Back on the Road!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...my back is feeling so much better! I have been out and walking again and was even able to push mow the entire yard yesterday! I will try not to just take my physical ability for granted and learn from this experience. I guess that stretching before and after my walks will have to become a part of my routine too!

The Best-Laid Plans....

When I was deciding whether or not to participate in this event, my only hesitation was in regard to the fundraising part of the event. I am not a very assertive person and I knew that raising $2200 would be a challenge for me. But the physical part of the event, walking 60 miles over the course of 3 days, wasn't an intimidating thought for me. I have to admit, I pretty much felt like I could wake up tomorrow and be capable of doing that...no problem! Well, I am experiencing a little bump in the road. I am having some issues with my back...and it has definitely slowed my pace a bit. Erik and I decided to start doing pilates about a month ago (okay, if you know Erik you may pause now and chuckle at the thought of him "rolling like a ball"). I must have had the wrong technique...because all that I ended up with was a lot of pain in my lower back. It was tolerable until our trip to Chicago. I think all of the riding agitated it and on Thursday I awoke with muscle spasms that pretty much immobilized me! After a couple of adjustments, lots of icing, and a few days of attempting to rest my back, I think I am on the mend. If you are a prayer warrior, please pray that my back will continue to heal! I am determined to complete this event!

"Stones in the road? I save every single one, one day I´ll build a castle."- Fernando Pessoa

Chicago!!

We kicked off summer vacation with a trip to Chicago! The kids finished school on Friday the 23rd and the following morning we, and our good friends, the Lotti's, took off for a quick adventure to the Windy City! We visited the American Girl store and the Lego store, Navy Pier, the Children's Museum, the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Sears Tower and became Cubs fans for one chilly night at Wrigley Field. We also got to spend Memorial Day with Erik's cousin Jeff and his family (thanks guys...Lydia spent the rest of the trip telling us how much she misses Claire!) We got quite use to public transportation and did LOTS of walking...which helped me to stay on pace with my miles! We had a great time....thanks Quinto, Rita, Bekah and Levi! We love you guys!

Garage Sale Results!!

The garage sale with my little sis went really well. We raised about $600 to put toward our fundraising goals. It was a lot of hard work...but we had beautiful weather and a steady stream of customers. Not to mention the help of Henry, Calvin and my nephew, Caleb...who, without fail, asked every single person who passed by if they wanted to buy a cookie for breast cancer. What dilligent and undaunted helpers they were! We are excited to be chipping away at the $2200.00 we each need to raise for this event!!! Thank you to Jennifer Martinson, Kelly Albrecht, Connie Marshall and Elden's Foods for your donated items!!! We appreciate your help!

What a Couple of Troopers They Are!!!

Henry, Calvin and I walked five miles yesterday!! Calvin came up with the idea that it would be fun to walk to Grandma and Grandpa's house, which is exactly five miles from our home. So, I gladly accepted the offer to have some company on one of my training walks!

I guessed that they might not quite make it the entire way...but we packed the walkie-talkies and had Coach Erik on stand-by. He had to come once to deliver a better pair of walking shoes.














Of course, we needed to pack lots of snacks and plan several pit stops along the way. What an adventure! I spent two hours with two of my favorite people...who, shortly into our trip, became Frodo and Sam (from the Lord of the Rings) and spent a good portion of the time planning a surprise attack on their unsuspecting grandparents.

In the end, they walked the entire five miles...in the wind and the cold....with no complaints!! I am so proud of my boys!

Garage Sale!!

Donate your used items to our garage sale!! Anna and I will be having a garage sale on May 16-17th. All of the proceeds will go toward our fundraising goal for the 3Day Breast Cancer walk! Call me or leave a comment below and I will contact you! Thanks!!

Maplewood State Park

Tiffany, Rita, Jody and I at Maplewood State Park this past Saturday. We hiked up to the scenic overlook. It was a beautiful sunny day!! Thanks for the great weekend girls!!