BurgerFest!

Today was BurgerFest, and while I didn't get any photos, it was a blast! We had the Sixel Family over for a "sleepover" on Friday night and then they stayed and watched the kiddos for us while Mackenzie, Brian and I ran the "Bun Run 5K" in drizzly weather. It was a poopy weekend for weather, but fun just the same!

I know it isn't like me not to get photos, but I was preoccupied with going to get Alex in Chicago late in the day...he cam home from a Theater Arts camp in Missoula Mountana! :)

WINGS

For the past 3 years, a customer of my fave online children's clothing boutique, Eden's Bouquet, has been photographing a calendar for a group called WINGS located in the Chicago area. WINGS is dedicated to ending domestic violence and homelessness and currently serves women and children in need from over 400 families. Astoundingly, they receive around 200 phone calls per month from women in the Chicago area looking for a safe place for themselves and their children. This year they have decided to do an online vote for the calendars. They are trying to drive traffic to their site to raise awareness and help women and children in need.

If you have a blog, please consider posting the voting information to help this wonderful cause.

Voting will start today, August 5th, at 9am CST and will end August 10th at 5pm CST. Please vote here.

Thank you so much for your support!

Some walking

Today we went walking for 3 1/2 miles. It was supposed to be about a mile and a half run, but our bodies were just saying "no". Like, literally. We could hear them yelling. :) But we ran maybe a mile and walked the rest, for a total of 3 1/2 miles.

Family Photos

In the beginning of July we had some family photos taken by Nicholas Norbert Photography. He is a photographer just starting out...and I think he did a great job!

Started running (I know...again!)

We started running again today. Funny to be saying that, since we are actually running in a race this weekend. It is the Bun Run race and it is only a 5K. But still. Running isn't like riding a bike. We ran 3 1/2 miles tonight, and I only made it to about 2 1/2 before I needed to walk. It was just so humid and sticky, I couldn't stand it. Hopefully Saturday is a better race day. We run at 8 am! :)

Kenzie and Juliet

Just some pictures of Kenzie from her lesson today with Juliet...

Understanding Happiness

I think I have mentioned sparkpeople.com on the blog at least once. I love getting their emails everyday...makes me think. Especially in these times where it seems like everywhere I turn, someone is being affected by this gosh darn economic crisis.

Happiness is a state of mind, not a way of life or a destination that you'll reach one day. Bumps in the road of life are to be expected, and we cannot let them ruin our days. We often think that if a combination of factors would just fall into place THEN we would finally be happy.

Satisfaction can only come from within, through truly accepting yourself, your life, and your circumstances. During this life you'll have many hard days--long work days, sleepless nights, worrying about the future, etc.

This week, think about the joys of your life. Find creative ways to enjoy the little bumps in the road.

Dirty Jobs...where are you???

Okay. This is really disgusting. We have a beautiful pond in the backyard. But it started growing and floating some "stuff" in it. You know. Plant matter, frog guts, etc. So, Brian decided to drain it, muck it out, and start all over. Easier said than done. He reversed the pump on the waterfall and shot all this junk out all over the lawn. Lovely. Now, he is shoveling up stuff that he says resembles petroleum oil and moving it into the back of the property. I went outside tonight and said "Ewwwwhhhh...that smell GROSS!". He says, "No. It was gross the first day. It smelled just like diarrhea.". Ahhhhh. Thanks for clarifying. :)

Alex's surgery

These two photos are taken after surgery...

On Friday Alex had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids. Although it is a very short procedure (20 minutes) it is pure torture for a mother. And now we are patiently trying to get him back to 100% in lightning fast time...he leaves on Sunday, August 2nd, for Missoula, Montana!

This was taken just before surgery...

County Fair

On Thursday night we went to the Outagamie County Fair, which just so happens to be right here in lil' ol' Seymour! What could be better than bright lights, fast rides, funnel cakes, corn dogs and family on a warm summer night???