Today was my race for Women Run the Cities 10 Mile. It went really fantastic actually! I was just hoping for 10 Minute mile pace,so I lined up with the 10 Minute milers pace group and ran into a few friends from Moms on the Run, and my co-worker. We were off and about a mile into the race I was feeling pretty good so I passed up the 10 m/m group, and thought I’ll just stay in front of them! We had to go down a gynormous hill and turn around and back up it again. I think because of my small stature I’m pretty good at going up hills, so I got into position, and just flew up the hills strongly! I passed probably 80 people (but who’s counting) and before I knew it I was ahead of the 9:30 pace group! I decided I must stay in front of them the rest of the way and NOT to let the balloon people (the pace leaders) pass me! I really had to dig deep. By Mile 8 I just so badly wanted to slow down the pace, or walk, or just quit, but I kept at it, and succeeded! I officially finished in 1:32:05 for a 9:13 m/m pace. Which I was THRILLED about since my previous fasted LDR (Long distance Running) pace had been 10:30 max! Simply amazed at the power of training. (Not really, but it was so cool passing people vs. being passed) I’m going to focus on 5Ks now and really get my time down as much as possible! I’m thinking I’ll be doing this particular race again next year!

We had a GREAT weekend here! Friday was card club over at my sisters house, and since they were fairly easy cards we all finished early. I had brought credentials over to my sisters to enlist help, and when we finished over 1,000 credentials in under an hour my friend Molly and I headed to my work to get more… except that there were hardly any left to complete. Regardless, most are done, so that makes me very very happy! They all said anytime I have work like that to bring it over and they’d help me out! Who doesn’t like eager volunteers? Saturday we woke up and headed over to the YMCA for Kirra’s first dance lesson. Us parents stayed out in the hall, but the studio has windows all around it so we can look in. She did ballet first, and spent most of the time rolling around on the floor. Not because thats what they were learning, but because Kirra decided to goof off. After a little “pep” talk from dad when she came out to change into her tap shoes, she did much better! THat… or because her tap shoes are so slippery she was scared to go running around! Later on Jason went to inspect our friends Lisa & Tony’s new house which is super cool! They move in – in a couple of weeks, and i’m excited to see it when they’re moved in. Its a very open floor plan, and they have a big fenced in yard! We got home and straightened up a bit for Kirra’s first sleepover at our house with a friend. Aiden’s parents (Alisa & Kevin) were going out to a party,and wouldn’t have gotten home until late – so I said to just leave him over night. It was a lot of fun, and we had so much fun having him over. The kids tried to wake up at 4:30 a.m. but I told them they had to stay in Kirra’s room and lay in their beds… they replied, “we’re not tired.. we want to play”. I said, it’s not play time, its bed time, so you don’t have to fall asleep, but you do have to stay in your beds, and be quiet! Eventually they did fall back to sleep, and slept until 7:30 a.m. We woke up and made a big breakfast for us and the kids, and then they spent the rest of the morning playing and running around. I threw a pork roast in the slow cooker, with garlic, brown sugar, pineapple, and soy sauce. I went to church with Kirra and Theo, which was amazing as always. We went to Lino where around 3,000 people were worshiping. Afterwards we came home, watched the Vikings loose and take a nap. (did I mention how much I love the slow cooker?) Woke up to a cooked dinner with hardly any effort from me, and we’ve been playing hard ever since. Mostly with Kirra’s life size pony/horse stuffed animal, and have been playing Rodeo….We’re winding down and are ready to put Kirra to bed,and mom’s ready to watch the Emmy awards, and see all the pretty dresses, and root for my favorite shows! Until next time. TOODLES!

Well after a two day work week who isn’t ready for the weekend? Although I didn’t get caught up at all from being on vacation, it was nice to wind down from my vacation. Friday Jason, Kirra and I enjoyed Chili’s dinner, and then had some friends over for a poker game. Early the next morning I woke up and headed down to National Camera Exchange to pick up a new 55-300mm lens, and then it was off to the wedding! If you haven’t seen the wedding photos I shot, head over to my photo site at: http://laimage.wordpress.com. Sunday I attended church with Kirra in tow, where she started pre-school services, learning bible verses, stories, and how to apply the stories to her daily life! Even at the age of 3! I held a moment of silence for those lost on September 11th. I still remember where I was when the world stopped! Do you? Our church did a really cool live flash dub for the opening to the service. It was a culmination on how our church started with a vision,and where its at today! Enjoy. (Definitely worth the watch)

Don’t Stop Believin’ Opener from Eagle Brook Church on Vimeo. Came home from church and napped until dinner time! My kind of weekend.