2016 Will be The Year!!!

I have decided that 2016 will the year of all years.  There will be a lot of things that will happen this year, GOOD things.  December came and went, and the New Year was welcomed with open arms for once.  Not that 2015 was bad or anything, but I just knew that I wanted it to hurry up and be a new year.  A time for new resolutions, new choices, new goals, etc.  We participated in the Make A Wish Jingle Run again.  I absolutely love running for a cause like this.  And, we beat our run time by a minute or two from last years run.  We ran through downtown where all the Christmas lights were and I tried to take pics, but I haven't mastered how to do that while moving.. Ha!

Before run at home

Before run Selfie

just a small view of some of the crowd

Here we go!!

At the end of December, I received my Bachelor's degree.  That was something I have longed for for the last 10+ years.  It seemed that every time I wanted to finish my degree, we either moved, or I changed schools and lost credits.  I had such trouble with figuring things out between what it was exactly that I wanted to take and what I wanted it in, and when it came down to it, I finished finally.  I think it's just been one of those accomplishments that ended 2015 perfectly!

My long awaited BA ;)

So, 2016 is going to be the year of many other accomplishments.  Tim and I did our first ever Ultra Relay Run with some friends that also like to run ;).  We had no idea what to expect but man, was that the most fun yet most tiring race ever done yet.  It was up at Kualoa Ranch, where some movies like Jurassic Park and 50 First Dates were filmed.  This ranch is not a flat farmland ranch like I normally would picture.  This was the opposite.  It was mountainous, and rugged, and dirty!  We first read that it was a 4-something mile path, yet our app read that it was over 5 miles.  (Doesn't seem like a huge difference, but when there is hills involved, its a HUGE difference!)  Then we were in a team of 6, which later became a team of 5, so we all had to do two laps around the trail that ended up adding to about 11 miles each.  It was through hills, cows and their patties, streams, trees, rocks, etc.  IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!!!  I have been pushed physically before like when I was in basic training, but gosh, that was in 1998-when I was 19!!  I was so physically spent that for several days after, it hurt everywhere ha!  Would I do it again?  Yup! That may definitely happen before we leave here again.

where the start was

Our little set-up

part of the mountain we had to run 

Team All for the Shirt 

Go Baby!!

This was me-before my first run around

happy and full of excitement ha

Tim finishing up last lap

WE SURVIVED

Sun setting after relay was done

We all made it!

 I wanted to run the half marathon that I never got to run due to that back injury in Oklahoma.  I signed us up for it.  Tim and I will be running in it (as long as no injuries happen during this training) on April 10th.  We started the Nike training program for the half marathon on the 18th this month.  Definitely not fun.  Yet, we are pushing ourselves more then ever.  Carefully of course.  I sure don't want another bulged or ruptured disk and Tim doesn't need any new pains either.  It's a gradual mileage climb, then it tapers us down before the actual run.  But, I signed us up for some other things too before and after the half.  On the 2nd of April, we will be running in the Ford Bridge 10k again.  This run was pretty ugly last year, so I am hoping this year we will have a funner time.  I never thought I would use the words "running" and "fun" together, but that is what it is to me.  Fun.  So, we do a 10K, then the half, and a road bike ride on the 24th of April.  That's three big events!!!  I can't wait.  It's going to be fun.  Oh, and....  we also signed up for the Marathon for December 2016!  Might as well while it's under $100.

Three of our events...2016 goals

Kids are great!!  Both Mason and Madison are doing wonderful in school.  Mason has grown taller then me, and I am not quite sure how much taller he will actually get lol.  Maddie is still small and petite, yet her personality isn't.  I just wish I could stop them from growing so fast.  It's still hard to wrap my mind around that I have a freshman.  Like, seriously, when did that happen?  Oh, and to top this news.  Our oldest, Makayla, has reenlisted for another few years and she has been promoted to Sergeant too.  She will be heading to Alaska in March where she will spread her wings some more with her new unit.  Not to mention, with our future grandchild! Yes, I did say that...  We are going to be grandparents!  Woohoo!  Can't get anymore blessed than that!  Bring it on 2016! We are ready for whatever comes at us ;)  

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!