It's fall here... Sorta

So, I just realized that it's been since May that I even looked at this blog and wrote to update everyone.  (Not that a lot of people even read what I write lol)  However, it's now October, and so much has happened since June so I will try and fill in as least as I can for the months up till now ;)

...

For June and July, we did a lot of beach trips.  Had a nice tan going too.  We were starting to "look" like locals here finally.  We even took our mutts to the dog beach that is on the AFB here.  They had a blast.  We also took the kayaks out there and kayaked with the dogs.  Lulu got her own personal life vest just incase.  Bulldogs are top heavy therefore they make great sinkers.  She wore it proudly and had way too much fun drinking up the ocean water.  Tessie even jumped in and swam too.  She was so funny sitting on the front of my kayak like she was the hood ornament for it.

Tim, Maddie, and Lulu

Tessie, la capitan'

beach selfie minus Mason (didn't want to come)

Lulu, sporting her life vest!

As I mentioned in my last post, I had to get a colonoscopy and have some surgery.  My doc wanted to check everything out, because I was still having elevated blood work.  So, the prep for the colonoscopy was horrible!!!  Tim enjoyed watching me try and drink that stuff down.  WORST. THING. EVER!  I wouldn't wish that drink on my worst enemy ha.  And then, I was worried because it wasn't working.  Well, Tim reassured me that it would, and sure enough, it kicked in.  What a night!  The procedure went well, all was clear.  I couldn't wait to have coffee.  And get rid of that horrible stomach pain from the gas they filled me with.  Surgery was laparoscopic and nothing major was found.  Thank the Lord.  So, I have two small scars added to my battle wounds of stretch marks and other scars. ;)

Tim making my prep for my colonoscopy ;)

styling...

what a hot mess!!!

After surgery and overcoming the fears of dying, I decided that I am only going to live once and that if I wanted that pixie cut, that I better get it.  I mean, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow or something and so I wanted to just do it.  So I did, and I was in shock.  Took some getting use to but after a while, it wasn't so bad.  The only time it's really bad is in the mornings lol, when I look like, as Tim would say, Donald Trump.  It's growing out some now and is more fun to play with.  I still miss my ponytails though and putting it up in a ball cap.  I will have to wait for it to grow out for that though.

Got the pixie!!! YOLO

 We also decided to add another bully to our lives.  Why?  We don't know.  But we love him and he is precious.  His name is Gronk, and he's a little beast.  He is named after one of Tim's favorite football players on his beloved Patriots team.  It suits him well that's for sure ;)  Potty training isn't going so well, as I have forgotten what boy dogs are like.  But, it's slowly coming along and at least he is now sleeping through the nights.  Every once in a while, he has a poop party in his crate, but hey- he is still a baby lol.  Can't get mad at that face...

Added Gronk to our lives

see, he's so precious!!!!

August came before we knew it and Mason got braces right before he started his Freshman year.  FRESHMAN YEAR?!?!?!?!  Poor kid, not only was he intimidated by going to high school, but now has braces as well.  He really only needed bottom braces, but I guess you get top and bottom no matter what? He looks so handsome in his braces and each month he gets to change the color of bands.  About a day or two after those appointments, he has some pain, but other than that is doing well with them.  Madison also has to get them, but she has to lose all her baby teeth first.  She has about 4 left that just don't want to fall out yet.  I don't know what they are waiting for, lol.  She's going to be 13 soon!!! However, she had to get glasses for now.  She seems to be nearsighted?  Weird.  They both look adorable and sophisticated if you ask me... Not sure who they take after then, haha.  

Mason got braces

Maddie got glasses 

So, since July, Tim and I ran anothern10k and that was a pretty miserable run. It was already late out and humid as a sauna out, and when we reached one of the water stops...they ran out of water before we made it to them. I was so thirsty and just wanted some water, that I even contemplated using someone's hose. Ya that didn't happen but I still thought about it. I was just ready to end that run and head to breakfast. It was fun to do it with other friends that we know who run races also. It was just too hot and humid out for me to really enjoy it. After this 10k, I just kept running in the AC on the treadmill, catching up on tv shows on Netflix. 

August was pretty much not too exciting. Kids both started school the last week of August and so their summer was shorter than it's ever been. Once September started, things got back into a rhythm and kids were getting settled in their new grades. Maddie in 7th, and mason in 9th!! I can't believe I'm a parent to a high schooler already!!! When did this happen???

My babies are growing too fast!!

Mason turned 14 September 14th also. He's turning into such a young man. He is now taller than me and probably weighs more than me too. It's amazing how he grew so much over the summer!

 

I also did a few more runs. A childhood cancer awareness 10k, another virtual run 10k, another 5k, and most recently-the Susan G Komen 5k. I am proud of my running and how I'm only getting better. The more I run, the more I love it! Plus, all the t-shirts and medals are nice reminders of my hard work! 

Oh, and we are signed up for the Jingle Bell Rock Make-a-Wish 5k in December and in January we are doing our first ever relay run, which goes from 7am to about 6pm. It's basically an all day thing. You get a team of 6 people and you all take turns running, while basically the ones that aren't currently running, are tailgating and relaxing till their turn. Should be fun. It's in a beautiful part of Oahu, partly on a ranch and some mountain terrain. 

And.. I signed Tim and I up for the Hapula Half marathon in April. Since I didn't get to do the OKC half marathon in Oklahoma due to my back injury--I'm going to be so ready for this one! I can't wait!! 

Just a few weeks ago, we finally went and checked out some falls and another botanical garden. It was so beautiful up there. Tim and Maddie were the only two willing to brace the cold water and swim near the falls. Mason and I sat on the sidelines. I took several pictures there just because the scenery is so amazing but here is just one.

And last but not least... I finished my last two classes for my Bachelors!! It's only been more than ten years to complete it, between the kids, moving, changing schools, working, and more moves, I can proudly say I finished!! Now I can say "I DID IT"!!! 

So October is now almost over, this weekend is Halloween, and then we are onto November! My favorite month. Can't wait to eat some turkey and pumpkin pie!! Hope everyone is well and enjoyed the blog. Until next one :)

So much to write....

Since my last blog was about Mother's Day and stuff that happened in May, I'm not so behind in what I have to write about for June!! 

Ok so the end of May, Tim and I were registered to do the Hisbiscus 15k, which for those who don't known-9.3 miles. I don't know why but I get runners anxiety before any run honestly. So that morning, we had to wake up at like 0400, to be there by 0500. That was a mess for me since I am soooo not a morning person, although I made sure to grab some coffee before heading out the door. For weeks prior, I researched what I should eat and all the things to do before your long run, since it had been a long time that I covered that distance. I was driving Tim crazy, asking him questions about if I should change anything in my run, diet, and which kinds of gels or gu's to use... (There are way too many to choose from). Needless to say, I figured it out. When we got to the location, I was super excited and seeing the huge crowd of other runners and walkers made me feel proud to be involved. I never seen serious runners like I did that morning. There was a half, 15k, and a 5k, and I guess the half was a big deal to some. (Maybe for qualifying purposes?) Anyhow, there were people sprinting for warmup. Like, serious sprints! Just watching them made me exhausted and made me

Feel like I would've been done at that point, who needs 9.3, or for them, 13.1 miles more?!?! But, it was a sight to see. Then, before lining up, of course I had to pee... Well the lines at the restrooms were ridiculous! I was not about to wait so I contemplated on holding it. But then I thought, i don't know if I can hold for that long lol. So I did the unthinkable, found a big hidden tree and pulled a camping squat. I'm ashamed but I felt so much better!!!

Once the race started, Tim and I tried to remain at a normal pace. There was a part of me that was like "this is too slow", but Tim kept me grounded for good reason.. We had hills to conquer and if I would've been at a flat pace I would've never made the hills without walking. But I didn't walk once! Not once! And that was my goal.. We ran that whole sucker and finished at a 1:40. Couldn't have asked for a better person to run next to and accomplish another goal with. (Love u hubby) 

              This was before the start

       We survived! And got medals!!

 

So after the running high and soreness, Tim and I finally got the kayaks out! It was a great day although the clouds came in near the end of time. The water was so blue and yes, I won't lie, I was scared of seeing sharks... But we didn't paddle out that far and it was a good first kayak here on the island!

                     Kayak selfies

                     Love this water

Then the next highlight was my parents came for a visit!! 

                  Aloha to the Baker's

They were here about 8/9 days and it was so nice to show them around and spend time together! For three of those days, my parents wanted to stay up at a resort here and one of those days, we went up to their hotel and did a kayak tour and spent the day the rest the hotel. We snorkeled, swam, kayaked, saw turtles, fish, ate dinner, and...just so happened that there was a movie being filmed there with Zac Efron! (Call me what you want, but that was awesome!) I even snuck a shot of him lol. It was a great time and the memory banks are 

now full! And so is my camera😂.

It was a great visit and I was sad to let them go back to SC.. Maybe they'll come again? Who knows.  Since they left thugs have been back to the grind. Mason still has baseball practice three times a week and games every Saturday. He's also been attending the Youth Center camp when they go places he enjoys going. Madison is in her Middle School summer enrichment program at her "soon-to-be" school, where she is taking Orchestra and Storytelling. The Orchestra was mandatory since she wants to be in it this year. That's from 8:30-12:30 so her summer has been cut shorter than it would've been. But both kids are doing good! Can't complain. And Tim has been gone for the last two weeks in school so life has been a little

Nuts while he's been gone. Thankfully he returns this afternoon, and he should be with us for at least a few weeks straight before leaving again. 😐 Such is the life of a military wife! Oh, and before I forget since I won't be posting till July... We are running a 10k on July 4th with some new friends. This run should be cake compared to the last one! And... I'm getting my first colonoscopy and endoscopy on the 29th of this month, so please say some prayers For me that day. Lord knows I will be a nervous wreck and will need all the prayers I can get, lol!! For the day prior too!! Make sure you all get them colons checked when you can😉! Until next post....

May oh May

I completed a 10K for my first ever "Virtual Run", which is basically a run you can complete anywhere during a certain time frame.  By track, road, treadmill, etc.  After you complete this run, you get your shirt (if u order one) and the medal by mail.  The run was the Super Mom run.  It was either for a 5k, 10k, or a half.  I chose the 10k.  I figured I had been running enough for the last two months that a 6.2 miler wouldn't be so bad.  Plus, I wanted to dedicate it to my mother.  Mother's Day is always bittersweet for me.  I am truly blessed with two amazing children that I honestly couldn't have asked for any better one's.  (Although this pre-teen/early teen drama and attitude I can deal without, lol).  I am pretty lucky.  And then there is the absence of my own mother on this day.  There have been many times where I would have given anything to pick up the phone to tell her about something or get in the car and drive over to where she lived.  Even though it's been many many years since her passing, I still remember as if it were just yesterday.  So, for this Mother's Day, I ran for her.  I ran for all the happy memories we once shared, and for all the pain that still remains with the passing days.  I ran with her in my mind, heart, and feet (lol) the whole 6.2 miles.  And for once, I didn't feel like giving up.  Maybe it was the Gu energy I took, I don't know.  But I felt awesome out there.  Here are a few pics from that run.  Also, I like to believe I am SUPERMOM!

My personalized bib

After the run, I felt on top of the world!

Tim and I, our after run selfie ;)

My proof on the Garmin

Mason has also started baseball here for one of the leagues.  He has been doing much better than he was previously, and I believe baseball has helped a lot.  He loves to play sports.  He is on a team where he is the oldest and tallest one, but he's learning more fundamentals then he ever has with all the other teams he has been on.  His coaches are on point, and their practices are hard work.  But, he's learning stuff he may have thought he known, but didn't, from some professionals.  Games have begun as well, and their team has lost one, won one.  Next game is this Saturday, so we shall see how that one goes.  He's the handsomest baseball player I have ever seen :)  I don't care if I am biased.  He is my future MLB player.

Mason, getting ready to bat

Best view from all of his games

Madison has been doing well.  She has taken a liking to going hiking with me, sometimes.  So we get out there and do a few miles.  Sometimes we bring the dogs, sometimes we don't.  She's pretty much barely home anymore.  She has become fond of one of her friends, and they are always out doing something.  Sleepovers, movies, out to eat, you name it.  I am fearful now of what her teen years are going to look like.  I have one that won't leave the home, and one that never wants to be here.  Total opposites.  Maddie's growing too fast!

hiking feet selfie

Selfies;)

Her itchy thighs from exercising them...

Both kids with mutts

Tim's also doing well.  He's been super busy with TDY's and conferences, Helicopter rides, and meetings with the SMA.  Never a dull moment in his job, that's for sure.  This job keeps him occupied.  I like to say that I think he likes it, but sometimes you can tell he misses having soldiers to yell at and control.  Lol.  I guess you never lose that part of you when you have done it for so long.

On that note, I just wanted to share that Tim and I are competing in my first ever 15k, which is 9.3 miles.  Last leg before the half marathon.  I have been running as much as I can, and preparing for this for a while, and I am anxious to see how it goes.  There are going to be a few hills involved, which I am not thrilled about and will most likely have to walk, but I am hoping for a decent time.  I will have pictures to post in my next blog--if I survive it.  9.3 seems so long.  Ugh, what was I thinking?  Just kidding, I love the torture.  Until next time...  Love to all!

Almost May already?!?!

Gosh, where it the time going? We have already been in Hawaii almost half a year. Six whole months!! It sure doesn't feel like it but it's definitely going faster than I expected. I'll admit, I wasn't too happy last month and a few prior to that, but Hawaii is now growing on me.. Just like Oklahoma did after a while. Sometimes I just sit outside and am in awe of how beautiful this place is.  And while the beauty is a perfect reminder of how awesome God is, I still find myself longing to be stateside at times. I know I don't have island fever yet, I just miss simple things, like normal time zones, winter-spring weather, and Hobby Lobby lol. I miss some of these things and as they may sound petty, some people will probably laugh with jealousy of me being here on this tropical heaven.  Yet I will be jealous of those who may be still getting snow and freezing weather! (I am from Jersey...)

One thing I am feeling wonderful about is my running. I have slowly found my love to run again, and not be in pain. While its been humid, rainy, and super windy here currently, a treadmill run sometimes is all I am in need of to just de-stress and feel like a rockstar. My goals are being reachable and I love that! With the 10k that Tim and I completed this month, I decided to sign up for one next month. Not just a 10k, but a 15k instead. I didn't put the numbers together while signing u's up--realizing now it's 9.3 miles. That's almost a HALF!!! I am trying to train as much as I can but lately it seems my farthest is the 4 mile zone.. I need to be running at 6-8 miles but every time I push myself to that level-the lower discs in my back aren't happy! And I fear of being back to when I was training for the OKC half marathon. I don't ever want to feel that way again. So I been taking it slowly and if I have to walk at this 15k, then I know running long distances isn't for me. Maybe I'm meant to be a short distance runner only? I shall soon see. 

Mason has been doing better also. Tim and I enrolled him in a city league and even though he's the oldest on this current team, he's been doing better. I swear he is a natural athlete. Anything that includes a ball, he's a rockstar at! I can only pray that this leads him to some scholarships or the major leagues!!

Maddie is doing well also. Little miss popularity. She's also going to be starting a summer enrichment program here for violin. That will begin middle of June till middle of July. The kids' summers here are short. They get out June 3rd and go back end of July. We are also thrilled to say that my parents will be visiting the first week in June! That will be an awesome time and we have big plans for them while they are going to be here. It will be nice to be around some family again. 

And my main squeeze-Tim. He's been doing a lot of traveling right now and so when he's traveling, he's sending pics of what he's up to. Helicopter rides, tours, dinners, etc. rough job huh? He's finally getting the hang of working with civilians and is already thinking about what it will be like if and when he becomes one lol! I've heard that too much! So when it happens, I'll be just as in shock as everyone else...

Until next time...

Ford Bridge 10k

I signed Tim and I up for our first 10k here on the island. It's the Ford Bridge Run, which takes place at Pearl Harbor. The bridge is approximately 4,672 feet long and it's an actual drawbridge, that was used for warships to pass through during Pearl Harbor. From this bridge, you can see the USS Arizona Memorial. 

In the morning, I was feeling pumped. I had a cup of coffee, (as I do before every morning run), or I pity those around me. We arrived at the bridge where there was around 3,000 runners, walkers, and joggers. I couldn't believe the turnout.

On the sides of the road were people warming up, doing crazy sprints, and all kinds of yoga-looking stretches. As for Tim and I, we just wanted a selfie before the race. We weren't doing it to win lol. Just our present to ourselves. 

(This pic doesn't show even 1/2 the ppl)

All went well up until mile 3 for me. I had a side stitch, probably from my gum chewing, and it was already warm and humid out. I don't do well with those two issues of weather. At one point, an older man ran in front of me, and he had on this pink t-shirt with Phil 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ whom strengthens me". I tried to follow him as long as I could, until it didn't seem too noticeable, but that verse motivated me. Not enough to pick up the pace but enough to NOT STOP. It was a little jolt that I needed. All kinds of runners were out there today. Even kids, although not mine. They were sound asleep while we were breaking our sweat!

Once we were done, we grabbed some water and headed to breakfast just Tim and me❤️. 

(Yup I was in pain here....hey if your still pretty looking after, you didn't push hard enough, lol) 

Until the next one!!! Muah!