Top 10 10-K's Do's and Don'ts...

Top 10 10-K (or other race/runs) Do's and Don'ts...


1. DO thank the volunteers as you pass them by. Without them, you might get hit by a car, or get lost, or be thirsty. They will appreciate the thank you!

2. As other runners pass you(or you pass them), tell them "good job", and acknowledge them when they say it to you.  A little encouragement goes a long way.

3. DO NOT spit or blow a snot rocket unless you are SURE you won't hit someone...gross.

4. DO NOT wear anything new on race day. No new shoes/shirts/shorts..not EVEN a new bra, undies, or socks. Why take a chance on a blister, a chafe, or any other discomfort if you can help it.

5. DO NOT start out too fast. You don't want to run out of steam halfway through the race.

6. DO pee before the race starts...though maybe not in the porta-potties as those usually have a line a mile long...and then you might miss the start of the race.

7. DO have your favorite running tunes to help you along.

8. DO turn your music OFF and take out your earbuds for the last 1/2 mile. The cheers and claps of the onlookers at the finish line is a huge energy boost, right when you need it most.

9. DO eat before(well, not RIGHT before, silly) your run...even if you're nervous. You must have enough "gas in your tank" to run well.

10. DO thank your supporting "cheerleaders" you dragged along to watch you. I'm sure they had better things to do(aside from the 2 minutes at the start and finish line where they actually GOT TO SEE YOU).

I'm sure you're all on the edge of your seat to read tomorrow's post about my 10-K...it was my best ever...stay tuned.

Beano Turns 5!

Holy crap...as I wrote that title, I can NOT believe he is 5!

My baby boy...my BABY for so long...until Katelyn came along a year ago.

A few facts about my Beano:

His real name is Camden. When he was an itty-bitty baby, my husband started calling him Cambino...like Bambino...and the older two kids couldn't say it, so they shortened it to Beano. And every time I called him that I always thought of the medicine Bean-o..."there will be-no gas".  When anyone asks him what his name is, he always replies, Beano, and then I explain what his REAL name is. And up until two days ago, he didn't know how to spell his real name...even though he's been able to spell Beano for YEARS...oops. 

Another thing you should know about him is his ability to suck his thumb no matter what else he's doing. It's a real talent. Here's a couple examples...

"fishing"

Coloring Easter eggs...at one point he stuck his thumb in the vinegar water...but that didn't stop him. 

 Another thing about my little Beano is his new love of "naughty" words. As I was tucking him into bed the other night he said, "Good night you ugly old lady"...ouch! He called me a "barnacle head" yesterday...thank you SpongeBob. He has also been known to call me a "miniac"...I know he means maniac, but this grammatical slip-up I will not be correcting.  Stupid, dumb, hate, and idiot all roll off his tongue quite well these days...all of which give him a trip to the "naughty corner".  

But for as many naughty things he says or does he makes up for ten-fold with his sweetness. He'll be the first to tell me he loves me, and often wraps himself around my legs.  He shares his beloved blanket (think Linus from Snoopy) with me when I'm cold. He shares his chocolate with me as he whispers, "Don't tell Jake and Anna".  He has been counting down the days until his birthday since May 1st. It's the first thing he tells me in the morning and the last thing before he goes to bed.  

He loves his best-buddy brother, and his sisters too(most of the time). 

He loves ALL things sweet. <---------------BIGGEST UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE YEAR.

He is hugely hilarious...and makes us laugh out loud. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEANO!!! You'll forever be my baby boy.  

Lightning Bugs

Have you ever captured a lightning bug?

You know, put it in a glass jar and pounded some air holes in the lid and hope it stays alive because you want it on your nightstand for your new pet?

Or have you ever pulled your not-quite-sleeping kids out of their beds to see the backyard light up with tiny bright sparks of yellow "fire"?

There's something magical about those tiny flying sparks of light...like the magic of childhood.

Fleeting, too fast; the sparks of light gone before you're done watching, just like your babies who suddenly aren't babies anymore. Their childhood is fleeting, the innocence gone. Those days before school friends were made, and plans for future days to be had. The days of sweetness; of chubby hands clasped tightly around your finger and forever around your heart; the sweet smell of your baby's soft curls right after her bedtime bath; the days where mama is your world and papa is your sole playmate; the days when your lap is a safe haven and home is the favorite; these days sometimes never ending yet all at once are just...gone, a mere memory; and knowledge that this moment in time is just like a firefly's light...burning so brightly for a moment; a flash.

Blink, and it's gone.