I absolutely hate reading. Hate it. Reading for pleasure is the worst thing in the world. For example, yesterday I took a bath and read while Ellie was taking a nap instead of cleaning the leaning tower of dishes or folding the multiple loads of laundry that has infested the couch. Did I get up and actually make my house look presentable?! No!!! I sat and read again during both naps. I am so glad to know that I am finally done with this stupid, addicting book that does not let me accomplish anything other than neglecting my adorable child and increasing the size of my bum from sitting on it so much.


I have to admit it has been very nice to just have relaxing time and not have to worry about getting things done. It is just calm before the storm. Classes start next week and so does young womens again. They moved some of the leaders around in the young womens and I am no longer with the Mia Mades (14-15 year olds). I am now with the Beehives (12-13 year old girls) and it is going to be an adjustment. I guess I was just too comfortable in my position because adjusting to a new class has got me all fluttered. It's exciting because I know the girls and they are amazing. But it will be different being with younger girls who have different priorities than the older girls (mainly these younger girls are EXTREMELY boy crazy). 



Ellenor is growing like a weed! I was watching her play the other day and thought to myself, she really isn't a baby anymore. Shes becoming such a little kid and it is just crazy to think about. She is an amazing climber. One of her favorite spots is on top of my text books in between the computer desk and the window. She loves to wave and is a clapping master. Over the past week she has had two teeth poke through with one more close behind. 


She has become such a little cuddle bug and I am soaking it up while it lasts. She is starting to sleep  better at night again which is a welcomed relief. Three weeks straight was a little rough on both Cody and I waking up every hour and sleeping in a recliner half the time.

Saturday Cody and I completed 2 out of 3 events in a Triathlon! Being the great swimmer I am (that is complete sarcasm, I loathe swimming) we decided to do the bike and run portions.

My mother in law was amazing and showed up at our door at 6 AM to wait for Ellie to wake up to take her to her house to play. There was some confusion about where to park for us because we weren’t swimming. We ended up being the only ones to park by the bikes. There was probably about 40 people max that competed. When the first swimmer arrived that was our queue to start biking.  It was all on country roads and was perfect because that is what we ride on all the time. We were at the lead the entire first half and I was getting ahead of Cody. By the time I reached the turnaround point he was a little ways behind me so I waited. We decided that we were going to do this together and just for fun.

I was the 6^th person until I stopped. I am glad that I waited but another part of me was a little upset because I was doing so well and was feeling great! Cody and I are so different and it is funny. I would fall back and ask how he was doing. He would just keep focused and say fine. I like to be distracted, talking, music, anything!

We finish the bike, it was supposed to be 14 miles but I think it was shorter. At least it sure felt like it. We put the bikes in the back of the truck, grabbed a quick drink, and headed out for a good run. I wasn’t sure if Cody was going to run with me or just walk. I was really proud of him when he started jogging with me. My knees were absolutely killing. I even considered walking back to the pick up a few times. After about half a mile they finally stopped throbbing and I was feeling good. We turned onto a canal road and up ahead a little ways was a lady. I made it a goal to catch up to her.

I left Cody behind and just ran. The lady in front of us kept running and then walking. I caught up to her and passed her while she was walking. It felt AMAZING! I was about half way through the run at that point and was feeling great. I kept saying to myself things like “I am awesome! Check me out! I just biked 14 miles and now I am running and feeling great!” I almost felt a little on the mental patient side talking to myself… in my head.

I look back and see that Cody has passed the lady. But I also see two guys about to pass him. All I am thinking at that point is there is no way these guys can pass me! I realize now how ridiculous that was because I had at least a quarter of a mile lead on them. It really was the best and easiest run I have ever had. I am tempted to go on a bike ride before each of my runs because my legs were loose and just ready to go. I loved it.

I finished in an hour and a half. I could have gotten a better time but Cody was doing it with me and I wanted to be with him. Next time I can work on getting a better time but this time was fun and I loved it. I will be doing more in the future!

The race was this morning and it was awesome. I will have to write up an entire post so be looking for a report on our 14.5 mile bike ride and 3.5 mile run tomorrow.

Tonight was surprisingly fun. Cody balanced the checkbook and told me we over spent our budget by a couple hundred dollars (whoops!). So of course we decided to head to the store and spend more money. We got the essentials and made amazing BLTAs for dinner. And I couldn't say no to buying Hunger Games (it was actually my entire reason for going to the store, Cody can't resist these begging eyes). I even made him buy me the one that was $2 more just for the mockingjay pendant. Yea I am sometimes spoiled and I like it. A lot.

And my outfits lately seem to revolve around straight legged jeans and my Dansko sandals. I am just getting my jeans warmed up and ready for fall and boots. Our pumpkins are getting big and turning orange already, doesn't that mean its fall yet?

This week is fair week. Everything gets put on hold while this annual event takes place. Kids work hard all summer long on their 4H projects whether it's raising turkeys, goats, or cows or growing sugar beets. Everyone submits some kind of art or craft, I saw quite a few with handfuls each. People tAke time off of work to work at various booths, mostly the food ones.

The main reasons for the fair are the homemade maple bars, Many different food booths, it is a sicial gathering like you have never seen and the rodeo. Tuesday night Cody and I were able to have some time alone without miss E and it was nice. Everyone needs some alone time every now and then with their spouse. We ate delicious fajitas and an amazing Hawaiian smoothie, piña colada of course. We enjoyed looking at all the different exhibits and paintings. We even bought a dozen maple bars but sadly we had to share them.

Wednesday we took little E, grabbed food and headed straight for the team sorting event. That was almost better than the rodeo and to make it even better it was free! I got to see my friend Kayla ride an cheer her on. Ellie loved just being outside. After Kayla's turn we walked around the fair and found a lot of familiar faces. The funniest thing was at one point we were carrying the babies while the boys pushed empty strollers. I wish I had a picture of those two guys trying to look tough with empty strollers and diaper bags shoved under the seats.

The best part about the fair this year was what happened as we were walking onto the grounds. There were cars stopped at the red light and as the light turned green the cars started to slowly creep along. Apparently it wasn't fast enough for one particular car though. The third car back must not have been paying attention and ran right into the car in front of it. It wasn't a hard hit and there wasn't any damage that we could see. The two cars sat there not moving for a few minutes and no one was getting out. The third car started backing up and we knew it was not a smart move. A car had been slowly approaching right behind this car as it was backing up. The approaching car stops and lays on its horn, it had no where to go, as the car that had hit the one in front of it backed into this poor old man. There was such a loud crunching sound as the hood of the car scrunched up that police from the fair were running right for the road.

We were dying laughing. Why would you back up on a main road? Why would you not just stay put? But most of all why would you not pay extra attention to NOT hit any one else? Two days later and I am still laughing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday morning we decided, well I decided and just convinced Cody, to take Ellenor to the park to swing! It was her first time and she loved it, even though she is not smiling in the pictures. She was talking and kicking her feet the entire time. I am excited to take her back and do it all over again. Weekends are so fun being able to spend time with Cody and just
to constantly have my best friend around.

Ellie has not been sleeping well at all. She is up more than half the night coughing and crying. Last night I attempted to sleep on the recliner while holding her to keep her asleep. She only woke up about every 45 minutes, so a lot better than she has been doing! 

Friday night was no exception. It was a long night and I didn't get up to run. I decided at about 2:30 in the afternoon that it wasn't too hot outside and that I could get my run in while Ellie and Cody were taking a nap. The first mile was awesome but after that I was getting sluggish and just exhausted fast. By the time I hit three miles I was just done. I called Cody to come and get me and right as I stepped into the truck I was crying. I was thinking there is no way I can run 13 miles, I can't even run three. I think my problem was I was so worried about my long run on Saturday that I didn't run for two days and was just psyching myself out. I know I can do it, I just have to not skip days and keep doing it.

I want to move to Iowa. I just got a text and a nice picture from my sister as they were attending a festival. An all you can eat corn festival, who cares what it's all about or for. All you can et corn, I am so there! Now just to convince Cody of the move.

Ellenor has been coughing quite a bit at night and it only seems to be getting worse. She sleeps better when she is in our bed and especially when she is taking over my pillow.

School starts in two weeks and I am excited. I got a few supplies while at the store the other day. It's almost embarrassing to admit how much I love school supply shopping but I will just say that it is very high on my top ten favorite things. I got my last book in the mail today and these two weeks can't just go by fast enough. It has been 3 years since I have been in an actual class and I am getting nervous to have to take notes again.

And only one week from today that I am going to commit physical suicide an attempt a duathlon. Fingers crossed that I survive!

 

 

This morning was started perfectly and it is only 7:11 am (Hey! My birthday!) I came across his video and was just reminded of what is most important. Even with everything else going on, nothing is more important to me than Cody and Ellenor. I love them both and could not ask for a more loving husband or a funner daughter. We are loving every day with our sweet girl and being able to watch her and help her grow is truly the greatest opportunity of all. 

"Rely on Him. Rely on Him heavily. Rely on Him forever. And “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope.” ¹¹ You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging." -Jeffrey R. Holland