13.1 is done!!!!

Can you believe I agree with him????

I mentioned earlier that I've been on a weight-loss journey and part of my fitness goal was to run a half-marathon.  Well, guess what, kids?  I did it!!  I knew that if I was going to run a half-marathon there had to be a good cause behind it to motivate me while training.  I chose the Wounded Warrior Project.

Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) serves military service members who incurred service-connected wounds, injuries, or illnesses on or after September 11, 2001 and their families. The WWP offers a very wide range of services to wounded warriors and their families in the immediate days following the injury, through recovery and beyond. Services include benefits counseling and representation, adaptive rehabilitative sporting programs, educational opportunities, networking and social events, programs for post-traumatic stress and combat stress recovery, respite retreats for caregivers, and much more. A full list is available on the website atwoundedwarriorproject.org

I got to Dallas Saturday night and was thrilled to meet up with my great friend and sorority sister, 

Taryn Lackey Crouch, for dinner to carb up! 

(Wine has carbs, right?)

After a much too quick dinner it was back to the Marriott to get ready.  Everything was laid out, breakfast was ordered, and I was ready for a good night's sleep!  I had so much adrenaline in the days preceding race day that I really needed it.  "HAHAHAHA," said my body!  "You don't really need sleep.  What you really need is to get this race started!"

Sunday, June 9 was race day.   The starting line was in the parking lot of my hotel, so my plan was to go downstairs, meet some sorority sisters, pose for some pictures and head to the corral.  That didn't happen!  I got downstairs and joined thousands of my closest friends as we waited for a giant storm to pass.  Thunder, lightening, torrential rain, and possibly some hail delayed our start by over an hour.  Needless to say, the adrenaline was GONE.  But, I did get those pictures.  

 I thought it was a pretty good omen that my bib number was 4776.  

My lucky number is 4 and '76 was an AWESOME year :-)

ADPi sisters throwing diamonds!

Aren't we cute?

At 7:45ish the first group of runners started.  It was still thundering, lightening, and lightly raining, but we were ready to go.  They were playing Gangnam Style at the starting line.  This made me laugh because I immediately thought of Luke!  That boy loves that song!  I was wet, I was cold, I was anxious to start.  FINALLY it was our turn.  I was positioned right behind the 2:30 pacer, because this was my goal.  I planned to keep him in my sights.  It was well within my reach according to all of my training runs, and hopefully the excitement of the event would give me that extra push I needed.  The first four miles were pretty easy.  There were lots of puddles, as you can imagine, but nothing too extreme.  At the first water station, I drank my water, threw my cup and thought, "I've always wanted to do that!!"  Sad, but true.  

As we approached mile 5 I decided that if I planned to maintain my goal pace, I'd need to add in my 60 second walks every mile.  The pacer was still in my line of sight and I wasn't too far behind. Next thing I know the first finishers are passing me!  The route was an "out and back", so it was really cool to see all the people coming in for their final miles!  Lots of high-fives and encouraging words were flying around!  At mile 6 1/2 I knew I needed my mid-run snack, so I took my walk, ate my granola bar and thought, "This is so damn cool!  I can't believe I'm really doing this!"  I was receiving lots of encouraging text messages from friends along the way.  Some of my favorites were....

"You can't quit!  You're not the pope!"

"Your legs hurt because you are kicking ASS!"

"Think about the finish line!  There will be food!"

"You are one badass mother runner!"

And this lovely from my cousin,  Kate....

As I approached mile 7 I noticed that my battery was getting low on my iphone.  The GPS really drains the battery, and having it on for an extra hour at the start wasn't exactly part of the plan.  Good thing I had my trusty battery-powered iphone charger that I had over-nighted to make sure it would be here in time for the race.  Bad thing I forgot the adaptor in my hotel room.  OH YES!!!!

No problem.  I'm at mile 8.  I can be alone with my thoughts for the next hour or so, right?  WRONG. 

I run with music because it helps me to block out all distractions and just enjoy the run.  I had planned my playlist to the T.  I knew which songs would give me the extra boost.  I even knew which songs would be at each mile.  Add to it the friendly lady in the Nike Run ap that tells me what my current pace is and all the inspirational text messages I was planning to receive.  My phone was an instrumental part of this experience, but it's DEAD!  Whatever.  Just keep running....

Somewhere before mile 9 I got really tired of hearing and feeling the water in my shoes.  The music would have helped me ignore that, but I digress.  I stopped and took off my shoes to pour out the water and squeeze my socks dry.  The 2:30 dude was long gone, but here comes the 2:40 pacer....in his kilt.  He said, "Do what you gotta do, sister!  Now get after it!"  I took off and was running what felt like my pace again.  I felt pretty good, despite the lack of music.  Then came this....

We went through about a half-mile of water that was up to my mid-calf in some places.  So glad I squeezed the water out of my socks, aren't you?  This was BRUTAL.  At this point I got really mad.  I walked through the lake with my fellow racers, lamenting my lost goal of finishing in 2:30.  I think this was the first point where I thought, "Why did I sign up for this?"  The second point was when we had to climb up a muddy, rocky, steep hill.  When I got to the top I stopped again to do the shoe/sock thing, because at this point another stop doesn't matter.  As I was getting up, a fellow runner was walking and said, "Well, this time won't be posted to Facebook."  I cracked up.  I just didn't have it in me to run right at that moment so I walked.  I was walking pretty fast.  In fact, I was passing some runners and this helped get the water out of my shoes.  At that point I saw the "Mile 11" sign and started to jog again, but still had brief walks here and there.  Then came the "Mile 12" sign and I could hear cheers.  It was a great boost.  As I approached the finish, there was a large group of Team in Training folks waving pom-poms, ringing cowbells, and saying "One more turn!  One more turn!"  This was just one of the many "God Moments" on the day's course.  My next door neighbor is a coach for Team in Training.  She wrote my training plan for me and gave me so much advice throughout my training.  All I could think was "Jen is here!  And she'd be yelling at me to GO!"  So I did...

But before I get to the finish line part, here are some other God Moments

The guy in the kilt telling me to "Get after it." 

This is something that one of my very good friends would say to me at the start of every training run.

All the people wearing shirts with "Luke's Team" on the front.

It reminded me of my Luke saying that he wanted to be a runner like his mom when he grew up.

I saw a guy that looked just like my friend I've known for 31 years, Mark Tays, and he looked me dead in the face and smiled.  

He reminded me of all my friends I grew up with and my Old Katy training runs.

And this.....

I thought about how amazing this guy is and how proud of me he is.  

So, the last turn....

I'm in the last 300 yards or so and I don't know what happened, but I exploded.  My stride widened and I was sprinting.  I don't know how fast I was really going, but I felt like Flo Jo.  I crossed the finish line and a guy threw a medal around my neck and said, "Awesome!  You just ran 13.1 miles!!!"  

Hell yes, I did!!!

I was a little tired, and a little in disbelief at what I'd just finished.  I was standing there, trying to catch my breath and I see my good friend that always tells me to "Get after it" coming toward me.  Wanna know the first thing I said?

"I am never doing this again."

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not"

"Yes you are."

"Ok, but not today." 

I had to get my shoes off as fast as I could.  I couldn't stand to be in wet shoes and socks for one more minute!  Mid shoe strip I realized "I need a picture!!!"  So here, you go.

Post race I had a great meal at Babe's Fried Chicken.  I'd been thinking about that fried chicken for over a month.  I was so tired that I don't even remember tasting it.  Who cares!  I know it was delicious.  Then it was time for a little nap before driving home.

I got home to find a surprise in my mailbox from my friend who ran 11 miles with me on my last long training run.  I had no desire for a sticker, but after finishing that race, I EARNED IT!  Besides that, it's pink and glittery.  WHOOP!  You bet that sucker is going on my car!  

This all from the girl who really wanted the one that said "0.0...I don't run" just a few months ago.  What a difference 3 months can make.  That's right, people.  I just started running THREE MONTHS AGO on FEBRUARY 24!  And guess what?  I'm not stopping.

I've agreed to raise $350 for Team Mercy Project (Don't worry, I'll hit you all up for that later) and run my next half marathon December 8 in College Station.  I'm also in the lottery for the big Houston Chevron Marathon/Half-Marathon in January.  No worries, folks.  I'm sticking to the 13.1 distance.  I'll leave the 26.2 races to the rest of you.  In the meantime, I think I've been bitten by the bug and I'm looking forward to more races!

I've learned a lot.  I've learned that I can do way more than I ever thought I could.  I've learned that losing 40 lbs and running a half-marathon in the same year has really been an inspiration for other people to get moving, so I need to remember that on the days I don't feel like training.  I've also learned that my friends and my family are some of the best darn cheerleaders ever...and they're also quite funny because they send me things like this....

As soon as the official race photos are up, I'll add them to the blog, so stay tuned!

I'm baaaack!!!

I know you've been asking yourself, "When are we going to hear from Amy?  It's been far too long!  Her many facebook posts aren't enough for me!"  Even if you haven't, I'm going to pretend that you have.  It makes me feel better about myself.  

I digress.

Things haven't really been that exciting over here, and trust me when I assure you that's a good thing!  The boys are excellent!  Luke is playing soccer and taking piano lessons.  YES!  My boys is playing the piano!  He is quite good.  I know I am a little biased.  As smart as he is, I knew he would catch on quickly, but I am still impressed, as is his teacher.  Spring soccer is in full swing and everyone has commented on how much Luke has improved.  He's like the baby giraffe who finally grew into his legs.  He is very tenacious on the field and plays with a lot of intensity.  His team is in their fourth season together (I think that's right) and they are so much fun to watch. I know I say this every season, but it's true.  Knowing that one day he might be playing high school soccer with these kids is kinda neat.  They have a great bond and truly play like little gentlemen.

Clay is amazing.  He is still going to Shape and doing OT and Speech therapy twice per week.  He has really blossomed and I'm looking forward to next year.  He will go to preschool at St. Peter's MWF with a shadow from Shape, which we will hopefully phase out by Christmas.  The purpose of the shadow is to help him learn to integrate with his peers.  Even though Clay is verbal and high-functioning, it will take him a while to learn to integrate into a neurotypical classroom.  Our goal is for him to start kindergarten in the fall of 2014.  EEK!!!

Trent is still "helping people make the oil" as Luke says.  He's been traveling more, and has had the opportunity to do some international travel to Argentina.  There have been many trips to Austin, Dallas, and Oklahoma.  When he's home it's all about the boys.  They sure do love their daddy!

I've actually gone through a little transformation over my hiatus.  After I was cleared to exercise post-surgery in September, I knew I was going to make big changes.  Since Labor Day I have lost almost 35 lbs with the help of Weight Watchers, Jazzercise, and running. YES!  I AM RUNNING!!  It's not something I ever thought I would be able to do, but a lighter, stronger body can do pretty cool things.  I needed something to do on the days I didn't go to Jazzercise.  One day I wondered out loud, "I wonder if I can run a mile without stopping."  Luke said, "Let's go see!"  So we did...and I did.  One mile turned into two.  Two miles turned into three, but not without some walking after that initial mile.  My first goal was to run 30 minutes without stopping, but that second mile just wore me down.  One day I made my mind up that I was going to beat that second mile, and I did.  After that, there was no stopping me.  I can't believe it, but I will be running my first Half Marathon on Sunday, June 9.  It's the Wounded Warrior Half Marathon and all proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.  Please pray for unusually late cool fronts!  This sucker is in Dallas!!!  I've been fortunate that my training runs have been pleasant, and I'm continually impressed with how far my body can go.  I feel like Tom Hanks in "Castaway" when he says "I MADE FIRE!!!!"  After I ran 7 miles for the first time I felt like I needed to tell everyone!! 

I'm very proud of the  positive changes I've made, but it's not just about weight.  Yes, losing the weight has been awesome.  Shopping is WAY more fun.  I have a collar bone and and a jaw bone.  Who knew?  But, it's much more than that.  I want to do everything I can to make sure I will be around for a long, long time.  My mom was so young when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  In fact, she was only 37.  I will be 37 in August.  While that does freak me out, I know that God continues to use my past experiences to teach me, inspire me, and keep me focused on being the woman He wants me to be.

I haven't shown this picture to many people, but that's about to change....I want you to see the full transformation.

 This photo was taken in August.  

Quite possibly the most unflattering picture in the history of pictures, but you get the point.

I also can't help but really recognize my mom in this photo.  Holy cow!!

And here I am today.  (Please excuse the self-portrait)

This is the first summer in almost 9 years that I won't be wearing "mom shorts" and I can't even begin to tell you how good that feels!!!

I am almost at my personal goal, and I know I will get there.  

Here are a few more pictures from the past few months for your viewing pleasure...

Meet Tammy.  She's the newest member of our family.  We brought her home when my Suburban died!  Some people go to the malls on Black Friday.  We went to John Eagle Honda.  

With all of the driving I do getting Clay to and from Shape and his other therapy appointments, it's so nice to have a vehicle that is fuel efficient!

Here are my three favorite pictures from our family photo session in December.  

 This picture sums Luke's personality up!

 Quite possibly one of my top 3 favorite pictures of Clay.  Such a little looker!

 Facebook has been great for reconnecting with old friends.  We have enjoyed a few fun date nights with Joshua and Corey Mermis.  

I just knew Joshua and Trent would hit it off....

 I was right.  Aren't they cute?

 And after what seems like forever, I finally got to meet Corey!

Boris tries so hard to be small.  

It's not everyday you see a 110 lb lapdog.

Luke and Taylor.
They still claim they're going to get married.
I don't doubt it.

 Clothes really aren't necessary when you're on the drums.

Fun day at the park!

He's cute.  I think I'll keep him.

Overwhelmingly blessed.....

Aaaaaah - October!

It's time for soccer, football, and fall weather!  The cool temps this weekend are vastly different from the ones we were experiencing when I last updated this Blog.  It has been way too long, and for that I apologize.  I know you were all waiting with angst, wondering when I would finally post again.  

(No comments from the peanut gallery, thank you.)

The truth is, I've spent a lot of time just working on being Amy and trying to be the best I can be at balancing being a wife to Trent, mom to the boys, scheduler of appointments for Clay, taxi driver, house keeper, chef, personal assistant, lullaby singer, choir member, and....you get the point.  While I was recovering from my surgery and couldn't do all the things I'm used to doing, I was forced to evaluate what is most important to me.  I also took the time to appreciate the activities I truly missed.

After careful thought, prayer, and discussion, Trent and I decided that I would not return to the job I loved at St. Peter's.  We have increased Clay's OT and Speech therapy schedule and there just weren't enough days in the week to get him everywhere he needed to be.  I don't know how single moms do it.  I truly respect my friends who do it alone, as well as my friends who do it and maintain a full-time career.  Now more than ever, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. I spend my days running Clay to and from therapy and Shape, maintaining the house, trying to be more efficient with menu planning, cleaning, laundry, and all the things that make me the Goddess Housewife you all know me to be.  HA!  After a not-so-brief hiatus, I am back in the choir.  It feels so good to be singing again after taking a few months off.  I don't take it for granted, and I know that singing is something that I need to do for ME.  It's how I worship, how I serve, and how I truly use what God gave me for His glory.  

Trent's busy season is beginning and he will travel to Shreveport, Austin and Denver this month.  I love that he loves his job and the people he works with.  It makes the time he travels less difficult knowing how much he loves it.  When he's home, I get a real kick out of watching him with the boys.  Dads play so much differently than moms do.  

Luke is all about his dad and wants to spend every single second with him.  I hope he knows how lucky he is to have a dad like Trent.  His biggest accomplishment lately is finally learning to ride his bike without training wheels.  It was so cool when the majority of the cul-de-sac was out and saw Luke finally get it for the first time.  I'm sure folks three streets over could hear the cheers.  He is busy playing soccer with the same team he played with in the spring.  It's so neat to watch them figure out each other's strengths and explore how they can use each other.  Luke was pumped (and so were we!) when he scored the very first goal in the first game of the season.

Clay is doing so well.  He is growing like a weed (as is Luke) and continues to make progress at Shape and with his private therapists.  We saw the Developmental Pediatrician at Texas Children's for his annual review and she was extremely impressed with how far he has come this year.   I think about how scared I was for him when he started at Shape of Behavior last year.   The progress is remarkable. I owe so much to them for the work they do with my kiddo and others like him.  We are fortunate.  We detected Clay's Autism early.  Many families don't have the luxury of early intervention.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, had we not started therapy when Clay was 15 months old, Clay would not be as high-functioning as he is.  We have good days and bad days. Some weeks, the bad days outnumber the good ones, but through it all we are thankful and humbled by all of the prayers that continue to sustain us.  A lot of you still ask questions, and I want you to continue to do so.  I'm not an Autism expert, but I am a Clay expert.  If I can help you or someone you know by sharing my experience, I know that God is using our journey.

This past weekend I went to Longview to give a great friend lots of hugs and help surround him as he celebrated the life of his beautiful wife.  Allen and Ronda Andrews have been married 7 years.  She became suddenly ill a few weeks ago and passed away on October 1.  I don't know many people who love like Allen loves.  I know that if I experienced a loss like that I would need him amongst the people supporting me.  

A neat thing happened while we were in Longview.  I was able to see some friends I haven't seen in almost 15 years.  They were a huge part of my collegiate experience.  They are friends from the VMO (Vocal Music Office) at A&M- Singing Cadets, Women's Chorus, Century Singers, and Reveliers.  We were in separate groups, but we were all part of the VMO.  We were a family.  Just like any extended family, you are closer to some than others, and there are a few key people who truly help shape who you are.  I can't imagine my life without them.  Those years were some of the greatest years of my life, and I thank all of you who were there for me in my highest highs and lowest lows.  There are many more who would have loved to be there, but circumstances prevented them from traveling.  The cool thing, at least for me, is that they were there.  Especially with this group of friends, when a few of us get together, the rest of the group is just as present in our hearts.  

I'd like to think that I am one of those friends who is a friend for life.  No matter how often I see you, I hope you know that you are never out of my mind and always in my thoughts and prayers.  

I am so grateful that we could be with Allen to support him and show him that we are with him...

Always.

Second Grade

WOO HOO!!!  School Days are here again!

I was always the kid that loved school, and it seems as though Luke feels the same way.  He loves learning, loves being around his friends, and comes home everyday with a new story to tell.

 Getting ready to walk out the door.

Luke, Gethin, Gwenyth, and Ella

We no longer have a bus route, which is fine by me.  It's a nice walk to and from school and it gives Luke the opportunity to hang out with our neighbors.  

I wonder how many more years they will allow this photo opportunity?

See ya, Mom!  I'm ready to rock 2nd grade!

I'm glad he still likes it when his mom comes to visit for lunch.

Summertime Shots

We celebrated my birthday with the Lundemos on Clear Lake.  It was both boys' first time on a motor boat, which made me feel like a terrible mom!  I grew up on a boat on Galveston Bay!  Shame on me for not taking these two earlier!  It was a perfect day and a perfect birthday.

 

Lorraine came in town!  I love Smitty, and it's been way too long since I've seen her.  Julie and I have been friends since first grade and we met Lorraine in high school.  It had been WAY too long since we'd seen Lorraine, so we were thrilled to get some time with her.  Yea for Girls' Night In!

 Moi, Julie, and Lorraine.

Other random shots...

 How is that even comfortable?

Someone LOOOOVES spaghetti night.

 Precious time with sorority sisters.

 Boris is a 90 lb lap dog.  He tries so hard to be small!!!

 One of the best things about summer is that I get some cherished one-on-one time with Luke while Clay is at Shape.  I love that kid!

Sweet Home Alpha Delta Pi

So young, so full of potential, so rocking that red jacket.....

This is the photo of me in the composite from 1995, the year I pledged Alpha Delta Pi.

This picture was taken on Bid Day, 1996.

Once an Alpha Delta Pi, always an Alpha Delta Pi.  I was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Alpha Delta Pi House Corporation at Texas A&M University.  We are a separate entity from the chapter, but we work with the chapter to ensure that the house is up and running for the women in the chapter and the chapter members who live there.  We have worked very hard this summer and renovated the entire downstairs!  Humor me as I show off our accomplishments...

These photos were taken in April on Founder's Day.  The shutters and the balcony make the house look dull.  The gutters weren't functioning, so any and all flowers would be destroyed in one rainstorm. The blue front door with glass inserts wasn't very welcoming and our front steps were cracked and uneven from 30 years of settling.

1500 Athens AFTER!

New steps, black shutters, a fresh coat of paint for the balcony and doors, new gutters, new landscaping and gorgeous curb appeal!

One of the things the women in the house requested was a third floor study lounge/TV room.  This was something we always had when I lived at 1500 Athens, but over the years the room has lost it's function.  I think HGTV would be very proud of our efforts!

Before...

 It became a storage room for junk and furniture.  During the first alumnae work weekend, a few of my sisters got in there and cleaned it out before applying the first few coats of paint.  The next work weekend, Erin and I got in there to finish up the paint and put our magical decorating skills to work.  

VOILA!

 Does that couch look familiar?  It used to be in our playroom, but we decided it would be better appreciated here.  New pillows give it a completely different look.  The composite over the couch was found in the attic.  Those women are the charter members of the Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.  We hoped that having this in a place of distinction would give the women in the chapter encouragement and inspiration while they were lounging...uh, I mean studying :-)

 Study/Meeting/Planning area

Plenty of space for long folding tables if needed.

So proud of the way this room turned out!!!

Parlor Before and After

Living room Before and After

  New throw pillows are being made, composite pictures have been hung and the shelves in the entertainment center now have "pretties" in them

Main hallway Before and After

And the powder bath Before and After

 In addition to working hard on the remodel, I was so honored to help these amazing ladies with Formal  Recruitment.

 I was their guest speaker on Philanthropy Day and had the opportunity to tell all of the potential new members how Alpha Delta Pi supports Ronald McDonald House Charities.

I could not have done it without my sidekick, Erin.  I LOVE THIS GIRL!  She and I have become attached at the hip, BFFs, partners in crime, and all since April.  She is almost ten years younger than I am, but we both agree that we must have been separated at birth!

Bid Day came and it was a great time to reunite with a bunch of sisters as we welcomed the newest members of the First and Finest!

I spent more nights in the ADPi house this summer than I have spent since I moved out in 1997.  It was worth it!