What's new...

Gee, as the school year ends and the summer approaches, I am finding less and less time to get online and keep things up to date. Unfortunately, I have a sick Sean home with me, giving me the time to get things caught up.

I had an amazing Mother's Day. My wonderful family made it lots of fun. Saturday Jim made dinner reservations for just the five of us at my favorite restaurant. Once we got home, the whole family gave me an hour long body massage. It was wonderful to have 8 hands working on me all at one time! Then we hung out and watched a movie. Sunday morning we went to mass together and then drove up to St. Cloud to have lunch with my family. It was nice to see everyone. Then Sunday night we invited Jim's Mom over for dinner and grilled out. The kids gave me some wonderful gifts as well; the home-made ones being the most special of them all.

Last weekend Jim & I ran the Maple Grove half TOGETHER! I have been finding it just as rewarding to run together than I do beating my own personal records. Considering we were going off of only 4 hours of sleep from the night before, we didn't really train for this, the weather was terribly cold & windy, the course hills, etc..., Jim did an amazing job... And no knee issues the next couple days either! Now I start my Twin Cities training this week. It's tiring to see how quickly those miles will start increasing. Thankfully I have such wonderful friends & family that make running so much more enjoyable!

Jim & I had another chance to get some use out of our running shirts!

After the run; Jim & I, Carol & Todd

Update

Boy, it has been awhile since I have written... And now I have so much to post! I can tell the weather is getting nice, the kids are back to sports, & we're just not home as much. I love this time of year, so I am trying to gracefully welcome the busy schedule.

First, a few weeks ago, Jim ran the St. Cloud half marathon. I have given up trying to figure out whether Jim is a runner or not? After every race he tells me that is it, & he is retiring those running shoes... and yet, he runs again??? Oh yes, we both are even registered for another half marathon in 2 weeks (Maple Grove) and then we both also registered for Twin Cities FULL marathon the beginning of October AND the FULL Marine Corp. Marathon (in Washington, D.C.) three weeks later! Always looking for that new challenge:)

Jim finishing the St. Cloud half

Jim, my sister's friend, Pat & Cori (my sister), Kyle (my brother) & Kelly, & Mike (my brother's friend)

Todd & Carol, & Jim

Then, Zach also had his last basketball tournament game. They finished with the season with their first win! They really had a tough time playing against the other traveling teams. It was obvious these other teams had been playing together for many years, where as this was our first year this team was together. But, we saw lots of improvement in Zach and he really did a great job. Now, Zach's FAVORITE sport has started up, baseball!!! Sean is also playing his first year of baseball this year. And Lauryn is back to softball. They all had their first games this week and played really well. It will be a fun season.

Zach's traveling basketball team - through Champlin/Dayton

Last night Jim & I enjoyed dinner out, drinks, & the Elton John & Billy Joel concert with some friends. What a great show! Unfortunately, today has been a long day, trying to recover from a late night out. But well worth it.

Kevin & Sharon, Me & Jim, Carol & Todd

Spring Break in 100 words or less....

Here it is: Britney Spears concert, Prom, Sleep-overs with friends, kids helping me paint, outdoors, Nickelback concert, Water Park of America, Mall of America, MN Zoo, Bunco, dinners out, shopping, Hannah Montana movie, full afternoon of an outdoor pick-me up game with Vettel family, walks with Libby, basketball tournament, time with family, Happy Easter!

Lauryn, Sean, Libby, & Zach Easter morning

Britney!

Last night I took Lauryn and a couple friends to the Britney Spears Concert. I am not sure if the girls were more excited for Britney, or the Pussycat Dolls that opened for her? But no doubt about it, Britney puts on a terrific show. It was quite the production. I warned Lauryn that not all shows are this spectacular!

Lauryn & I

Lauryn & Brooke with the stage in the background

The Pussycat Dolls


Britney!

Auction for Education

Every year our school has an Auction for Education (this year hosted by close friends; Vettels & Cheasicks) that we attend. This is a fundraiser our church & school have to raise money for all religious programs. But, any time you get a bunch of Catholics together, you know there will be some good drinking involved! And when drinking is involved, people are always more generous with their money!!! This years theme was the 80's. We had such a good time dressing up. Jim dressed up like Devo, while I dressed up like the Robert Palmer girls. The auction did a great job of raising just over $95,000.

Jim & I

The Devo Group: Chris, Jim, Todd, & Mark

The Palmer Group: Carol, Me, Sharon, & Kevin

Sharon, Me, & Carol

Finally did it!

Sean has FINALLY learned how to ride his bicycle with only two wheels! At the age of 6, it is about time. For some reason, he is a cautious one, so we weren't surprised it took longer. But, we didn't even have to do anything. He was just ready. We pulled down his bike, he jumped on, needed help a couple times, and then he was off. By the end of the night, even after it was dark, he kept asking if we could go out and ride our bikes some more. Then the first thing he said when he walked in the door after school was, "Mom, can we go for a bike ride?" He is loving this!

Mexico - Riviera Maya

Jim & I had an amazing time in Mexico with 38 friends. We had the most beautiful weather, enjoyed the sun, partied lots, ate lots, and relaxed lots! We spent one day touring the Mayan Ruins in Chichen Itza. We are just so lucky to have such wonderful friends!

Happy 6th Birthday, Sean!

Hard to believe that my "baby" is SIX years old already:( Because he is my youngest, I always think of him as being so little. When Lauryn (my oldest) turned 6, I thought she was getting so big. It's hard to watch them grow up so fast. We sure have enjoyed every year!

Year ONE:

Year TWO:

Year THREE:

Year FOUR: (with a dirty mouth!)

Year FIVE:

Year SIX:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Seaners!

3rd Place

Well, after a wonderful basketball season & only losing one game all season... The boys came in 3rd place during the tournament this weekend. They played 5 games this weekend & despite being tired, they looked great.

Here Zach is, making a basket. He had an awesome quarter during the 5th game... One basket sinking after the next. It was just what we needed, to get ahead after being down 8 points! Within a matter of 2 minutes, Zach made 10 points to get us ahead. Jim & I were pretty proud:)
Here's the team after being rewarded with their 3rd place medals.

And just when we thought basketball was all done, Zach got asked to be on a traveling basketball team until baseball season starts up in April. So, we'll be busy watching & possibly traveling to see him play some more.