649

I RAN 649 MILES IN 2010!!!!!!

I spent 123 hours, 35 minutes and 21 seconds in motion while running this year!

I don't want to mean this like I am bragging.....but for a girl like me who is a music loving, band nerd, show choir queen (who always fought against the feeling she was too big to sing and dance like the other girls,) this has brought about a change in me. Many people ask me why I do this and I'm sure even more make comments about the time it takes, etc with young children. But to all of those with questions I say this.

I have NEVER felt better about myself! I am physically in the best shape of my life and emotionally, I have finally found that "something" I talk with my students about all the time that helps me handle stress in positive manner. Running helps put me in a better place mentally so I am able to tackle the stress of work and also refocus to be a better wife and mother at home. While it can be hard to fit it all in at times.....I know that taking some time for myself to do something active and healthy helps me to help my family! :)

Since January 2010, I have been logging my runs religiously on runningahead.com. It's been a great way to track my progress and keep me accountable. Thanks for all who have visited my blog in 2010! I hope to have many posts in 2011 about our boys, our family and my continued journey towards my next 1/2 marathon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

Getting ready to take off into 2011

Just a few photos to share from Christmas day! It was a great day....until the stomach flu hit Collin, Chad and I in the evening. I guess it isn't the holidays unless 3/4 of the family is sick? On the positive side but we had made it through Santa, all the presents and fun with Chad's family at least!

Collin is still wondering where all the presents are. So now we have been playing a game where I am the present and he wraps me in blankets! He calls me his "mommy toy" and every time he rips the blankets off while saying "I wonder what it is?"

It was a Christmas full of Star Wars for Mitchell! He stated he really "NEEDED" this particular clone trooper.

The flu bug kept us from creating our gingerbread house until yesterday. But with the help of Grandma and Grandpa Ammeter, it was completed....and now half of the roof has already been eaten. :)

Mitchell asked me to act like I was flying while he was taking pictures with the new camera he got for Christmas. So I guess we are ready to take off into 2011!

Before the illness hit full force on Christmas Day, Chad and I were able to run 6 miles together. My training schedule has officially started for my 3rd half marathon and my next post should include the total number of miles I have ran this year. Until then, I am going to continue enjoying my holiday break at home. Tomorrow night the boys are staying with my folks and Chad has made dinner reservations but won't tell me where we are going......we will end our night at a 40th birthday party for Angie Messer with friends and co-workers, it is setting up to be a fun evening!

Great Grandma Rose Ammeter's Sugar Cookies...Finished Product!

The last step of our sugar cookie making process was completed on Christmas Eve....just in time for Santa!

Mitchell decorating a special wreath sugar cookie for Santa. He really took his time and even made multi colored balls out of frosting for this cookie.

He may have been frosting the wrong side of the cookie....but Collin was sure to get in on the action! :)

The final touches...sprinkles! The best was Mitchell taking the chocolate sprinkles and making one of the reindeer "all brown" with sprinkles. The cookies taste as good as they look!!!

Aunt Christa reading The Polar Express to Mitchell on Christmas Eve. This picture is also the last picture of Mitchell before loosing a top front! Both top front teeth have been very loose and for some reason, Mitchell was determined to have one more hole in his head before going to bed tonight. And sure enough, he proudly ran out shortly after going to bed with the front tooth he had pulled himself! I guess the thought of having both the Tooth Fairy and Santa at your house in the same night will give a person a higher pain tolerance?

The Bunger Boys leaving cookies, strawberry milk and their notes to Santa for 2010. Not sure about Mitchell's pouty face.....but I'm sure there will be a different expression tomorrow morning!!

Great Grandma Rose Ammeter's Sugar Cookies...Part 2

Day 2 of my sugar cookie making process from scratch! I'm sure my Great Grandmother had a nice laugh at me yesterday when I forgot a key ingredient.....guess there is a reason most of the things I make are from a box when it comes to baking? :)

After getting everything else on my to-do list accomplished today (even taking the boys to visit Santa at the mall solo!) Mitchell and I finally tackled rolling out the cookie dough and cutting out shapes. He had so much fun and would have eaten half of the cookie dough if left to his own devices!

For some reason....Mitchell wanted me to act like these cookies were a secret? When I questioned him more later about this....I think he was meaning Great Grandma's secret ingredient in the cookie dough (and for you comedians out there....the baking soda I left out yesterday is NOT it!!!)

Mess.....I am not a fan of having a mess! And boy did we make one!! But it was all worth it when Mitchell told me the cookie dough was the best ever.

Tomorrow we will finish this process by frosting the cookies for Santa. And yes, I will continue to defy all logic by making the frosting from scratch as well! :)

Mitchell and Collin visiting Santa this afternoon. They were so good waiting in line and Collin wasn't frightened of Santa at all. Although Mommy thought Santa maybe had visited the fountain of youth one too many times???

After Chad got home from work, we both got ready to attend the KSU Men's Game. Thanks to our good friend and co-worker Angie Messer and her son Keegan for braving the dicey weather to watch the boys for us! As you can see......they were camped out at the top of the steps with books waiting for them to arrive!

Watching the KSU Men's Basketball game was a great way to end a busy day full of preparations for fun and family tomorrow.

Great Grandma Rose Ammeter's Life Like Sugar Cookies

Christmas break has officially begun! Collin's fever and ear infection kept me from getting most things done today that were on my list, however I did begin the process of making sugar cookies from scratch!

Most of you will realize what a big undertaking this is for me as I am NOT one to bake.....especially making things from scratch! But last weekend I decided to copy down my Great Grandma Rose Ammeter's recipe for "Life Like Sugar Cookies." My mom has always made these during the holidays and they are so good! This year, I decided I would do the entire process....and the picture above is the first step!

I decided to make a double batch....and it was a good thing I did! I realized while making an additional batch (when the first did not produce much dough) that I had forgotten the baking soda in the first batch!!! Again, I make no claims of being a master baker by any means! After consulting with my mom on the importance of baking soda, I was able to get the first batch of dough out of the fridge, get it back in the mixing bowl and successfully add the last ingredient.

Step one is finished! The dough must now chill (I choose to say it needs to sit overnight....I'm too exhausted to roll out cookie dough, cut out figures and bake them tonight!)

I will include more pictures as the the boys help me with steps 2 and 3 as we finish this project before Christmas eve. I plan to use my Grandma LaVonne Ammeter's recipe for frosting in step 3! This could max me out for cooking and baking by the time this project is complete. Now I know why mom thought making these was always such a process.......

I have also included a few pictures from Mitchell's Christmas party on his last day of school Tuesday. The game was breaking into teams and transforming one Kindergartner into a snowman. Of course, Mitchell was more than willing to be wrapped in toilet paper and made into Frosty the Snowman!

Mommy thought he made one cute snowman when the game was complete! :)

Faces of 2010 Part Two

Most of you know about our good friends the Ingram's who now live in Chapman, KS. While Shelly and I still work together at JCMS in the counseling center.....Mitchell and Ally are now both in Kindergarten of course in different towns. Even though the Bunger Boys and Ingram Ladies do not get to see each other every day anymore, they still are special friends and we always have a great time together!


Last weekend we went over to Tony and Shelly's house so the kids could all play before we attended a Chapman Boys Basketball game that evening.

Even Collin and Avery got into the action playing Twister!

This is such a sweet picture of Mitchell and Ally! They have had fun together since they 2 years old.

After supper and some playtime at the Ingram's.....we went to cheer on Tony as he coached the Chapman Irish. Collin snagged some Hello Kitty sunglasses early on.....and true to form began to charm anyone around him!

Watching these two grow up has been so much fun. I continue to believe that perhaps arranged marriages will make a come back in the future......if so, I believe we have the perfect match for both of our boy's in Ally and Avery Ingram! :)

Faces of 2010

Almost one week before Christmas and it is a crazy time of year! While the presents are bought, wrapped and under the tree.....there is much to be done before the holiday break arrives! Christmas parties to attend for work, the many tasks that need to be accomplished at school before the semester ends, 2 dozen cookies to make before Friday, Mitchell's classroom party, cooking, cleaning, baking.....and we still need to have our official visit with Santa!

With all of the crazy but fun moments of the holiday season swirling in my head, I wanted to sit down and start included some great moments from 2010 that didn't make the blog until now. How could I leave out Mitchell's first school picture???

This is just one of the many personality pictures we have of Collin.....he is such a charmer!

And what about pictures from the end of a tradition? The last ever Croghan/Bunger get together for the KSU vs Nebraska game in October 2010. We had a great time tailgating together and even involved all our kids for this last purple vs red event.


Krista and John met our wedding almost 10 years ago. It is truly such a great mix of my high school realm of friends (Shana being Krista's sister) and college coming together as John and I were great friends all through our undergrad at UNK in the music department. With or without our young children and no matter what the venue......these are very special friends that we wish we could see more and always have a great time with.

Stay tuned for more faces of 2010!!

Mele Kalikimaka

Tonight I was greeted after work with a great treat. Chad had made Carne Asada Pizza for supper! While I don't ever want either of my boys to be sick....it was awesome that Chad took advantage of being home with Mitchell today by making such a great meal! Hopefully the flu bug that both boys have now had this week will avoid us this weekend!

While Chad was finishing the final touches to tonight's supper, we had Bing Crosby Christmas music playing on our new laptop! And one of my favorites sung by Bing " Mele Kalikimaka" was on the playlist! While I danced with Mitchell to the tune this was our conversation.

Angela: Mitchell, someday when I am old and you don't know what to get me for Christmas....you can send Daddy and I to Hawaii to Christmas.
Mitchell: But who would take care of me while you were gone?
Angela: This would be when you are older and have a family of your own but maybe we'll go together someday.
Mitchell: Mommy, you are just crazy about Hawaii, aren't you?

Tonight in the kitchen I told Chad that one day we will be on a beach in Hawaii (Maui to be specific) telling each other Mele Kalikimaka on December 25th! Who knows if this Holiday Celebration will come sooner or later....but we sure hope to make it happen!

On the running front:

This past Sunday I completed my fourth 10K in one year! The Winter Runderland was my first ever 10K last year and I wasn't sure I'd be able to compete this year after knee and toe issues. After winning a free entry into the race, I ran the week before but wasn't sure what to expect. This is a VERY hilly course and I had only been running on the treadmill or flat terrain since my IT Band issues.

I am happy to say I had my second best time ever finishing in a time of 1:00:45!!! I averaged a 9:48 mile pace and was about 43 second shy of my PR. I improved my time from last year by over 2 minutes....considering I haven't run much over this past month, I felt very good about my time!

A wonderful surprise

This week was a first for me. Since we moved to Manhattan almost 2 years ago, I have always had at least one "little commuter" with me to JC for work each day. After a few months, Mitchell left our commuting group when he transitioned to preschool at the CDC and it became just Collin and I each morning and afternoon. Collin and I have been commuting to work/daycare each day until this week where he too has now transitioned to the CDC in Manhattan.

I am happy to report that so far Collin is doing great in his new classroom. We knew the transition would be difficult....Collin had been with our same amazing daycare provider in JC since he was 10 weeks old. But I didn't realize how much I would miss having my little man to keep my company each morning and afternoon. I already miss his many comments about how many cement trucks we saw and their color. I miss him singing songs and demanded that we listen to the same children's song over and over.....:)

Earlier in the week, my wonderful and thoughtful husband had some flowers sent to me at work. The note still makes me tear of up each time I read it!

"Dear Mommy,

Thanks for all the car rides to Kelly's!

Love, Collin"

I couldn't ask for a better husband who always does thoughtful things like this for his wife and family! :)

11

The subject number of my latest blog also happens to be the size of running shoes I just bought this weekend!!! Size 11's.....really?!?!?! I've always had big feet and yes they did get bigger with each pregnancy....but this seems to be getting ridiculous!

I am happy to say that my Sasquatch like feet are very happy with these new running shoes that I was fitted for at the Manhattan Running Company this weekend. If you live in the Manhattan area and are an active person....I HIGHLY recommend checking out this store and giving them your business. They have a great selection and their customer service is outstanding. If they can keep a big girl like me moving.....think what they can do for you? :)

Anyway, I was able to get out and run 2.5 miles on Friday and it felt great with absolutely no issues with my newly nail-less toe. I even ran a 9:15 mile pace! I am hoping to get a 3 mile run in this afternoon and start back in on the treadmill after school this week.

I didn't feel like a picture of my new shoes did this blog justice....so I have included this great picture of Collin and Mitchell in front of our tree from Saturday morning. Collin has a big week coming up as he starts at his new school on Monday in Manhattan. We are hoping for a smooth transition for all....mommy will miss her little commuting partner to JC each morning! :(

My Next 1/2 Marathon

Olathe, KS

April 16, 2011

This will be the site of my next 1/2 marathon!!!!
http://www.olathe.org/cvb/sports/Marathon/information_registatration.html

It seems I was a little over-zealous with my thought of bouncing right back to running after I bid my 4th toenail on my left foot and fond farewell a week and a half ago. Since I am just now able to wear a comfortable sneaker (still not all day mind you)....I will not be able to run in the Turkey Trot this week. I was also hoping to run a 10K the first weekend of December.....but again it looks like realistically I won't be back to running for another week or so.

So, to keep motivation going with the holiday eating season almost upon us......I have decided to officially set my next goal of running my 3rd 1/2 marathon in less than a year. This should be a great 1/2 as it is sponsored by Garmin and will start/end at it's head quarters in Olathe. And with the theme of the 1/2 and full marathon being the Wizard of Oz.....I am hoping that my good friend Shana will also try and add this to her racing schedule. :) Chad just got back from running a 1/2 marathon in the Kansas City this past weekend and he will also be running this 1/2 marathon with me in April.

While I am bummed to sit out the 5 mile Turkey Trot in Kearney on Thursday and the upcoming 10K (which was the first 10K I ran EVER last year)......I am excited to have a new goal on the horizon!! Here's to a safe and happy Thanksgiving and hopefully I will be back in shoes full time next week.

So what if it's not even Thanksgiving yet?

The Bunger house is officially decorated for Christmas!!!!

Sure...most of us haven't celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday yet, but why should that stop us from getting in the Christmas spirit? And with two little boys who were so excited and absolutely thrilled to begin decorating....I was able to convince Chad that it was a good idea to get the decorations out and up this weekend!

Last year we bought a new pre-lit Christmas tree after the holidays which made the assembly of the tree MUCH easier for Chad! Mitchell did great and helped with the whole decorating process. He and I had a great time and made some fun memories decorating the tree while Collin and daddy worked on the outside lights.


Mitchell striking a silly pose as he straightend out the garlin for the tree.

I just had to include this picture! It's not hard to guess what is on Collin's wish list to Santa this year.....horses! Before he left for the store with Daddy, he left his own mark on our holiday decorations. Apparently, he feels that a horsie should top the tree....not a star or angel! :)

It's a short two day work week in our house! Here's hoping everyone has a safe Thanksgiving weekend and thank you to my husband for humoring me and the boys with the early Christmas decorating!!!

We Go Together

Sometimes there is nothing better than looking back at the fond memories of your past!!!

This morning I was able to check my facebook page before leaving for work and had an unexpected surprise from an old high school friend. If it wasn't for facebook.....I wouldn't be connected with most of these people anymore, and this morning I was treated by Nicki, an old high school friend and fellow pink lady, with pictures from high school. Not just any pictures.....pictures from my favorite and my personal best memories ever of high school. My senior year in 1996 when I played Rizzo in our high school musical "Grease."

GINW 1996 Cast of Grease....what a great picture! We had so much fun!!!!

Check out the pink ladies and the T-Birds! I went on to do a lot more singing and dancing after high school in college and had many more amazing experiences as a music major....but none quite like this. When I look back at doing "Grease" the whole experience was a great way to end my senior year of high school.

This picture made me laugh out loud!!! I can still remember sitting in the shower every night after performances as the hair spray melted off of my hair. I think Shana and I were a side show in the dressing room each night when I our hair was fixed!


If it wasn't for Facebook.....I'm not sure I would be in contact with all of these pink ladies anymore! Although I am still very close with Marty (Shana Mader) and can you believe that Rizzo and the principal (Amy Traudt) are still great friends and even get together with their families on weekends? :)

It has been a long journey since those days back at GINW. And although I am not the kind of person who would like to go back in time.....I am so thankful for these great reminders of the road I have traveled that has made me the person I am today.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane Jan (Nicki)!!!! :)

This Little Piggy Had None

My title seems very fitting! I am now minus one toenail....and ironically it is the "piggy" labeled to have none in the familiar nursery rhyme game we've all played with our young children.

I will be sporting sandals in November for the next few days....guess I'd better put one more coat of paint on those nails I didn't think anyone would see until spring! Once I got past my initial anxiety about a needle being poked into my toe multiple times....things have been fine and I am glad to finally have the funky toenail I have put up with for so long finally gone. I should be able to hit the treadmill again in a week or so....Chad bought me some toe caps that will hopefully add some cushion and get me up and running again. But I guess I need to graduate to just wearing shoes again before I even think about running......huh? :)

I hate to post without pictures....so here are a few shots of the boys from this afternoon!

Mitchell is humoring me with a photo here....I was interrupting him as he was created an obstacle course in his room.


Collin's love for yardwork has continued!!! He helped daddy mow and rake leaves this afternoon. With all this practice, he is destined to have a great yard one day! :)

Having two boys means..

This mom of two boys doesn't know how to french braid and doesn't worry much about doing any one's hair but her own in the morning. I have no idea about pinkalicious and the only time we talk about princesses is when someone is slaying a dragon to rescue them!


But I do know how to play Star Wars being both Darth Vader and Count Dooku. I can have a light saber fight with the best of them!!!

Mitchell ready to fight with light saber in hand...while Collin is ready to battle as Boba Fett!


Mitchell waiting around the corner for me as I was battling him with my light saber...it was too funny not to stop and snap a picture of!

Update on running:

After giving my knee 3 weeks of rest while stretching and icing...I finally ventured out this afternoon and ran an easy 2.3 miles around the neighborhood. It felt good to get back out and my knee didn't start to ache until the end of the run. After stretching and icing, it has felt much better but I can feel my IT band tightening so I will have to be religious with my stretching. I am hoping to get some more running in this week after school on the treadmill before having my funky toenail removed this coming Friday. I am NOT looking forward to this and will be glad when it is over!!!!!

The Dynamic Duo goes trick or treating

Halloween 2010 was a success! The boys have enjoyed their Batman and Robin costumes and made good use out of them over the past two weeks.

Trick or treating at our neighbor's house....they were so excited to see Connie!

The Batmobile was unavailable for last night.....so the Radio Flyer Wagon had to do for trick or treating in the neighborhood. :)

We took this photo at Sunset Zoo the weekend before Halloween for the annual trick or treating event Spooktacular. Collin was sure we were going back to "trick or treat the animals" last night when we got ready go!

The video below is going to Grandma and Grandpa Ammeter's to trick or treat. I didn't get it on fast enough to get all of Robin's impatient waiting at the door! He was hollering at Grandma and Grandpa to open the door so we could get started trick or treating! Then he went in and thought we should just stay and watch Wonderpets!