Sunday, May 31, 2009

SheRox Triathlion


Laura Sparks #60

Its a good thing Josh got us out the door because the I95 south was closed. We had to take a detour through the city. Josh pointed out that I can't seem to find the GPS. Amazing we managed before that thing,

The way from the transition to the beach.
Can't wait for my hair to grow!! Its at a point where I HAVE to do it or it looks like this.

My wonderful husband. He helped me get ready the night before. Then got me up at 5 and the kids in the car by 5:40. He also supported me through the 3 months of training. I love him and my children so much. Its amazing how much more you have to give when you take care of yourself too. It takes a great husband to help you do that,
and anyone who knows Josh know thats what I have.

The finish!!!! (above)
Isaac took this shot. Future in Photo? Maybe?

Do you see those clouds? That would be the reason the shortened it to a normal sprint. swim 1/4 mile bike 10 miles run 3.1 miles
Guess they didn't want anyone shruck by lighting.
On our way into the race the clouds would light up like in the movie "Independence Day". You know when the ships come down. It was crazy but really pretty.
Took me a minute to realise it was lightning.

It meant so much for me to have the kids there. Probably get a babysitter for now on since Josh will be doing them with me.
I just realized that I'm setting an example of healthy living to my children. Well at least the physical activity part. I'll still be working on the eat right thing. Haugen Daz for breakfast?!!
So this was just one of the many views I had in the race. I caught myself smiling through the whole thing thinking, "I'm really doing this!" I'm a lucky woman!
The green cap wave!!! So I stayed on the outside in the back because I heard stories of being run over. Turns out that I was one of the better swimmers and should have placed myself in the inside. I was running people over and having to breast stroke head out to go around people. Lesson learned.

Now thats a flattering shot! Josh was encouraging me to go faster.

Isaac really wanted to be more involved. Both he and Isaac were upset
on the other side of the fence.

Walking in clip shoes is an experience. This was my longest transition. Ridiculous we had to run over a grovel parking lot to get back to transition. That just ups my toughness right?!
Have to say its a little disappointing when you come into transition and almost all the bikes are already gone. =P

My camel back was heaven sent. Havn't used it for Years but it was perfect for the race. I made Gatorade ice cubes to go in the actual Gatoraide, so it kept my back cool too. It was perfect. I'm not coordinated enough on my bike to be drinking from a h2o bottle.
I think I would've killed myself.
So the Causeway.. the HUGE BRIDGE... (see past post) I didn't shift right on the way up the first time and just about died. I did make it to the top though. I refused to sop half way. I'm pretty proud of that. Well on the way back up I got the shifting right and WOW what a difference. Wish I had got it right the first time!!!!!!
The kids were pretty upset. Especially Isaac.
He wanted to run the last with me. I have to say I was disappointed too.

So I was practicing with my bike clips the night before and bite it about 3 or 4 times. I nailed my right butt check. Serious bruise on it. So if you find yourself scoffing at my run time... you try and do it will a bruised butt.
I was surprised by the size of the wall you hit when getting off the bike. Not in energy but momentum. I mean you cruise in on your bike and start the run. And I was doing pretty well at first but it felt like I needed a walker. Its a crazy feeling.
     60 Laura Sparks        
   30 F DAVIE             
USA AG    
Swim 8:44    Swim transition 4:45   
Bike 49:33    Bike transition 2:31   
5k run 42:49 
total time 1:48:20.8

THAT'S RIGHT... I'M A TRIATHLETE

IHOP

My tired husband. he looks like he might have just finished a Tri. Nope but he did keep 3 children busy for 2 hours. And that we all know will SUCK THE LIFE OUT OF YOU!

Lincoln kept himself occupoed with jam packs. Here he's showing me his treasure.

The kids practing sword swollowing. Isaac wanted to make it clear he wanted whip cream on his pancakes. I you know Isaac you know what mean by "make it clear". So the waitress brought 2 bowls of just whip cream! Heaven!!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Some views that I will see durning the race

This is the view of Miami from Key Biscayne


And this is the huge bridge I get to GO over... 4 times! The Rickenbacker Cswy. Ya I'm pretty much freaked out about it! The sign up description said the course was majority flat. I guess the didn't feel the need to tell us about THAT!! I hate bridges when I'm in a car let alone on a bike! I'm always afraid of sliding backwards. Forget swimming in open water I HATE BRIDGES!!
So keep me in your prayers for tomorrow.

Race Day is Tomorrow


Yep I have my number (60) and my cap (green).
My wave (green caps) starts at 7:15 tomorrow. I'm super stoked!
I have a sick bike (as Josh says), a tri-suit, nice goggles, instant laces,
and a cap so I don't burn my head.
We're going to try and be there by 6 so I can set up and be marked.
A crazy storm hit the tent right when we got under. Wind blowing stuff every where, lighting and thunder. Great considering we were in a metal tent in the middle of a parking lot!
Freaked Sydney out but Isaac thought it was pretty "awesome".
Hopefully it will be clear weather tomorrow.

that's me in the peace symbols shirt
Wish me Luck!!!

Friday, May 29, 2009

A note to my friend Ashley...


A gorgeous women inside and out! Funny, fun, and inspiring.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Lincoln turns 1 year old!



A little behind schedule b/c the pics and video were in Josh's phone. May 20th Lincoln turned one. It was a crazy day and being the third child.. well you know. I hadn't even gotten around to making him a cake, or cupcakes, or even buying something.
Luckily my wonderful friend Tracey and her daughter Kayla showed up with a cake and candle. Thank you Thank you thank you TRACEY!!
So we quickly called the neighbor kids over to join in happy birthday and here it is!

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Ready.. Set.. Go!!


Josh bought me a road bike! The tri suit was an amazing deal. I was going to do the race in my purple suit, but this is way better. I'm not going to use clips yet. I'm not that coordinated. And instead of water bottles I'll be using my camel back. I almost crashed many times tring to use a water bottle a couple weeks ago. I'm excited but pretty disappointed. I was going strong for months and then I got sick, Josh had finals and I havn't been able to train for 2 weeks.
Josh is coming so I'll have pics to post in a week.
He's really proud of me!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Stabat Matar



This is Amy and I singing our Duet for the Miami Catholic Cathedral concert.
I'm on the left and Amy is holding the music. Yes I have my long hair on. (I love it)
Robin accompanied us on the cello and Anne on the piano.
It turned out wonderful. We missed a few spots but no one noticed.
The Arch Bishop of South Florida was there also. He loved it!
Everyone just kept clapping so we bowed and they were still clapping.
We stood for a little and then left the stage...
they were still clapping.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Look... I grew my hair out over night!!!


So I decided against having fake boobs and went with fake hair instead!!

Its really cool. I got it at Salley's Beauty Supply and wore it last night to my concert. Everyone loved it! What was funny is that everyone kept looking at me and asking what I did different with my hair. "I bought it!" would be my answer. Its a perfect match to my own. What it is, is a hair piece attached to a head band of sorts. You just do your bangs and slide it on or pull all your hair back in it. It by Paris Hilton "Bandit" and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. It comes in 3 different lengths, I chose the shortest. Then just rinse it in a special shampoo.
You can flat iron it or curl it, put product in it and everything.
VERY COOL!
Its going to make growing my hair out a lot easier. Right now its DRIVING ME CRAZY! So I just cover it up until it passes through this annoying stage.

Live well... Love much... Give Blood


Yes at age 30... I am no longer a donating virgin. With my iron doing well and finally weighing enough I gave blood today!!!
Too bad the only have large and xlarge. They said it would shrink. =P

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day!


This is us tring to get a pic for mothers day.

We totally gave up after this one.

Isaac - 5 years old April 23rd
Intense! Everything about him is INTENSE!
He's already hit the stage where he feels he knows everything. So I'm not looking forward to the teenage years.
He's also my snuggle bug. The one who has no personal space and loves to be close to me.

Sydney - 3 years old February 13th
Shes a sweet heart.
She's also at a stage of testing boundaries and my discipline.
Shes a smart one!
In short... she's driving me crazy.
Such a cutie that people tend to not see past her dow eyes.
Changes cloths every half an hour and always there to tell me I'm doing a great job.

Lincoln - almost 1 year old May 20th
Melts everyone he sees with his toothy grin.
So close to walking but a little too cautious to try on his own.
Of course he did just start crawling about 2 weeks ago.
He's a hefty 23 1/2 pounds and hurts my back.
His eyes sparkle every time he looks at me.
And only I will do.

I have 3 very intelligent energized and loving children.
To sum it up. I'm exhausted and at my wits end.
But every night I go into their bedrooms and kiss them goodnight and thank Heavenly Father for blessing me with them in my life.
There's no other way I would've grown this much on my on.

Other Mothers that inspire me...


My mother in law who raised 6 kids born with in the span of 6 years and lives to tell the tale.
A very optimistic person. Can find the silver lining in any situation. I've come to learn that I can too. And like her... I'll have lots of practice.
Happy Mothers Day Mitzi!

My sister who keeps going through it all. Who helps me to realise I'm not perfect and thats ok. Shes someone I can always call when I'm having a REALLY bad day. She's strong and confident in herself and has so many qualities that I try to build in myself.
Happy Mothers Day Leah!


My mother...
Who raised me and instilled the values in me that I have today. Who has taught me that "this too in time will pass". To know that there are going to be tough times and thats those are the times you just keep going.
She took 4 kids under the between the ages of 12 and 4 across the world by herself, and didn't loose her sanity.
A women who has always try to better herself and give her children everything they need.
Who gave everything she had to us.
A wonderful doting grandmother to my kids and they love her.
An constant example to me in my life.
I love you mom!
Happy Mothers Day!

How well do you know your husband?

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Sports or Americas Funniest videos

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? ranch

3. What's one food he doesn't like? not a big fan of speghetti

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order to drink? diet Coke

5. Where did he go to high school? south kitsap

6. What size shoe does he wear? 11/2 and 12 depends on what foot

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? he's not a fan of nicknaks

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich?

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? icecream
10. What is his favorite cereal?

11. What would he never wear? anything that advertises for a store, and pastel plaid shorts

12. What is his favorite sports team? Sports in general. I hate to say I've tuned out when he starts talking sports. So he has to go to his guys friends... mainly Soptich. and you have to pronounce the ch as it reads not ck.

13. Who did he vote for? I know it wasn't Oboma

14. Who is his best friend? Me. oh yeah and Eric Brown

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? I tend to put trash down right where I'm at even if Im two feet from the trash can.

16. What is his heritage? he's got some russion in him

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind would it be? yellow cake choc. frosting

18. Did he play sports in high school? allstar football player

19. What could he spend hours doing? stummbling the internet... oh what he already does that.

20. What is one unique talent he has? to address people but never have to speak their name.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

St. Theresa's Prayer






Thank you Mom! Its Perfect, just what I needed!!

double click to read better

Monday, May 4, 2009

Isaac got a hold of the camera


This actually isnt too bad of a picture. A boy and his dog. But shes really my dog. This almost looks like Blue Steel.

I thought Isaac took this one... and arm shot but josh just corrected me. This is when Isaac was tring to take the camera from Josh.

So I went up stairs to check on Isaac. he was taking some "private time" in our bathroom. As I walked up to the door I hear hear him chatting away at someone. I open the door to find his little friend. Yep tie towel name tag hat and wala... personal pooping friend.
Man thaqt kid has imagination.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Concert Time Again



This is our last concert series of the year. Man did that go fast! Its been so much fun. We start up again after the summer is over.
Amy and I tried out for an intermission duet, we'll see if we get it. If so we hope to perform it on the Sunday night performance.
So please come out.

Take me out to the Ball Game!


How cool is this!! My choir is singing at a Florida Marlins Game Sept. 11th. What an honor to sing the National Anthem on 9/11. They have reserved the Bullpen Box for us. Well for us to use as a fundraiser. We can sell the tickets for $20 a piece and they are normally $25. And yes we the choir members also have to purchase our tickets. But the seats are really great and all the tickets sold will be seated together.
If anyone is interested just give me a call, comment, or hit me up on facebook.