Money well spent

This past weekend we scored a wooden swing set for 150 bucks at the neighborhood garage sale. Considering IA looooves to swing and it's about a $1500 value, I was psyched. Today, however, the real value shown through. It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in New Albany and after I picked the kids up they got to play outside for an extended period of time. Nice huh? But the best part...I got to relax on the porch and watch them entertain each other as they played on the new addition. Ahh. It was really, really wonderful. Best 150 I've spent in awhile.

I'm feeling purple. Don't think this is a keeper, but sometimes change is nice.

Relationtext

I've had a few days recently where I speak to my husband more via text than face-to-face. A sign of the times or a sign we are waaay to busy? I'm gonna go with both. At least the hugs are still in person.

Potty training

Potty training IA has begun in earnest. She is 2.5 and making good progress. Last night, for the first time, she actually told me she needed to go (versus just peeing in her pants). Granted today we had 3 pee pee pants and 2 poopie pants, but I guess the kid is allowed her off days. One thing is for sure, potty training her has already been ten times easier than her older brother. Here's hoping she quickly continues own the road to pee-free undies!

An accomplishment

Hurray for me! That's right, I'm giving myself a big 'ol pat on the back. It's been almost a week since I ran the Litchfield Hills Road Race. It was held the day before my 39th (gulp) birthday. In years past the race has been brutal, especially when it's 90 and sunny. My awesome sister-in-law was right next to me every step of the 7.2 miles. For two days leading up to the event my stomach was not feeling so kind and I was clearly nervous. The day of the race my anxiety amped up and I was downright dreading it. For sure I was not giving myself enough credit, but I had also not run the race since my twenties (oh so long ago) and have had two kids and several pounds added to my life since then. So yes, I was apprehensive. Turns out it was all for nothing. The weather was perfect, maybe 73 and cloudy, and the 7 miles flew right by. With the exception of a tweak in my knee and dreaded Gallows Lane, I felt really good and actually finished only two minutes over what I had aimed for. I haven't had much to boast about physically over the past three years and so finishing this race, and finishing it strong, makes me really proud. Yeah me!

LHRR

WA and I are headed back to CT this weekend for a quick visit. The impetus for the trip is the Litchfield Hills Road Race. It's a 7 miler in my hometown. I grew up watching it every summer. It is always on the second Sunday of June, coincidentally my birthday is that same week and sometimes falls on Road Race weekend. It's an all around good time with family and friends. Now, back to the race. 7 miles. I've run it twice before; both times in my twenties. This time I will squeak it in just shy of my 39th bday. I am nowhere near ready for 7 miles, but have run 4 miles. I figure that if I need to walk a mile or two, then so be it. My goal is the finish line.

Heaven's park

I love it when my kids say something so simple and pure that you just have to smile. Each time they do so, it's a direct line into how their brains work. Resulting smiles are almost always guaranteed.

The other day WA, IA and I were driving in the car. We were headed down a road neither had been on so they were chatting and looking out the window (not fighting!). We passed an older cemetery and WA said "Hey Mom look! It's a heaven park.". Perfect. I had never thought of in that light, but cemeteries are sort of heaven's parks aren't they?!? He then went on to talk about how, when we are in CT, we go to the cemetery where my Mom is burried and let balloons go so they float up to heaven. The fact that he sees this experience with a bit of joy, makes me happy. Heaven's park. Love it.