Perks

One of the perks of being a 4th grader in Sandpoint is that you get a FREE day of skiing at Schweitzer - including bus ride, ski lesson, pass and rentals if you need them. Hannah (in pink above) spent Tuesday skiing with her classmates in the beautiful sunshine. I was able to go as a parent helper and loved skiing with Hannah, her friends, their teacher and parents. It was such a fun day.

Isn't Ms. Litven the coolest teacher ever? Who else has a 4th grade teacher that can teach math, spelling, and give you ski tips? Well, maybe my brother Kurt ranks up there with Ms. Litven, but I can't think of many others.

Training Update

Unlike much of the country, we have had less than our normal amount of snow this winter. This has been a little disappointing for skiing. But it has been great for my running! Instead of toughing it out on the treadmill, my friends and I have been able to run outside. It's been wonderful - early and dark and cold, but wonderful!

We are in week 13 of our training schedule for the Windermere Half Marathon in May. Things are going well and most days we meet our goal - thanks to Cassi, who is our goal setter, and Erin, who is our pace setter. Just to give you a glimpse of how we are preparing:

Tuesday we do an interval run. This week it was three mile intervals at 8:30 minute/mile pace - with a warm up and a cool down. It was tough and by the third mile interval I was breathing hard.

Thursday we do a moderate run at our goal pace for the race. This week it was 6 miles at a 9:55 minute/mile pace. It was a nice morning and at that pace we can carry on a conversation to keep our minds occupied. It is a great way to start the day!

I am scheduled to do a long run (anywhere from 7-15 miles) on Saturdays. But I am not doing the long runs yet because we are still skiing. Priorities, you know!

On Monday and Wednesday I cross train - usually a spin/sculpt and weight training/cardio class.

Fridays I ski with Kirk and Saturdays we ski with the girls.

On Sunday I take a nice nap (if the kids let me)!

With all of this exercise, why don't the numbers on my scale get smaller? Oh yeah... key lime pie and triple chocolate truffle cake!

Hugs & Kisses

In a house with four girls, Valentine's day is a big event. There are plenty of Hugs & Kisses. Some flowers (thanks Dad!). Lots of heartfelt notes and cards. And, of course, plenty of sweets.

Happy Valentines to all of you that we LOVE.

A Run for my Money

Why do my children get more and more independent with each successive one? Izzy is quite a character. She is not even two yet, but knows exactly how to get what she wants. Is that from being the youngest of four sisters? Take, for instance, this morning...

It is too quiet. I check around and find Izzy on a stool at the counter. She has found her sisters Valentines chocolates (thanks Natalie!, the girls were so excited!) which were put away 'out of reach'. One giant chocolate is already in her mouth. When she realizes that I am coming to stop her pilferage, instead of feeling guilty or trying to hide the evidence, she immediately starts shoving as many chocolates in her mouth as possible. She is not even two? How does she learn these things?

Another Hit

We had yet another birthday at the office this week. Lemon Sour Cream Pie was requested. But what can I say? I wasn't in the mood. So, instead I made this...

Key Lime Pie

It was creamy and refreshing, tart and sweet, and delicious. Though, unfortunately, not low in calories. Sorry. I made a homemade crust: 1 package Graham Crackers (about 8-10 crackers) 5 T. melted butter 2 T. sugar Mix and press into a 9" pie pan. Bake at 350F for 10-15 minutes until golden. Serve the chilled pie with plenty of real whipped cream.