Back to school - ALREADY?!

Emma wanted to start the school year with a new haircut, and she opted for a much shorter cut this time. She's been growing out her bangs for well over a year now, and they were finally long enough that - with this cut - her hair is all one length. I love it!

For us, the new school year always begins with a fun tradition - opening the "Schultute" - the night before the first day of school. (Click here to see previous year Schultutes and what it means.)

It was a beautiful morning - the first day of 3rd grade! We were up so early that the kids had time to play in the backyard.

Emma purchased her own outfit for the first day of school. She was so proud to spend her own money! When did she get so big?!?!

Emma with her 3rd grade teacher - Mrs. Menke.

Nate wishing Emma a good day.

As Nate and I pulled out of the parking lot, I was very tearful. I love having Emma home in the summer, and another school year means she is growing up way too fast! Nate and I spent the morning at the park...then rushed over to get Emma (thank goodness for a half day) and we all headed to the pool. Overall, the first day of 3rd grade was a great day.

Drive in movie

For one of Emma's last days of school, her class had a drive in movie. So all the kids made cars out of boxes. This is Emma's creative idea!

2nd grade field day

The pictures say it all....it was a FUN day!!!!

My First 5K as Race Director

Seven months ago I jumped in both feet to coordinating and directing a 5K fundraiser for Emma's school. Lots of people told me it couldn't be done...that we wouldn't make any money...and it would cost thousands of dollars to put on.

From the beginning I called the 5K "God's event" and felt confident we would see success. I forged ahead despite all the nay-sayers and formed a wonderful committee with some godly, hard-working moms. We went to work!

The end result was a 5K fun run that took place this morning in Monument Valley Park. It only cost us $2,000 to host, and we raised $15,700! Yes, you read that right! Through corporate sponsors, registrations and a pledge contest among the elementary students (they raised $6,500 on their own), we raised $15,700!!!! And we had 250 participants!!!

Highlights of the event were live music by Christian recording artist (and CSCS alum) Danny Oertli; the Chick-fil-A cow handing out coupons and helping us start the fun run; lots of freebies from our corporate sponsors, including goodie bags with great coupons; the 2011 Colorado Marathon winner (and my dear friend) Connilee Walter as our lead rabbit; free massages from Rockrimmon Chiropractic, a beautiful course along the river and through the trees with a view of Pikes Peak, and gorgeous weather!

God blessed us ways in we never imagined, and yet I dreamed big and prayed big and believed God would show up big. And when God does big, He does BIG!

This is my 5K committee. I am blessed to call them my friends and to have their wonderful ideas and hard work on my team.

Chalking the starting line.

Danny Oertli added so much fun and excitement to the morning.

My parents and sister's family came up from Pueblo. My Dad had double knee replacements four months ago, and he walked the entire 5K! I was so proud of him and his accomplishment. This was also the first 5K for my mom and my sister's entire family! They were awesome!

The Chick-fil-A cow added lots of fun for the kids. Take note of my shirt and visor, which both say "Race Director." Tim surpised me with them last night. I loved it!

Tim and his business partner, Jack, were our premier sponsors. Rockrimmon Chiropractic is awesome!!!

Nate and Tim cheering on the runners and walkers.

My sister Cynthia and niece Samantha.

Mom and Dad with my mother-in-law pushing Nate.

I love this picture of my Dad!

My sweet friend, Connilee, as our lead rabbit. She won the Colorado Marathon 2 weeks ago!

My brother-in-law Jeff with Emma and my niece.

My sister-in-law Judi!

My niece Jesse.

Danny Oertli having a great time playing some great music!

Emma sprinting to the finish.

And her time is...37:18! Well done Emma on your first 5K!

Some of the finest walkers on the course!

My niece Jesse finished in 30:02.

Jesse helping her Mama across the finish line.

Me and Kalie and Emma after their great finish. (Kalie finished just ahead of Emma.)

Me and my dear friend Stephanie. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders!

Free massages from Rockrimmon Chiropractic.

Part of the 5K volunteers. CSCS produces the finest volunteers I've ever had the pleasure of working with!

Emma and her cousin Sam.

Nayda works for Tim. She brought her husband and three of her five kids out to run. They did great!

I want to give God all the praise and glory for the success of the 5K fun run. He has been so gracious to us, and I look forward to what He will do next year. But for now....I need a LOOOOOONG nap!

From THAT to THIS

This time last year I was training for my first-ever 5K. It was called 5K on St. Patrick's Day, which I chose because it was a completely flat course (hard to find in Colorado) and the weather was perfect for spring running. It was a great experience and ended up being the first of 6 races that I would run last year. I planned to do the same race again this year.

But...here we are...one week from the St. Patrick's Day race...and I have yet to sign up. It's not from lack of motivation or training. I continue to run 5 or 6 days a week and often run 5Ks as a regular part of my workouts. This is where I went from THAT to THIS.

Last year I was just a runner. This year...I find myself still running...but I am now also coordinating a 5K. COORDINATING. Not just helping. Not just being on a committee. I am THE race director. I don't say this with great pride...but with fear and trembling!

It all started when I ran a 5K fundraiser last year for a friend's school. She mentioned to me how much money the school made on that race, and I thought, "Why are we not doing this for Emma's school?" I suggested the idea to a friend, who is the PTO president, and she suggested I propose such an event at a PTO meeting. (Little did I know at the time that proposing the idea also meant coordinating the event. Lesson learned!)

So here we are...5 months into planning our event...2 1/2 months to go till race day...and I have yet to sign up for a single race this year. I am neck-deep in 5K planning and fundraising. It's fun...it's all-consuming...its rewarding...its my new passion.

I used to be a THAT (beginning runner), now I am a THIS (5K coordinator). It's weird to be on this side of things, but it has given me great appreciation for the people who host race events. So next time you are on the race course, thank those volunteers. They've put countless hours, time and energy into you having a great race experience.

P.S. For more information on the 5K FunRun I am coordinating for Colorado Springs Christian Schools, click here. We would love to have you join us!

Speech Meet Finalist!

I am so excited to tell you that Emma won her class speech meet. She recited Psalm 100 and won her category in class. Now she gets to go to Woodland Park next week and compete against other 2nd graders. We are so proud of Emma's hard work and the fact that she is learning to hide God's Word in her heart.