Six things

1. 4K for the Kids! Last Sunday we went to Iowa State to participate in a 4K run/walk to raise money for ISU's Dance Marathon.  We had planned on walking, but then I got antsy and told Aaron we should run a little.  The next thing you know we had a system of the boys running and resting in the stroller while I swapped kids.  The boys did AMAZING.  Seriously, I couldn't believe how much they were able to run!  Sidenote:  Jenna was in Minnesota with Grandpa Larry and that's why she isn't pictured.

2. Beginning reader: I love listening to my kids read.  Jenna loves to read and is very good at it.  Brody is becoming a much better reader and it's really neat this year that his teacher sent home an app that has level appropriate stories for him.  The stories are read to him, then he reads them and then he has to answer questions about what he read.  We downloaded the app on our Kindle and Brody loves it.

3. Future Firefighters:  The perks of mom's job is that I get to take pictures of State Center's Firefighters.  When doing this, the firefighters are super nice to my kids and let them try on their fire gear and sit up in the fire truck. 

4. BUSY:  This past week has been crazy busy. Preschool pictures, volleyball pictures, cheerleading pictures, more preschool pictures, a football game, a reffing husband, the start of Jenna's volleyball practices with me helping coach, a home football game, Aaron's master's class...you get the idea.  Anyway, last weekend I mistakenly didn't get groceries and we were out of like, everything.  So, Thursday morning I set my alarm for 5 AM and headed to Wal-Mart.  It was kind of creepily quiet, but nice and not crowded at the same time.

5. Best shirt ever:  Nothing special, just this super cute, super appropriate shirt Blake wore to school.  Isn't it awesome?!

 

6. Sugar Detox:  So, on Monday I'm starting a sugar detox.  I found out about these groups via Instagram and after reading how great everybody felt after the 14 days, I knew I wanted to try it.  People are asking me why in the world I would do this.  Well, I am admittedly a sugar addict (I heart desserts!), I have felt so bloated and icky lately and my face is broken out like I'm a 14 year old again.  I really want to see how this makes me feel.  I'm hoping it indeed does make me feel better!

It is pretty strict in what you can eat and what you can't  - no dairy, no bread, only berries for fruit, no alcohol, only good fats, lots of veggies and protein.  You get the idea.  So...it could be a rough start getting into the swing of things, but I think with good planning of meals and snacks I can do this.  It's always good to push your body and see what it can do!  I will let you know how it goes, so wish me luck. :)

Have a good weekend and GO HAWKS! :)

Seven things...

1. I found the easiest recipe for simple ice cream!  Two ingredients.  Plus, whatever you want to add to it.  We did an oreo-butterfinger last week that was AMAZING.  For full directions you can click here.

 2. We went to the Iowa State Fair. Again!  I love it, I really do.  Saturday we met my dad and Linda there for round two.

 My Wisconsin born/Minnesota grown father was in heaven in the DNR building pointing out all the different kinds of fish to Jenna and Brody.

 3. I made some wall art for my office.  I like to get crafty, but I usually just don't have the time.  I bought this big canvas at Hobby Lobby and then we painted it.

 

After the paint dried, I cut out letters from the newspaper (because I work at the newspaper, get it?!  I'm clever like that. :)) I then modge-podged the letters on. 

 And the finished product looks like this!  I'm pretty happy about it.  I picked this quote because it pertains to a lot of things in my life, including taking the leap to be the editor at the paper, where I learned of my love for writing!

 4. School starts tomorrow.  I'm excited and sad.  Sad because it will be quiet around our house without Aaron, Jenna and Brody here.  Excited because I know that all three of them are ready for the new year and challenges it brings.

5. To go with number four, it's time to say good-bye to the summer list. :(  We didn't do too bad.  We missed a few things, but had a lot of fun, too!

6. This weekend we are participating in a 5K down by Iowa City.  It's to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.  The guy who started the run actually needed a kidney and received one from his mom.  This race is like a tribute to her.  Pretty cool, huh?!  Also, our potential donor, Steph, will be there running her very first 5K!!!  We are so excited for her! :)

7.  Tomorrow is my 33rd birthday!  For the big day (ok, it's not really big since everybody will be at school, but anyway...) I'm going to run 3.3 miles.

I'm excited to see what year number 33 will bring.  I'm never one to dread my birthday.  I feel like we should be thankful that we are here for another year.  I always remember this..."Do not regret getting older. It is a privilege denied to many." 

Also, if I have to pick a motto for this year, I think it might be this: