and how effortless he made it look. Even when in a position to get pinned he wiggled and rolled his way out of it. He shook hands with his opponent and their coach and walked off the mat like a true champion.  His final match was with another kid who was just a tab bit bigger.  But much like his brother he proved size doesn't matter. He pinned the kid in the second round. Again after shaking hands and walking off the mat, the pride in his face was elevated beyond the clouds. His first pin! He went undefeated that day and he owes much of his success to his amazing coach, who has taught him, trained him, and helped him become an amazing wrestler. Thank you Coach Gator you are an amazing coach and an even better big brother! I love you both very much. thanks for reading xoxo

Family Fun Night Mascots

The Recreation Department hosted another family fun night. We had mascots from all over come out to dance with the children, play games, and have fun. We set up volleyball nets and used beach balls to play volleyball, we had a puppet making station, and had a toddler play area.  We sold brats, hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and bottled water. It was so much fun! I am really enjoying the Recreation Department job. thanks for reading xoxo

Sweet Escape to Pinterest

Its been a long while since I last wrote anything. Time has been flying by. Two jobs, four kids, wrestling, basketball, karate, and volleyball keep a girl busy!  There is a website called Pinterest and I am obsessed! I go on everyday and pin my favorite things. I am gathering ideas for the house, cooking, and outfits I love, crafts, children's activities, and gifts! Lately I have been trying new recipes from there and so far the family has been impressed. I suppose I should spend less time on Pinterest and more time working out or cleaning the house but when I have a free moment its the one place I want to be. The escape from chaos into my dream world where every room in my home is organized, clean, and decorated perfectly. Where every meal is straight out of Martha Stewart's kitchen, my children are dressed, and my abs and ass are in perfect shape! The screaming doesn't exist, the stresses of life melt to the floor, and I can be free.  Anyway, here are some pics of the wonderful things I have created thanks to Pinterest. I am going to continue to explore this new found world of betterment's and improvements and hope that if I do drag you into it also, you won't out create me! thanks for reading xoxo

Merry Christmas

Christmas was here. We stayed home the entire time. I waited until the last minute to get the wrapping done and while I would have rather had bows and ribbons on all the gifts I was so sick of wrapping that I just didn't do it this year. I was going to wait and put them on when they went under the tree but just didn't have the energy or desire.  The kids didn't seem to mind or notice.  Our elf, Jonah, decided to put painters tape across Alex's bedroom door and fill it with balloons so when he came to the door he had to fight his way through. It was funny. They tore through their stockings and couldn't wait to get their hands on the main event. Ella was so into it that she got sad when she didn't have a present in her little hand. They all loved what they got and after an hour of drum playing, it was time to put them up.  Jayne and Keith came over for dinner and we had a nice visit.  It was a good Christmas and I hope next year to be a little more proactive and get things ready sooner so that I don't stress over it so much.  I know Christmas isn't about gifts but to my 8, 4, and 2 year old it is. Some of you might think that is sad but I remember growing up and having tons of gifts under the tree and family members everywhere. Good food was prepared by my Grandma with some help from my mom and aunt and we feasted.  We always had a good time at Christmas. I miss my family terribly and I miss having Christmas with them.  So if my kids get to have those same feeling while they are little, believing in the magic of it, I am fine with that. I know when they get older they will understand its more then gifts but for now, I am not about to take those smiles and excited squeals of joy away cause that too is part of my Christmas and the magic behind it. I hope everyone enjoyed the day and I wish everyone a Happy New Year! thanks for reading xoxo