Monday July 20th I woke up with what seemed like several bad bumps on my chin, it was more painful than normal but I just assumed it was a breakout. I continued about my day and went swimming with friends. All day it was a faint aggravation. That night I woke up every couple of hours in pain, and if you know me I don't wake up! I tossed and turned and wondered what in the world! I put ice on it and hot towels I even took three left over pain pills from a surgery and nothing would subside the pain. I woke up looking like a man with a huge chin and I could barely talk and I definitely couldn't smile! I continued thinking maybe just a bump gone wrong and I kept taking ibuprofen and putting ice on it but when I couldn't sleep that night I knew something was really wrong! I called to make a doctor apt at 8:00 the next morning. I literally watched the clock from 7 until it turned to 8.

I went into the doctor where they tried to lance it to see if any infection would release and they gave me two shots, antibiotics and pain.   I went home to rest and was feeling a little better, then it began to hurt to breath and the next morning I called again. They were concerned infection had spread so sent me to ER for scans and Iv antibiotics. After being pricked and prodded I finally was feeling some relief from the pain meds. I will spare you the details of the infection that had to drain from my face.

They sent me home with more 2 antibiotics to take and assured me I would get better. I still did not know for sure what had caused the abcess.

Between strong pain meds and antibiotics I don't know what but I was sick as a dog the day after the hospital. Couldn't keep anything down and absolutely no appetite. I was so miserable there are really no words. Finally after probiotics and nausea medicine I was able to keep some food down and appetite returned about a day later.

The doctor called and confirmed that the infection was MRSA, the very thing I hoped it wasn't. Where in the world did I get this? Great, now are my kids and husband and risk? No fun.

I am continuing to get better, I still don't look that great. But yesterday I literally was dancing and singing around the kitchen. I'm sure there are worse illnesses in the world and I am so thankful that mine wasn't as serious as it could have been! Thank you everyone who prayed! I have had two c sections and I don't think they were as painful! I am so glad to be feeling halfway back to normal. I say all this to say, you know your body and when something is wrong, go to the doctor! Lol. I am adding a pic below hopefully it doesn't offend you. After a few days you can see how much I drastically transformed into the hunchback of notre dom!

Jackson finished his first year of school last week and Nana took us on a trip! We visited Cozumel, Mexico, Belize, and Mahogany Bay, Honduras and Costa Maya, Mexico. We had lots of fun and adventure, relaxation and all you can eat ice cream all week! We spent the night in Port Canaveral and visited Cocoa Beach for dinner.

Day 1 and 2 Sea Days

Today we embarked on our journey to Cozumel, Mexico. We arrived on the boat and started our vacation off right with the "fun ship" special! And Jackson had a Shirley Temple. We relaxed on the deck and Jackson took his first dip in the salt water pool and waterside. We had a nice dinner that evening with a beautiful view of the ocean. That night we attended the welcome aboard show hosted by the singers and dancers. Our Cruise directors name was Gary and I will miss hearing his British accent every morning saying "well good morning ladies and gentleman."

The next day we played by the pool. Then we joined in the Dr. Suess parade. And listened to Story time. Dinner this night was Elegant Dress. We got dazzled up and had dinner and went to the "Night Club" show. I think Jackson was a little embarrassed that most of the girls were dancing around in next to nothing lol.

Day 3 - Bienvinedos Cozumel

We arrived in Cozumel and rented a car. We drove to the end of the island "Punta Sur" meaning Southern point. This was a an ecological park with sea turtle sanctuaries. We had a margarita at the little ocean front hut as well as the guacamole that every native said was a must. We toured the lagoon in a boat and walked up the lighthouse for a beautiful view of the ocean and lagoon. The waters were very rough this day because of a Hurricane in the gulf.

Day 4 Belize

To get to Belize from the ship we had to ride a tender boat through the ocean to the dock. In Belize we took a bus to the Mayan Ruins. I was nervous about the 17 species of snakes they kept warning us about. We learned about the history of the Mayans and also a little creole language lesson on the bus. We learned that in Belize all kids wear uniforms to school and teachers still use corporal punishment.

We climbed to the top of the temple which is climbing to heaven. We didn't do the cave tours which would have been going to the underworld. Luckily there were no human sacrifices today.

The second part of the trip was lunch at a resort and a boat ride down the river and back into the ocean. The was amazing because we saw crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and at the end a dolphin. The dolphin jumped out of the waves the boat made. It was the best part. Riding back into the ocean in this little boat on the rocky waves I mentioned earlier was quite a ride! Jackson loves to ride boats and he got his share of them this week!

Day 5

Today we visited Mahogany Bay, Honduras. This was probably my favorite day and that's not just because there was all you can drink rum on the catamaran. We sailed out and this was probably the nicest weather day we had on the trip. The boat ride was chill and good music was playing and the guides were really fun. We got out of the boat with our snorkel gear and swam with ththe fish in the coral reef. We saw several "Dories" and luckily no Baracudas! I think Jackson was a little weary of the "fire coral" that they warned of. He said I'm ready to go back to the boat! Worrying about where your 6 year old is in the middle of the ocean can sort of make it difficult to relax. We took a bus back to the ship and saw the towns in Honduras.

Our last stop was Costa Maya. At this stop there was a public pool and FREE WIFI. It was slow as Christmas but I finally got to check in with Justin and make sure things were okay back home. That was a relief. Jackson played in the pool until he got cut on a tile and then we had to doctor him up. Poor thing was slowed down after that. We got to see LB and Dawn while hanging by the pool. Jackson made tons of friends on this trip. I can see a social butterfly in my future. Janet and I had one more drink in Mexico and it was time to say Adios and head back to America and by this point I was more than ready!

Our last sea day we relaxed by the pool all day and listened to the music. Jackson was kind of crippled and not wanting to do much after his accident. I auditioned to be in the finale show and played Britney Spears in the legends concert. That was fun! I would definitely love to come back and do this again! Next time with my whole family because it sucked to miss them for 8 Days!

When it comes to physical challenges I have usually been a pretty determined person. As a kid I hoped to learn to tumble so I taught myself what I could in my backyard and the trampoline. So when I began running it started with a 5k and a little less than a year later I decided a half marathon was achievable. Never in a million years would I have imagined that!

I've always been active but as I got older and became a mom that hit the back burner and I couldn't always find the time. After having Daphne, my second child, I needed something to get me back into shape. Our school had a technology 5k coming up and the dream Center was also participating in the human race. I began training for these and I was very slow!! My first 5k was such an adrenaline rush and I was hooked.. My time was slower than a turtle but that gave me motivation to train harder.

In January Meghann and I began training.. We spent a lot of time in the treadmill sometimes for 7 miles! That's a long way on a treadmill. The snow challenged our training schedule. But we did what we could usually 10-20 miles per week for 12 weeks. Some days we wanted to quit. But luckily we had each other for accountability and motivation. Things happened in life, some good and some bad but all things gave me motivation and energy to get outside and run it off.

Mom guilt of leaving the kids to run was real. But to me it is important to let my kids see me do what I love and to hopefully motivate them to find a passion that they will dedicate their time to.

After miles and miles of training, in the cold, rain and heat. After days where I wanted to quit and days where I couldn't wait to get my feet on the pavement. . I held on to the dream of crossing that finish line. I will do it again. At Disney would be ideal! :)

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

I have to share today's experience. It was totally a God moment. I was asked to sing today and I thought about it for weeks and had several songs I really liked but could not find the accompaniment tracks for them. So I relied on YouTube and found an instrumental of Revelation song that I could do. I was hesitant because someone in our church already sings this song, but it is one of my favorites I love the words! I arrived to church with time to spare to prepare and have my music ready on the computer in time for service! I know you are shocked. As I began to try to load my song the internet wouldn't work... Of course! Enter. devil. Who had already been working on me this morning because I wasn't feeling great my voice was scratchy and I was worried that whatever I sang was going to sound horrible. I did some problem solving and figured out that the Internet wasn't working because of everyone who was signed into wifi. So I asked everyone to please turn off their wifi and wala it worked. So I was relieved and thought I had defeated the devil. Our first song as a congregation was "holy holy lord God Almighty" I looked to Shirley next to me and said I can't believe that's the song I chose without knowing... The words in revelation song are very similar. She said "that was a God thing". So as the devil is working on me God came through. I looked to Leah to start my music but she said it was gone. So after all that still no music. Everyone jumped in to help and try to connect the Internet by adding a hotspot... But I volunteered Chris to play the guitar! Thank goodness he saved te day! It took team work to get this song out today but for some reason God wanted that song heard and he wouldn't give up until it was. I am so thankful for Chris playing, Ellen Miranda and Leah for helping with the technology and everyone in th congregation who I know were praying.

Jackson turned 6 years old on February 13, 2015.  He had to go to school on this day and it was his class Valentines celebration.   Valentines Day has always been more special since he arrived!  This year he wanted a Paw Patrol party.  So last minute mom made it happen.  We just rented out the church fellowship hall but we had lots of cute snacks and I think he had fun!  

Pinterest helped me out with all of my ideas of course.  For the snacks we had puppy chow, kibbles and bits, "pup" corn, "paw"tato chips, "ruff" age, and toilet water to drink. 
Food labels can be found here 

The kids played pin the Badge on Marshall and a relay race with the police and firefighter outfits.  Alot of the printables including the games and banner can be found at Nick Jr. Website!  

If you asked me a year and a half ago did I like to run I would have told you no, I only run if something is chasing me... I had no energy and I couldn't breathe well enough to last more than a mile. I began the journey to running when I signed up for the human race to help prepare me for the res 5 k that our school does with technology. That race took me 47 minutes to complete but it was such an adrenaline rush that I was immediately hooked. I fell in a pothole which I am convinced added to my time as I had to get bandaged up. I've never felt so energized in my life though. The Randleman elementary school 5k was on a super hot day and I walked some of it and I was able to finish in 35 minutes. Over ten minutes faster than my first race. At this point I am running 3.1 miles in a little under 30 minutes which is still a far cry from some of the fastest. But a huge jump from 47. Running has given me motivation to do better, energy and improved my concentration. It's all about beating myself and seeing what my new pr can be. After a year of several 5ks I want to push myself to do a half marathon. 13.1 phew! What a long way. I know it is possible because I have seen the changes in my stamina so far so today I begin training. Run keeper is going to get me through this... Tomorrow a 5 mile run. Thank goodness I have a great running partner who motivates me when I don't feel up to and I try to do the same for her. After our first race together we decided to start running together and the rest is history!

Without Justin and my grandma willing to step in and help with the kids so I can fit a run into my day this would not be possible... The guilt of motherhood is so real. It makes me sad not to spend those moments with my kids but doing this for me helps me be better. Cheaper than therapy for sure!

If you are reading this I know you will cheer me on in this journey. I am doing this for me. Here's to a new year and a new set of goals. 13.1 miles in April. 🏁👟

I cannot begin to express my thankfulness this thanksgiving season. I feel blessed beyond what I deserve with a wonderful family and friends. This year brought a new tradition as Kenzie and I ran a 5k thanksgiving morning. I am thankful that I have the strength to run and that this has given me a new motivation to improve. I am thankful that Janet cooked an amazing meal for supper after running so I could pig out and not feel guilty!! (I still felt a little guilty!)

Well the first quarter of kindergarten is down! Jackson did awesome on his report card all 3s. His problem ... Talking too much! Surprise?! He has grown and changed so much in this time. Reading and writing and hanging out with the big kids! I've been struggling with his behavior! I guess a teacher mom wants he child to be perfect. 😳

Daphne is continuing to grow and change too! She continues her favorite word.. Woof woof! She has started recently to shake her head yes when you ask her questions instead of constantly saying no! She also says woah! And yum! She tries to say something that sounds like Jackson. She still loves him and adores him more than anyone. She continues to be a mommy's girl, a few of her favorites are Kenzie, Bryan, mimi and Granny. 15 months old and I still can't get the bottle away from her! Maybe it's me not wanting to let go..but she will not drink enough otherwise! Jackson was so easy!

The babies were Dalmatian and firefighter for Halloween! So cute! Loved it!

This week has been overwhelming to say the least and I keep trying to tell myself it could be worse. I started my first day of teaching for the year on Monday. Which is enough in itself but to put the icing on the cake Jackson started kindergarten and Justin had knee surgery. I didn't really even have time to process the fact that Jackson was starting kindergarten... It may be sinking in just a little now.

I was able to walk down and see him and take a few pictures and he seems to be doing great! He is so grown up, which is what I want him to be.... But it still is surreal.

Justin had surgery Monday morning while all of this was taking place so his mom took him. He had to miss Jackson's first day and granny had to bring Jackson to school because they couldn't be there until 8:30. I was a little nervous that morning to say the least. I went to the hospital with Justin that night and stayed with him... Him and I slept great! Not. Thank goodness for my grandma this week!!! I don't know where I would be without her! After sleeping in the hospital and bringing home a very stubborn patient I went to work for the rest of the day... This whole week has seemed like a blur I have felt all out of sorts and on edge... Sorry to all I have been ill to.

I have been blessed to have a helpful husband and now that he is hurt I am at it pretty much alone in the evenings... daphne is teething something ridiculous and screams everytime her brother comes near her .... So my head is pounding and I am stressed. I got both of them bathed and snuggled with her for a few then went for a run, not sure how far but it was better than nothing... I came back read the same stories I read last night, snuggled with Jackson and put him to bed... Now me and this glass of wine are on the couch. Ps... She just screamed out in her crib as we are speaking... But it stopped. Phew. What a week. Yes I am complaining and I know "this too shall pass" I am telling myself that over and over again to keep from going crazy. I love being a mom more than anything in the world... This week has made me realize what a huge help my husband is and how I can't function sanely without him! All the while I am complaining he is in serious pain... Prayers for his speedy recovery please for his and my sake!!