Now or Never

It's been awhile since I have visited our blog let alone write an entry. Shame on me for being so neglectful. Honestly I wasn't sure people even read it anymore, but a few (maybe not even a few; maybe two people) have wondered why I have stopped blogging. I haven't stopped, I have just been "too busy" to blog. Terrible excuse I know, but it seems that I find myself tired after I put the boys to bed, run the vacuum and fold a few shirts. So blogging got pushed aside not that I haven't had a few things to write about.

I am here now and excited to share what the Hickoks have been up to. I guess I will start where I left off, in 2011. If I had to sum up the year 2011, I would sum it up in one word, RUNNING! John and I started running last March and have really found it to be one of our favorite things... besides the boys and each other and the dogs that is. I talked about our running obsession a few entries before but just in case you forgot here I am.


That's me in the purple shirt racing to the finish line. I thought I was going to die! Seriously, running has proved to be the most challenging thing for me, but I love it! I don't know if I ever physically push myself as hard as I do when I run. Yes, I do know and I don't push myself unless I am running. Sometimes I am a baby and go really, really slow.


You remember John competed in his first half marathon last June. He is so much faster than me. Sometimes I get jealous.

I can't say that running only applies to our new favorite exercise; it also sums up what our lives are like from September through June. There are periodic breaks in there where we get to breathe for a minute or two, but for the most part we are running...and in circles most of the time.

Super!

I have been struggling lately with a few things; well maybe more than a few but this "thing" that I am struggling with is so heavy on my heart that I think writing about it will help. I am thinking that maybe if I write it down and see it then it will help me get over it (probably not though). I often find myself getting caught up in comparing myself to others; ignoring the girl that God created me to be. Sounds insecure, doesn't it?
I love being a mom to my two boys. But at times, lately too much I am faced with the challenge of questioning whether I measure up to those super moms. You know, those moms that have it all together-their house is perfect, their children are obedient... ALL of the time. If you know one, run far away in the opposite direction. On the outside it seems as though they can juggle it all. I am no where near the super mom status. My house isn't perfect. My children aren't perfect and I certainly fall short when it comes to parenting them perfectly. So why do I even try to compare myself to them?

Did mention I hate comparisons? I hate feeling like I don't measure up or even worse that my children don't measure up. I try really hard not to compare my children to other children. They are who they are each uniquely different and for that I am eternally grateful.

In a week or so I will be back in the classroom trying to do it all and keep it all together perfectly. Well, as perfectly as it can be in an imperfect world. I am going to constantly remind myself that my definition of super mom is much different that what the world defines as super mom. And if I am not so super all of the time that's okay too. These guys are convinced that I am super and I love that they don't compare me to anyone.

3 years old...already?!

It's hard to believe that on August 19th we will be celebrating Noah's 3rd birthday. Time does pass quickly and I didn't realize this until I had children. Noah has accomplished so much this past year. He has learned lots of new words and songs. He can count higher, but don't ask him what color his shirt is. You never know what kind of answer you are going to get. He has developed quite the personality often leaving me to think, "Where in the world did this child come from?!" And then I recall all of the torture that I put my parents through and it's very clear to me where he came from. Noah has taught me a lot about patience. There are times when I feel like I have reached my wit's end, but he flashes me a grin or tells me he loves me and I can't help but smile.

Noah loves to start every meal by praying. We aren't sure exactly what he is saying, but God knows. And I am sure he is pleased when He hears that little voice.

Noah's big accomplishment this past year was potty training. I was beyond thrilled when he mastered this. He did it so quickly too. It's amazing how much he has accomplished in 3 short years.

Noah's name means peaceful. I am not so sure that adjective describes Noah. I would go with happy, strong willed, kind, loving, loud, passionate and precocious. And I wouldn't want him any other way. Happy Birthday Noah Johnathan! We are blessed to have you in our lives.

Summer...There is nothing better.

It's already the end of July and I find myself thinking about fall. Before I know it I will be heading back to room 48 and greeting 19 brand new fourth graders. I have said this numerous times; I love teaching, but there really isn't anything like summer. I love running in the morning, taking my time with the boys, lunch dates with friends, and pool lounging. That always makes the list. I was a little anxious about this summer; thinking that the weather might disappoint, but it has been B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L! We have been to a few lakes. I dread bathing suit photos, but I am mostly covered in this one so I will let it slide.



John and I have done a couple of 5Ks. (The Cakes did a major half marathon, which I need to blog about -soon!) My goal is to do one a month (5ks that is, not half marathons). There are so many benefits to running. I think one of my favorite things is meeting God first thing in the morning and enjoying His creation. There is nothing like it. Period!



Today, in honor of the big 35 (mine, not his) we brought the kids to Adirondack Animal Park and they loved it. I loved it too! Can someone please swap me out and put me on Green Acres? I don't think John will go for it but I can wish, it is my birthday... Sigh....

Couch to 5K...

In March I started the Couch to 5K program mainly to get myself off the couch and moving. Being a working mom it's really easy to get stuck in the routine of work, home and bed. There were times this year (more often than not) when I felt like I was hanging on by a thread. I felt rushed, busy, frustrated, tired, anxious, and just plain unhealthy. My days consisted of waking at 5:30 a.m. leaving the house by 7:20 (on a good day), dropping the boys off at daycare by 7:45 and racing to the Shen campus to greet my cherubs by 7:55. After spending the day teaching my afternoons consisted of meetings (I signed up for two after school committees-what was I thinking? ), picking up the boys between 4:00 and 4:30, appointments, making dinner, baths, squeezing in some playtime, and bed. When I started the program I thought, how in the world is this going to fit into my schedule? I carved out time at 4:30 in the morning and made a commitment to make a date with the gym three times a week.

At first it was simple, I just wanted to get my body moving and get my heart rate up. After weeks of getting my body used to jogging I signed up for my first 5K. I had one goal in mind, jog the entire race without walking. On June 4th I accomplished my goal when I ran the Freihofer's race. It was an awesome experience. It's kind of amazing how good and accomplished finishing 3 miles can make you feel. After losing 10 lbs and one race under my belt I am hooked. I enjoy the peace and quiet my runs bring and the feeling of "I just completed a workout and I feel pretty good"! Yes, my body aches in places it's never ached before, but I am hoping that as the weight comes off the running gets easier on my body. And nothing beats hearing Noah ask if he can go for a run too.

Birthday Boy

Eli Benjamin turned the big numero uno while we were sunning it up in Myrtle Beach. We celebrated his big day by taking him to the best steakhouse that we have ever been to. Talk about mouth watering meat. Yes, I totally love the carnivorous side of me. It was so good! Meat is brought to your table and sliced right onto your plate. Definitely a place that we will visit again when we travel back to Myrtle Beach.





After returning from Myrtle Beach we celebrated Eli's first birthday with family and friends. The theme was Peter Rabbit and it was very fitting for our little bunny. We enjoyed Italian food as well as salads and delicious desserts. The Easter Bunny got wind of our party and because he is a long distance relative of Peter he decided to pop (or should I say hop-that joke is free) in for a visit. Thank you Easter Bunny. You really made our party a success.



















Eli has brought so much joy to our family. He is sweet and happy and I often find myself just staring at him imagining what he is going to be like when he is 10 and the kind of man he will become in his twenties. And then there are times when I wish I could keep him small forever. I love rocking him while he drinks his bottle and I especially love squeezing him. I love his sweet smile when he greets me in the morning and the sound of his little legs shuffling down the hallway. Feeling blessed beyond measure with the wonderful gift God has given us.

Vacation

Vacation was wonderful! We set out in the middle of the night with a packed SUV (which I loved and could totally get used to) and traveled to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We encountered some pretty scary weather, but let's just say that watching The Wizard of Oz helped us through a sticky situation. After spending 21 hours, yes you read that correctly it took us 21 long hours, we arrived at an awesome resort to start our week long vacay. It was totally worth it.

Very cute SUV


2:17 A.M.!!!


Did I mention that these two gems were priceless in the car? PRICELESS!!! They were champs and weathered the long car ride without one little fuss. And there was no duct tape involved. I knew those trips to the mall would pay off someday.





Our vacation consisted of waking up at 7:30 every day, exercising for John on most days, me on one day, (hey one day is better than no days), hitting the beach by noon and then back to the room for naps by 3:00. We usually set out for dinner by 6:30 and partied with these guys until 9:00 p.m. It was an awesome vacation (did I already say that?) and one we will never forget.









Looking forward to visiting Myrtle Beach again in the future. John and I both agree that it would be really fun to have another family join us the next time. Any takers?