kid writing

One of my kids have really picked up her game in the writing department. Below is a poem she wrote based on a William Carlos Williams poem we love: (click on the pictures to see the whole thing)

The second is the beginning of her caterpillar life cycle diary:

I called her mom the day she wrote both so I could read them. Her response? While laughing,  "Oh no...no, no. no, no. Can you email me those? Her dad has to read them."

run to the sun 2014

This weekend marks another successful run! I trashed my knee last year, and was worried I would mess it up again. I ran my first leg and it wasn't feeling great, so I decided not to push it and didn't run my second leg. I was disappointed, but I'd rather be disappointed than not be able to run for 6 months like last year. I had fun cheering everyone else on after my leg. This is going to be mostly a picture dump, with this years video at the end! Enjoy!!

My amazing team! (For some reason my phone pictures aren't fitting, so click on them to see the entire image.)

This year Brandon brought his snare drum to cheer people on, and to make sure no one slept on the bus. It worked.

 And we're off!

 The first stop got everyone excited.

 4 is now my lucky number because...

I won! They gave ridiculous prizes (I got a Texas sized shot glass) and a bottle of great vodka. I was quite excited!

Emily, one of my running partners. She, Larry and I have been running together before school all year long and I was so excited to run with them!

During one of the stops someone asked to interview me for a promo they were shooting for the race and foundation. I'm famous!

It was pretty hilarious/awesome that about half of the stops had beer and/or liquor for us to enjoy.

The Benson's family had another great stop this year! Complete with BBQ, moon pies, and beer.

It was really strange not starting my leg until midnight. Even stranger because a few people had already finished their legs before I even started. Coming in from my leg with Larry and Emily!

Done and done!

Amy's birthday was on Saturday so we decided to have a surprise party for her after her second leg. The UT Texas Cowboys were at that leg and were so excited to be a part of it! They made sure the cake was ready, as well as the music so we could all sing happy birthday.

We were eagerly awaiting her arrival.

So were the boys!

Since the first run we have thrown some sort of food at our runners while they are running their legs. Amy's favorite thing to throw is powdered donuts, so we thought what better way to bring her in than throw 3 bags worth of powdered donuts at her?!

Let the pelting begin! You can see a few of the donuts at the top, those were the first to be thrown. She was so confused and then finally understood when EVERYONE was throwing donuts at her, and the boys started singing happy birthday.

Passing out cake to everyone.

Another stop (last years was Western) was Gilligan's Island themed. The people in charge of the station were all dressed up like the characters, they were showing reruns of the show, and had a whole luau theme ready for us. There was even a baby pool if anyone felt like laying out.

One of the best ones were awesome ladies giving head massages! AMAZING! I told them they should have someone rubbing our feet at the same time. One of them actually considered it! If only...

After a long and fun night, we finished! 

Walking to the official finish line together, united as a team.

That's a wrap!

True story.

Thank you to everyone that donated, and supported me emotionally as we got ready for the race! You helped our team raise over $36, 000!!!!!

Click here to watch our video!

moving

It's really strange to think I am only sleeping in this apartment for 1 more night and then I'm gone. I know moving isn't that big of a deal, especially when moving to a place that's not too far away...but a lot has happened in this apartment. First of all, I've been here for 6 years. I've lived in Austin for 12 years, and half of that time was in this place. That's bonkers! It's also bonkers to think that the house I lived in longer than this apartment was only by 2 years. 

I moved in here at the peak of my sickness 6 years ago. I was living here as I had to relearn how to eat. I was living here when I decided to start running, and live a healthier lifestyle. I was living here when I had my heart broken for the first time. I was living here when I got, and then lost my cat, Luna. I was living here when I made some amazing friends, all of whom will put up with my ridiculous themed parties. 

There are a lot of memories in this place, and I am going to miss it a lot. I feel like I grew into the person I was meant to be while living here. I know this seems super sappy over just an apartment....but 6 years is a long time. A lot can change in 6 years. I hope my new place can live up to my expectations!

Peace out Apt. 3014!

tacky

Kid: Ms. Ewing, did you brush your teeth this morning? Your breath stinks. 

Me: Are you sure it isn't your breath you're smelling?

After smelling his breath he laughed. Not sure if that meant he thought he was right or wrong. I think it's time for summer.