Feel The Whole City Behind You--10.17.2010

Once I turned the BIG 4-0, I had this crazy notion that I MUST complete a 1/2 Marathon; proving to myself that I'm not "old". When I returned to running, last May, after taking 6 months off due to the winter blahs, I could barely complete 2 miles! I set small steps along the way and am proud to say that somehow, some way I accomplished all those mini-goals. In August, I found a 13.1 mile training schedule and realized that I was already well on my way to achieving my goal. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader as well as a couple of very good friends. When I doubted myself, they were there to encourage me and remind me of all that I had already accomplished. Trey has been running by my side on our longer runs--never allowing me to quit even when I was convinced that my legs could take me no further.

Last Friday, Trey and I picked up our running packets--no turning back now! For the first time EVER, the Columbus 1/2 and Full Marathon was sold out with 15,000 runners registering for the event! Below--my official "bib" complete with my first ever running chip.

Last week, I ate pasta, baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese and more bananas than I ever care to eat again--"carbing up" for our big race. Trey and I rose early Sunday morning (5am) both with nervous stomachs--excitement and a little race day anxiety. Below, Trey and I before the start of the marathon.

After the race officially began at 7:30am, we patiently waited and then slowly walked, along with 15,000 runners, reaching the official start line at 7:40am--thank heavens for the chip. Below, the Columbus 1/2 Marathon Map--an amazing run through downtown, past the Franklin Park Conservatory, through Bexley (passing the Govenor's Mansion) back into downtown, through German Village and back into downtown again to cross the finish line. The entire 13.1 miles were lined with people cheering on all the runners--it was truly an amazing experience--one I will NEVER forget. And, best of all, my husband was by my side the entire way--encouraging and cheering me on--helping me reach the finish line. I didn't have a timed goal for this event; I just wanted to cross the finish line!

As Trey and I approached the finish line, it was an awesome feeling to hear our names announced! I thought I might cry when I crossed the finish lined, but I couldn't stop beaming--GOAL ACHIEVED!

Above, we've completed our run, retrieved our checked bag and I'm overwhelmed by the messages awaiting me! My friend that I've known the longest (we met in middle school) also ran the 1/2 Marathon and it was so much fun to catch up with her, briefly, following the race.

Trey, thank you for believing in me, encouraging me and always being by my side during this journey. Without your love, support and encouragement, I don't know that I would have reached my goal. I love you for sacrificing your personal 1/2 Marathon running time, to remain by my side and make sure that I completed the race. It means the world to me that we crossed the finish line, together, even though I know you could have sprinted the last 1/2 mile. Thank you--I love you today and always!!

My friend surprised me yesterday afternoon with the above tile--it brought tears to my eyes when I opened the package. "S", thanks for your support and encouragement along the way--you helped me reach my goal too!

The question of the day seems to be "Will you run another 1/2 Marathon?" IF I can maintain my running schedule through the winter (which WON'T be easy) I very well, just might, run another 1/2 marathon next year. For now, my plans are to run a 5K on November 20th. If my sore body cooperates, I plan to hit the pavement Wednesday for my next run; much shorter than 13.1 miles though!

First Responder's Park

As parents, Trey and I feel it's important for the boys to give back to the community. Alexander joined WAVE this summer, a volunteer experience for high school age students in the Westerville community. WAVE meets once a month for an hourly meeting and in addition, team members participate in at least one community service project monthly too. Alexander's first service project was to assist with the creation of First Responder's Park near the Main Street fire station. He spent 2 1/2 hours on a warm, summer Saturday morning (early) laying sod. While he's the youngest on the team, he thoroughly enjoys the time spent helping others in our community as well as the friendships he's making with other high school students from North, South and Central.

Recently, our family visited the now completed First Responder's Park. The main highlight of the area is a mangled piece of iron from the World Trade Towers reminding us of the events of September 11, 2001--a day we will never forget.

Tonight, Alexander will attend the October WAVE meeting and learn what community service opportunities will occur this month. For those in the Westerville area, this is a wonderful opportunity for your high school student to become involved in our community.

Much Too Scary!

Fall's here and Halloween is just around the corner. Trey's parents invited us to the campground for trick-or-treat and a campground wide cookout yesterday afternoon. Dee has an adorable "Martin's" Halloween sign complete with 3 pumpkins in honor of her three grandsons.





















Trey's parents with the "scary clown" prior to trick-or-treat at the campground yesterday. Noah was thrilled to be invited to "trick-of-treat" with Papa and Grammy.

Trey and his Dad ready to pass out Halloween treats and enjoy seeing all the costumes.

Noah trick-or-treating with Grammy by his side. The campground isn't too large, but Noah managed to leave last night with quite a bag of loot!














Dee & Larry thanks for including us in the Halloween fun!

Making Strides

This morning I had the pleasure of joining Noah and his friends for the Walk-A-Thon. Unlike last year's rain, today was a wonderful autumn day--warm, sunny and pleasant for an hour's walk. Over the past 6 years, Noah's school has raised almost $90,000 with this fundraising event. Since Noah's now a big 5th grader, today was Noah's last Walk-A-Thon.

Noah's one request for his final Walk-A-Thon: please bring Sophie today. I struggled with whether or not to include Sophie, but in the end decided that since pets are welcome that it would be perfectly fine for Sophie to walk also.














Eli and Noah with Sophie before beginning the Walk-A-Thon. Sophie's trained to walk on the left side and did a wonderful job walking around the track in spite of the many distractions--other dogs and many friends wanting to shower her with attention.





















I had a wonderful time walking with Noah and Sophie around the Central High School track.














The school mascot below surrounded by friends wanting a high five or hug.

















Giving the owl a final high five at the conclusion of the Walk-A-Thon before returning to class. Noah, I had a GREAT time this morning--thanks for walking with me--I loved our time together this morning!

Lynd's Orchard

Some of my favorite fall memories date back to our stay in Maryland. Each fall, with MOPS and again with friends, we would visit the orchard and later in the season, the pumpkin patch. The memories created from those visits still make me smile today. The boys are much older now, but I was still able to convince them that a trip to the orchard would be fun for all. We went as a family since that time together seems to be dwindling as the boys mature. We weren't at the orchard long, but managed to fill a 20 pound bag with golden and red delicious apples.

Alexander and Noah at one of the Lynd Family orchards. The history of the family orchard is quite interesting and can be viewed visiting this site: http://www.lyndfruitfarm.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:history-of-lynd-fruit-farm&catid=56:general-information&Itemid=61

Did you know it takes about 40 leaves to support and grow one apple on a standard tree? To remove an apple from the tree, don't yank as many other apples unnecessarily fall to the ground in waste. Instead, gently twist the apple until it falls into your palm.

A trip to the orchard wouldn't be complete without an apple sampling! Nice, crunchy, juicy sweet apples--YUM.

Kick It!

Noah's soccer season is officially underway! Trey's co-coaching and Trey and Noah are enjoying their time together.

Noah, dribbling down the field, with Dad watching in the background.

I love the determination on Noah's face in the above picture--he's definitely kicking that ball down the field!

A little blurry, but a good picture taken by Alexander. So far, the team is 1-1-1 and they look great on the field. Looking forward to more games and better pix! Go Noah!

And The Thunder Rolls

Rarely, do we have severe storms in Central Ohio (nothing like Southern storms anyway!). Yesterday afternoon we had 6 tornadoes in Ohio. The sirens started sounding around 4:15pm, but I wasn't sure I could really hear them; so I checked the internet for more information. Sure enough--tornado warning for Franklin County (Columbus) and severe thunderstorm warning too. Noah and I were home, Trey was on his way home, but Alexander was at the high school preparing for their football game. As the sky turned a light purple, blue, yellow I realized that we were in for a REAL storm! Of course, rather than seek shelter, I stood by our back kitchen door watching everything unfold (I realize now that probably wasn't wise)--at least I didn't think to take a picture then :)! The sky changed colors, everything was still except for the clouds moving quickly overhead--then, it started hailing, lightening, thundering--it was CRAZY! The hail SLAMMED against the windows and I'm quite surprised that they didn't break.

The hail stopped and immediately the rain fell in buckets. Once the storm passed (it was like nothing happened), we headed to the high school and watched Alexander and his teammates win their football game against Westerville South (BIG rivalry). It wasn't until later last night that we learned more about the storms destruction--Athens, Ohio (home of OU) was hit by a tornado; thankfully OU was untouched, but there are numerous families whose homes were lost. There was damage closer to home--a high school several miles from our home had significant roof damage, a tree fell on a house in Delaware County (our county) and lots of power outages. We're extremely thankful to be safe and our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the storms yesterday afternoon throughout Ohio.

Celebrating Noah's 11th Birthday

My goodness, 'how time flies'! I can't believe our "baby" turns 11 today!

Reading the card from Alexander before finishing opening cards from friends and family.

What could it be? Dad helping Noah open his birthday gift.

It's a...it's a... new bike! Poor Noah's been riding with his knees in the handlebars now for quite some time; not to mention an uncomfortable seat. Needless to say, he's very happy and couldn't wait to take his new wheels for a spin.

He has a new BMX bike, complete with hand brakes, which involve a little more skill to use. Trey and Noah rode around the bike path together so Noah could practice stopping. By the time they returned home, Noah was already a pro with his hand brakes!

I've been asking Noah for weeks what he wanted to do for his birthday--did he want a party, sleepover; how did he want to celebrate his birthday? He never came up with a definitive answer until the night before his birthday! Thankfully Noah's best buddy has a wonderful Mom who allowed him to spend some time with us at Magic Mountain.

The boys, Alexander included, played two rounds of laser tag before heading outside...

to the race track! Noah and Eli are tall enough to drive by themselves--oh my heavens! They both did an AMAZING job navigating around the track! Alexander, well, I'm nervous for him to receive his driver's license (next year!!!)--he was FLYING around the track!

Noah decided, long ago, that he wanted "BD's Mongolian Grill" for dinner. So, we headed to Easton to accommodate his request--yummy!

Noah, it's hard for us to believe that you're already 11 years old! You're a compassionate, caring, smart, creative, empathetic and kind boy--we're very proud of the person you're becoming! Happy, Happy Birthday "No" :)--love you to the moon and back!