Mississippi Blues Half Marathon...

I twisted Matt's arm into a half marathon by telling him that he had worked way too hard this past spring/summer and then throughout football season to just take a break until time to get ready for football season again.  I thought marathon training would keep us motivated/running through the winter as well as help us keep off some holiday pounds because it's no secret we both LOVE to eat!!!  The thought of 13.1 miles is not near as exciting to him as it is to me, but he agreed.  We used a 10 week training plan, stayed really disciplined, and honestly, it was so much fun for both of us.  As a matter of fact, I think we are both really sad it's over and trying to figure out what to do next.

On Friday we picked up our race packets...this is the point that I always get nervous.  I start wondering...what is the weather going to do? what is my body going to do? what if I get a blister? what if I get sick?  And so on...

Considering many of our long runs were below 40 degrees and even some snow and ice, we were thrilled to wake up to 55 degrees on race day.  However, 90% to 100% chance of rain was a little disappointing.

We had trained too hard to let anything stop us.  We threw on our ponchos and headed to the start line...

Needless to say we were not the only ones at the start line in our ponchos...

It was a steady rain the entire time, but it was never just a downpour.  We actually wore our ponchos the entire time, which helped our clothes stay dry.  Our socks/shoes were wet, but we were never cold/miserable...thank goodness!!!

We were happy to see my co-worker, Helen, around mile 7 and then Matt's referee, Art, around mile 12.  Always fun when someone comes out to see you on the course...

We can now mark running 13.1 miles in the rain off our bucket list...ha ha!!!  We had a great race, we felt great the entire time, and surprisingly, Matt even told me the day after that maybe just maybe he could do a full marathon with me...what????  I'm a bit excited about that even if he hasn't committed...

Basketball...

Today Cooper said "Mommy, what is your favorite sport to watch me play?"  I told him I like watching him play every sport he plays.  I always thought I would like one over the other, but honestly, I just like watching him play them all.  Every time he steps on a field or court, he gives it his all.  NEVER do we have to tell him to focus, play harder, hustle, etc.  Whether he does something great or not, I just want him to do his best and have fun while playing...and that, he does!!!

The introduction at the beginning of each game is so fun for the boys...

Along with saying their name, they say a nickname...

Cooper "defense machine" Calvert...

I love his excitement at the beginning of each game...he is always introduced first, and he high fives everyone as they run out.  

He really is a great defensive player so typically Matt has him guard one of their best players if not the best player.  Today, he stepped it up and guarded a really athletic little kid.  At times he got frustrated, but he never gave up...

Yes, I pick my battles.  I know he looks like a clown from the waist down, but it is what it is.  We tell him people are going to make fun of him, and he says...so!!!

I can promise you the floor is clean when Cooper leaves the gym...he is going to go after every single loose ball.  Like I said, we never have to encourage him to hustle.

This game was a bit intense for me...these two gave each other a run for their money.  At one point #12s dad yelled, that is two fouls...get him out of there.  At this age they don't keep up with fouls, and I'm pretty sure if they did, it would be five fouls.  But whatever, the ref said to Cooper...watch your pushing.  And the ref said to #12, quit the elbowing.  It for sure went both ways.  At the end of the day, they are 7 years old...why does it have to get so ugly and not to mention we are at church league basketball?

He could use a little work on his dribbling...at home, he does great.  However, in the games, he dribbles so high sometimes.  

And we are all yelling...SHOOT THE BALL, COOPER!!!  Like I said, he likes defense and 9 times out of 10 he will look for someone to pass it to rather than shoot.

And then there was the moving pick being set...ha ha!!!

Feet in the air giving it all he had...

From time to time, #12 would get by him...not because Cooper didn't try.  

He actually dribbled and took it the goal a little more today...

I think Cooper was as relieved as me when they switched, and he got to guard someone else as well as someone else guard him.

Not sure what this face is all about, but we sure are enjoying basketball season.  We have a great coach/assistant coach (Matt), an awesome little team, and the best group of parents.  Looking forward to our last two games!!!

Snow Day #2...

Hard to believe, but we have had not one but two snow days this winter.  However, this one was not near as exciting because honestly, we are just over the cold!!!

Jumping for joy that a 3 day weekend turned into a 5 day weekend.  They may not be jumping so high when they realize they have to make up these days.

While Matt and the kids were at home enjoying their snow day I actually had to work from 8-12.  Not every day do I get to work and watch it snow out my window so it wasn't too bad for a couple hours.

Although it wasn't the 6 inches we got last time, it was still a pretty "dusting"...

The kids got all bundled up and went outside to play...within 10 minutes, they were back inside because it was FREEZING!!!

The snow was like powder...

Catching a snowflake or two or three...

They begged and begged and Matt finally agreed to go out for a few minutes...

I enjoyed watching and taking pictures from the back door...

Matt was like "please don't throw another snowball at me"...

But they just kept on keeping on...

Oh the smiles...

Making sure his snowball is just right...

Running from Cooper...

And a few kicks before calling it a day in the snow...

Saving the best for last...to top off our snow day excitement, these two called to tell us they got engaged!!!