Still missing and loving him.

Two years ago today, I lost my Dad.  He was an incredible Father, Husband, Pop Pop and Friend.  I have so many wonderful memories that I hold onto... 

• Taking a bath in Aveeno when I had the chicken pocks in kindergarten (I refused to do it for my Mom and would only do it for him).
• Whenever I was sick, he would make me the best poached eggs.
• When I was in 4th grade, I hit a tree with our snowmobile.  He wasn't the least bit upset that I crashed it...he just wanted to get me to to the hospital to get my arm casted.  He never once said anything about my driving or complained about the damage I had done.
• Building a mousetrap car with him for a 7th grade project (wonder where that is??).  We were both so proud of our car and that it went 36 feet (enough for an A).
• Teaching me how to drive (and the fact that when he took me for the drivers test he knew the cop...it was an old Army buddy!!  Can you say PASSED?!).  Buying my first car together...Loved that Red Chevy Cavalier!
• Walking me down the aisle, dancing to butterfly kisses....
• The weeks of maternity leave we spent together....we did so much with those kids!!  Gymboree and out to lunch, Cabela's, the zoo, parks and playgrounds, etc.  I couldn't have survived those weeks without him. 
• So many home projects...far too many to list.  What stands out most was his patience.  I swore I would never do crown molding or any kind of trim work again.  He was so patient up and down the ladder until it was absolutely perfect.  Yup, that's my Dad...a true perfectionist in anything he put his mind too.  If you walk through our house, you'll find him in every room...either something he built, painted, fixed, hung or even just a favorite picture. 

I miss you, Dad. I love you, Dad...more than you could ever know. Thanks for 33 wonderful years with you.  I hope know that you live on in me and the kids.  I can only hope to leave the legacy that you have left.  I can only hope to have the grace, dignity, and courage you had when it is my time.  You are truly "a hero to this little girl".  Watch for some balloons headed your way tonight...

With that, I am wiping away the tears now and getting on with my day.  We will be having mountain pies over a fire for dinner tonight.  My Dad loved mountain pies and camp fires.  Oh yeah, Boston Cream donuts for dessert, too! 

A busy week ahead!

The kids went back to school just in time. This week is CRAZY!

I have client appointments every day!  JAL has his 6-year well check tonight while ARL has dance.  Tomorrow I have to meet two women from Craigs list sales (one before my client appointments, one after).  Thursday is the 2 year anniversary of Dad's death...so we'll be doing something special in the evening in memory of him.  Friday night we are headed up to my Mom for a family dinner.

I got out for a quick 3 this morning right after the kids left.  28:28...not as fast as with Lisa, but still improving!

Welcome to the craziness of my life...wouldn't have it any other way!

Back to School!

I would like to take a moment to publicly thank whichever kind judge in Montgomery County ordered an end to the strike!  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!  

It's time to get these kiddos back to school!

My baby is 6!

They grow up so fast, don't they? I can't believe my baby is 6!  He had a phenomenal day yesterday...a great party, lots of great gifts, and all of his favorite foods!

I went out for a (wet) 5 yesterday AM with Lisa.  It was misting on us the whole way.  I've never run in the rain before and I can't say I enjoyed it.  I had to keep wiping my face with my sleeve.  I could have wrung out my hair when I got home. 

I am really looking forward to Broad Street next week!  I am injury free, adequately trained and ready! 

My best 3 miles yet!

28 minutes! WOO HOO!!

A great way to kick off a wonderful weekend!!  A great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my baby who turns 6 on Sunday!   He's my funny guy who has a big heart!  He always wants people around him to be happy! 

Another beautiful run...

Headed out to get 3 in this morning before my Mom left to head back home. She was helping out with kid watching for the first part of the week due to the strike.  ARL had a blast with her and my sister...they went out for sushi, went shopping, and went to see my grandfather (who will be 91 in a few weeks). 

I am working from home with ARL.  JAL is at daycare because we all know I get nothing done when he's home.  I am looking forward to tomorrow...It's take your child to work day!  ARL is coming to Bridgewater (my home office) with me for the day!  She always enjoys these days and the timing couldn't be better with the strike!

The laundry room project is in design phase.  Our contractor hopes to build it this weekend and install next week.  I cannot wait!  I hate the backpacks, violin, laptop bags, etc. all over the floor.  I am not good with disorganization!  It breeds stress for me!

Getting faster...

I ran 3 this morning in 29:05!  It seems I have broken the 10 minute mile mark for my shorter runs...but not for the distance runs.

I really need to stop caring so much about my times and just enjoy my runs. The weather was crisp, cool, and beautiful. The trees are still blooming and my asthma is controlled on the inhaler (despite all this pollen). 

I'm looking forward to seeing my Gidge tonight (whose been away with Grandma since Sunday) and having a nice dinner!  Hubby is cooking stuffed chicken breasts on the new grill (my prize winning recipe) while JL and I are making a pasta salad recipe he found in a kids magazine.  Throw in a glass (or two) of Chardonnay and I'm thinking it's going to be a great evening!

Praying for a successful resolution to the strike tonight...