Foam Glow 5K for Phoenix Children's Hospital

 On Saturday I participated in the Foam Glow 5K at Goodyear Ballpark.  I was fortunate enough to have some of my friends join me.  My sister couldn't do the walk since she has a partially torn ligament in her foot...boo.  I did my first two 5k's with her.  Once she heals we can participate in even more.  (P.S. I have yet to be released to do any long walking and jogging...so don't tell my doctor).  Another friend, Michele (one L, not my sister) was unable to join us on Saturday but I will make sure when she is better that we do another fun race/walk together.

Luella, Meg, and myself.  This was Luella's first 5k

The whole group...Meg, Nicole, Aimee, and me

I love this picture!!!

We may have had gotten a little bored waiting.  Photo cred to Meg for these great pictures.

The after mess.  Too bad you can't see the pink in this picture on my arms and face.

Right at the very end of the race.  I obviously did not get enough of the glow on me.  Notice the stranger danger photo bombing us?

And last, but not least, the final time. Cut off at least ten minutes because I started it early and did not end it right as we finished.  What's even funnier-look at my caption.  This is why my family makes fun of me...thanks to my sister who noticed it's on km...haha

79th birthday

Sunday we got together to celebrate my dad. I can't believe he is 79.  That seems so old, but I often don't feel like he is that old!  He had a great day with family and LOTS of friends!

Mckayla and I taking a selfie

Aunt Michelle, my mom and Kayla

The girls from left to right: Josh's daughter (Forgot her name), Gwen, Abby, and Kayla.  Ooooh and don't forget Trigger. 

The girls enjoying AZ in March.  The pool was too cold so they went for the sprinklers

Papa and Kayla.  She made this kite for him, the picture is of him :)

Papa opening my gift to him....doesn't he look excited?

I had to get a picture of the writing.  Abby is really growing up, look at her penmanship Kayla is working on forming letters...she said this says something like "happy birthday, I love you forever and ever".  Melts my heart.

My friend made these carrot cake cupcakes  AMAZING.

Number two

Saturday I completed 5K number two of my goal of 12 this year.  My stupid foot has put me behind since I can't jog or do long distance walking.  I am thankful my friends were along to walk this one with me!  

Amanda, Chel, Meg, and my fat self

Sister selfie!

I was bummed that I didn't get to run/jog any of it, but we did it.

This is why I teach...

No not for all the sappy reasons.  Because I get to participate in all of the spirit days!  Today was FORMAL DAY.  I had a blast!

Dramatic makeup

Fancy updo, complete with the feathered bangs

The dress....wow.  Total score from Savers at $7. Worth every penny.

Friendship!  These troopers dressed up with me, too!  

Nurse Laura.  She wore a cute shirt and tie under her scrubs, and said we could be each other's dates.  Ha.  FYI the dress was waaaay too big and not flattering on me.  Glad this style is not "in" anymore.

And of course...the awkward prom picture!!!

This gal...

...ran a full marathon yesterday.  26.2 miles.

It all started with a pair of running shoes.  The ones on the left logged over 700  miles of running.  For her birthday this year, we helped upgrade to a new pair :)

At the expo before the marathon.

 Half an hour before the marathon.  So bummed couldn't be there to cheer her on.

I was excited that she had this app that we could follow along on how far she had run.  I was able to cheer her on all the way from Lake Havasu.

Michelle posted this on her facebook page.  I though it was the best way to sum it all up.  I am so proud of you, Chel.  You are an inspiration to so many of us.  Your hard work as a mother, sister, and marathon runner is heroic.

Dreams...

I have heard that dreams are often what you make them.  They can be something you really want, something you are worried about.  I think dreams are signs and have meaning.

Last night my grandparents visited me in my dream.  It was beautiful and amazing, and heartbreaking at the same time.  I knew, in my dream, that they were no longer with us but everyone was so excited to have another chance with them.

It took place at an old park (like Pioneer Park, where we had so many of our family reunions) but it was even better; it was some place that meant so much to my grandpa.  I arrived in their truck, with my grandpa driving.  I never got to see his face but I was ok with it because I KNEW it was him.  My grandma was sitting next to me, I was eating some pumpkin pie.  She stole my crust and picked at the pieces left over.  I remember thinking in my head 'take a picture, she look so pretty' but I just couldn't get myself together enough to take the picture.

I noticed that we arrived at the park, my mom, aunt, and uncles were there.  Everyone was much younger but I was the same age.  My brother was teeny tiny and my sister had super long hair!  Papa wanted to go for a walk and explore this place, he seemed to know the way around like it was an old neighborhood or something.  I asked his kids to go along with, and of course we all did...and everyone was happy.

When it was time to say goodbye, I hugged my grandma and told her how I missed her and loved her so much!  My goodbye with my grandpa was much harder because it was then that I realized he wasn't talking.  My hug with him was super long because he was telling me stuff through my brain and I just remember sobbing and being so happy.  I don't remember what he said, and that doesn't matter.  Just the feeling of having them here was beyond beautiful.

Sometimes I forget how much I miss them.

Commitment...

Today I accomplished something I honestly never thought I would.  I did my first 5k (about 3 miles).  I know tons of people do a lot more, but for my out of shape/large body this was a lot.  And I am proud of myself.  I did it-without ever thinking I wanted to quit.  Thanks to my sister I may be hooked from now on :)

On the way to the race.  Kayla and Abby joined us for this major event.

Loved the signs at the starting line "you look fast"  and "great legs".

The whole gang.  Meg, myself, Chel, Abby, and Kayla with her pose.

 Did you know they give out TONS of free stuff before the race?  Heck yes.  

Doesn't my hair look nice?  Got it done yesterday :)

Mile 1.  I was a little excited still.

Meg was kind enough to run ahead to take this pic.  It's not a flattering one of me, but I will use it as motivation.

Yes, this is how I felt around mile 2 of our walk/jog.

I was so excited for mile 3, I ran to the sign :)

Meg kept track of the time.  It's my personal best, since I have never done one before.

Oh--they served mimosa's at the end.  Two free for each runner.

 Me signing the commitment day 5K banner.  I will do five 5K's this year, and will train for them in advance (unlike this one).  You can't really see, but I was sweating like CrAzY after the walk/jog.

Toast to me

Thank you to my sister for helping motivate me. I need to make some changes, and this is the first to better health!

I am going to keep this bib as a reminder that I CAN DO IT.