The Life Saving Properties of Cornmeal

Ella knows how to clap her hands!
Ella rockin' a ponytail

Even Grandma C. is getting in on the action!

Ella decided to sit right in the middle of the cornmeal. Look at that great big smile!

Will is loading up his dump truck

Having one of those days? Try rummaging through your cupboards to find that old box of cornmeal. Dump it on your floor and let your kids go to town! They will be entertained for hours. Nevermind that you will be finding cornmeal in every crevice of your kitchen for the next 15 years. Yesterday the afternoon was dragging on, so we decided to get creative. Both of the kids loved playing in the cornmeal. My kitchen was transformed into an indoor sandbox. I didn't actually dump it on my floor, in case you are sitting at your computer aghast that I would let my children do such a thing. It started out in a very impractical container and then spread around the house from there. If you want to be smart about it I would suggest using a large container and let the kids dig around in it. Maybe you could hide some "treasures" in there to find. Will liked it so much he wanted to play in the "sand" with his Grandma C. the next day. Carolyn, Will and Ella were all on the floor this afternoon having a good ol' time.

***My dearest Juliette, I went all out to prove to you that this is, at it's heart, a mommy blog.

:) Love, Tonya

Longest Distance to Date: 10 miles

So today I set out on a journey of 10 miles. I filled up my water bottle and headed out the door. On my way out, I said goodbye to Mike and the kids and made sure to sing him a smashing rendition of "Here I Go Again On My Own" by Whitesnake. I even included the screaming falsetto. Yeah, I was pretty impressed with myself. It was in my head because I had no running partner this morning and that song just seemed to fit. About halfway into my run I was going through a list in my head of people I could/should have called to at least run part of the way with me, when what should appear, but a family sedan with four doors and my children so dear. Mike was blasting the Whitesnake song, which was just hilarious. He even brought me a power gel. Talk about true love. I proceeded with renewed vigor in my step. He showed up once more before I headed off down a park trail. This time it was "Eye of the Tiger" coming through the speakers. I love that man!

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em...Champoeg 10k

I couldn't beat all these runners that I am surrounded by, so I have finally decided to join them. Today I ran my first ever 10k. That's right, folks. I am really starting to feel like a runner now. My coach (Mikeluvin) has me on a training plan for a half marathon. This race was to help me prepare for that and see what pace I should run the half marathon. I ran under 9 minute miles, which was quite a surprise. I felt good about the race and I pushed myself to run at a challenging pace. Yes, 9 minute miles or under is a challenging pace for me. I don't have my official time because they don't have the race results up just yet and I forgot to stop my watch at the end of it all, but I glanced at the race clock as I was crossing the finish line and it was under 52 minutes. Mike and William also ran the race and did an incredible job. Mike finished 2nd overall and William finished 4th. I am in the midst of greatness! :)