Finished

O.k., I ran the Poky "Run the Gap" 1/2 marathon today. I was early to the buses, that drove us to the start line. I sat and talked to the bus driver for a while. While driving to the start line, we saw some of the marathon runners, who had started 2 hours earlier, run by.

At the start line, when they fired the gun, about 400 people started running. I ran the first mile in 8 minutes, the first 7 in 71 min., but from there, I struggled. At mile nine, I was ready to quit. Thankfully, I have told all of you that I am doing this and that held me accountable to finishing. I am a woman of my word. I have to do what I say I am going to. My legs were cramping. The most I had run on the road before today was 8 miles. Other than that, the rest of my training was on the treadmill which has a soft deck. At mile 11, I wanted to walk so bad. I kept telling myself that if I jogged, I would get to the finish line a lot faster than if I walked. The last 1/4 mile, there was a bad head wind. But the finish line was just ahead and I pushed through. I did walk here and there throughout the 13.1 miles, but ran for the most part. I haven't seen the official times, but according to my watch, I did it in 2 hr. 25 min. That is actually a good time for me. I received a finishers medal, which is nice.

I am glad to say that I have done this, but I don't think I will do it again. I think I will stick to the 10Ks next summer! Thanks for your support and for holding me accountable to this endeavor.

Kristi's 35th Birthday

I celebrated my 35th birthday this past Wednesday. It was a great day. The kids were done with school by 1:30 p.m. Matt brought me a huge balloon bouquet and this beautiful cake that I had requested. It was SO SWEET! It was a wonderful day. I feel so great at 35 that the age doesn't bother me at all! I feel like I am in the best shape of my life and am set to run the Pocatello 1/2 marathon tomorrow morning. I am SO excited. I will let you all know how I did, if I live through it! Just kidding, mom!

The end of the Oz pictures!

A few more pictures of the final performance
of the Wizard of Oz. To the left is Garrett as a "Winkie soldier" standing guard in front of Mystique as the guests came in. To the right is a picture of Garrett, Kristi, Rebecca (popped in to be in the picture), Olivia, and her friend, Mary Kate.

This is a cake I made for the cast party that we had tonight. I copied it from the program. It was a real hit at the party. I think it is my favorite cake

that I have ever made. Fun, fun, fun!

The Yellow Brick road is fading in the sunset

The Wizard of Oz ended last night. It was a flurry of people backstage getting each others autographs, phone numbers, and email addresses. There were sad goodbyes.

The kids have so enjoyed this run. They made a lot of friends that they are sorry to have to say "adios" to.

Upper left is Kristi with Heather, one of the two Aunt Ems. Upper right is Garrett, in the Winkie uniform, with his friend, Tanner.
To the left, Garrett, Kristi and Olivia in costume. To the right, Kristi with Rhonda, the other Aunt Em. Lower left is Kristi with Chef Jim who is

often lassoed into acting in the plays
that are done at Mystique. To the lower right, Kristi, Lori, Annie, and Heather.

The cast party is this coming Friday. The kids are excited to see their friends again. This really was a good experience for the kids as, being homeschooled, it gave them the opportunity to have a drama class.

Thankful...

I just have to say that I am so thankful! Thankful for a wonderful Savior who loves me and is so willing to work with me to draw me nearer to Him. I am thankful for a precious husband who is loving, attentive, kind, generous, gracious, and forgiving among other things. Seventeen years after our wedding day, I find that I love him more and more each day. I am thankful for a great relationship with my almost 13 year old son. Thankful for hugs in the morning from this kid who is about 1/2 an inch away from being taller than me. I am thankful for a beautiful daughter who is silly, compassionate, and affectionate. I love that she takes my hand as we walk into the mall to shop together. What a blessing!

I am thankful for a WONDERFUL first week of school! No complaining from the kids, or me for that matter. Everything has been running smoothly. I am thankful that the Wizard of Oz is almost over! Only 6 more shows...YEAH! Thankful that training for the 1/2 marathon is almost over...2 weeks from tomorrow, I will be crossing that finish line. I don't care if I cross it on my hands and knees, I am crossing it!

God is so good! I am SO thankful to Him. :)

Have a WONDERFUL day!