Adventures in Parenthood

Oh Boy I am not a very good blogger and so thankful for all the other blogger moms who have helped me on my journey. Well it has been just six months that we have two preschoolers in our family ! I am not going to share any pictures to keep things confidential and we certainly did shout it out when we decided to go forward. We are so blessed and very happy but it has been a very challenging and emotional few months. Wow it certainly is a lift changer for us but just what we were hoping for. We found out May 23 that we were a match for a sibling pair a boy( 4) and girl ( 2). We deceided for sure to go forward May 25 and meet the children on June 7 ! It is so hard to describe how it feels to be waiting in a hotel room waiting for the Social Workers to come to our room with the children. It was such a sureal experience and as much as I like to live in the moment I could not truly process the intense emotions till much later ! It is true what they say that kids are resilient! They are so brave and so happy to have each other during the transition. We did a quick transistion and came home a few days later. They both had some grief over leaving foster parents and unfortunately we don't have and openness agreement that includes visits and we did not meet the foster parents. This makes me sad but I trust the social workers decisions. Mr. Man took some time to open up and is still challenging but little princess was a little doll from the start and very willing to please. However her willinings to please also worries me a bit ! In my readings kids either handle transistion in one of two ways and they both are doing one of each do different approaches and for each. Well I thought I was prepared by doing lots of reading on positive parenting and positive discipline. Soo much more challening to put into practice. I know I know the books can be crazy but I wanted to be prepared. My biggest challenge is that I tend to try to be the best I can be in everything I do and pretty confident even in new challenges. This new challenge of parenthood has really rocked me to my core with such intense emotions and wanting to ensure I am doing things to ensure they learn manners, and are kind and gentle little souls. Piperdog is adjusting OK and they both love dogs so this has been great and they are great little hikers. We get out each day for playground or walk in the woods. Blaise and I are still trying to balance some time for us but that has been tricky but we definitely try to keep each other a priority. So all in all the change has been good and it really has only been 6 months ! WOW We are so blessed and looking forward to celebrating and starting new tranditions. Trying to balance Baby Jesus teaching and Santa is so tricky. We are taking the kids to church and saying prayers it is so interestig to see how open they are to knowing their is a loving GOD who loves them just the way they are !! I am not sure if I will continue to write but I will keep this open for a while. Must go back to watching the old animated show| Santa Clause is coming to town " they enjoyed the Grinch,littel miss " Ah he grew BIG heart and turned nice , what a nice Grinch " LOL Looking forwrd to our new Journey of Parenthood Oh I did survivie the half marathon with a bad knee and did a great 16km and hobbled for the last 5 km with a time fo 2: 45. I am still trying to run at least once a week and have done a few 10 K races. I am so happy I did the half marathon when I did and look forward to my runs. Little miss says " when I am a bigger girl I am going to run with you mommy to get exercise and be fit and strong ! Cheers Karen

One more Sleep before first Half Marathon

Yikes ! The day is finally here ! Who is this crazy running person who has taken over me. The last 18 wks have been amazing. I have been focused, organized and doing all I can to ensure that I am ready. Two weeks ago my IT band issues resurfaced so I was a bit down but did more exercises, stretching and physio so now it is up to me to just Giv'er and get it done ! I feel so emotional. Life is so short. The Vegas trip was amazing but while we were there we found out our dear friend Tanya's sister in law was in hospital in ICU and fighting for her life and she passed away at age 36 with two young girls and a beautiful husband. I also was keeping in touch by facebook prayering for a friend who delivered triplets early at 23 wks and just saw on Friday that one of the triplets passed away at 44 days old. Heart breaking stories that remind us to not take life for granted. So I am running for me but also keeping in mind those that would love to run but can not. Thanks to my half marathon girls for keeping me going and for the enthusiastic group leaders who came every run and kept us on pace. John Stanton the creater of Running Room spoke at the friendship run and ecouraged us to enjoy the race, smile at the finish line and keep running a part of our healthy lifestyle. Yeah I am so excited and nervous but looking forward to meeting my goal Sunday morning. Karen

Vegas Baby Vegas

I am hitting the airport in about an hour to head to Vegas with the girls. We are celebrating our 40th birthdays and have 5 nights booked at the Aria hotel at City Center. I am so excited just like Christmas morning. It has been a while since I traveled without Blaise. I will miss him and his humor but will have an awesome time with the girls. Running is going well but I injured IT band on Sundays long 18km run. It was a great run with a few hills that were not that bad but final 2km I had to limp home. I am so annoyed but trying to take it in stride. I know what I have to do ( squats, roller time oucch ! and hip hikes ) hmm so now I really have to do them more frequently. I am icing and resting and having a massage when I get back from my trip. With the walking in Vegas I should be OK and hope to run on treadmill at least once this week. On another note Blaise and I are waiting to hear about two potential sibling groups that our names have been put forward. We have been there before so we are prepared that it may not be us. I am leaving it up to God to handle the details and praying if it is meant to be that we will be picked. Gotta go collect my stuff and check my to do list to ensure I did not miss anything. I hope to take lots of pictures and post when I get back. Cheers Karen

Hills and Spiritual Growth

I have decided that I have to change my mindset and thinking about running hills. Last night we did 7 hill repeats on Point Pleasant Drive. Oh my nerves it was challenging but I did it. Very tough and I am feeling it today as I sit and reflect. I am getting stronger and enjoying the running and the hill training purpose is to create strength and increase endurance. So why would I not like hills that is a good thing right? I guess like anything hard in life we want to avoid it and wish it away and hope that we have an easy time of it. Well guess what life is a journey and it was not given to use to have an easy road.

I have been thinking about this after my runs as I think about Easter weekend and the WOW of having the privilege and choice to participate and truly reflect on the great love of GOD. All we have to do is ASK, and open our hearts to the love and forgiveness or our Lord. However with this ask it brings great responsibility to try to live our lives as a reflection of Jesus and to serve our community with love, kindness and humility. It is hard, it is much easier to just be a 'little bit Catholic". As I was running hills last night I kept singing praise and worship songs in my head and the songs of Easter. Crazy eh ? At one point when I thought I had to stop and walk I realized that this exercise is making me stronger and in a funny way thought " Dear lord you carried your cross for me and suffered crucifixion for me and the world the least i can do is to not give up and keep running! Seriously that is what I was thinking. At this series time the holiest of weeks I like to think that Jesus still has a sense of humor !

Heading home today for the annual Simmons Hockey tournament. It is a great weekend and Blaise loves the hockey time and handing out with friends. We meet at this tournament 12 years ago so it has special meaning in our hearts. However I woke up this morning and have been trying to push away my thought of " well another Simmons tournament with no kids to bring to the rink to see Blaise " Where the hell did that come from. I don't want to be sad. I am doing so well but this kid friendly weekend and with all the kids around the rink it really tugs at my old heart strings. So yet again I have to be strong and smile and meet the new kiddies and be told " you guys are lucky you are so free to can do what you want ' Yes yes we are isn't it great we are so lucky we don't have to get up early for Easter morning! Really? We both would give anything to celebrate this special weekend with kids but have to wait and see what is in store for us next year.

I guess the honesty and pure rawness and strong emotions and meaning of Easter is opening my heart to feelings that I continue to bury. However I know my Lord Jesus has a plan for us and we have to use the waiting to build us up and offer this little ' suffering ' to God.

So I will keep running and I will look forward to hills as they strengthen me in body and my prayer and reflection is strengthening my spiritual life and the " hill's of waiting are going to be worth it in due time.


Manny Blessings this Easter Weekend

Karen

8 Weeks till Bluenose Half Marathon

Wow time is flying by and just 8 weeks until the Bluenose. The long runs are getting  tougher but it is great to run the route that I will be running on race day. Very luck with great weather for Sunday runs. Today was 14km and we did the waterfront boardwalk however with PPP Drive hill at the end then back to Spring Garden. I just get going slowing and stayed with the group. I find I have to start doing some more stretching and doing my exercises to strenghen abs and glutes. My IT band is starting to act up on my R leg so I have to do some preventative work and hoping to add a hot yoga class in this week and ongoing. It still feels so surreal that I am doing this ! LOL Why and I still in shock every Sunday after the run ? It is a great feeling of accomplishment. However I am pooped by mid afternoon and of course still take Piper for a walk. It is good to go for a slow walk to stretch my legs.

Val , Isabelle and Catherine were up for a highland dance compitition this weekend. It was great to have them stay with me and spend time with them. Isabelle is turning 9 in April and is so confident and mature for her age. She loves highland dance and is doing well in the competitions. She won another overall Beginner trophy today and only has one more  placing to move to the next level of comptition. It would be so nice to live close to Val and spend more time with her family.  I mentioned to Isabelle going camping with Blaise and me this summer in PEI and she said she would love too and Lachlan as well.

Another week down and only two more weeks of school work and I am free. One more assignment to do next weekend and looking forward to a break. I love the newness and freshness of spring. Not sure how much running I will get in this week as my church Lent Mission is Monday - Wednesday. May have to run at lunch time a few times this week.

Number of runs this week: 4
Longest run : 14. 7 km
Hill reapeats: 5 at PPP Drive

March Running Hot Hot Hot

Oh my nerves March 21 it was 25C and today March 22 it hit 30C. We are all in shock in Nova Scotia. However it is back to normal on the weekend. This week was a tough week running. Wednesday evening we did 5 hill repeats on Point Pleasant drive and I think I left part of my lungs and heart on the road ! Yikes that was tough but it will make me stronger.

This Sunday up to 14Km. I just received my "i run like a girl " order so looking forward to sporting this this weekend to motivate me. I also ordered headbands with sayings and my favorite one is " I run for Wine " LOL

Enjoying this amazing weather and only 8 more weeks until Bluenose

Cheers
Karen

Spring has Srpung !

It was a beautiful morning for a run. I think spring is finally settling in to Halifax. Although we did have snow and freezing this week. It was a great morning for a run. My running run group did 12Km today and it was basically the Bluenose 10K route with the Macdonald Bridge ! Sigh ! I survived it was long slow steady run. Thanks to my running buddies and chatters Nancy and Sarah for keeping me going. I am still getting stronger and when I feel like stopping and walk the momentum of the group kept me going. Looking forward to the rest of the experience of training for the half.

Spring and the lightness in the air really helps with the transition from Lent to Easter. I have been really challenged this Lent to reflect and meditate on the ares of my life that I can change and have faith and courage to truly allow God's grace to heal and strengthen me. I have been trying to not let my negativity about the length of our wait and the politics and policies of community service get me down. I know there are wonderful people doing the best they can with the resources they have to ensure the safety and welfare of the kids in care. However to be honest it makes me crazy that " parents" are given so many chances to in the end have kids in care who have suffered under sometimes horrific living situations or having to be " caretakers to other siblings or their parents. Why aren't these kids placed in care sooner ? There I said it! So this Lent I have been praying for forgiveness for these "parents" and compassion and to not focus on "me" and to pray for all the kids in care and their current caretakers.


I mean really many folks have so much larger burdens that I sometimes feel silly even thinking about it. I have so many blessings in my life and so much to be grateful for and realize it is by God's grace that I have these blessings in my life.

Today's' gospel was John 3:16

New International Version (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This verse has received a lot of media attention lately with Tim Tebow but I think that is a good thing. It is a powerful message.


Looking forward to nice spring week with lots of running. ( after I recover from today's run


Number of runs this week: 2
Longest run this week: 12KM (the build is on)

Nameste

Karen

Getting Stronger

Week 9 of Running Room half marathon clinic and hill training has begun. This week we did 3 hill repeats and it was tough. The hill training was on South Street from Barrington to Queen this week. The group leaders had a special surprise of hot chocolate for the group when we were finished. I survived and realized that I am getting stronger. The steady runs are getting much easier and of course the hills in Halifax you cannot avoid and ones I used to dread are very not that bad. It feels great to finish a run and feel strong and not like I am going to die ! We did a 5km steady run this week and I felt like I could have kept running for so much longer. Yeah I am getting stronger and turning into a real runner ! I still feel like an impersonator some weeks like " what the hell am I doing ? but I am doing it and I feel great.

I am even looking ahead to see what runs are coming up this summer and planning a few summer races.

Along with running and training I am trying to take some time during Lent to be quiet and reflect on the changes and ways I can make more room in my life for prayer and really let Jesus " walk with me " or run with me. I have always enjoyed the session of Lent and try to grow in my spiritual development. Blaise and I are in the middle of taking " Dogmatic Theology" a 8 week course at our church. We both enjoy the CD and the small group discussion. I have really been opened up and challenged and leaning closer to my Catholic roots. We have meet some people in our church and are taking on the role of greeter and after church cafe hosts. I am glad we are doing this together and not waiting until we have kids to get involved in our parish life. I have always felt that infertility in a way has been a gift to my spiritual growth because I went searching everywhere ( yoga, acupuncture, healing medications, herbs, stones borstals ) and was opened up and realized that Jesus was with me all along and welcomed me home when I finally got it! At present I am trying to truly allow God to lead the way and discover the purpose of our waiting in adoption. Developing a community in our parish is one of the gifts that Blaise and I are realizing. So as I train and prepare for the Bluenose Half Marathon I am also preparing my heart and soul to accept the challenge of moving forward in faith and real relationship with God.

My mantra for running is " I AM Strong, I AM Healthy, I AM Grateful to be doing this.

Number of runs this week: 4
Number of hill repeats: 3
Longest run this week: 10K


Cheers
Karen

Why I Run !

Well I have made it to week 7 of the Half Marathon clinic training. I even put in my registration for the run! I am extremely amazed at myself and how much I look forward to my runs. I can't honestly say that they are getting easier however I do feel like I am getting stronger. Running with the group has certainly helped push me on runs when I felt like I was going to die! My legs are strong but my breathing is still tricky and hills ! Oh my nerves I really have to change my mindset about hills. Each run we do has a hill after all we are in Halifax ! Last night on a 3k run we ran up Salter St. from Lower Water Street. Salter is the street that runs by the Maritime Center ! Wholly steep hill I literally thought my heart and lungs were going to land on the street ! Hill training officially starts next Wednesday with 3 hill repeats on Point Pleasant Drive. I know it is all about building strength and endurance and I have to figure out a way to not dread these runs. I recall that during the 10K clinic I did come to like the hill repeats however the most we did was 4 and for the half you work up to 9 !

Last week at clinic we were asked to reflect on " Why we run ? It seems like such a simple question but it really got me thinking. I was a person who thought I could not run and now I am running 4 times a week and have a goal of completing the Bluenose Half Marathon in 2:15. Sometimes I think who is the crazy running lady ? I like yoga which is slow and meditative and makes you feel alive and so relaxed after a good flow class. However with running I feel so alive after a run and very different from yoga. Yoga is about getting in tune with your body but hey go for a brisk 5 km and you don't have to try to hard to get in tune with your body! Your lungs are working hard, you can feel your heart beating and your legs are pulsating with fresh blood and energy. A good run is good for the soul and clears away any negative energy or self doubts. When I reflected on why I run here is my answer:

1) I run because I CAN
2) I run for all those who cannot run
3) I run to be fit and healthy
4) I run because it makes me feel so alive, vibrant and young
5) I run as a meditation and prayer of gratitude for all my blessing in my life
6) I run to experience nature in a new way.
7) I run because it makes me feel strong
8) I run to prove to myself that Yes I can be a runner !


Each runner has their own story. I am not a very competitive person so my running goal are very challenging but not crazy. I just hope that on May 20 that I do not puke on the finish line and that I am still running when I cross the finish line !

Nameste

Karen

A new nephew

The Curry clan has expanded once again. Welcoming Laughlin Joseph Curry to the family. Daisy and Glen are currently living in Wellington New Zealand. We hopefully will connect by skype this weekend to virtually meet the little man. Many blessings to Glen and Daisy on their journey of parenthood.

No Excuses

Just when I am on a roll with running I get a stupid head cold. Oh my nerves ! I mean I try to do everything right, I eat clean, take vitamin C and echineachea when I feel run down. Well it was a busy week last week and I had something every evening. I guess I am trying to be superwoman. LOL

I did not get my runs in this week and it drove me nuts! I guess I am hooked and running actually makes me more organized and focused. I did run today and it was crazy cold and I still had a bit of a cold but went and did it!

I have to listen to my body and not let myself get run down.

Meeting with our social worker this week to complete our update. Trying not to focus on waiting and just focus on living and the blessings in my life.


Longest run this week: 7 km
One run this week

Two Years

It has been two years since we have been initially approved for adoption. It seems like a short time yet a really long time. We are currently in the process of updating our profile and completing paperwork. It is just another date and part of the process. I feeling like we are just were we are meant to be. We are hopeful and living our lives and know that God has bigger dreams then we could dream for ourselves.

Karen

Run Karen Run

Sunday Morning Run January 22 - 25 !

Well I survived Wk Two of the Running Room ( RR) half Marathon training. It is really going well. I am enjoying the group and the weekday runs are 3km and 4km runs. I am finding it challenging but doable. The steady runs are getting easier and God Bless the stop light breaks in the city ! LOL I have also decided that I like the cold winter morning runs. You dress in layers and when it is really cold it is generally sunny and no rain or snow ! Of course I have to steel myself that I will be running in all kinds of weather in the next few weeks. So far the weather and sidewlks have been clear so that is motivating and keeps me going. I even did one lunch time run this week which I am going to try to fit into my schedule.

I am a bit tired this Sunday but I did go out to Danielle's 40th birthday party last night at the Lower Deck ! Blaise teased me because I did not drink more then 3 beer " I have a long run on Sunday " Oh no I am starting to sound like a crazy runner ! LOL . I have made a commmitment and I am going to stick it out.

Blaise has been wonderful and very supportive with helpful with walking Piper and helping with meals and my planning. Thanks Blaise ! It is tricky to work full time, take online course work, run and spend time with Blaise and Piperdog and friends.

Of course I can't help but think how do folks with kids do this! So I am embracing my present space in life and when kids come into our home we will work it out and I am confident that being active as a family will come naturally. Of course things will change but how fun will it be to be cheered on at the finish line by kiddies down the road ! Now that is an example and picture that keeps me running.



Number of Runs this week: 5
Longest Run this week: 7km

Half Marathon Clinic Training ! Ready Set Go !

Well I did it ! I started Running Room half marathon training clinic. I am really looking forward to the next 18 wks ! I started running in fall 2009 with learn to run clinic. I have always been a " want to be runner " as they always had cute outfits and looked to fit ! LOL However I never really committed to trying running. I was hooked after the learn to run clinic when I realized that " I will not die after running 10 min straight! I had a mountain top experience in September 2009 after climbing the 2 hr hike to the top of Sulfur Mtn.in Banff. I was totally out of shape and was thinking of my uncle Doug who was living with cancer and how it was ridiculous for me not to live my live to the fullest and fittest! So I started and when I have a tough run I swear I can hear Doug cheering me on !

I did a few 5kms and last year did the 10K clinic twice and Bluenose 10 K and Cabot Trail Relay Leg 15 in Maragree. Now I have to clarify that the Cabot Trail Relay is a very competitive race with serious runners. I ran with my brother in laws team and there is always a mix of serious runners and folks just starting running so very laid back but everyone has goals. I admit I was not smart with my training so I was not really prepared last year and I was last in my leg watching " older " runners pass me and I had the St.John ambulance behind me ! I laughed and kept going and felt like Terry Fox I had my own support team ! LOL Sooo my goal this year to is to train smarter and keep my focus on the goal of making the mat and running the pace of 6km/min.

The Running Room clinic has 60 people enrolled of all shapes and sizes and ages. I am hopping that I will connect with a few folks in this clinic and started running with the 2:15 group. Unfortunately the Bluenose is the weekend before the Cabot Trail Relay so my first half marathon will have to wait for another race in the summer. I loved the 10K last year so many people cheering and so many people in the pack. The energy is amazing and it feels great to test your body and push the limits. Yes I admit I am a convert and love the challenge and feeling from running. However winter running in Halifax is a challenge however I have all the gear and even went out for 6km last Sunday with RR group run and the temp was - 25 !

NO EXCUSES and FOCUS is my motto for my training !

I plan to give updates on my training to track how I am doing.

Longest Run this week: 6 KM
Number of runs this week: 3

Here we go !

Images of Christmas

I enjoyed having the " second" holiday to relax and organize my house. It was a lovely day and I spend some time doing some researching and reading. I came across this secrets for success and I they really were cute and simple so I thought I would share.

Secret of Sucess

by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

I guess I will be busy trying to live up to these 21 steps ! My intention and theme for 2012 is

Focus & Breathe


All the best for the new year.

Nameste

Karen