Proud

On August 23, 2003, Bob and I made several vows to each other and to God.  We promised to love and support each other regardless.  In sickness and in health.  In poverty and in wealth.  In good and in bad.

But, as if that wasn't enough, Bob also vowed to his good friend (and ultra athlete) that he would run a marathon at some point.

He has talked about the idea for the past few years.  And I have nodded and appeared to participate in the conversations.

But this summer, he decided the time was right.  We joined a family athletic club, and Bob began training for the Richmond marathon.

He was completely dedicated to his training and our new nutritional lifestyle greatly helped him get in tip top shape.  He was even able to complete many of the long distance training runs without using his asthma inhaler (a first in more than 10 years).

I also will admit that I believe his great desire to train (which involves spending several hours most days of the week running) may have been influenced by the crazy house he was allowed to escape.  But I will give him the benefit of the doubt. 

The marathon was Saturday, and I took the older 2 kids to watch.  We made some crazy signs and were able to give him a high five at miles 13 and 20.

 

 

 

He had a lofty goal of finishing the 26.2 miles in 4 hours.  And he blew that goal out of the water by finishing in 3.55. 

The kids rushed to greet him and see the shiny medal.

Then we "celebrated" at Chick-fil-A with some grilled nuggets and fruit.

It was a long day.  I was exhausted!  :)

He is already signing up for his next one.

 

 

We love you, Daddy, and are so very proud of you!!

Trick or Sugar-free Treat?

It was a very big evening in our house last night.  

We had a couple princesses. 

 

Luigi (who later morphed into Mario because his unitard was a wee bit tight.) 

And a sad little puppy dog.

 

 

 

 

Daddy took the older two around the neighborhood.

 

And the little ones stayed with mom to help pass out candy.

 

 

 

(The orange bowl holds the loot.  Miss Ryan aint no dummy.)

The puppy dog cheered up.

And mama had a plan.

For my kids, the fun was in being allowed to run wildly through the neighborhood yelling "Trick of Treat."  I tried to use their tendency toward distraction to my benefit.

I promised them that when they returned from trick or treating, I would have some fun treats waiting for them.  They came in, took of their coats and shoes, (while I magically took their buckets and whisked them away to a brown grocery sack in the other room) and sat down at the table.  I made a couple huge pumpkin "sugar" cookies (with almond flour and honey) and had some goodie bags of fun items from the $1 bins.

The cookies were a hit.  

 

They cleaned their plates, brushed their teeth, and went to bed.

And I put the bag of candy way up high on the china cabinet -- out of their reach, and mine.