Work It Out Wednesday

I've started focusing this week on fitting in more weights into my week.  If you don't remember this post, I've decided that I need to get back to the days of lifting more regularly...and maybe one day I can have Sarah Jessica Parker arms...and perhaps this girl's abs!  Either way I wanted to share with you my workout routine this morning.  I adapted it from a workout I used to do with my trainer (who left me always with that great rubbery feeling after).  It is my way of satisfying the cardio bug I have while also getting in weights.  After the three sets I'm feeling it and have burned loads of calories!  I'm pretty sure I've shared this before but there are many newbies around these parts and it never hurts to have a reminder!

10 minute warm-up (ran 1.2 miles)

Set 1:  Each group of three is done as a superset where one exercise is done right after the other for 3 sets

Lateral raises

Walking lunges with weight

Bicep Curls

Hanging Knee raises (30)

Reverse fly

Fly

Tricep Kickbacks

10 minutes of cardio (running again)

Set 2:  Again each group of three is done as a superset where one exercise is done right after the other for 3 sets

Overhead press

One-legged Squats 

Hammer curls

Bicycles (set of 30)

Lat pull-down

Chest press

Tricep pull-down

10 minutes cardio (Yeah back to running)

This morning I only did 2 sets due to time restraints but I would normally do another set that followed the same routine of shoulders, legs, biceps...abs...back, chest, tris.

How do you feed your cardio bug but still get in a great weight workout??

Leaving you with one last picture that cracked me up!!

Monday Motivation...Tell That Voice to Shut it!

I've seen this floating around Pinterest lately and it really struck me today.  Since the 20 miler my motivation level has been....well pretty low!  I know this happens to me a lot after a big race that I have been training for.  All the anticipation and then it's gone!  I took the end of this week to just rest.  Not necessarily rest physically (are you ever able to do that with a toddler...or even without?) but I needed the mental rest.  A rest from the "I need to run".  This week (since I have a half 3 weeks away) I am talking back to that voice that is saying to turn around and go home.  I'm telling it to "Shut it!" because around these parts we run.  And this week that is what we will do!!

Do you need a mental rest after big races?  Are you telling that voice to "Shut it!" this morning? 

Three Things Thursday!

Hey all!!  Let me take a second to welcome new fan club members!!  Thanks for following!!!  Looking forward to getting to know you too!  Ok so without further ado...here is this week's dose of randomness!

1.  Today I completed this sweet half marathon for my #2 race in my 12 in 2012 challenge!  Her Gandma's favorite color is pink so of course I wore my pink Saucony jacket and pink and black Chicaband!!  I mean like I really need to be told to wear pink!!  I hope I'm still running half marathons when I'm 95!!!

2.  Thank you all for your support with my challenge to give up junk for Lent.  I don't eat a large amount of junk but it is more about how I feel about myself after.  Each year I try to give up something that I feel gets in the way of seeing myself as God sees me.  When I eat junk food I tend to beat myself up...thinking I'm weak and just gross.  This is definitely not how He sees me nor wants me to see myself.  Added bonus is that I know I will feel physically better too!

3. Tomorrow I am heading down to RI for an overnight with Em...more like for some much needed hair attention and family and friend time!!  I'm looking forward not only seeing my family but also to FINALLY get my hair did and see my BFF Cindy!!  That being said I am not taking my computer with me so I'll see you on Monday....Good luck to those racing this weekend and I'll try to keep this amazing weather here for those of you coming down and racing Hyannis!!

Wordless Wednesday....almost

So begins another Lenten season.....See you in 40 days junk food (if I even want to talk to you then!)

Martha's Vineyard Race Report-Long Story

Saturday morning, I woke up...drove to Wood's Hole...and boarded the ferry headed for Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard.  Let me just begin by saying I have never even gone to Martha's Vineyard...not even as a tourist so I was excited to go!

Heading over...good thing I had my Chicaband on because it was a windy trip!

Jill and I settled in for our 45 minute ferry ride and caught up on everything from work to running...you know all the essentials!

We got there with about 40 minutes to start....perfect!  We went into the port authority building and quickly found the bag check.  It was tough to decide what to wear since it was getting later...it was getting very sunny and warm.  With only 450 runners there was no clearly marked start line...just a bunch of runners milling around one area (clearly we were at an island state of mind!).  Before we knew it we were off!

The first 9 miles were along the coastline of the island and seriously I got lost in the GORGEOUS views!!!  I honestly started thinking...I could live here.  I stuck to my run 1 mile walk 40 seconds plan and was cruising along at just under 9 min miles.  However it was not lost on my that as we started my stomach was growling.  Important since this was my demise.

After snaking along the amazing coastline we turned onto a bike path which we follow for the next 8 miles.  Mile 8, while I was soaking in the sun and serious views, my Garmin froze.  This has never happened to me before so while I panicked for a minute knowing I was S-O-L for the next 12 miles, I came up with a plan to get to the mile markers and then walk while counting to 60. 

It was around mile 15 where the problems began....ugh.  I took a GU at mile 6 and another around mile 12 but I quickly became hungry.  It was almost as if my belly was saying, "That's it?"  My stomach started cramping badly and got worse when I drank water.  I tried walking but every time I started running again it would seize again to the point where I was running bent over.  Now normally I would have toughed it out but then I got dizzy and just not good.  Just before mile 17 there were police officers in the road.  By then Jill had caught up to me and helped to convince me to stop and get a ride to the finish.  I can't tell you how many times waiting for the pick-up car I wanted to just say, "I'm good!" and start running again...mostly because I felt embarased to be standing there.  I tried to convince the woman who picked me up to drop me off just before the finish so I could run it in....yeah no go!  I went to the finish to cheer for Jill as she came trotting in! 

Afterwards was SUPER organized.  We got our bags, shirts (Jill convinced me to get one even though I may not wear it!), and food.  We had about 30 minutes to change and catch the shuttle to the ferry.  The funniest scene was the ferry ride back.  Lots of very sore and stiff runners on a swaying ship!

Honestly speaking I would HIGHLY recommend this race.  It was super well organized with lots of water stops run by local organizations.  It was small but I never felt like I was out there alone.  The cost was low ($50) and you seriously can't beat the views!  Everyone was super nice and helpful and they had a ton of food after!  Just make sure you eat enough before.....don't pull a me!!  This has gotten me thinking more about my half coming up in March and how I am going to fuel.  I feel like I needed more real food....maybe a bar or something like that.

Monday Motivation-Dust off and Try Again!

Thank you so much for your kind encouragement from yesterday!  Honestly my first thought when I stopped was that I was going to let you all down!  Silly!  I will explain more in tomorrow's post but I think I can narrow it all down to a breakdown in fueling.....my nemesis!

Today is reserved for dusting myself off and trying again!  I allowed myself yesterday to wallow a bit but today it is time to put on my big girl pants and focus on the next race.  Martha's Vineyard isn't floating away and there is always next year....oh yeah and you better believe I will be there next year!  Life happens and sometimes your mind shows up but forgot to let your body know!  What makes a person successful is not falling and staying down but getting back up and trying again!  Saturday's race does not define me as a runner and I know that.  I knew I was ready...did the work...and I will do it again.  That is what we do....as runners....as fit people...as dieters....we give our all and try again when we fall! 

Go out there and give this week your all!  Only you are keeping yourself from success!

Martha's Vineyard Race Report-Short Story

Today's race report is brought to you by the letters....

D....N.....and F

Longer version coming once my pride heals a bit!

Fitness Friday...If you don't use it you lose it

Ok so I didn't mean that....I meant more of this...

Today as I was getting ready for the gym I glanced in the mirror.  After getting over my scary morning face (seriously how do I not scare people at the gym) I noticed something disturbing....my muscle tone, or rather lack there of!  Before moving to Cape Cod I was working out with a trainer who kicked my butt from one end of the gym to the other!  I took a lot of her classes where she did TRX and treadmill work with weights....lots of weights.  Yeah I would say I got pretty jacked.  Since moving here I have run and run until my legs fell off and then I ran some more.  Now my legs are looking pretty good but the rest of the package not so much.  After this weekend's race I am focusing more on weights and not subsituting my weight days for extra mileage.  The hubs and I have a wedding to go to this June and I would love to be able to show off my Sarah Jessica Parker arms (I wish) in a nice sleeveless dress...you know as opposed to my chicken wings right now!

 Any good upper body workouts you can suggest? 

Three Things Thursday-Race Prep Style

Oh yeah in case you have forgotten....like you forgot you needed to be thinking about me all the time....I have this little race on Saturday:

So here are a few things on my mind that I need to prep and be ready for Saturday morning!

1.  Food/Fuel....The race starts at 11am which is later than I would like since I am a freak about prerace fueling...like I have to eat and drink the same things every. single. time.  Don't they know this?  Lisa gave me a good suggestion though to bring food with me in addition to eating my breakfast!  Since we are catching the ferry at 9:15 I'll be sure to pack some goodies!  Oh man and I guess my anti sea sickness meds....typing this I just realized there is a chance for an angry sea belly!  Oh boy!  Either way the iFitness belt is packed with Gu and I'll bring my Nathan handheld for water.
2.  Attire....As mentioned yesterday I got a new pair of shoes and strayed from the standard color combo (thank by the way for all the shoe love)!  Enter new dilema...I have all pink and black clothes!  Looks like I'll be hitting up a few stores today!  It would be awesome if I could find a lime green skirt...we shall see!  I'll post my decision....because I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat about that!
3.  Goals.....Since I have never run this race before it will be a pr either way!  Score!!  I have thought a lot about what I would like my race to look like.  I have been training using Galloway and will continue to do that for this race.  I just love the way my legs feel using it!  I'm setting a conservative goal of 4 hours.  Yeah pretty conservative.  Really folks I want to finish!!

Any pre-20 miler advice???  Eating....pacing...attire?

Almost Wordless Wednesday

What is better than an fresh new pair of sneakers?.....A new fresh blue pair of sneakers!!!  

I went in to get my usual pink and black and white Saucony Rides this weekend and they had these spiffy colored Rides!  Now to buy more running clothes to match!!!

Tunes for Tuesday

Some people can run without music all the time...they enjoy the sound of their breathing and the world around them....me not so much!  I need not only the distraction of the music but also the rhythm of the song to keep my cadence.  Yes my range in music looks like I may have multiple personalities (from Pitbull and Whiz Kalipha to Glee) I try to pick songs and put them in an order that is going to work for the race I'm running.  For example, my last half marathon mix started with a few slower songs since I always get caught up in the rush of the start.  Along the way were faster paced songs and those killer "go kick butt" anthems mixed in for an extra boost.  Well I am on the hunt for more music to add to my play list for this weekend's big race.  I know my fellow Fitfluential Ambassador Samantha over at Running and Cupcakes wrote Monday on motivating songs and last week about the worst songs. 

What would you add to the list of songs that make you shake your groove thang?  What puts that push in your stride?  Come on folks....I have 20 miles to cover here!!!

How could I forget......Happy Valentine's Day!!

Monday Motivation-Running....a LIfetime

I have seen this quote several times over the past several months and have always been inspired by it.  It inspires me to push myself and push my body's limits recognizing that I won't always have the legs to do just that!  Yesterday this message came to me in the form of a kind, older man who was on the treadmill next to me.  I chose to run 16 miles on the mill (and then proceed to poke my eyes out) since the morning was not just cold but filled with black ice.  With only 1 week until my race I was not taking that risk of slipping not so gracefully across the street!  Anyway...I got off track.  So this man strikes up a conversation with me about running.  I usually am polite but don't talk all that much at the gym....I go in, do my thing, and leave.  However I'm so thankful for taking the time to talk with this man.  He was all of 5'2" and began telling me stories of back in the day when running was at it's height.  He was over 70 years old now but as soon as we started talking about races, he got a twinkle in his eye reminiscing about running with Johnny Kelley and Bill Rodgers...you know "before they were a big deal".  He talked to be for 50 minutes about racing and speed, 100 mile weeks and junk miles, running before the "fancy stuff".  We talked about families and injuries and how he has had a knee replaced now in his older age.  Through it all though he had that gleam in his eye that I recognized...running is something that gets inside you.  Through the good and bad runs...year after year it still lights you up!  He inspired me to keep that spark going while helping me get through 50 minutes of my run.  He clean his treadmill off and wished me luck on my race and left me with the words, "Keep running!"  I certainly will....thank you!

Chobani Champions Giveaway Winners!!

Heading out for my frigid long run today...but wanted to announce the winners of the Chobani Champions Giveaway!!  Thanks all for entering!

Run for Sherry

The excuses began to run through my mind this morning as my alarm went off.  It was early....after teaching all night I was tired...my foot hurt...but today's run was for a bigger reason than me.  Today I ran for Sherry...for her memory....for her family...for women who don't make it home again.  It was an honor to be part of this and each time I wanted to stop I remembered Sherry. 

Did you run, walk, bike, skip, move for Sherry this morning?

Three Things Thursday

Why yes it is Thursday again....sit tight for another edition of complete randomness!!!

Low expectations....This week I have been made aware of two things medically wrong with my body.  One much less serious than the other could be...and had me on the ultrasound table last night (and not to look at a cute baby profile).  I have been having random symptoms for about a year and last week finally went to the doctor.  She seems to think that I have a fibroid and sent me to have more tests.  I had one of those in the past that I had to have removed (I called it my C-section without the beautiful baby).  This got me thinking and almost laughing to myself...do I really have that low of an expectation of how my body should feel normally?  As a runner and almost life-long athlete, I have ignored many an injury and have pushed through when I was feeling off.  Have I just assumed that I will always feel off?  How about you?  Have you been diagnosed with something that was a surprise to you?  I guess I have to raise the bar just slightly!

Race fears....I have a race coming up next Saturday.  Yeah I haven't really talked about it much at all...ok not at all!  My reason is simple....It scares the ever mother-loving crap out of me!  Next Saturday I will take the ferry out of Wood's Hole and head over to Martha's Vineyard to run the Martha's Vineyard 20 miler. 

I have been training but there have been weeks that because of life I have had to miss long runs.  My longest has been 17 miles so physically I'm ready but mentally I'm shaking in my Sauconys!  My friend Jill always ropes me into these things and before I know it I'm mid race thinking, "Why did I sign up for this?".  But it's good for me....good to push through my comfort zone....good to erase the "bad" marathon memories that are holding me back.  You never know, I may just keep going an extra 6.2  (probably not though!).

Martha Stewart time....Call it the guilty working mom in me but I always try to be as creative as possible when it comes to gifts for Em's friends at daycare.  I've made hair clips for that past few holidays so this Valentine's Day I wanted something new.  This year I decided to make crayon heart.

My sister had done this before and then I saw it on I heart naptime, which by the way is an amazing blog to bring out all things crafty in you in addition to Jamielyn being so extremely sweet.  Yesterday we collected our broken crayons.  As a teacher in an urban school I save everything since a supply budget is unheard of!  We put them in heart molds and stuck them in the oven.  It was super easy and they came out really cute!  Check out the complete post here with 15 kid Valentine ideas!

WIAW-Protein Power...Collagen Sport Review

Lately I have been getting a lot of questions about what type of protein I use.  Protein powder is the best way for me to get in a lot of protein quickly and easily...you know aside from buying a chicken farm just for the eggs and chickens!!  

I was given the chance by the great folks at NeoCell to try out their Collagen Sport whey isolate.  I was really excited to try it out since it promised to be kind to my often cranky belly.  I acutally at one point called my belly a overtired toddler at times!!  Check out the stats on Collagen Sport

The Rundown:

• 15 grams Pure Ion-Exchange Whey Protein Isolate
• 15 grams Super Collagen™ Bioavailable Peptides
• Rich in BCAAs
• Good source of L-Glutamine
• Enhanced with Exogenous Amino Acids
• Multi-vitamin Fortification
• Doctor Formulated

What’s NOT in Collagen Sport™

• Gluten, Wheat, Sugar & Lactose Free
• No Artificial Sweeteners or Flavors
• No Fillers or Synthetic Ingredients

 Here is what I thought of Collagen Sport.....

Pros:

• Only 123 calories per scoop
• Only 0.5 grams of fat per scoop
• 30 grams of protein per scoop
• No sugar!!!
• Mixes super easily!!
• $50 for 30 servings
• Tastes GREAT in my green monster smoothie
• Belly was happy!!

Cons:

• French Vanilla flavor didn't taste so great in my oatmeal or alone (would order chocolate flavor if not mixing it)

Try it out for yourself....head on over to NeoCell and see for yourself!!  Plus you can check out their jacked athletes while you're there!!  Thanks to NeoCell for letting me try this out!

NeoCell sent me a jug of protein for free but the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

You have 1 more day to enter to win my Chobani Champions Giveaway!!

Galloway, Gear, and Giant Wagers

Hi my name is Fancy Nancy and I have a problem with alliteration.....I just have to do it!!!

Galloway.....I again used the Galloway method for my weekend long run of 17 miles and again folks it did not dissappoint!  Unfortunately I made one false move which will officially launch me into genius runner status...forgot to charge my Garmin!!!!  Therefore I had to run the same 8 mile loop twice and then around my neighborhood once.  Yeah I paid for my mistake with BOREDOM!  Other than that it was an awesome day to run Sunday and I am still in love with the Galloway.  I used a regular watch and ran 9 minutes on and 10 seconds off.  I think I'm ready for the Martha's Vineyard 20 miler next weekend....now if only my mind was in agreement with my body!!

Gear....I've been trying out the gear from our 12 in 2012 sponsers iFitness and Chicabands this week and during my long runs.  I have made no point to hide that I normally don't like wearing a belt....I don't need any more badonkadonk back there if you know what I mean!  

Well I packed up the iFitness belt up with raisins (trying them for fuel....pretty good!)

and strapped it on.  

Initial thoughts were....comfy and not anything like the other belt I used to use.  It never moved the whole 17 miles and I will say that I love it!!  I look forward to using it racing and not having to wear something with pockets all the time! 

Giant Wagers....Yeah last week I opened my big mouth and bet on the Patriots against NYC Running Momma.  Well last night I had to settle my wager....and let me tell you, after 17 miles the day before 4 miles of speedwork just plain bit the big one!!  But a bet is a bet.....here are the pictures to prove it!

Love my Chicaband but not losing a bet....

Monday Motivation-Superbowl Style

Pats fans all over the world are somberly going through their day today because those dang (censored for the masses) Giants did it again to us!!  The only thing the news media could say to cheer us up today....pitchers and catchers report in less than two weeks.  

Ok so how can I turn this into motivation for this week for you all????  Well sometimes we step up to the starting line of our dream race.  We put in all the work leading up to this one moment.  We may have even been here before....and bonked....but we're there again and well....another whammy.  

However we don't back down....we put in the work again....pound away the miles, the speed work, the training....because one day that race will finish like this

Don't quit on your dreams because one day you will reach them!!!  

Oh and make sure not to invite Giselle (just to give you a little extra luck)!!

Don't forget to enter to win two new Chobani Champions flavors!!  Click here to see!

Be a Champion...Chobani Champions Giveaway

I couldn't have been more excited when the people at Chobani contacted me to test out their new Champions flavors.  For those of you who aren't familiar with their Champions line, it is the first greek yogurt designed for kids....however so many people I know eat it as a smaller alternative to the usual size container!  Em....aka the world's pickiest eater...loves Champions yogurt because it's super yummy and I love it because I know she is having a healthy snack with just 100 calories and 8 grams of protein!  We have been loving their honey-nana and verry berry flavors!

One rainy day last week we peeked on the back deck and had this waiting for us:

Chobani Champions' two newest flavors!!!  Orange Vanilla and Vanilla Chocolate Chunk!!  They even packed Em a handy lunchbox which she instantly loved and made me make a pb&j sandwich to put in it!!

So you may be wondering what Miss Picky Pants thought of the new flavors.....well.....

Emma tested.....

and approved!!!

(I have to agree with her....very yummy!!)  

Disclosure: Chobani Champions provided me the yogurt for free.  I received no other compensation.  All opinions are 100% me!!!

Want to win these flavors for you too?  So many ways to enter!!

Fitness Friday....Run Your Heart Out

As a new runner....heck as any runner...you have those time when you may feel like your going to have a heart attack.  One race I ran with a friend, it was her first, she kept telling me that her heart was going to give out!  I also ran with a friend who watched her heart rate monitor closer than card counters in Vegas look at cards!  I actually took it away from her and no she did not in fact have a heart attack!  She is now a triathlete!

There are tragic stories from marathons or other running circles that you hear of people dropping dead during runs.  Even the Hood to Coast movie (makes me cry every time!) follows one team, Heart and Sole, who has a member whose heart literally stopped on the course.  She was there the next year determined to run again!  However, the important thing that doctors want you to know is that most if not all of these people had something wrong with their heart BEFORE they stepped up to the starting line.

Running in fact is very good for your heart!  My hubs was at the doctor's and he was explaining to him how running makes your heart pump more efficiently.  Runners are known for their lower than low resting heart rates.  Deena Kastor, during Olympic time, was said to have a resting heart rate of just 28 beats per minute.....holy wow!  Mine is usually around 55....no where near Olympic greatness but amazing for me!  An article written by Elizabeth McLeod Sadler of Vanderbilt wrote, 

"Finally, running strengthens the heart and helps prevent heart attacks. The large muscle exercise it provides helps keep the cardio system efficient and strong. In fact, the heart of an inactive person beats 36,000 more times each day than that of a runner, as running keep the arteries open and the blood flowing smoothly."

So what do you say?  Yes you will experience heart break from running....but you'll also experience the addictive runner's high and the feeling of your heart soaring just from reaching your goals!  Go on out there and hit the pavement or mill....your heart will thank you!  

Are you wearing your red today?  Today is National Wear Red Day to raise support for women's heart health.  Put on that red and go run!! 

Three Things Thursday

Hold on tight for today's random three things!!

1.  Preschool....Yesterday we went to visit a preschool that we are thinking of sending Em to.  Sitting there talking with the director I kept getting chocked up...to me she will always be this little girl:

and to hear about writing letters and Christmas concerts made me realize just how fast time has gone!  I know she's ready....but am I?

2.  Protein Power....Many of you had questions about what type of protein I use.  Right now I use Syntrax Vanilla Bean only because that is what my hubby uses.  Before when I wasn't using it too often I didn't care what kind I used but now that I am using it much more I am looking for something better for me and kinder to my belly!  I am looking forward to trying out Collagen Sport and Vega Sport!  I will let you know my thoughts on each!  What types to you all use??

3.  Appreciation Day #2... I came home yesterday and it was like I was in a new house!  My sister had certainly worked her magic and it was as if a huge weight had been lifted!!  

Today's person is the unsung hero of my running...without this person I would not have been able to log over 2500 miles in two years....this person is my hubby!

I know I don't always show it and my first reaction to missing a run is whining, but I do appreciate all you sacrifice so that I can run crazy miles and countless races!  Running may seem crazy to you but you always encourage me and find ways to allow me to be crazy with others!!!  I hope I am supporting you as much as you have supported me as you get your trim and jacked hiney on that stage in April!  I love you honey and you ARE appreciated!!!

Appreciate WIAW

Ha!  I love how I can squeeze together two completely random topics in one title!!  Two things on the docket today...What I Ate Wednesday and Amanda's Appreciation Challenge day 1!  So let's get right into this!

As I've talked about, probably way too much, I started a new diet (diet in the most friendliest of terms meaning a way of eating not a way to only lose weight) on Monday courtesy of my hubby's "diet guy" for his body building show.  I gave him my goal weight (which I honestly haven't seen since college) and gave him my best stubborn runner "show me whatcha got" mindset!  Here is what the breakdown is:

Servings each day

Calories: 1525

Protein: 120

Carbs: 120-130

Fats: 52

Servings Each Meal:

Protein: 24

Carbs: 32-25 (no carbs with meal 5-dinner)

Fats: 13 (no post workout fats)

Since I am just trying to get my head around this all, I decided to basically follow what he gave me as a mock day.  I'll try to get more creative once I get used to it....or bored of eating the same things day in and day out!  So here is my day (sorry some of them aren't cooked or made....forgot to take pics yesterday! (Bad blogger!)

Oatmeal with protein powder and raisins

Protein shake with 9 almonds and raisins

grilled chicken, quinoa, steamed broccoli

protein shake

tuna, lettuce, poppy seed dressing (ran out of chicken...we need a farm!)

Seriously between my husband and I we should just own a chicken farm...egg whites and chicken galore!  Not the most exciting but like I said I will start to experiment once I get used to it and once I get a little more time on my hands....which brings me to my next topic du jour!

Amanda at Run to the Finish has her challenge for February and it could come at a better time!  It is to spend February showing those around you that you appreciate them!  My plan for this challenge is to have once person each day that I contact.  Well my person today to kick off my challenge is my sister. 

Things around Fancy Nancy land have been....well let's just say stressful.  I checked my voicemail yesterday and heard this from my sister, 

"I'm glad you didn't answer because I'm not letting you say no.  I'm coming over tomorrow and helping you clean your house so that you can come home and have fun with Em.  The only thing I want you to tell me is where is the key and what is left to do."

Of course my first reaction is to say...oh stop you have 2 kids and have not been feeling well but I am trying to learn to accept help so she is on her way.  I know I am blessed to have such a supportive family and was honestly brought to tears to hear that Amy wanted to help me!  She is my (older) sister who has constantly taught me how to bless others through service.  She is always willing to help out another person no matter what it is.  I appreciate you Amy and I thank God for you every day!! (Oh and I did clean up a little bit...hee hee!)