My First 5K

So here's the chronology of how we got to Saturday...

August 2008: I turn 30 and my metabolism decides it no longer likes me.

September 2008: Morgan turns one and I quit nursing. Now where will all those extra calories go?

Holidays '08-09: I eat like a pig, counting on my turbo metabolism to even everything out for me post holidays.

Spring 2009: The rubber tire settles in around the ol' midsection and I get repulsed. My clothing starts to rebel.

Father's Day 2009: JD & I decide that it's time to do something and finally join a gym - something we haven't done in almost six years.

August 2009: All our friends (okay, at least a dozen of them) decide they want to run the San Antonio Half Marathon or Marathon. I ain't cut out for that. However, we decide to hop on this psychotic bandwagon and sign up for a 5K. We also drag along JD's sister Jen and their parents.

Aug-Oct 2009: Oh the training! Seriously people, I played softball growing up. My extent of running was around those four little bases and from the dugout out to my position and back. Running is not for me. I begin to question my mental sanity but continue to plod away - even in the hot, sticky S.A. weather.

This Friday: It rains much of the day and brings in a cold front. The 5K is scheduled in a park that can be known to flood out in portions. I call the event sponsor to find out if maybe I'll be getting a "free pass." No such luck.

This Saturday: The 5K arrives. I haven't yet been able to successfully run 3.1 miles (without at least some walking) in my training. My goal is to run the entire thing with no walking, but I have become resigned to the fact that that may not be possible. I also don't own running clothes for cold weather. Do I really want to do this?

JD & I start off. We run through several puddles from the rain. JD completely submerges one shoe. We are surrounded by a group of high school girls who find it amusing to sprint, then cold stop right in front of us, walk awhile, and start this routine all over again. I'm trudging along; JD is trying to talk with me, distract me from my suffering. Doesn't he get that I'm just trying to breath, not carry on a conversation?!? The course curves and swirls like the fall wind, going in no particular direction. The end seems nowhere in sight. I'm wondering at what point I should take a little "walk break". JD continues to stick with me even though he could be running faster. He's playing around, keeping me entertained, convincing me we are almost at the end. Each new turn and I think "yeah, this is it" but then I'm wrong. Getting more pissed off. Finding it harder to breath. My legs are barely doing the fatty shuffle.

Then we finally get to a portion of the park I recognize and I know that we are now getting near the end. But to ruin my joy, one of the participants (a white haired older man - grrr) who has already finished the race comes jogging back in the opposite direction, smiling gleefully saying, "You're almost there." I wanna punch him for being done, for smiling, for being old and not winded while I'm choking out each breath left in my deflating lungs. And then another twist and we're headed away from where I think "the end" is supposed to be. NOOO! However, I can hear the lady on the loud speaker calling people toward the finish so I know I'm getting close. Finally, we make it there. And my sweet husband graciously pushes me across the finish line to let me complete the race first.

I DID IT! I ran the whole thing. It took me about 34 minutes to complete it, but I did it. I couldn't have done it without my rockin' husband (thanks Babe!). I feel pretty darn good about myself too. However, I don't really want to do it again anytime soon. I just want to return to going to the gym and enjoying (as much as I can) my time on the elliptical and weight machines and not feeling the pressure to run all the time. But it is nice to know that running can be added to my repertoire if I feel so inclined (which I don't think I will be for a long time).

Now good luck to all my marathon and half-marathon running friends! You all are my heroes. Three miles is barely a warm up for you guys, but it was challenge for me.

Postscript: I wish I could say that tire around my midsection vanished in the course of my working out and training. Alas, no such luck. What's a girl gotta do?!? I'm sorry metabolism for ever taking you for granted; will you forgive me and please return?

Pre-race - You can tell b/c I'm smiling.

My awesome MIL and sis-in-law pre-race.
They graciously pushed Morgan in her stroller so JD & I could run.

Nearing the finish line.

Bored by her three mile stroller ride :P

The fam post-race.

What We've Been Up To...

Now let me explain what I/we've been up to during my prolonged silence...

Memorial Day weekend: My brother-in-law Matt surprised my sister Steph with a trip here for her birthday. Of course, my sweet niece Maddie (who is four months younger than Morgan) came along. Despite the above picture of toddlers-being-toddlers, the girls had a great time together, and Jonathan & I had a great time with Steph & Matt. We even had a kid-free double date where we went to Wildfish (pricey but really yummy - and this comes from a non-fish eater) and watched Terminator: Salvation. Definitely a memorable weekend that we hope we don't have to wait another two to three years for ;)

Two weeks later: Dad and Mom came down to visit. It's always great to get to spend time with my folks as we don't see them near as often as I like. And now that Morgan is getting bigger, it's even more important to me that Morgan knows her grandparents. While they were here, we visited the President Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch in Johnson City which was free and totally worthwhile. Mom also installed a swing in the backyard for Morgan, and Dad helped Jonathan lay more than 100 pieces of sod. Beyond that, we did a lot of just hanging out together and visiting. It was great. I felt spoiled after having family come twice in three weeks time.


Herbener Family Reunion/Fourth of July: We saw lots of out of town family over Father's Day weekend for a family reunion and the Fourth of July. Morgan became particularly enamored with Jonathan's Uncle Tom (who married us) and Aunt Kay, now known by Morgan as Tom-Tom and Kay-Kay. We're glad they live up in Arlington so they aren't as far away as some of the rest of the family. In fact, we are already contemplating going up to be with them in the fall (as well as catching a Texas A&M game at the new Cowboy stadium).


Visit with Aunt Jenny: Last sumer Jen & I (and Morgan) got together once a month during her summer break. Unfortunately, this last week was the first we were able to get together this summer. As Morgan is older this summer than last, she was able to more fully comprehend just how "special" it is to have time with her Aunt. They read Morgan's recent favorite book (several times), and Aunt Jenny gave Morgan her own private piano lessons. It was so cute to hear Morgan say "Play again Jenny" and "Read Jenny." I grew up with awesome aunts so I'm really glad Morgan is building relationships with hers.

In addition to these things, we have made a few trips to Fredericksburg on weekends, joined the gym and started going three times a week, caught a summer flu bug, volunteered for a week of VBS at our church, and crammed in some CLE and playdates in between it all. Summer fun... Whew, I need a vacation!

My recent favorite pic

We just got some of the digital images from Kel & Jess' wedding, and so far, this is one of my favorites. The photographer, a friend of Jess', snagged this shot of Morgan and JD as they arrived. And here's a pic of the happy couple for good measure...

Wedding Week So Far...

Morgan and I have been spending this week up in Springfield, Missouri helping to prepare for my sister Kel's wedding. We actually haven't done much helping at all - there's been a lot more visiting with family and friends.

Early in the week two of my best friends from college (which is also in Springfield) drove into town with their kids so we could all get together. It was awesomely fun, but friendships (like life) take on a different dynamic once you have kids (and we all three do). Consequently, our get-together became more of a playdate at JumpMania. The kids all had a great time and wore themselves out literally to the point of tears. Thankfully later that night after all our kids were in bed, we were able to reconvene for a little adult conversation ... and to pretend we were young again!



There's also been a bit of March Madness action going. It's one of our family's favorite times of the year as we have our annual competition. Sadly, our Illini did not fare so well in the first round. Nonetheless, the competition lives on! So far, I'm not doing too bad.



There've also been a few opportunities for Morgan and Maddie to get together which hasn't happened since Christmas. Maddie has learned to walk so that has made playing together much more entertaining to watch :)

Maddie giving Morgan a "kiss" in their matching jammies.

The tree is put away...

...but the warm feelings of a fabulous Christmas season spent with our awesome families remain. We have so many great memories of this holiday season! Unfortunately, I didn't capture nearly as many of them as I would've liked on camera (and after seeing the ones I did catch, I'm wishing for a better camera or better knowledge of my current camera). Nonetheless, I've attached a few pics for your curious eyes.

As you may have read in my last post, our Christmas celebrations were kicked off by a family flu. So much fun... As a result, our Schlueter family Christmas was postponed to New Year's Day. Thankfully, all three of us felt fine as we left for Chicago the Monday of Christmas week. We spent two days up in the Windy City where we enjoyed single digit temperatures, falling snow, beautiful holiday lights, Chicago-style pizza (twice!), and, of course, family!

Christmas Eve was spent in a Hyatt Hotel in one of the suburbs. Kel and Jess joined us there, and we celebrated our Walsh family Christmas (minus the Polites' who were with Matt's family). Christmas Day was spent at the Kilmer Farm with a crowd of 37 people (all family!!). It was so much fun to be back with everyone after taking last year off. The day after Christmas we were able to visit with Grandma Walsh, and then Saturday we dealt with the nightmare that was Midway Airport (long story...). On the upside, we made it home on our originally scheduled flights and Morgan was angel!

My cute little family

Morgan and Daddy enjoying one of their favorite toys - Legos!

I swear you can bribe my daughter with a box of raisins these days.

My adorable niece Maddie

Matching Cousins

New Year's Eve we headed up to the Schlueter Family Ranch and celebrated that holiday with Dad & Mom Schlueter. No New Year's is complete without Mamma Mia and smore's :) (I must admit I now find I keep singing Abba songs). I was also proud of the rest of the fam - everyone actually stayed awake for the New Year this year!!

New Year's Day, Jen & Brian and Grandpa & Grandma Schlueter joined us at the ranch for our belated Christmas celebration. We had a great lunch of honey-baked ham, rolls, mashed potatos (I made 10 lbs. worth - it was a bit much), and a chocolate trifle. Then it was onto the gifts! By this point in the season, Morgan was a pro at opening gifts and went to town on her packages and everyone else's. Jen & Brian were the givers of this year's tacky gift - a pastel pink, prelit, four-foot Christmas tree! Sadly, I don't have pictures. Brian claims if we had had Christmas on the originally scheduled date, we wouldn't have received it since he found it in a post-Christmas sale. Darn flu...

Happy with Grandpa & Grandma

Teaching her right...

I love the bows!

Hope you all enjoyed your holidays as well! I look forward to seeing you in this new year. Like Kara, I refuse to make resolutions because I hate to be disappointed and am too realistic to think I might actually keep them. Accordingly, I don't make any promises to get better about blogging more frequently. If you really want to keep tabs on me, join Facebook . I'm on there all the time!

Christmas Emotions...

Santa Torturing Morgan

While I normally love this time of year, I must confess that this year's preparations for my favorite holiday have left me feeling frazzled. Part of this may just be that my entire family is currently recovering from a nasty flu or stomach bug and we leave for Illinois tomorrow. All of the "things" - shopping, gift wrapping, baking/cooking, decorating, writing cards, celebrations, and other "obligations" - have served to steal my joy on a few occasions this Christmas season. I'm hopeful that our travel up to Chicago (which is currently buried in snow and enduring single digit temperatures) will go smoothly and that once I'm with my family, I will experience a fresh wave of joy.

I don't think this was what God had in mind for me... or for any of us as we celebrate the reason for Christmas: the coming of his Son to save us from our sins. After this holiday season ends, I need to sit down and re-think what I did wrong this year and what can be cut out next year so that I don't miss out again next year. Particularly as Morgan gets older, I want her to know the true joys of Christmas ... and get to experience it with joyful parents!

All that being said, I wish you, my dear friends, a Merry Christmas filled with joy recognizing the blessing we have in the Son who came to bring our salvation! I value each of you and am grateful for the friendships you have blessed me and my family with this past year.

With love,
Barb

Morgan's Christmas Portrait

Kel + Jess = 4EVER

My baby sister Kelly got engaged yesterday to an awesome guy Jess Heugel. I'm so excited Kel finally met "the one" for her. I feel like I've been praying for the right person to come along for her for a long time, and I truly believe that in Jess that prayer has been answered. He'll make a great addition to our family; I just hope he knows what he's in for :)

Oddly though, for my sisters and I all having such a nondescript maiden surname of "Walsh", we all are ending up with crazy weird married surnames - Schlueter, Polites, Heugel. Who do you think got the worst shake of the three of us?

Anywho, CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO JESS & KEL!!!

Travelin' Girls

The last week of October my mother-in-law Linda , Morgan and I took a four day trip to L.A. This was a pretty big deal since we went sans our significant others. We managed really well! Even Morgan was a great traveler. Our primary purpose was to visit with Linda's grandmother (and therefore Morgan's great-great-grandmother) who soon will be 107! Granny loved seeing Morgan and couldn't say enough great things about her - in fact, she predicted Morgan will be a valedictorian :) We'll see... It was a great time for all of us. We look forward to going back with the entire family in two weeks for Granny's birthday celebration.

Granny and Morgan pondering the intricacies of a battery charger

Morgan hamming it up on the swing at Venice Beach

Nothing better than chasing sea gulls, right?

Smile pretty

Recently, we had our incredibly talented photographer friend Bre take some pictures of Morgan and our family. The shoot only lasted about an hour - only as long as Morgan would tolerate (which wasn't that long considering she was tired and we had her dressed in a sweater dress and cotton tights while it was nearly 90 degrees outside!). Nonetheless, Bre worked effortlessly and efficiently and got several fantastic shots. Now comes the miserable task of narrowing down which ones we want!

Check out several of the other great pictures Bre captured of us on her blog, and check out some of her other work at her studio's website. We can't recommend her highly enough!

My Kind of Town

JD had a legal education conference in Chicago last Thursday and Friday which Morgan and I accompanied him on. We stayed at the Fairmont where the conference was held. When we arrived, we received an upgrade to a suite with great views of Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and the Yacht Club.

We woke up Thursday morning to beautiful Midwestern fall weather - cool and crisp. While Jonathan attended his meetings, Morgan and I went out to explore Millennium Park which I had never seen before (it opened in 2004). The Park was so cool. Below are some of the pictures:

Cloud Gate (or known to resident Chicagoans as "The Bean") -
It's a three story steel sculpture meant to resemble
a drop of mercury hovering at the point of landing.

The butt crack of the Bean replete with reflections of the city's skyline.

One of two 50 foot LED towers-turned-fountains.
Faces of resident Chicagoans are projected on them and change every five minutes.

The faces play on the gargoyle theme and spout water from their mouths
right before the towers change to the next face.

Thursday JD joined us for lunch in Millennium Park and then ducked out of his conference early that afternoon to stroll Michigan Avenue with us. That night we enjoyed Chicago-style pizza at Pizzeria Due (the kid-sister to Pizzeria Uno).


Friday my sister Kel and her boyfriend Jess came up to the city to hang out with us. This was the first time we met Jess, and he received our stamp of approval :) He and Kel even watched Morgan for two hours while JD and I went on an architectural tour of the notable buildings along the river. Unfortunately, it was drizzly so the tour wasn't as wonderful as it could've been. That night the four of us enjoyed even more Chicago-style pizza - this time at Pizzeria Uno. And no, I don't ever get tired of it!

Friday night SIX inches of rain from Hurricane Ike drenched Chicago. So after all that hype in San Antonio about Ike, they saw not a drop of rain and we, in Chicago, got six inches. Go figure. Saturday morning we drove into Dwight (my hometown) and celebrated Morgan's first birthday (which was that day!) with my parents, Kel & Jess, my grandparents, and several of my aunts, uncles and cousins. It was a super way to celebrate Morgan's big day! I was so glad we were able to share that with them. Morgan loved eating her own personal birthday cake made by my Grandma. However, she decided to "blow" out her lone candle by snuffing out the flame with her palm.

Grandpa and the Birthday Girl

The rain poured all day Saturday and more Saturday night. Sunday we made a quick visit to my Grandma Walsh (where we also visited with my Aunt Jill) before braving the wet roadways back up to the airport. What a whirlwind!

All in all, it was a great trip. I love Chicago and I love my family. Maybe that's why Daniel asked me upon returning home, "So are you guys moving to Chicago?" Some days, I wish...

Being family

I love my parents ... and I especially love when I get to see them since it doesn't happen as often as I'd like. It's particularly hard for me now that we have Morgan. I want them to know her and her to know them. Each time they see her she has changed so much. So we have to treasure each of these opportunities we are together.

Can't you just tell she adores her grandparents?

ONE

Yep, that's right - my sweet baby girl is about to turn ONE. I can hardly believe a whole year has passed already; I've never had a year go by so fast in my life. And what amazing transformations and growth a baby goes through in a year. Morgan is no longer a baby but a little girl! My little girl :)

While there are still have a few more days until Morgan's actual birthday, we threw her birthday party this past weekend while my parents were in San Antonio visiting us. Jonathan's parents were SO gracious to host it at their ranch (and even more gracious when over 40 people showed up when we promised them it would be more like 25-30). Thanks Dad and Mom!

Thankfully, the weather was beautiful and the temperature was not too hot such that we could enjoy the beautiful Hill Country scenery. Dad even had a tractor pull going transporting people around the property - most wanted rides to the fish pond where some were fishing.

After a tasty fajita dinner, the real fun began - cake time! Of course, it wouldn't be a party without one of Kara's stunning cakes. The impressive part about this was I told Kara to decorate Morgan's cake however she wanted - and, no joke, she came up with exactly what I would have requested! It was SO beautiful and totally yummy. As you can see, Morgan's first experience with refined sugar was a very positive one. And she only got a little messy.

Here are a few party pics for you to enjoy -


Special thanks to everyone who helped make Morgan's party turn out so great and to all who helped her celebrate, including:

• Dad and Mom Schlueter for opening up the ranch and hosting us all.
• Both Moms for their great work in the kitchen.
• Jonathan and both Dads for their work at the grill and running food in and out of the house.
• Jen for watching Morgan while we all ran around like chickens with our heads cut off.
• Dad and Mom Walsh for traveling down from Missouri for the party.
• Kara for making a beautiful cake and taking all the pictures so I didn't have to.