Author: jessica

I Am a Triathlete!

 

I did it!  I finished a full triathlon!!

On Sunday, I was part of the SheROX Philly tri.  This sprint tri includes a .37 swim in the Schuylkill River, a 15.5 (hilly) bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run.  Yikes!  I haven’t looked up my race times as of yet but that is of little importance to me right now!  I finished by running across the finish line… that’s all that matters to me at the moment.

After the Race

For a little background, last year I was part of a relay team with a friend.  Last year all I had to do was swim, but I enjoyed the day so much that I decided to train for the entire tri myself. I won’t bore you with details on my training before the race. 🙂  What I will share about training and this race is that it took me outside of my comfort zone in so many ways. I am not a natural athlete, so this was a way for me to push myself to become an athlete – and honestly up to race day I struggled with identifying myself as an athlete.

In the final weeks of training and tapering, I started to think about all that I had put into this race, and all that my family (and friends) sacrificed for me to compete and just get in one more workout.  As I got closer to the race, some days I felt strong and powerful, and other days I wanted to throw up just thinking about the race. I was told this was a good place to be right before a race.

What sticks out to me the most about training and racing is that I reclaimed a part of me!  A part of me that has been lost for a few years in between a college degree, a masters degree, a career, having babies, raising babies, homeschooling, writing. The list could go on of all the things that could have kept me from training for this race, but instead I looked it all in the eye and determined that I was going to be a bit selfish and do something for me!  And I’m so glad I did.

The race was great and brutal at the same time.  The day started early around 4:30.  Once I got to transition and set up, it was just a matter of minutes before we were getting lined up to race. The swim went really well. I kept a steady pace through out the swim and just kept thinking, “Thank you God for a beautiful day to swim.”  When I made my way to the end of the swim course, I spotted Keith along the shore and gave him a thumbs up.  He returned a wave 🙂

The Swim... I'm in the middle of the picture 🙂

Then it was off to transition for the bike.  I have to admit, I was most worried about the bike. While I have done cycling classes throughout the year, I don’t’ have a lot of actual road time – for a number of reasons. I also heard the bike course was brutal – a couple of my friends who raced it last year filled me in on what to expect.  I was as prepared as I could be yet not quite prepared for the ongoing hills and two huge hills!  I did take a little tumble when another bike and I briefly touched on the wet bridge, but we both bounced back up and kept on going.  And for those of you who know me and my “love” for flowing blood, I wiped it off and kept on going. Yes, I did have the medical tent clean it after the race.

Finishing the Bike Ride

I finished the two loops of the (brutal) bike ride and transitioned into the run.  I knew I was only 3.1 miles from the end.  My race goal from the beginning was always to have fun, enjoy the day and run across the race line. Because of this, I didn’t over push myself with the start of the run – my hamstrings were also starting to spasm a bit, which didn’t help much.  And in all honesty, a lot of ladies were walking the final part of the race  – although there were some 50 and 60 year old ladies passing me . How’s that for inspiration?!?!

Finishing the Race

I did run across the finish line and went straight to Keith. 🙂  My husband  (and best friend and coach and nutritionist and motivator and “get to the gym” encourager) has been so wonderful to support me in this race and all its training. I couldn’t have done it without him.  As he and I have said through so many things over the past 14 years, “Go Team Whitmore!”  My boys have also been so wonderful to support me and encourage me through all the times I had to go workout. As soon as we got home from the race, Cade took my medal and hung it up next to my medal from last year.  Kory’s first question was “mommy, did you win?”  I also couldn’t have raced today without my in-laws coming up to stay with the boys for the weekend!

Go Team Whitmore!

As crazy as it sounds and as brutal as the race course was at times, I’m looking to race again next year.

Who is going to join me?

Come on… you know you want to try something for yourself! 🙂

The Little Glimpses….

 

Sometimes as a parent, I feel like all I do is remind, reinforce, and occasionally nag. 

Pick this up.  Don’t forget this.  Put your glass in the sink.  Is that where your shoes go?  Did you forget to hang up your towel again? 

Sometimes I wonder if it ever sticks. 

And then a day like today happens.

I woke up with a massive tension headache. Instead of enjoying the day with friends, I spent most of the day snuggling with Cade on the couch. Thankfully I was able to sleep for a good part of the day and get in lots of Cade-snuggles!!

Kory was quite disappointed that our day’s plans changed.  He was mad. He pouted. He actually changed into his blue shirt – the matching shirt color of choice for our activity – and a pair of shorts. He marched himself down to the living room and sat down. He even made sure I noticed that his shoes were on since he was ready to go.  I told him it was okay to be mad but that we also rescheduled our plans for later in the week.

Shortly after that, he said, “so can I get changed back into my pajamas?”

And that’s when I saw the glimpse that it sticks.  All the hard work of reminding.  All the times I feel like I am repeating and nagging.

After he changed into his pjs, he brought down his overflowing basket of dirty clothes and put them in the laundry area.

He walked over to me with a bucket – “just in case you get sick, mommy.”

He brought me a Sprite – even though it was a half-empty bottle that he had been drinking from over the past few days.

He asked, “Is there anything else you need?”

I made sure to tell him thank you after I told him I was fine.

And then he played quietly – or as quietly as Kory can play with his superhero sound effects. 🙂

At one point, I woke up from a little nap, and I heard him in the kitchen.  I looked at the clock, and it was 11:30.  Never once did he ask me for lunch.  Never once did I hear him complain about being hungry.  Instead, he had pulled up a chair to the cabinet to get out the peanut butter and nutella.  And he made his own lunch – I think he claimed he had three pieces of bread with peanut butter and nutella.  Don’t worry I ended up making Cade and myself something simple.

My headache ended up breaking in the afternoon, and that wonderful headache fog was gone around dinnertime.  Kory ended up playing with a friend for most of the evening.  While we were going through his bedtime routine tonight, I, again, thanked him for his help today. 

“I just tried to take care of you like you take care of me when I am sick.”

It does stick. All the reminding. All the repeating.  All the times I feel like I am nagging. And all the times I don’t say anything but just take care of him.  The little glimpses make it worth it all!

and someday his future wife can tell me thank you!  🙂

First Grade Summary (finally!)

 

I have finally packed and shipped Kory’s remaining first grade materials as well as filed and crated things to keep from his school year.  And now I am finally getting around to blogging about Kory’s first grade year even though we haven’t done any official school work for a month now!

Here are some of my favorite memories from Kory’s first grade: 

History:  As we were learning about Abraham and Sarah, Kory decided to ask,  “So who is God’s wife?”

History:  “Kory what are some special things they discovered in King Tut’s tomb.”  Kory’s response:  “Video Games.”

History:  “Kory, what is a nomad.”  Kory’s response: “It is a person who is not mad”.

By the way, I loved Kory’s history curriculum this year as we learned about early civilizations.  Kory kept a history notebook throughout the year. After each lesson, he would draw a picture and try to caption it to reflect what he remembered from the lesson.  Some of his entries were quite comical in what stuck out to him in the lesson. It was neat to review this notebook at the end of the school year to see his progress in drawing, writing, and remembering.

Language Arts:  After reading the book Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to Kory, I asked him how Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle could make his least favorite chore (cleaning his room) fun. His response, “She can’t. She’s not real. She’s imaginary.”  This by the way was one of his favorite books through the year.

History: “Kory, who fought in the Trojan Wars?”  Kory’s response: “The golden apples and the good guys and the bad guys.” (The golden apple was part of the Trojan Wars, by the way).

Science:  “Kory, what measures temperature?”  His response: “A meat eater. Oops, I forgot to take off my dinosaur brain.”

Science:  “I don’t want to be a scientist. The waiting /observing part is boring” as he had to observe and document melting Popsicles for 30 minutes in 10-minute increments.

Writing: “Kory, please write the sentence ‘I fell in the well’.”  Kory’s response: “How deep was the well mommy?”

At the end of the school year, I asked Kory about his favorite memories from first grade.  He immediately had two answers.

The first was when I read him the book The Chocolate Touch.  This is a great book a friend recommended we read when she found out we were learning about King Midas and the Golden Touch!

His other answer was learning about clouds.  Even now while we drive around, the boys will look at the clouds, and I hear them say to each other – I think those are cotton candy clouds – also known as Cirrus clouds.  

My favorite memory of first grade was seeing Kory work so hard on reading. He achieved so much in his reading levels, and I’m so proud of his hard work. I also loved watching him turn his words into writing. This one was my favorite, and, sadly, I had to send it in for a portfolio piece – but I made a copy.

This year we also added a new element into our homeschooling world. We joined a local Christian-based homeschool co-op that meets 8 weeks in the fall and 8 weeks in the spring.  I had fun teaching Kory’s class about Dr. Seuss in the fall and about habitats in the spring, but the best part for me was watching Kory and Cade blossom with some new friendships across all ages. 

That reminds me of one other memory I have from the past year.  Each co-op session starts with the kids reciting the pledges for the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible. 

I wasn’t completely sure it was sticking with Kory at first. And in his own way it was. We were driving one night and Kory started saying the pledge to the Christian flag, threw in a few lines of the pledge to the Bible and finished it with lines from the pledge to the American flag. It was all intertwined. He finished by saying, “mommy, did I say it right?”  All I could do was smile and say, “It’s close enough Kory.” 

Kory will continue with his online school in the fall, and I’m working on setting up some preschool stuff for Cade since he loves to sit and learn with Kory too.  But for now, we are just going to enjoy the rest of the summer and not officially think about school until our second grade materials start to arrive sometime in August!

Update on Cade’s Laser Treatment

 

This update is way overdue thanks to a stomach bug that hit our family this week. UGH! 

Cade did wonderfully with his latest laser treatment!

I will spare all the details of the day, but it was once again full of some waiting, seeing many nurses and doctors, and hoping Cade would wake up better this time around.

Cade playing while he waits

Still Waiting

Thankfully we had an early doctors appointment so the waiting wasn’t too long. The plastic surgeon was able to increase the intensity of the laser to 9.5, and he was able to make 140-some “dots” on Cade’s birthmark.  And best of all, Cade woke up wonderfully from the procedure. He actually was still sleeping when we were able to see him in recovery!!!

After he woke up at the hospital

 

Resting at home

It is now a little over a week later and Cade’s “dots” are starting to lighten!   His next treatment is scheduled for the end of May.  I’ll have to start putting sunscreen on his birthmark when we are outside for extended periods of time.  This isn’t for health reasons but to prevent any suntan on his birthmark.  When we go in May, we want to make sure we are treating his birthmark not a suntan! 🙂

I do have to share my favorite memory of the day.  Actually it started the night before.  Kory prayed, “Dear God, please make my brother brave tomorrow.”  And when we got the boys up at 5:15 to start the process of the day, Kory was right there to help Cade get ready, give him a hug, and let him know he hoped he had a good treatment. 

Kory helping Cade get ready for the day

The boys in their matching hospital socks (thanks to the nurse who sent home a pair for Kory!)

I was so excited when I texted my friend, who had Kory for the day, to share with Kory that his brother was indeed very brave during his procedure!

Mommy…. I have a birthmark…right here…

 

It’s that time again.  Time for another laser treatment for Cade.

Laser treatment Number 9 will happen on Friday.  It will be his second with anesthesia. 

I just wrote our monthly payment to the hospital for his laser treatments. And I have so many thoughts floating through my mind.

Thoughts of wonderful doctors and nurses who provide such great care for Cade and his port wine stain.  Thoughts of a wonderful hospital that has allowed us an outstanding payment plan.  A wonderful insurance company that has not given us any problems with any of his treatments and appointments.  Thoughts of how thankful I am that his port wine stain does not cause any other issues!!!  Thoughts of how far we have come in 8 treatments.

But what really sticks out in my mind today is a simple little phrase Cade said on the way home from an outing this weekend.

“I have a birthmark. Right here”  and he pointed right to his cheek.

This is the first time he has ever openly acknowledged his birthmark. And I have to admit I had such mixed emotions when he said that. 

His birthmark is so much a part of who he is. 

His older brother, Kory, always makes sure to draw Cade’s birthmark into any pictures he draws of his brother. 

When Keith or I pray with Cade at night, we will often stroke his cheek and ask God to continue to make Cade strong and to increase the progress of lightening his birthmark. 

We’ll have friends mention about his birthmark and how it is lightening. We LOVE to hear those comments!!!  It helps us and our doctors know that we are making progress!

Of course, we have the not-so-nice comments we get about his birthmark. Usually from strangers who have no clue. I have heard some crazy things. “I’d hate to see the other guy in the fight.”  “What happened to his face.”  “Did he get burned.”  And these not-so-nice comments have become less and less as his birthmark has lightened.

I’ve had complete strangers come up and talk about friends and family members with birthmarks years ago yet no treatment options.  I LOVE talking to these strangers because they are full of compassion, understanding and encouragement. 

I’ve had children say the cutest things while their parents gasp in the corner.  I remember one little boy who gently said, “oh his face is kind of scary.”  It didn’t bother me. Instead I walked up to the boy, got to his level, and talked to him about Cade’s birthmark.  All while the mom tried to hush him.  I remember turning to her and saying, “it’s okay. I don’t mind.”  All I could think is maybe he’ll understand when he sees the next one. 

So… yes.. .mixed emotions as I recognize that my not-so-little 2 -1/2 year old is becoming more aware of who he is – birthmark and all!

You can read more about Cade’s birthmark journey on my former blog site:

The Wild Side of Cade! – Laser Treatment #8 (Nov. 16, 2010)

Cade’s Upcoming Laser Treatment (Oct. 21, 2010)

Joys of Homeschooling (this week at least!)

 

This week I was reminded of many of reasons I love to homeschool. 

I love watching Kory, who is in 1st grade, learn.

I love learning with him.

I love watching Cade, who is 2 1/2, learn with his brother.

I love that Kory is getting better at reading and chooses to read on his own.  One day he was supposed to be cleaning his room. Instead I heard, “Mommy, can I read a story to my brother?”  I couldn’t refuse.  As I worked in a different room, I could hear the boys laughing together over the story Hot Dog.

I love how Cade enjoys being with us for school. “I do school too, mommy.”  He will curl up with us while Kory is reading one of his books to me.  He will run up to the table and say, “Mommy, I do science too.”  Whether it is math, science, language arts, history, Cade is usually close by with worksheets of his own to work on. 

Now other times he is a typical 2 1/2 year old who would rather be goofy and disrupt his brother from school.  There are many times we have to take breaks because of a strong case of giggles brought on by Cade.

working together to find mass measurements

I love how I am learning about Greek mythology.  Over the past two weeks, I  have learned what “The Midas Touch” means and how a golden apple played a part in the Trojan War.  Why didn’t I ever learn this in school?

learning Greek myths together

 

And I enjoyed watching my boys play together and with others on a fun little outing we had this week. 

playing together at a bounce place

 

What a great homeschooling week we have had.  Hopefully next week will be just as great!

Sacrifices…

 

My house is a disaster.  Unfolded clothes are all over a couch.  My table is scattered with coloring sheets, notebooks, books, and who knows what else.  My boys’ rooms are cluttered with toys all over the floor.  My fridge is running low on groceries.  My office desk has papers all over. I’m so far behind on pulling paperwork together that I normally have done at this point of the year.

But you know what?

I’ve been consistent in my running workouts!  I’ve kept on track with the 6-week running program I picked. I’ve stayed within the interval lengths. I’ve pushed myself to run a bit faster.

I’ve been consistent to spend 2 hours at the gym on Tuesdays, which includes  a 40 minute swim and an hour of cycling class.

I’ve been consistent to eat healthy, which means taking time to cut up fruits and veggies. It also means not giving in to cravings of sweets and carb-filled snacks.  It also means a lot of gum chewing 🙂

And to do that, I’ve had to make sacrifices. 

Do I wish all my clothes were folded? Yep. Do I wish all my dirty dishes were washed? Yep.  Do I wish that I had time to scrub my floor?  Nope – I still hate that chore. 🙂

But they are all sacrifices. I often turn my back on all the “clutter” of things calling for my attention, walk out the door with my boys and head to the gym. 

Does it stress me out a bit when I get home after being at the gym to see it all as a reminder?  Yep.  Does it drive me crazy on our long gym days where we get home almost 2 1/2 hours after we leave home? Yep.

But they are all sacrifices – and thankfully sacrifices that my husband doesn’t mind and is willing to help me with when he can.

And yes… I’m starting to see little progress with those sacrifices… a few extra swim laps without too much effort, a little longer distance on the treadmill, a few pounds lighter. 

The sacrifices are starting to pay off! But now I must go work on folding clothes, sorting paperwork, and cleaning a table because I already got my workout in for the day!!! 🙂

What are you sacrificing to meet your goal?

Welcoming 2011 with One Simple Goal

 

Here it is 2011. I can hardly believe it. 

As I look back on 2010, I am reminded of three major accomplishments I made this past year.

– I re-focused my freelance work.

– I swam in a tri.

                                 

– I finished a 5K with my boys. Literally with my boys as I pushed them in a double jogging stroller up a HUGE hill to cross the finish line!  While my race time was not the greatest, I enjoyed every minute of sharing that 5K with my boys!

It sure took a lot strength to accomplish these three things this past year.  Strength to know when it was time to say “no”.  Strength to focus on training. Strength to ignore the many piles of dishes, laundry, emails and phone calls pleading and screaming for my attention. Strength to just focus on the things that mattered to me – the same things that made me a better – happier – calmer person this past year.

Now I look ahead to 2011.  I have one simple goal for the year: to continue to be healthier in all aspects of my life – physically, spiritually, financially. 

How am I going to accomplish that goal?  I’m still working on that and will probably rework it many times this year. 

I already have a full tri in my sight for the end of the summer. Of course I’m hoping for another 5K – without a double stroller this year!  I’m hoping to work on watching those dollars and cents a bit better and pay more with cash.  I’m hoping to be a bit more consistent in my personal devotions. 

Talk about multi-tasking!! It may take a lot of that this year to accomplish these things while I also maintain my full life of family, homeschooling and writing. 

And it will take a lot of strength. Strength to know when to say “no”. Strength to ignore the piles of dishes, laundry, toys and everything else that finds itself out of its place.  Strength to ignore phone calls, texts and emails.  Strength to focus on the things that make me a better me!

And with that, I’m off to get on the treadmill… I have a tri to get ready for! 🙂

What’s your one goal for 2011 and how will you get there?