january ramblings { in photos }

twelve months of running | january | polar bear plunge and strut 5k

this year i signed up for my first half marathon. it has always been a big goal of mine to run a full marathon someday. I am really hoping to run the disney world marathon next january(because lets face it... who wouldn't want to run 26.2 miles in the happiest place on earth?) and so here i am, training for a half and then eventually a full 26.2 miles! 

i was inspired by one of my friends on facebook who ran a 5k every month of 2013 and so after a little talking with Wayne, i too decided that i will run a race every month to help keep me motivated and have a little fun too.

my first race of the year was the polar bear plunge and strut 5k. it's a race provided by the special olympics and after you are done running you jump into the freezing and icy cold waters of a nearby lake. i opted to just strut and even though it was freezing cold weather, the run was a fun and beautiful one.

i always get so nervous before a race, so it takes a few minutes for me to relax and enjoy my run at first. the course was pretty hilly and the last half mile of the race was a pretty steep hill but it was still an enjoyable course.

some photos courtesy of the kansas city star
i ran the course just under 26 minutes and even though that wasn't my fastest time, i still got first place in my age group and 2nd female overall. i was so extremely proud and happy that i was able to push myself hard. this race was definitely a perfect one to start the year off with. it is making me excited for my half come April! 

Anyone want to come run a race with me? I would love the fun company!! :)

 

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good morning beautiful

she is usually our late riser. always waking up after the chaos of getting the boys ready for school and fed and dressed. she usually just lays in beds and sings and tells stories to herself. 

i love watching her rise and shine.

good morning sweetheart!

 

four little crowders

just thought it would be fun to share some updated photos of the four little munchkins in our home. 

we have had a lot of fun on our winter break, but i think everyone is ready to go back to school and to get our routine back to normal. although, i am sure going to miss sleeping in past 8:00! It was truly a Christmas(and winter break) miracle!

check out this cute little kid! Fisher is six now and halfway through kindergarten. he is loving and doing well at school and we have surprisingly found out that reading is his thing. he always enjoys when we read stories at home, but who knew the kid could read at a second grade level by himself? we were surprised but we love hearing him read. it does, however, take a lot of bribing and pushing because he tells us that "reading is for school, not home". Fisher has grown and matured so much this last year and he has become such a great big helper, especially with the laundry. he is by far our best eater and will eat and try everything, and let me tell you, this kid can eat! he much rather be outside than inside, and the cold or wind doesn't bother him a bit. But give him some markers or playdoh and he is content for hours. seriously love this kid! 

  mr. chase is our four year old going on fifteen year old who just acts bigger than he really is. he is so incredibly smart and caring and has the most sensitive side. he is so good to his siblings and loves to play with them. he absolutely loves school and begs to go everyday. he was bummed when school closed today. he is our social bug and is always busy with play dates and activities. he loves all sports and loves watching football with his dad, even though he is a broncos fan like his mom! he is also obsessed with any superhero and seriously knows them all by name! he is excited to start baseball in the spring and is really looking forward to his birthday. we seriously talk about it at least once a day. i love this sweet boy of mine so very much!

  oh sweet sweet Sabrina. this girl is just everything awesome. she is our happy, spunky, super funny and adorable little three year old and truly the princess of the house. she adores her brother Chase and has to do everything he does. even though she rather being playing superheros with her brother she still has this fun little girly personality that i just love. she begs to have her nails painted and her hair brushed and pink will always be her favorite color. she is my doodle bug and seriously has a hidden stash of markers. she will color and color all day and when she runs out of paper, the couch or walls or tables will work just fine for her. she has the most infectious laughs and i love hearing it. she cracks me up daily and i love love love our morning snuggles in my bed. so happy to have this sweet girl in our lives. she is just perfect! 

our sweet baby is sixteen months now and is just growing like a weed. taking after his big brother, this kid will just eat and eat and eat almost anything. he loves playing with his siblings, throwing toys down the stairs and running through the house. he begs for bath time and loves to read by himself. Oliver would much rather be outside too, to run free down the streets and away from anyone following him. he has become quite the chatter bug and has the sweetest smile. we are so loving the little personality of his and watching him grow. he fits perfectly in our family and we are so blessed he is ours. love this sweet little guy so much!

 

happy new year

we were so lucky to ring in the new year with good friends!

2013 brought us a lot of fun and a lot of great blessings and we are so looking forward to a wonderful and new year! 2014 is going to be a great one!! :)