Running Cold

This morning I met some of my running crew at John Ball Zoo for an 11 miler on the Riverbank Run course. It was super cold - 12 degrees at 7am. It didn't take long to get warmed up though, and by the end of the run I was sweating pretty good. It is nice to have the 11 miles in the books and have the rest of the weekend to relax.

I'm a Big Girl!

Clara's 'big girl' bed arrived today! It came sooner than we expected, but we are glad it is here. Last night we took her crib and changing table out of her bedroom. She is officially a big girl now. Here are some pictures of her trying out her new bed. She seems pretty happy it in, huh? We hope it stays that way . . . . . . and that she stays in it. :)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love is in the air in the James-Heer family. :) We are having a great Valentine's Day so far. We hope you are, too.

We have been keeping busy as usual. This past week, I signed Clara up for three year old preschool next year. I can't believe she is almost old enough for preschool. Kyle didn't start preschool until he was four, so this seems very young to me. In any case, we are excited about it and hope she enjoys it.

This past week was also spring soccer registration for Kyle. He will begin practices sometime in April. We can't wait! Kyle has gotten a lot bigger since the fall, so we are anxious to see how he performs, and whether or not his growth helps him on the field. Plus, he will finally be one of the oldest kids on the team, since he is in the 4-6 year old group.

In the meantime, we decided that Kyle needed something to help keep him busy until soccer begins, so next week he starts a kids cooking class. That's right - a cooking class! I don't think Craig was overly excited about the idea when I first mentioned it, but warmed up to it when I told him there were three other boys and one girl in the class. Plus, I have said this before, but I need all the help I can get in the kitchen! :)

Clara is still going to feeding therapy one day a week, so that is her extracurricular activity at the moment.

In other news, Craig is training for the Fifth Third River Bank Run (25K). This will be the 11th year in row he has run this race. Despite the snow and cold today, he still managed to get a nine mile run in.

As for me, I am working out (indoors!), trying to prepare for some late spring/early summer races. I am considering training for a duathon this year, but am taking it one step at a time.

Well, that's all for now. Happy Valentines Day!

Finally!

Well, it finally happened . . . . . . . . .

After nearly 12 years of marrige, we did it!

We ordered a grown up bedroom set. :)

For those of you who have seen our bedroom, you might agree that this was long overdue for us. Now we can finally get rid of our furniture from college!

Does anyone know someone who might need/want a full bedroom set for a reasonable cost? If so, please let us know. Thanks.

Big Girl Bed

Today we ordered Clara a big girl bed! She has been climbing in and out of her crib for a while now, so it was time. Plus, she turns three in June and the goal was to transition her into a big girl bed by then.

Last week we ordered some bedding for her big girl bed. We are anxious for everything to arrive so we can redo her room and see it all put together. It should be a little more girly than what she has now. Unfortunately, about half of the bedding pieces are on back order until June, so we may need to come up with a temporary solution in the interim. Her new bed will be here in 4-6 weeks.

Clara is very excited for her new bed to arrive. I just hope we can get her to stay in it. :)

Sledding with Kyle and Clara

While Mom tended to the house in preparation for the Superbowl, I took the kids over to our favorite sledding hill. It is actually on a vacant lot in our neighborhood, so we just walk over there. Well, I walk, and the kids ride in their sleds as I pull them. Today, I brought the camera. See below for some of the pictures and an explanation of each.

As you can see below, I pull the two kids out to the hill. Kyle in front with Clara trailing in her sled, which is attached to Kyle's.

Here is the hill. You can see that it is quite large. Kyle looks so small going up it.

Here are a couple of Clara from the top of the hill. She is giving me 2 tumbs up. By the way, notice the jump part way down the hill. It will be important later...

Here is how Clara and I go down the hill. I ride in a separate sled behind her and hang on to her's. It works well as I use her's to steer. She loves it.

Kyle at the top of the hill. Notice the jump toward the right.


Kyle has no fear! Good thing Mom stayed home!

Back up to the top...

Notice the smile on his face when he is jumping! And, his eyes are wide open.

Lil' Baker

Tracey and Clara made banana bread today. Both of them wore their bibs and chef hats. Take a look at Clara's.