Delaware Dash 5k

It's official: Colten and I ran our first race AND our first race together this last Saturday morning :)

Colten asked me to run with him for the Delaware Dash 5k. I said YES of course. I love to run.  We were able to raise money for his school, get some bonding time in and we BOTH learned what the word PACE means.

I (Sharin) used to run track when I was younger.  I was a SPRINTER not a long distance runner. So this is pretty much all new to me. This is new for Colten too. Colten has NEVER actually run before. The only running experience Colten has is running away from my fly swatter !

This was a great experience for us both. We did some training together. This, I will say, was difficult. Difficult because I was training a 9 year old. 

At first he wouldn't pace. He kept sprinting. We couldn't get in an entire 3 miles at all. He kept giving up on me.

But he got better. He became 'trainable'. I'm not saying I'm perfect but THIS race was for him. Which meant we ran this together. 

And right there I take that ALL back. This race was for me too. I had a blast. I learned a lot. I plan on running more. 

This was tough on my fairly newly just had a baby body. I honestly thought my hips were going to break during this run. I was in a little pain after the race throughout the next day. The only thing I could think of... I'm old...I just had a baby 5 months ago. I'm hoping this is the case because I definitely don't want anything standing in my way of running with my kiddo.

This was an awesome experience. I loved every minute of it. Being out in the open running with my oldest. Sharing a passion for running. It couldn't get any better than this!

Fortunately I had some juice left! I think Kale took about 10 pictures of me messing around right before finishing. I had to let my little man slow poke catch up! WE WERE CROSSING THIS FINISH LINE TOGETHER!

On a serious note: Race wasn't bad. I could have done about a mile more and then I think I would of collapsed! At the end of the race Colten was pooped. I was pooped. We both could have ran some more. I think this is a great thing!

Colten's teachers and friends were giving him thanks, praise, and high-five's all over the place. They were so proud to see such a dedicated 9 year old actually running the race like a mini-pro. ( he was one of about 3 kids {at least 30 kids ran that day} who actually took this race in a serious manner) I was and am so proud of my son!

We finished up strong! Not really. We should have but this was supposed to be fun not torture. We got really silly for the last stretch of this race. We did clown around a little. Could have brought our time down by maybe a few minutes but we were having so much fun we didn't bother with it. A good friend told me not to worry about TIME...Have fun and at least run the 3 miles. Progress rather than perfection. And I love her for that.

Our official time was 37:10. 

I couldn't be more proud!!!

After the race we met up with Kale, Tyler and little Morgey Poo. Colten and I chowed on fresh cut pineapples. Talk about delicious! Thanks to Kale for slicing, dicing and remembering to bring fresh fruit.

Little Jenny Jumper

I splurged a little the other day.

I got Morgan a Jenny Jumper. It was all Kale's idea actually. He has been begging me for weeks to get her one. I honestly thought she was too little to be in one of these.

Apparently not! 

Sharin's Career

For most of you who know me {Sharin - the main author of our family blog} knows I love to blog. I love getting a little crafty now and then. I LOVE photography. I love to sew for fun.

What also interests me?

The DESIGN elements of blogging.

Our new family header made by { me }!

I have made I dunno probably 30 million changes to my blogs look over this last year. I love designing what I can when I can. I could do this all day long!

I also had the pleasure of creating an entire blog look for my sister-in-law's blog:

Granted these aren't professsional. When I say professional I mean I don't have the skills, degree, or the software/programs to create the real deal.

They are pretty good considering the only programs I own are Picasa 3 to create anything for blogger. Picasa is free through google. And saying that I am an amateur. 

I recently had a comment from someone saying : well if I had photoshop like you....

I currently do not own any Adobe programs other than Lightroom 4. I have some trial versions I toy with but do not own any of them.

The program package is $2599.00 minimum that I will need and of course I wouldn't buy something like that for "fun".

now getting to the reason for this post:

I am currently considering getting my degree in Web Design & Interactive Media.

Why?

I do have a  passion fory for the posts themselves because I love blogging and love keeping our family up to date.  I am also absolutely intrigued with the way these templates are formed and how they look. I would give anything to be able to design just one with a professional program and the know-how.

I do plan on creating a career/business with this degree. I will possibly work under someone until I have enough experience to have my own business and name.

Kale and I are weighing our options now. We will have a decision made here shortly. Kale is the master mind behind our finances/savings/future and well being of the financial aspects as a family. He is the reason I am able to understand what it means to save/spend wisely/plan for our future and our kids future.

Spending this kind of money towards a degree like this is something he first thought wasn't profitable. As he looks into it further he is beginning to realize my vision. My passion. This is everywhere. Almost every business these days HAS a website.

This degree would be completely online. It is really expensive. I don't want to go to a land college for this especially having the 3 kids to care for. One reason it's so expensive.

I would like to have a career so that we can see more of daddy instead of him constantly working.

Over this last few years I have started realizing that nursing is just not my style. Daily I think, 'what is it that I will do with my life career wise?'

Daycare was an option. I do love my little daycare. The sweet babies. The time with Morgan. But my daughter will grow. My boys will move out. All my children will go to college. And I will be stuck with babies?

No.

Then I looked into Human Resources. But not really hitting that bell I was looking for.

I believe this is my calling. I am going to let go and trust the Lord with the passion he has given me in designing.

LOVE,

US

Bumbo

O.K. I've never used/owned/borrowed one of these awesome things before but I finally have a BUMBO!

Thrilled I am and useful this is.

WOW. Is all I can say about this weird looking invention.

I absolutely love this thing. I still refer to it as a thing.

Morgan's first time in her Bumbo was good. She actually loves it. I love it. I think daddy loves it too.

Now she can sit table top and watch me cook. Watch the boys eat. And without having the expense of a high chair before we actually need one.

Morgan and Her Bumbo:

I honestly don't think she knew what to think!

I bought this thing almost a month ago (late post) and it's been awesome to us. I can put her in this thing and take care of all kinds of stuff knowing she isn't going anywhere. At least right now she's not. This is her high chair right now.

Well this mom personally thanks the creators of " THE BUMBO"

Remembering April

This month is a special month for Sharin. I will never forget a particular day...

April 14, 2010

On this day 2 years ago two special things happened in my life. I graduated drug court and got engaged!

Drug court was horrible. It was long. It was devastating and miserable. It changed my life.

I had a rough - I would say - 10 years of drug and alcohol abuse. I was in some pretty bad places. Dark places. I never ever want to be there again.

I will skip the drug abuse part and skip straight to my arrest. January 9, 2009. I will never forget the feeling of having Task Force surrounding my house. My child was taken. I was relieved. Scared. Ready for change. 

When I got in front of the Superior Court Judge in Vanderburgh County, Indiana I was given 2 choices. I could take jail time of up to 6 years and probation for 2 years. { Being that I was a first time non-violent offender I wouldn't have been in jail very long. Probation probably would have let me pay them all my fine money and I would have basically walked away from some really serious charges}

~OR~

I could serve 18 months of Day Reporting Drug Court.

I chose to serve Drug Court knowing I wouldn't be able to touch drugs while in the program. I knew I had to get sober. It wasn't an option. If I failed this program I would definitely serve the maximum sentence allowable in Prison. If I successfully completed Drug Court they would drop all charges completely.

If I chose the other route, yes, I would basically be off the hook. I would have freedom. I could have gone back to my old life of drugs and alcohol. But my arrest charges (6 total) would have remained permanently on my record for the rest of my life.

I'm glad I chose Drug Court. Had a rough time but managed to get through it. I had my 18 months dropped to 1 year and graduated early. As I stood at the podium to give my speech...I was staring at Kale the entire time. Everyone who was there who knew me was in tears. I was so emotional I can't even remember what I said. At the very end of the graduation they handed me my mug shot from the day I was arrested. I immediately started crying. I couldn't believe I ever looked like that. I earned a sobriety coin and a plaque that night. I still have both and they will always remain.

Kale and I left the graduation. We headed to a place we both have never been. I honestly thought that it was a really great date.

He took me to West Baden Springs Hotel & Spa in French Lick Indiana. AWESOME! Expensive too. I couldn't believe how much that boy saved to give me a really awesome graduation present. We had a room on the very top floor of the hotel. A private patio reserved for our dinner. A private butler and waitress. A half of a day spa session for just me. You name it I had it done. From my nails to my hair to a massage! It was absolutely fabulous! 

The night I graduated Kale got down on one knee ( shaking tremendously) and asked me to be his wife. Of course I said yes.

I mean seriously. In one year I got sober, got both my kids back, and got engaged. It was like a dream.

I will TRULY NEVER FORGET THIS MONTH!! How could anybody?

CLICK HERE to see the story.

What an amazing month it is every single time April rolls around. As a token of my appreciation I also send a gratitude letter to Mr. Todd Wilson ( my drug court officer ) every year thanking the program. It takes my breathe away every time I read the letter before putting it in the envelope for the last time. 

April is almost over. Time to move onto May. 

What a month of remembrance. 

Opening Day 2012

Baseball Season 2012

Colten & Tyler both went out for baseball again this year. We (as parents) are in love with sports. 

We both love that our boys are too.

Opening Ceremony:

Mr. Colten Garcia #6

COLTEN'S TEAM

{ North Youth Baseball }

Colten is one of the youngest on his team at 9 years old. This is the top of the line here at Garvin Baseball. His team is composed of 9,10,11, &12 year olds. After the age of 12 then he will have to join a league.

Up to bat: 

Running to second:

And he slides into home:

Colten's team won the first game 7-1. Whoop Whoop!

Mr. Tyler Shank # 3 for the Otters

He sure did slam the bat against his palm like he was hott stuff!

Check out this face! He's gonna slam this ball!

Chatting with the opponent. Wonder what they are talking about?

"I'm kicking your green butt today pal. Get ready...Tyler Shank's in the house "

Tyler's team also won their first game but no one keeps count for the kiddos that small. Except for competitive parents like us :)

Tyler is playing on the small field. The little tykes field. This will be his last year on this field. Next year he will go to the field Colten played on last year.

We are looking forward to watching Tyler play ball again this year. I'm wondering if this will end up going on through high school. Could this be the sport he ends up playing? 

FOUR MONTHS

{ had no idea I didn't post this before I left for Florida. A little late but here it is }

Morgan Elaine

* Four Months *

*****{ STATS }*****

 11 pounds 10 oz

22  3/4 inches long

size : 0-3 mo's 

Finally wearing clothes that aren't newborn. You are wearing 0-3 mo's in clothes. You are finally able to wear your newborn shoes but they don't stay on very long.

You are wearing the last of your newborn diapers and starting to wear size.

*****{ HEALTH & DIET }***** 

Your over-all health is great little one.

Weight issues are no longer a problem. You are still a tiny little thing. You have gotten chunky over this last month. I love your thighs.

Normally you drink 6 oz of formula. We have started putting rice cereal in your bottle to give you something extra. Most of the time you barely get through your 6 oz.

Before bedtime you eat a small amount of rice cereal with applesauce. Goodness you love applesauce.

                                                             *****{ SCHEDULE }*****     

You sleep well my child. You never wake during the night. Most of the time if you do wake up before me I change your diaper and snuggle with you. We usually fall asleep together in mommy's bed until around 7:30. Sometimes you will sleep until 8:30 and I have to wake you up.

You are now sleeping in the top part of your play pin. Your crib isn't ready for you yet.

*****{ FIRSTS }*****

March 9 - First time eating baby food

March 19 - "First time rolling over" and we witnessed it

*****{ MOMMY'S FAVORITE THINGS THIS MONTH }*****

You are such a snuggle bug! You love to be snuggled with and you snuggle back.

You are always grabbing my face. Usually my nose. I love it. Sometimes if I'm not careful you will slip one of your fingers inside my nostril and squeeze. This doesn't feel too great but I usually laugh. 

You are a hair grabber. What baby isn't? I have to put my hair back in a pony if I'm snuggling or else you twist my hair into your fingers and pull.

~ mommy

                          *****{ DADDY'S FAVORITE THINGS THIS MONTH }*****                        

 Well, it's official.  You are a Shank.  I think you have even passed me on the food intake and discharge.

I love that you are beginning to make more noise in your excitement.  I enjoy making up words for you as you roll around and make baby sounds.  I just know you are trying to tell us something but you just can not get it out.

It is awesome watching you learn what your hands and feet are for.  I never knew someone could get so much enjoyment out of waving their arms in the air.

~daddy

*****{ WHAT WE MISS }*****

I think this month I miss how tiny you were. Every time I pick you up you squirm. It's cute but I can't hold you like a little newborn anymore. ~mommy

I miss how you slept on my chest when you were younger. ~ daddy

*****{ A LITTLE ABOUT YOU }*****

Still stubborn as can be. 

You like to be in control of your bottle. I mean really Morgan? At four months you are holding your bottle like a little genius. The funny part is that you take control. You won't even let me hold it for you. Your little hands just grab.

Your adorable and make everyone around you smile.

You have turned into a drooler! Drooling everywhere all the time.

Mar 12

You have started moving this month. A lot. Sometimes too much. This is what I catch you doing when you use your swing. I've had to start strapping you in this month!

Mar 5

You really really like holding your own bottle! Have I already mentioned this? Seriously..With one hand!

Mar 15

You love music. Especially when daddy sings it to you.

*****{ A LITTLE ABOUT MOMMY }*****

Mommy is well. 

Mommy is tired.

Mommy has her hands FULL!

*****{ A LITTLE ABOUT DADDY }*****

Daddy is enjoying life.  I am taking every opportunity possible to spend time with you and your brothers.  It's just not fare that I have to spend so much of my day at work.  We will have to work on that.  

*****{ YOUR BIG BROTHERS }*****

Your brothers adore you. They always will.

They are always very helpful when it comes to your care. They will go and get anything for you.

Tyler likes to dance for you. He's always dancing and singing. You could be in the middle of a little fit and the minute he walks into the room you are immediately consumed.

Colten is still emotional when it comes to you. If you cry at ALL he totally freaks and tries to figure out why you are crying. Sometimes you are just whining. He doesn't understand that yet. He will soon enough. He is at your rescue. I think he always will be.

Mar 2

*****{ PHOTOS FROM MONTH THREE }*****

Mar 1

Mar 5

Mar 5

Mar 7

Mar 16

Mar 17

Mar 19

Mar 25

Mar 28

And I hate saying this but...you can see the difference in Morgan from the photo {Mar 1st} with her health. She looks sickly in that photo. Pale and tiny. I am really glad we were able to fix this protein allergy deal and get her back on track! Now she's healthy and glowing :)

This month has been challenging. Your teething and growing.  You are such an awesome part of this family. I think you tie us all together Morgan.

WE ALL LOVE YOU VERY MUCH

Happy Easter {#3}

Easter.

 What is Easter?

I have always known Easter to be a celebration involving family, candy, dyed eggs, food, Easter egg hunting, and fun. I never celebrated this holiday for it's real purpose.

At 29 years old..I ask, "What is Easter?" I know it's something about the resurrection of Christ Jesus but I know nothing more.

Being a fairly new follower in Christ I wanted to share this with you all.

I remember the story from church {3/17/12} about the resurrection of Jesus. As Kale and I sit listening quietly to our Senior Pastor I believe we were both taken by the story and how he approached this teaching. Here is the beginning of the teaching:

John 20:1-9

John 20:1-9 NIV

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

The story went on and was extremely interesting. Something I had never heard before or that I can remember. I love the way our Senior Pastor taught this in his own understanding and through scripture.  I am continuing this 4 week study through my church online. I heard the first teaching and missed the last three being out of town and sick.  This story starts off too good to not want to finish it. And for that matter it would be a great bedtime story to read to my kids on the days before Easter in upcoming years.

There was one verse given to all before leaving church at the end of each teaching. One stood out for me:

Sometimes doubting is not a lack of faith but rather an expression of it. Sometimes to doubt is merely to insist that God be taken seriously, not frivolously - to insist that our faith is placed in and upheld by something other than tricks (Mark Buchanan).

To end this long Easter Celebration..I give you my Easter Flowers.

Typically I would receive flowers in a vase with a cute little card addressed to me ~ Love Kale and the boys. Now of course it would have included ~ love Morgan.

This year was different. I. Like. Different!

My boys planted me flowers instead. I was shocked. The sad part? I waited for the flower man to knock on the door or Kale to walk in with a smile on his face and a bouquet in his hands.

I really like that they decided to give me Easter flowers this way:

{ The small flowers were the gift, however, it was a beautiful spring touch to see all of my other plants blooming beautifully}

{ They even filled my empty pots }

{ And they added brick and new mulch around the side of the house } 

I love my boys!

Happy Easter {finally} to all of our family and friends! Despite Morgan and Mommy being sick ON Easter Sunday...this couldn't have turned out any better. 

The kiddos thank everyone for their wonderful little Easter cards, candy, and gifts. They are sending you all thank you cards.

And one more picture of all three kiddos on Easter