Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow - it's been a long time since I've last posted a blog! I'm going to try really hard to keep up with my blogging :)

With Thanksgiving right around the corner (well, tomorrow), I've been thinking a lot this past month of what I'm thankful for. Let me list them off:

1) Family. Nothing compares to love and support you have from your family. I'm grateful for my parents who I know in the past I've caused a lot of stress (sorry!) but still loved me unconditionally. You have no idea how much that means to me. And for my brother and sister - I need to tell them I love them more and so grateful to have them in my life.

2) My boys. Even though they drive me crazy sometimes - bouncing off the walls because they have SO much energy and battling with them getting them to go to bed (like tonight), they are my world and I thank God everyday for giving me the best presents a person could ever ask for. I am truly blessed to be a mom to the most beautiful boys in the world.

3) Health. Knock, knock on wood - so far so good! Thinking about some things that have happened with my family and friends, I'm very grateful that we have a healthy household.

4) Friends. Without them, I'd be lost. My best friends have been there for me when I needed them the most, a shoulder to cry on (numerous times), listened to my stories (I can turn a 5 minute story into an hour - I know, I have a gift), and have said "buck up buttercup!" when I'm down. I can't thank them enough to have them in my life! Love you guys!!

5) Last but not least - God. He has helped me through many, many, MANY tough times and has never let me down. He's guided me to do the right thing and He's an awesome listener! 15 years ago, my life changed. I lost my memory and my speech. Even after 15 years, I still have a very hard time saying Meningitis. Going through that experience was the hardest and the most challenging I'll probably ever have to face. But right along with me was my faith in God. He kept me here for a reason and I thank him every single day for that :)

So, those are the 5 things I'm grateful for during this holiday season. There's actually one more. When I was on a band trip in California when I was in high school, I was standing in line at Disneyland and in front of me was a older boy - probably around 8 or 9 and his younger brother - I would say 5 or 6. Anyway, the younger boy kept looking at me. So me being a very self conscious 16 year old, I was thinking "Why is he looking at me?? Is it my hair? My braces? My big glasses??" I finally put up my hand and said "Hi" to the little boy. And in return, he said "You're pretty". I was taken aback. That was not what I was expecting. At all. Here was this innocent little boy seeing something in me I didn't. So, to that little boy, wherever you are, thank you. You will never know how much those 2 words you said made a huge impact on a 16 year old girl.

Thank you for reading my really long blog! Until next time - cherish and enjoy your family and friends and have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving everyone!

Ahhh the young ones in college......

What up peeps? Let me tell you about my experience at ISU's library.

I have an insurance exam coming up (gag) so I really need to study. I already failed the first test (didn't study and would rather watch paint dry) so I really needed to get on the ball about retaking the test. I can't really study at home - too many distractions (boys coming out of their rooms after bedtime, TV, watching paint dry, etc) - so I decided, I'll either go to Barnes and Noble or ISU's Milner library to study. I passed on the B&N because I don't know if I can study without perusing through every isle and wanting to read the latest James Patterson book so I thought "Milner is fine. Quiet and close by."

First issue was actually finding the library. You'd thinking living in this town all my life, I would know where Milner is. Nope. I went to Eastern for heavens sake! Who cares about ISU! Sorry ISU friends! I had an idea on where is was and I finally found it. Yay! Now, trying to find a parking spot. There is a lot in the back but you'd have to pay. I'm too cheap and a scrooge so I drove around in circles trying to find a spot on the street but finally found a parking lot which seemed like miles away from the library but hey, it was free.

Got out of my car and walked and walked and walked to the library. Looking over my shoulder every 5 seconds being the paranoid freak I am. As I was walking (and walking and walking....) to the library, I was passing all of these students with their book bags, ISU sweatshirts, and fraternity/sorority Greek letters and I got a little reminiscent about my college days and going to Booth Library and studying at EIU. Honestly, I think I could count on both my hands how many times I actually studied there - I was more of a dorm/sorority house studier. But I digress.

As I walked in, I looked around and thought, wow, there is a lot of people here. Who'd of thought people at ISU on a Tuesday night actually studied in a library. I walked up the stairs because there were designated floors that were "quiet". I wanted those floors. No distractions. No reenacting of Mrs. Robinson. Went to the fourth floor and walked around like a lost puppy. I had no idea on where to sit. All the table were taken and those that weren't, there was one person at the table and me being selfish, I did NOT want to share a table. So, went up to the fifth floor - the final quiet floor. When I stepped through the doors, I become "that old lady" students were looking at. Oh, don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Remember when you were younger and in college and were in class or at the library (rare) and saw someone that was really old (over 30) and thought, "what the *bleep* are they doing here??" Well, that was me tonight.

Finally found a table - my own, ha - and starting studying. When looking around, I didn't see one student that didn't have a laptop. Seriously?! I wanted to shout - hey people! You guys have it soooo easy! When I was in school, I didn't have internet or search engines. When I was in school, you went to the library, hoped to GOD the book or magazine you're looking for was still there. If was it, make copies of the pages for your 15-20 page book report. If they didn't have it, try and find it on Microfiche. Wow - totally dating myself but ahhh.....those were the good old days. Took ten times longer and was hard work but worth it.

So after about an hour, I'd had enough of studying and watching the young ones study and then socialize and then back to studying again. Part of me was a tiny bit jealous - would love to be young again and have no responsibilities. But then then I thought of my college days - super fun, miss them at times, formed lifelong relationships - and glad I had that experience and moved onto to adult and parenthood. But that doesn't mean I can't live vicariously through college kiddios every now and then :)

Updates on Chase and Cannon

My it's been awhile huh? Sorry! Anyway, just wanted to update you guys on my two little bug-a-boos. Chase has tackled almost 4 months of Kindergarten and he loves it! The progress report and report card was good. Need to work on "sight words" and his attention. That's shocking on the attention! Kidding! But she did point out he's 5 and a boy - most boys have the same issue. That made me feel better. Also she pointed out he is quite the social butterfly with the kids in his classroom. Not really surprised on that one.

Basketball started about a month ago and Chase loves it! He's actually very good at it. However, when he's supposed to practice, he's socializing with the other players. See above paragraph :)

Chase recently decided to grow out his hair. It's actually not looking that bad. What does get on my nerves just a little is the constant asking "Does my hair look like Harry Potter?" or "Does my hair look like Michael Jackson's?" And I'm not kidding on the Michael Jackson question. Ever since I played Thriller on Halloween, he's become obsessed with MJ. Following all his dance moves and is begging to see "This Is It" movie. At times it cute because he really does dance pretty well but a little weird to have a 5 year old wanting to be like MJ......

Onto Cannon. Cannon recently went from home day care to a day care facility. There are pros and cons about both but overall, Cannon really loves his new day care. At first it was tough because he went from being one of 4 to being one of 15. But he soon got over it and his teacher said he's doing great!

Cannon, like his older brother, is growing out his hair. Not too fond of his loaf. It's a lot different from Chase's. Chase's is thick and coarse where Cannon's is fine. So Cannon's hair is getting to the point of a semi-mullet. Hair cut please!

I wish Cannon is old enough to participate in sports. He gets bored at Chase's basketball practice but soon enough, he'll be right there with him.

Anyway, here is the updates! I promised I won't wait 2 months to give more updates! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and a wonderful Holiday season!

First Half Marathon under my belt!

Well, I did it!! I tackled my first half marathon on Sunday. Boy it feels good! Over the past couple of days, I've been very sore (stupid me - didn't warm up) but it was totally worth it - especially the medal :)

The night before, my running partner, Teri, and I were going over our strategy. Run 3 miles, walk 1, run 2, walk 1 - so on and so forth. Got it. So, went back to my room and Teri was nice enough to let me borrow a pair of running capri's for the race. I had already bought a pair of non-slipping shorts (supposedly) so I decided to try on the running capris. I swear I went back and forth for about 15 minutes trying on those dang pants! Finally I said "Screw it!" and went to bed.

As the alarm went off at 4:45am - yes, that's right, 4:45am - first thing that popped into my mind was "What the f*&^ am I doing." Seriously - me, slow as heck runner, running in a half marathon with about 3000 other people?! What was I thinking?? But as I hit snooze for the last time, realized this is what I've been training for since end of April, beginning of May. So, I got my lazy butt out of bed and got ready. Still not deciding on which pants to wear.

As Teri and I were driving to the start, we were talking about how stupid it was to be there at least an hour and 15 minutes before the race. Why on earth would ANYONE want to be there that early?! Well, we soon figured out after the race and almost crippled, to WARM UP!!

As we were waiting, I decided to change pants.....again. In the port-a-potty. Slightly cramped in there but I made it work. So once I was ready, I was pumped. Bright pink tank - check. Bright pink visor - check. iPod music ready to go - check. I was ready......at 6:25 in the morning. The race didn't start until 7:15am. So we talked at our pace spot - this is where the slow people have to stand and wait. My adrenaline wasn't pumping until they sang the National Anthem and once that was over, I was bursting out of my skin to go! Finally crossed the start line with Dave Matthew's blaring, So Much to Say, and was off.

When I was running the first 3 miles, there were people cheering for you on the road that didn't know you. That gave me chills. They don't know you but they are cheering for you to finish. As I was running by these people cheering and over the Mississippi river, I got a little teary eyed. I was thinking "These people don't know me and are cheering for me to finish. How can someone NOT cry after they finish the 13.1 miles? I'll save my tears once I cross the finish line." Ha! Who was I kidding!

Couldn't have asked for better weather that day. Thoughts that I was thinking as I'm running were "Man am I hungry - those fiber bars didn't go very far, now did they", "I really need to pee" - did use the port-a-potty twice - eww, and "Wow - look at that guy in the wheelchair that just zoomed right by me.". No joke, he was kicking a*&. Obviously mine.

Once we reached the 10 mile marker, I was in bad shape. I could still run but man did it hurt. As I approached the 11 mile marker, I was thinking "Please shoot me know. Screw the tears after the finish - I just want to get it over with!!" So for the next 3 miles, we tried to run but mostly walked. But once we hit the 13 mile marker, Teri and I sprinted to the finish line and it felt awesome! Of course a picture of me crossing the finish line isn't pretty but I indeed did it :)

So, that was my experience with my first half marathon. Am I going to do it again? Absolutely. No doubt. Will I wait until I can walk like a normal person without people asking me why I walk like a pirate or Frankenstein - yes. But it won't be too long before I get out there again and start running. Maybe next race will be a full marathon!! Got ya :)

And the count down begins.....

Some of you guys might know that my neighbor and I will be running our very first half marathon. It all started with a "Hey, how about if we walk maybe 2 or 3 times a week." Before I knew it, we were running/walking 4 times a week, mapped out different courses and we're all signed up for the race - t-shirt, race number and all! Tonight I even got new running shoes. For as much as I paid for them, I'll be sleeping, eating, and possibly showering in them.

As the race gets closer, I'm getting super excited about the race. And NERVOUS!!! What's the course going to look like? How's the weather? Will I be the last person to cross the finish line? Will I have the stamina to run/walk the entire course? Those are all the questions that are racing (no pun intended) through my mind. I'm sure I'll be fine but as the days go by and the race gets closer and closer, my heart starts beating a little faster and my adrenaline pumping. Ahhh, the life of a newborn runner that will run her first major race!

So, I'll keep on drinking water to the point where it will be coming out of my pores, eating more carbs then usual, and getting ready for my big day. If on Sunday you hear a WOOHOO echoing all the way from St Charles, MO, you'll know Jen Mackey finally did it!

Cannon's new crush.....

I have quite the casanova in the household! Two Friday's ago, we were at Chase's 1st soccer practice. Cannon was there and pretty hesitant to play with one of Chase's schoolmate and soccer-mate friend's little sister who was there as well. Sometimes it takes Cannon awhile to warm up but eventually he did and before I knew it, he and the little sister were playing tag, hide and seek - basically having great time. I turned to the little sisters mom and said "I wouldn't be surprised if by the end of practice, Cannon will be calling your little girl his "girlfriend." I proceeded to tell her that for months, Cannon called Hermione (from Harry Potter) his girlfriend. No joke. I had to remind him that Hermione wasn't real - just a character. Didn't matter - Hermione was his girlfriend. So, practice was over and once we reached my car, Cannon said to me "Mom, I'm going to have to let you go. I can only have one girlfriend and Chase's friend's little sister is my girlfriend." I was crushed. Okay, not that much. For months Cannon kept saying "Mommy, you're my #1 girlfriend" so to hear I've been replaced by a 4 year old does quite the number on your ego. I digress. Of course once Chase hears Cannon has a girlfriend, Chase has a hay day with "You're going to marry her and kiss her" making the kissing sounds. Ahhhh, brotherly love. Once at home, Cannon said "I need to see her" What?! I was thinking "You just saw her!" So, I said what any loving parent would say to a love struck child - no. I thought that would be the end of it and the fascination but Cannon for the next 2 days saying "I need to see her" or "Please set up a playdate". No, not yet have we set up a playdate. Cannon received some bad news on Wednesday - Chase's friend and his little sister wouldn't be at practice because they were out of town. You could just see the sadness in his eyes and then he proceeded to cry. I told him it's okay - we'll see her next week. He finally stopped crying.

So, we'll see where this "romance" is going. If he keeps this up, it will be a long 18 years - lots of crushes and heartsbroken :)

Ahhhh boys.....

I received a call from my son's school nurse today. Of course I hit the panic button because my son, Chase, has a peanut allergy so I'm assuming the worst. I talk with the nurse - she assures me that Chase is fine - he just has a rash on his hands. She checked his lungs and also checked his back and tummy to make sure there wasn't any hives or rashes. Whew - nothing there. She thinks it's from something he ate at lunch, possibly something red since there is powder all of his shirt and some kids are allergy to dyes. I said I don't know since it was Lunchables - maybe red jello? Chase said nope. Anyway, she said she gave him Benadryl just in case so if I can remember what was in his lunch that would clue her in, that would great. Hmmmm....what would be in his lunch? I had no clue so I used the good ol internet. Ahh - there it is! And look - what's included in the new Lunchables is TROPICAL KOOL-AID SINGLE PACKETS!! My guess is that he tried to put in the packet in the water that was included in the Lunchables and spilled/stained his hands which turned to irritation. Mystery solved :)