2011 Literacy Network Homecoming 5K Race Report

I might have done the silliest thing I've ever done in the history of my training ... I ran my first twenty miler of the year with a speedy friend the day BEFORE I was scheduled for my only 5K of the season (which I had planned on racing, and seeing what I was made of right now). I had signed up for Literacy Network Homecoming 5K (HERE) via a Groupon earlier in the year. $20 for a race ... and for a good cause?! Sign me up! And, I seriously just thought it was THAT cool that there was even a Groupon for a race entry. Awesome.


When I woke up on Sunday morning, I didn't have the kids, the son was shining and my bed was comfy. I thought of hitting the snooze button, and sleeping in. But, I didn't. I cringed as I stepped out bed, thinking my legs, my shins, and my feet were going to be killing me. But, they weren't. What?! Could I seriously go out and run an awesomely fun twenty miler just like that, and not be too sore the next day? Other than my nasty blood blisters on my toes and the sides of my feet, I wasn't too sore. Was walking a little funny, but not sore.


I got dressed in my running gear, ate some peanut butter toast, a banana and some yogurt. Grabbed a water and a Diet Mountain Dew for the road and headed out solo in the Marathon Mommy Minivan.


I headed into downtown Madison and planned to get there thirty minutes before the race. Packet pick-up was the previous two days, so I had already been to State Street on Friday after work, to pick up my packet at Avol's Bookstore (HERE). This might have been the easiest packet pick-up ever, by the way, I was the only person in the store and I got a chance to windowshop on State Street by myself (a rare treat).

I saw the crew huddled on State Street. There was a kids run, as well as 5K and 10K events. I saw several people wiht chips around their ankles. Hmmm .... ? I looked around and saw that there was a spot to grab your assigned chip bracelet. I didn't recall hearing about that at pick-up. But, maybe the information was in my bag that I didn't read. I strapped that on and looked around for a port-o-potty. Not a single one in site. Most of the shops and restaurants on State Street were closed because it was Sunday morning. I guess, this was going to be the first race EVER that I haven't stopped to use the bathroom. It's a good thing that I didn't have to go too bad (in fact, I forgot about it by the time the race started). Always bathroom talk on this blog ... always.

I got to the start line and Bucky Badger (UW mascot) and some UW cheerleaders were there to see us off. Bucky shot the gun ... and we were off. We headed down State Street (a popular street with only foot traffic and tons of local shops and restaurants), with the Wisconsin State Capital building in the background. The trees were in prime Fall color. There were quite a few spectators and families scattered along the entire length of the Street, until we got to Bascom Hill on Campus.

I was not sore and felt awesome. The sun was shining, the temps were good. It was yet another beautiful morning. We headed right, towards the UW Memorial Union, and along the Lakeshore path. The crushed gravel path was scattered with fallen leaves. Lake Mendota's shoreline was to our right, and the UW Campus dormatories were to our left. The race course was an out and back. I crossed the one mile mark around 8:30 and then we turned around, before getting to Lot 60. That turnaround is always fun (not!) and painful. There weren't many women in front of me, from what I observed on the turnaround.

There were a lot of college kids, and even quite a few kids out on the course. There was an adorable little boy out there, right in front of me with his dad. His dad kept telling him how much distance he had left, and the boy kept picking up speed. He couldn't have been more than five or six. He stayed ahead of me til the end, and finished right in front of me. He looked like a little pro in all of his triathlon gear.

We headed back the same way we can and I enjoyed running back up State Street. Guys that finished were cheering for the rest of us that were coming in. We made a right turn and headed to the finish line, where Bucky Badger and the UW cheerleaders were cheering us on.

I knew I wasn't close to a PR (about a minut off, actually), but I felt great ... I finished ... a day after an impromptu twenty miler ... and I enjoyed the beautiful morning. 25:57. Not to0 bad.

I grabbed some Powerade Zero, a veggie delight sub from Subway and some fruit and sat on the steps in an alley and watched other runners some in. It was a fun atmosphere. And, I observed how well the race was organized.

After finishing my goodies, I headed back to my van because I wanted to get a few more miles in around Lake Monona, before I trained a client at Machinery Row.

After I got home from coaching, I headed to the grocery store and headed home to unpack my groceries. Before I did that, I got online to see if the race results had been posted. And, they had. WOW .... they were speedy and well organized!

I typed in my name .... and .... what pops up?!?!?
What?!?!

25:57
61/286 Overall

15/170 Females

1/33 Age Group

Semi-Wordless Wednesday (Start Today)

.... I haven't always run marathons,

stocked the fridge with healthy choices,

or enjoyed being active ....

.... It took focusing on SOMEONE ELSE ....

.... to start focusing on ME ....

You can read about my weightloss journey ...
and my LIFESTYLE CHANGE (HERE).

PLEASE VOTE! Running Diva Mom's been Nominated

SHAPE (HERE) magazine alerted me recently that my blog, RUNNING DIVA MOM, has been nominated as one of the TOP 20 FITNESS JUNKIE blogs. Please take a moment to vote by Oct 28.

The kids & I have a chance to win an American Express gift card and to shoot a video with SHAPE magazine and be featured in an upcoming issue.




THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love, Running Diva Mom, Little Diva & Little Dude

To vote for us, visit (HERE) and click on VOTE HERE and choose RUNNING DIVA MOM.

You can learn more here about the Shape Blogger Awards (HERE).

It's a Lifestyle Change.

I had a race this morning (more details on that 5K later this week), followed by a solo 3 miles while I waited for a client for a coaching session and another 2 miles ... all followed by a weekly trip to the grocery store. I knew my schedule for the day and planned to take my grocery list and my coupons with me when I headed out the door with my running gear. I didn't even think twice about heading to the grocery store in my running gear after 8 miles this morning. The thought never entered my mind to go home and take a shower. Instead, I went there all sweaty, stinky and dressed like this ........


I realized at the check-out that I didn't even take of my race bib and had been wearing it all morning without noticing. I noticed people checking out my compression socks and bright orange running shoes. And, wondered what the heck their problem was. Someone at the check-out asked me if I had just ran a race, and I thought, "Duh! Yep.".

I bought the kids a small pack of donuts for our weekend getaway next week and the cashier asked if I wanted them kept out for my purse, and I said, "No please, those are for my kids". Heck, why would I want donuts for the drive home?!?!?! Then, I asked the bagger to hand me the plastic container of ripe grape tomotoes to snack on in the car on the way home. I was hungry from all that running I did earlier in the day, ya know. Then, I started to chuckle ... I just passed up powdery, sugary donuts for tomoatoes?!?! Seriously?!? Seriously.

I took my groceries to the car and loaded everything into the Marathon Mommy Minivan and headed home. On my drive home, I realized that this truly has become a lifestyle change for me. This was at least the fifth time in a row that I've gone grocery shopping in my running clothes, all stinky and sweaty. In fact, I can't remember the last time I've really run errands in street clothes. And I don't even think about it? Why?! Because, it's apart of my life ... it IS my life!!! Last week, when I was at the same grocery store, several people approached me and were asking me what sport I played. Oddly enough, no one guessed running. Other guesses included tennis and volleyball ... and one guy that just asked if I was trying to bring 80's retro socks back in style.

But, since I've taking up running in 2005, it has gradually become apart of my routine and my lifestyle. And, with the daily excercise, my eating habits have changed, too. I still splurge and indulge (sometimes too much making myself sick). I love ice cream and cupcakes. But, when I feel ill after having two or three .... or four servings, I realize how good "fueling" my body with the right things feels. How eating the right things .... AND moving my body daily helps balance everything out. I don't even think twice about throwing two teeny tiny containers of raspberries in my shopping cart for Little Diva, even though they are 2/$5 ... because I would think it was a bargain if I through 2 bags of chips in the cart for the same amount. So what if she eats a whole container in one sitting.

When I unloaded my groceries, I realized that I really have come a long way. Our kitchen counter is filled with a huge basket of fruit.


Our fridge is filled with more fruits and vegetables. TONS of yogurt for all three of us. Sugar-Free jello that's ready to grab on the go. Enought Diet Mountain Dew to tame my addiction. Powerade Zero and bottled water. Tons of Diet Dew and Coffee and lots of Coffee Mate to get me through my day as a Super Hero (ok, maybe that's not the best thing to have stashed in my fridge ... but there are a lot worse things).

Our fridge and our pantry aren't the perfect picture of healthy choices (like those donuts!), but it is close. I make sure that healthy choices are easily accessible for all three of us. So that we can make good choices.

I keep telling everyone that I coach, that running WILL become apart of their daily routine. That it's not going to happen over night. But, someday you are going to WANT to get out for that run (all on your own). That if you don't get your run in, that you will be crabby. That you will start reaching for healthy foods to fuel your body for a run. That you will appreciate your body for what it is. Some believe me, some have already have seen signs in themselves, and some just laugh at the thought. I loved hearing fromm a client last week, that she saw people out running while she was running errands in her car, and was JEALOUS that they were getting a run in and wanted to join them. That's the lifestyle change that I like hearing about. You can start your new lifestyle TODAY!

What does your refrigerator
say about you?
Have you recently
made a lifestyle change??
.... Or are you still working on it?

20 Mile Run & Half Marathon #14 Report

My friend, Mandy, is training for her first full marathon. We have run a few longer runs together this summer and tried to do an 18 miler two weeks ago. But the downpour when I was at the trailhead, after a coaching session, didn't seem too appealing for a three hour run. I instead opted to go to breakfast with my clients and she opted to do the eighteen miles on her treadmill. I cut my run short and only did seven around my neighborhood that afternoon.

We are both training for the same full marathon later this month. But, I really am toying with the idea of asking at packet pick-up to switch to the half marathon. I've been running consistently, and logging quite a few miles. But, I just don't have enough long runs under my belt to have the confidence to get out there and run 26.2 hilly miles. I haven't run a twenty miler since my training for the 2010 Lakefront Marathon last October.

So, when Mandy asked me to run 20 miles with her this past Saturday, I admit I was a bit scared to agree. But, she admitted she is scared, too. This is her first 26.2 mile journey. So, I wanted to be apart of it. I'm still not sure if I'm doing the full, or the half. But, I wanted to prove to myself that I could just go out there .... And do it!. And, I did....

I picked her up at 8:00 am and we got to the Glacial Drumlin Trail Head in Cottage Grove in about twenty minutes. The beautiful un-fall-like weather continued for the weekend with the gorgeous sun shining down and the temps were going to be in the mid to upper 70's. There was going to be a nice gentle breeze at our backs on the way out and would cool us down on our return.

I made a quick potty stop and downed a gel before we headed out. I gave Mandy one of my precious handheld water bottles and some Sports Beans to try. And we were off.

The first five miles felt great. Mandy dropped her fleece and sunglasses behind the two mile marker. Conversation was awesome, because we always have tons and tons to talk about on our runs. The time goes by so incredibly fast and I rarely look at my watch. I only looked at my watch at each mile marker when she would ask, "How are we doing". We were consistently running 9:30-9:45 min miles. Right on target.

I sipped on a gel from miles 5-7. Around mile seven, when we arrived at Deerfield, we passed a park with a fountain and bathroom, and agreed we would get it on the way back. The crushed gravel under my feet felt great on my joints, but I could feel my ankles getting tired. There were a lot of people out on bikes that morning, but after mile six, the runners were few and far in between.

We finally saw the Mile 10 sign and got all giddy and did the dreaded, painful turnaround. The nice breeze was at our face, but not intense. It felt great. The sun was no longer in our eyes, but was shining down. The fall leaves continued to crunch under my running shoes with every step. Mandy almost stepped on a snake. I saw quite a few fuzzy wuzzy caterpillers that the kids enjoyed meeting and greeting when we were out on the trail the past weekend.

I sipped on another gel from miles 11-12. We stopped in Deerfield at that park and got water, filled up the water bottles, got more water, stretched and got more water. I was thirsty! Then we headed back for our last seven-ish miles. Dreaded last seven-ish miles.

As we headed back to the trail head, we encountered more and more runners. Mandy would've been able to keep up a faster pace, but stuck with me. My hip-flexers were starting to give out and I started to get a side ache from all that water I drank at the park. I did a little complaining, she asked me if I wanted to walk, but I kept on. I'd come too far to decided to walk/run the last bit of our journey together. The last few miles were getting slower, but still a bit consistent. We were running a little over ten minute miles.

At three hours, I glared at my watch in both digust and excitement. This had been the best long run I had ever experienced, but I was ready to be over. I had been seeking 3:20 as our final time and were going to be right on target. I cheered and said, "We have been running for three hours, Mandy!". We both cheered. This was her longest run ever. And my longest in a year.

Mandy picked up her items that were stashed behind the mile 18 mile marker. Mile seventeen felt long, but mile eighteen felt even longer. At one point she asked where the heck the mile marker was. Sadly, we hadn't missed it. There it was, Mile 19. "One more mile to go, Jamie ... you've got this!", she said. Wasn't I supposed be encouraging here?!?!

We saw so many more people out on family walks, riding their bikes, and heading out on training runs those last couple of miles. I just wanted a sign to hold over my head (not that I could get my arms over my head at this point!) that said, "I don't always look this terrible ... really, I don't ... it's not like I just went out and ran 3-4 miles ... I just ran 20 friggin' miles!!".

Mandy reminded me that the Diet Mountain Dew and Powerade Zero that I was craving so much were waiting for me in the Marathon Mommy Minivan. I told her that they would be gone before we left the parking lot.

The dreaded incline in the last 1/4 mile was right in front of us. She reminded me that it was there as I started slowly taking one choppy step in front of the other. Up we went and we got to the top and Mandy cheered. The finish line was in sight. There is literally a line spray painted across the trail ... and I couldn't wait to cross it. And, see that awesome YOU ROCK painted at the trail head!!

And, we did cross it ... 3:22:17 after we started!!!!!!!!!

We grabbed some stuff to hydrate with, walked around the parking lot and I downed the entire Diet Mountain Dew and Powerade Zero, as promised, before we left the parking lot. A nice guy who was racking up his bike agreed to take our photo.

I went home, took a nice hot shower, made a small lunch and sat out on my deck with a book. I was given Water for Elephants to read. Because, I'm told I never take time for myself to relax and rest. Which I admit is true. I'm already half way done and am enjoying the book, and the moments of relaxation. As I read with my book on my lap, my feet were absolutely disgusting. My bunions were hurting and the blisters on my one toe and the sides of my feet were nasty.

This reading session fit perfectly with the theme of my 5K run on Sunday morning, because I was scheduled to run the local Literacy Run in downtown Madison. I was not sure how I would feel on Sunday morning after the twenty miler and a fun night out with friends.

Stay tuned.

BEST
Twenty Mile
Training Run ...
&
Half Marathon
#14
D-O-N-E

CEP AllSport Calf Sleeves from SportsCompression.com

I always love working with David and his awesome products at SportsCompression (HERE). I had never tried sleeves before. I love the look and comfort of compression socks, but I wasn't sure I'd like the sleeves and the fact that they were separate from my running socks. But, they worked well. And, they looked even cooler. How fun would these be in bright pink or neon green?!? And, yes ... check out the CEP AllSport Calf Sleeves (HERE) to purchase them in bright pink or neon green! If you aren't that brave, they also sell the white version like I have, as well as black.

The CEP AllSport Calf Sleeves retail for $45, but SportsCompression.com is selling them for $39!
Start Shopping NOW!!! They qualify for free shipping ... and SportsCompression.com is offering you a 30 day money back guarantee!


I measured my calf and I wear a size 10 shoe. I was sent a women's size III AllSports Sleeve in white to try out. Size III sleeves fit 12.5-15 in circumference (widest area of calf). There are three sizes available for women (II, III and IV). There are also three sizes available for men.


Flat stitching makes them comfortable. The breathable material makes them comfortable while you run and they material is also fast-drying post work-out.

Compression sleeves let your muscles breathe, while increasing your performance during a training run and also minimize muslce vibrations. Wear them after your long runs to regenerate quicker. Research shows they may even help you run easier. Hmmm??

About SportsCompression.com:

Our company was formed in 2008 with the passion to bring quality products to athletes just like us. Through our quest in testing products for our own personal use we decided to sell only the top items we have experienced and focus solely on compression sportswear given the increased category importance.

Every athlete can benefit from compression and we want to give athletes an experience where they trust the products offered and feel safe knowing the company behind them supports the customers needs. It's our goal to be a favorite on the internet for niche products that can make a positive impact in an athletes performance.

Have you tried compression sleeves?
Do you like them better/worse
than compression socks??

Preppy Argyle Running Skirt & RunLove Compression Socks Review

Lately, I've been seen EVERYWHERE in my running clothes. I wear them to train in, to race in, to run errands, to dinner, on dates ... yes, EVERYWHERE! Running, training and coaching has become my life this year ... literally my second job ... so I change at the office from my work attire to my running attire (usually a Running Skirt, compression socks and a Bondi Band) and then head out the door for an entire night of running and multi-tasking when I don't have the kids. So, why not look cute while I'm running around stinky and sweaty?!?!?!?


Running Skirts (HERE) aren't only a trend ... they are a lifestyle. Fashion, function, fit!!!!! I love the Running Skirts brand because they are comfortable and fit perfectly. The briefs and shorts underneath are super comfortable and breathable as well. The patterns and bright, vibrant colors that they are offer are just too cool not to pass up and definitely make a statement.

I loved the length of the Preppy Purple Argyle Skirt (HERE) that I received. The fit was awesome and the length is FANTASTIC. I love running skirts, but sometimes am still self-conscious by them bouncing around while I run. The length and the shorts/briefs underneath work well to prevent chaffing and don't ride up much. I ocassionally need to pull them down ... but I'm never tugging at them while I'm running. The skirt also has a nice pocket for gels, iPods, etc. I personally have never used it, since I prefer to put everything in the pocket of my handheld water bottle.

This skirt retails for $58.00 on the Running Skirts website.

I have been in LOVE with my purple RunLove Compression Socks (HERE) from Running Skirts. I have a few other pairs of compression socks from other companies and I adore these babies. The color is fun and the heart accents are adorable. I receive so many comments on these at races and while I'm out training. Some people snicker, some people just smile, but most say, "nice socks". They are comfortable, even for long distances and they've been great even in the heat. They breathe really well. I wore them the whole second half of the summer. And, I really love them for Spring and Fall months when the weather can be iffy or cool. They are a great alternative to wearing running tights under your skirts or shorts. They don't move, slouch or pinch. I didn't say they weren't hard to get on/off, though. They are available in the funnest (yes, I'm making that a word today!) colors around: pink, blue and purple.

These socks retail for $32.00 on the Running Skirts website. And, the more you buy, the more you save!! Check out the specials they are running (pun intended!) right now. Get a group of your running buddies together and place an order. Ok, I give you permission ... go ahead ... flaunt your stuff out there on the road. If I lose these next ten pounds that I've been trying to get off ... I'm treating myself to the blue pair.

Many of you have tried running skirts and compression socks.

Which is your favorite?

What do you like/dislike about the ones you've tried??

Wordless Wednesday

Unplug and get outside!

Like many of you, I have a tough time tearing my kids away from the computer, games on the wii and endless programming on The Disney Channel. I may be contradicting myself by having just invested in cable tv for the next six months (Hey -- I got a fab six month deal for the Wisconsin winter!) ... But .... I find it super important to get the kids outside and keep them active. Even if it's just walking, hanging out at the park or playing with friends in the neighborhood. I try to get them outside every day, for as much time as I can. In the warmer months we even tend to eat most of our meals outside (less clean-up = bonus!).

The first weekend of October was GORGEOUS here! The sun was shining and the temps were in the 50's and 60's. Absolutely beautiful. It was a perfect weekend to be enjoying eachother's company OUTSIDE! I let the kids spend an hour both mornings on the computer and watching tv while I did what I needed to around the apartment, but after that WE WERE OUTSIDE!

Saturday was spent all day at the pumpking patch with friends (more on that later). And, Sunday was spent just the three of us, enjoying eachother ... and enjoying the outdoors.

Sunday morning the kids and I met up with several ladies that I'm coaching throught the local rec program and their families (no pic - sorry!). The kids joined us on their bikes as we ran their longest run to date on a local path. The kids had fun meeting everyone .... and of course they got to enjoy the local park afterwards. It was a win-win for all of us.

I did some quick research online and found a small apple orchard outside of Cottage Grove, WI (HERE). Door Creek Orchard had just enough to keep us busy for an hour or so (about as long as my kids attention span will last while picking apples!). We explored the lower and the upper orchards, visited the farm animals and took in the country BEAUTIFUL scenery (WOW!).

They each got their own bag to fill with the yummy teeny-tiny apples of their choice and we had a blast tasting the fresh fruit right off the tree. My brown-nosing daughter also picked an apple to give to her second grade teacher the next morning. And, of course, we took the opportunity to pose under a pretty apple tree.

We then headed over to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. This is one of my favorite places to visit this summer. But, I have never taken my kids with me. I do a lot of my longer runs by myself or with friends on the trail. And, I've been meeting many of my clients that are training for 5Ks at the trail head in Cottage Grove. They love the country scenery and how beautiful and peaceful it is on a Sunday morning. I wanted to show the kids what beautiful scenery my clients and I are experiencing and enjoying. It also gave me an opportunity to explain to them a little bit about why I coach and why I enjoying helping people achieve their goals. I told them about all of the neat men and women I've met throughout this opportunity I have been given.

The kids and I "hiked" along the trail and looked at nature. They saw some bunnies and I told them that I've seen a lot of little critters while I've been out running mile-after-mile. The deer at dusk have startled me and I've dodged chipmunks left and right.

Little Diva found a "fuzzy wuzzy" caterpillar and was happy she rescued it before the cyclists came by. We found him a nice shade tree and all watched him as he crawled up and away to safety.

I showed the kids the awesome YOU ROCK greeting that had been painted at the trailhead. It always makes my running buddies and I smile as we finish up each and every run. I then told the kids how much THEY ROCK for agreeing to turn off the tv and the computer (even if they did whine a bit before piling into the Marathon Mommy Minivan!!) and getting outside with me. Just think of the things they would've missed out on that day. The little creatures they saw, the experiences we had together, the smiles and laughs we shared. They agreed that mommy was right. We'll see if they remember that little discussion next time!

And, tonight after an eight hour day at work and school, being a single parent training for another half marathon .... I still had to run tonight. And, you know what?!?! They happily agreed to go on a four mile family fun run with me around the neighborhood. No whining ... no questioning me ... just miles of smiles!!!!

Given Brand Pocket Winner ...

I was recently given the opportunity to review an arm pocket from Given Brand. You can read all about my fabulous experience HERE.

Please visit Given Brand online HERE and start shopping.

There were 98 entries in my recent giveaway. One winner was chose at random to receive a Given Arm Pocket of their choice!

Random.org chose ……..

Sarah @ A Runner's Heart (HERE)

Congratulations!!! Please email me at ( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) with your name, email and mailing address. And, I will get you your prize!

Thank you for following my journey!!

[If you would like YOUR product or website featured on Running Diva Mom, please email me at
( runningdivamom at yahoo dot com ) ]

You are my "Sonshine" ... A Date with Little Dude

It had been awhile since Little Dude and I had headed out on the town together ... other than running to the bank, Target, the post office. I had spent the evening before getting my shopping done, errands run and cleaning completed so that I could spend Friday with him, clear of distractions and obligations, while Little Diva was in school. I wanted to be able to focus on him and have an experience that involved only US. So, we went on a date.

For lunch, I told him that we could go anywhere except for McDonalds. He chose Culver's. NOt for the custard, but he was craving some chicken and rootbeer. We did some seek-n-finding in his book while we shared our chicken tenders basket. Good food, good company.

My favorite part of dining at Culver's isn't the tasty Butter Burgers or the custard ... it's the fact that they have Diet Mountain Dew on tap!

After lunch we headed to a local outdoor mall to window shop and get some steps in ... while holding his chubby little hands. We stopped off at a cute pumpkin display to snap some photos. Seeing his high-water pants from last Spring make me realize just much he's grown over the summer and how much he's grown up, too. He still has his moments that frustrate me, moments of complete chaos and randomness .... but, he's getting to be such a big boy and I'm seeing the kind of COOL kid he's going to be.

Your rhaspy voice.
Your inability to control your volume.
Your love for everything girly your sister does & enjoys.
Your obsession with your blanket that tastes like corn?!
Your pants that are too short.
Your nose that curls up when you smile, just like me.

Oh, Little Dude,
You are my "sonshine" .... !!!

I told Little Dude that he could join me on a trip to Starbuck's. I was so excited that my favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte was back in season (skinny skim, no whip!) and told him that he also could get a "coffee" with a green straw. I'm not sure if he was more excited about the tasty beverage or the green straw. He was so cute waiting for his drink to be made and for his "kids hot chocolate" to be called.

The fall afternoon was GORGEOUS! We were able to enjoy our tasty hot beverages outside on the patio and I snuggled up with my "sonshine" in the warm sunshine. We talked about our plans for the weekend over some of his hot chocolate burps and I got to hold his chubby little hands as we walked around the outdoor mall.

The best part of the day was the random "I Love Yous" from across the table and from the backseat of the Marathon Mommy Minivan. He enjoyed his time as much as I did.

Someday, you will
outgrown my lap ...
But, you will never
outgrow my heart.