Finally
We are finally at the final stretch of all the repairs needed after the Hellish Hail Storm of 2012. The basement carpet has been replaced and put down, the sheet rock repaired and painted, and all the furniture moved back. This week they replaced the roof and repainted the house, and all that's left now is new gutters. It has been LOUD here. Pounding and more pounding... but we are so grateful for the repairs. Every house in our neighborhood is also getting a new roof and repaired basement. It was quite a storm.

David has been very busy getting ready for the first day of school (Monday) and preparing for his 30+ students who lost their homes in the Waldo Canyon Fire. I'm very proud of our school district and the schools that were mostly affected. They've done so much for the families, staff, and students.

My kids are ready for school to start. Is there anything that drags out more than the last week of summer vacation? They just need to start already. While Zinabu is still not thrilled about his new school, he's willing to give it a try. He needs to make a buddy and then he'll be fine. Being that he's so sweet and helpful, I don't think that will be a problem.

We are holding our breath for Lily. She successfully attended 6th grade orientation, got her locker and schedule, packed her supplies, and knows a few other girls there. We are ever hopeful.

Carver is his usual happy-go-lucky self. Can't wait to see his friends. Can't wait to be an 8th grader. Can't wait to own his own cell phone. Can't wait to grow up. I'm doing my best to prevent that last part but he keeps thwarting me.

I am really proud to say I am a runner again. Last fall, my knee surgery put a big dent in my get-up-and-go. I didn't really get moving again until December/January, and even then it was mostly walking on the treadmill. I had started running a bit in early spring but if you recall I got some nasty virus that turned into a sinus infection and I was sick for 6 weeks. By June I was back to square one. Weak legs and even weaker lungs. But I've kept at it and I'm now up to a decent level of fitness. I run four times a week: 6 miles three times a week, and one three mile run at a very fast pace, to teach my lungs that they can't get lazy. My goal is to stay injury-free during the winter and pick one or two races this winter/spring to participate in. If I can do that, I will be really happy. I try never to take my health for granted.

Happy end of summer!