In case you were wondering, I did not go insane after the transcontinental plane ride with two toddlers. It happened a few weeks later.
I’m not even sure what to say other than my children are waking up at 5:30 a.m., I am exhausted, I have cried almost every day this week, I haven’t cleaned one single toilet, there is still a room completely full of boxes, and my floors look like …struggling for a simile here…well, they look like the floors of a family with two kids and a dog, crumby, muddy, sticky and hairy. And, I still have a gillion things on my to-do list like: make copies of keys, get our dog Abby washed (and oh yeah, registered), get a new driver’s license (mine’s been expired for months), return stupid thing that didn’t work to Wal-Mart, put batteries in the smoke detectors (don’t ask), clean toilets, call insurance, call our bank, make friends, find a church, and update blog. Shew, now I can check one thing off my list.
But today has been a good day. I am thankful. No tears, and no “feel like I’m going to lose my mind” moments. (I even have big plans of washing the floors before I go to bed tonight).
I should have known today was going to be different. I was greeted by a wet whopper of a kiss on the lips by Landon when I got him out of the crib this morning. I was totally taken aback and then totally smitten. I do have the best little guys. (And the cutest ones too, of course).
And in other good news…I did finish my half marathon race! Three days after stepping off the plane, I put on my running shoes along with my husband and 3,500 others and ran 13.1 miles. (Note to self: never ever sign up for a race three days after a cross-country move. It was seriously stressful–what was I thinking?!).
getting ready to run…it was freezing!
Considering everything it went well, though I was mostly just relieved that it was over. I ran it in 2:18 and was pretty happy with my time. I don’t know that I would quite describe myself as “hooked,” but I think there will be more half marathons in my future. A full marathon, you ask? Highly unlikely. I cannot imagine running for twice as long as a few weeks ago! People are nuts!
Me and the boys before the race (obviously). Afterwards, I was laying stretched out in the grass.
I also wanted to say a big THANKS for cheering me on. Seriously, I would have been a lot less motivated to reach my goal had it not been for the simple fact that I shared it with you! And whether you know it or not, you held me accountable! Awww…group hug.
Now as for reading my Bible by December? I am embarrassingly far behind. Like still in the Old Testament reading about Judah and the prophets behind. Still hoping to catch up. I’ll keep you updated. I may need a Bible reading marathon. Do you think I could find someone to watch my kids so I could read my Bible for four hours straight? Hmm…I wonder how far I could get…
Welp, that’s all folks. Now I best go mop and clean some toilets. 🙂
Brooke Frick 
I was wondering how you did with the trip! Good to know you are all safe and sound. I am amazed you found time to update your blog! A huge congrats on running that marathon. Wow! I think a full marathon is very doable for you. I am impressed!! And yes, it’s great you have your boys to give you sloppy kisses, right when you need them. Hang in there and I hope you all get settled into your new surroundings soon. 😀
Thanks so much. I am feeling so much better these past two days! Praise God! I just have to remind myself that there’s no rush to unpack. We’re not moving again in two months, so it’s okay…I can take my time! haha. Thanks again 🙂
Talking about cleaning toilets! When I was a kid we had the only bathroom in the area with carpeted floor. My dad said if things go well next year we’ll even carpet the path!
Ugh, glad we don’t have carpet in our bathroom. Hope you guys are doing well. We miss you!
I’m so glad to hear that the trip went well. And the race. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Congratulations on that half-marathon! It’s amazing the energy you have just to keep up with two toddlers, but to run 13 miles as well . . . wow.
Anyhow, cut yourself some slack on the Bible reading deadline . . . how about next December, so you can read it and comprehend it and maybe enjoy a Psalm or two? You’ve proven yourself already, hey, you even updated your blog. So, enjoy your Bible reading as much as you can – and remember the “begats” can be good sleep aids.
Aw, thanks. I needed your prayers. I am feeling so much better now, but the first few weeks were definitely rough…and I know it ain’t over. But at least there have been some really good days 🙂 And yes, even before at the pace I was reading, I didn’t take time to reflect and meditate on it…so I think I am definitely going to take me time. I’m sticking to my chronological Bible, I’ll just be six months behind 🙂 Thanks for stopping in and commenting! Hope to see you around again!
Loved your update! Great pics, adorable adorable boys, and congrats on the accomplishing the marathon! You rock!!
Thanks so much! Hopefully I’ll be able to update again sooner 🙂
Great job on your half marathon! Now maybe you can give yourself an unpacking schedule that will have you unpack just one box a day until you get it all done. Oh, and I try to split my housecleaning chores throughout the week (Monday to Friday) so that I only do an hour of housecleaning a day, and then everything gets done at least once a week. I don’t know if it will work for you, but it helps me. May God give you strength as you settle in to your new home!
that is a good idea. Another friend of mine used to break her house into zones. I am going to implement it this week! I just cleaned all our bathrooms! The floors are the hardest…they really could be washed twice a week at least, but oh well. If I focus too much on them I neglect other things, so I’ll try to be balanced. Anyway, as for the boxes, it’s mostly books that don’t really have a place to be put yet. But, I do need to go through it, it’s all our office stuff and that is a pain to unpack. Hope you guys are doing well and may God give you strength as well.
yay for running the half marathon! That takes so much diligence and stamina!
Way to go! I’m so proud of you for finishing your half-marathon. That is a big added accomplishment for a year that has been filled with many for your family.
Good for you, running that half-marathon, especially so soon after moving.
Congrats on your Versatile Blogger Award! Please check out my latest post and see what the steps are to accepting it. Thanks so much for participating, and keep up the good writing and great photos on your blog! (Just in case you get online early, my latest post goes online at midnight in eastern AUS and 10am eastern U.S.)
-Rachel
http://singlikenooneslistening.wordpress.com
Brooke! Loved reading your update, been wondering how you’ve been since the big move. I’m so impressed that you still managed to accomplish such a big goal – running a 1/2 marathon! Sounds like the last few weeks have been a marathon too 🙂 You look great and your boys are growing so fast! I would totally babysit for you so you could go read, haha – don’t give up, you’ve accomplished A LOT this year! Miss you 🙂