2 kids down at our house.  Sam and Paige are sick. Stomach bug and headache. I would trade the stomach bug for most any other temporary illness.  Really!  With the exception of pneumonia or swine flu (we’ve had both here) I would happily give up vomiting. 

Yesterday while my family slept, got up, ate breakfast, went to church and then Sunday school, I ran.  I ran 18 miles or better yet 3 hours and 15 minutes.  Yah for me!  3 weeks to go! 

Okay, so in my last post I was really dogging on the hills surrounding our house.  Yeah, they can be a pain in the butt, literally. As I was out running yesterday, I decided that I wasn’t really being fair because for all the said butt kicking they do, I love them and cannot imagine running anywhere else.  So, I took some pictures for you.  Life in the foothills is an adventure and definitely breathtaking.

Well, once again, I have left you on the edge of your seats, awaiting my running update.  Hahahahhha!  Yesterday afternoon, I somehow talked my running partner into going 15 miles with me.  She was a bit reluctant as she isn’t really training for anything but my marathon. Bless her heart, she trudged along with me for 15 miles up and over many big hills.  At one point (about 7 miles out), we looked at each other and realized we were still going away from our houses and losing elevation at a rapid rate.  Basically, we were going to turn around and go uphill all the way home.  I love, love, love living so close to the mountains except when I am out for a marathon training run.  No matter what, running from the house means that I finish on an uphill, a big one.  A great workout and a real butt killer after a long run.  Soooo, we did it.  My feet hurt and I am moving a bit slower than usual, but I did it.  I went past my 13 mile wall and didn’t die.  Seriously, the thought of it made me scared for my life.  Now….I have to conquer 18 or so. Let’s not think about that right now. Also, I think that may have been the last training run that Kristin runs with me for a while.

Back to the grind tomorrow but just a short 5 miles.  It’s amazing how manageable 5 miles seems once you have run 15.  And to think Scott ran 100.  Sheesh.  That is so ridiculous.
Have a great Monday. 
Jennifer

Yesterday was a busy day of soccer games, work around the house, running and a barbecue in the mountains. We started the day at Sam’s soccer game. He played really well and spent the first half as goalie (about 30 instant heart attacks for momma). In the afternoon, Scott and I worked around here getting some chores done and then in the afternoon we headed up to Divide for a barbecue at a neighbor’s cabin. The weather was beautiful and the aspens were beginning to change from green to gold. I had fun snapping pics of the kids.

I have been away from this blog for an entire week.  I know, I know.  You want the pictures.  Well, you got it.

Now I am going to run to my bed (no, really, I am). 
Enjoy the pics of my adorable running machines.
Jennifer

Mason had his first day of school today.  My baby. went. to. school.  I can hardly believe it! He did great.  No tears for him or me.  I was so proud. Of him, of course.  And I had three whole hours of alone time.  I can hardly believe it! 
Off to pick up my other three angels, head to cross country practice,then home for a quick dinner and then off to soccer practice.  I will be dreaming of my alone time…..
Jennifer

Today was the last pool day for the summer.  So sad.  The weather was so nice that it just didn’t seem right, it being the last day and all.  I guess fall is coming whether I am ready for it or not 🙂  Anyhoo, here are the last pool pictures that you all have to endure, for this summer at least.  Hard to believe it is September.  Here’s to turning leaves, fleece jackets and soccer games.  Bring it on, I am ready!

This weekend we spent two nights up in Divide at our annual church retreat.  This weekend is always full of activities, fun and fellowship.  The ranch property is gorgeous and I never get enough of hiking around and taking in the beauty of the land.  The upper campground where we tent camp looks out over the ranch and Pikes Peak.  The kids love running around exploring, building forts, hauling logs and playing games with their friends. This year some new church families attended the retreat and it was so great to see some new faces.  Today we ended the retreat with worship time in the open air amphitheater.

I have come to this silly blog about a zillion times and have nothing to say.  Okay, so, it isn’t that I don’t have anything to say, I just haven’t had the energy to relay it all to you.  Anyway, here goes. 
The kids have gone back to school and they are getting into a routine.  The hardest part of our day is at the end of school.  The kids come out of three different doors on three different sides of the building.  I have been working on using the drive-thru line more but in the instance when I need to park and meet them at the school, I am having difficulty catching them all.  I am sure we will get it all figured out sooner or later 🙂  Paige is loving Kindergarten.  She has a really sweet teacher and aide.  Sam and Alice are enjoying their classes as well.  Sam’s teacher teaches in a really unique way and the kids love it.  Alice is in a more “traditional” class and that works for her as well.  Overall, a pretty good start to the year.  Mason had his preschool open house on Thursday morning.  He is soooo excited to start school.  At the open house, he met his teacher, had a snack, played outside and met some new friends.  I know he is going to love it!  He starts on Tuesday morning.
I am really missing the kids being home and the relaxed nature of summer.  We had such a fun, busy summer.  Busy in a good way.  Is it bad that I am already planning field trips for next summer?  A few things we wanted to do this summer but didn’t have time for…Georgetown train ride, Butterfly Pavilion, Waterworld….oh how I love summer!! I am sure that I will snap out of this funk soon.
Sam has started soccer practices and all three older kids are running cross country so I will have lots to start posting about very soon. 
This weekend we are camping at our annual church retreat in Divide.  Always an awesome time of fun and fellowship with some great people.  I should probably start packing soon…..
Guess what?!?!  I am finally growing  a summer squash in my garden.  After faithful watering, lots of watching and animal nibbling, we are getting produce. Okay, so far, I only see one piece but I have high hope for my garden (before it snows).  Sam is still waiting for his tomato plants to produce fruit but I don’t have the heart to tell him, that may not happen.
Here’s to finding some energy (or caffeinated soda)!  I hope you all are having a wonderful start to September and enjoy a nice Labor Day weekend. Much love from the CO Wescotts!
Love, Jennifer

Mason made these ears in Sunday school.  He thinks they are so cool.  They are a good reminder for him to listen.  This craft was a great visual for the younger kids.  We talked a lot about keeping our ears open and listening to our hearts and what God has  for us to hear. We also talked about how God wants little children to listen to their parents and teachers.  I am co-teaching Mason’s class and it is really awesome to see the little kids excited about attending Sunday school and learning about Jesus.

Maybe I should make some of these ears for myself.  Sometimes I could use the reminder too 🙂
Jennifer