Sights and Smells of...

...running on the beach trail.

smells:

the ocean water

smoke from fire pits still being put out

beautiful flowers

garbage truck (that was the only gross thing..and it was towards the end of it)

sights...

ocean waves crashing on the shore
birds flying all around

flowers and plants

families holding hands

couples walking together

other joggers and walkers

people stretching on the beach

It was so amazing! I have never ran on the trail before. I couldn't take it all in. It was so peaceful and gorgeous. I was able to complete a little over 4 miles...and all the sights and sounds were such a great distraction...I didn't realize how far I had actually gone. I will definitely be doing this again. I am so thankful for friends that don't mind waking up early on a Saturday to run. How wonderful to have a few good friends to help encourage me to do it. Not to mention how nice it is to grab coffee afterwards and chat!

I can't wait until next Saturday morning. Feel free to join us...if you are in sunny CA!

A great day at the beach

My New Jersey Trip

Tiger said something so cute...

Last night we took the kids out for dinner since I am leaving today. (remember that flight I missed...I won't be missing it today!) After dinner we needed to go to Sports Chalet to get Cutie some ankle weights for her new gymnastic class. While we were there, the kids tried on these football helmets. I couldn't help but take a picture. They were having so much fun! Then Tiger found a skateboard that he wanted to spend his birthday money on. The only problem was he doesn't have enough money yet AND he needs to wait ten days to be sure it is what he wants. Here was the conversation in the van on the way home:

Tiger: Dad I really want that skateboard. I have $135 dollars...why can't I use it?

Hubby: Son, half your money needs to go into the bank. You really only have about $70 and you said you were going to give $10 of your birthday money to the church. So you have $60 and the board is $99. You will have to save a while longer to be able to afford the board.

Tiger: Dad, can't I just not give money to the bank? I really want to give my money to God and the sports store!

Doctor Update

Today was a good day at the doctor for me. I found out that the only change I need to make to my diet is really easy! I can no longer take anti-inflammatory drugs! I know that sounds funny...but I love to take Aleve and Motrin to help with my attitude and back pain during that wonderful time of the month...and I can no longer do that! (Look out hubby...JK) I do remember my urologist telling me to limit it (after he removed my kidney), but this doc is saying NEVER use it...I can take Tylenol (so hubby, there me be hope every 28 days! :).

However, yesterday wasn't such a great day for hubby at the doc's office. He has been having some foot problem for the past two weeks. We actually thought maybe he broke his big toe. Now we wish that was all it was! The doc thinks he may have gout. Gout is a very bad form of arthritis...and the diet is so limited! Basically, protein in his system is turned into like glass at the joint...so every time he uses his foot he is in pain! Gout usually is found first in the joints in your foot and could move to his ankles and hands. Protein is what flares it...so we have to limit his protein intake. I feel like everything I am use to doing...lean protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies is everything he needs to stay away from. I am so dreading this diet...but not as much as he is. Unfortunately, I haven't found many recipes on line. I am still trying to find anything interesting and tasty for him. We will find out for sure once the blood work comes back! I am praying that the doc is wrong...but he did x-rays too...and it isn't broke! I have been googling it all day. I was amazed when I read that he could not have WHOLE GRAINS and certain fruits (like apples) and veggies (like asparagus - his favorite) Seriously!? Pray I find fun and interesting things for him to eat. AND that he doesn't have Gout!

We will keep you posted!

Pool and Bike Trails!

Cutie's Floor Routine at the Show today.

Our Olympic Champ

Check out this bike!

While I was at a teacher meeting the other day, hubby went and bought Little Guy a wheel for hubby's bike! We have been enjoying bike rides at the regional park this summer...but we can't do them as a family. We start out together and then one parent is off with the older kids...and the other parent stays behind and jogs with Little Guy while he rides his bike with training wheels. Now, we no longer have to be separated!

Little Guy loves it. He feels so big. We just have to teach him to pedal...for whatever reason he enjoys just sitting, smiling and being pulled!

TIGER TURNED 7 TODAY!

Where did the summer go?

I am so bummed...the summer is almost over. I am not ready for the routine and structure. I want to keep playing with my kids. We have had a wonderful summer...beach, pool, sleepovers, playdates, disney, hiking, friends visiting...and now it is about to be over. I know that the more I complain about it...the quicker it will be over...so I am trying to enjoy the few weeks we have left to play. But, it is hard when...

now we are all getting ready to go to the mall and get uniforms, then off to get their school supplies, and I am planning out the first month of school for my fabulous second grade class...but I have to admit, there is a sadness in my heart. A sadness because...

the summer ending means my children are older. (and so am I) This precious time with them is fleeting...and they are going to be on their own soon...and I miss them already...the laughter, cuddling, teaching, singing, running around like a crazy woman trying to get them where they want to be...gymnastics, piano, friends play dates, beach, pool etc.

I love my children so much! I know that I am so blessed and shouldn't feel sad...but I do!

Taken from Cathi and Jen...

I am: blessed with a wonderful family
I think: I am a good wife and mother
I know: I try to give my best to my family every day
I want: to take a photography class
I have: the best friends ever
I wish: school wasn't starting in 3 weeks
I hate: when people chew with their mouth open
I miss: my sister
I fear: my children dying before me
I feel: so much love for my family
I hear: my daughter...she just got up to go the bathroom
I smell: nothing...the house is clean!
I crave: date nights with my hubby
I search: for pencils...always have plenty of pens
I wonder: what my kids will do with their lives
I regret: impulse buying
I love: buying gifts to give people when they don't expect it
I care: about my body...being in shape and healthy
I always: give my kids morning hugs
I am not: tired...or judgmental
I believe: in eternal life
I hope: my kids will always serve the Lord
I dance: when I am happy
I sing: to my children when they are tired or hurt
I don't always: finish daily to do list (I write one every pm for the next day)
I write: to release stress
I lose: when I try too hard
I win: when I am just myself
I never: lick my fingers
I listen: to hubby's advice
I can usually be found: in the kitchen
I am scared: of roller coasters
I need: to go to bed

This is what happens when you can'tafford surf lessons! Maybe next year kids!

Bryce's 7th Birtday Party -biking, boating and football!

Tiger is almost 7

My Tiger is turning 7 this coming Thursday. Where did the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday that he was saying "hold you mama"? Now he is rarely asking me to hold him. He is wanting to go throw the football, ride his bike or boogie board at the beach.

I am so proud of Tiger. He is the most caring boy I know. He always puts others feelings before his own. I am always amazed and blessed by his unselfishness and love for others. I learn a lot from him every day! Happy Birthday Tiger!

Throwing a pass to dad

He loves hiking too

He is rarely seen without a football

Most of all, he loves his brother and sister so much