I need to give a shout-out to my eldest, Jayce.  I am so incredibly grateful for a fantastic kid!  He had a rough winter/spring dealing with some debilitating anxiety issues, and we were at a loss as to how to help him.  Through lots of prayer, counseling, and just the passage of time, things have become immensely better.  Not perfect, but I'm happy with better.  I had a hard time witnessing his struggle, but his happiness and confidence are much sweeter now knowing what he had to overcome.  And through all this difficulty, he managed to maintain his friendships, excellence in school, and kindness to his siblings.  My little seven year-old is sure a trooper!   His introspection, faith, resiliency, and abilities have been inspiring to me.

Okay, the sappiness ends!  :)  I was forced to pose for a Mother's Day photo for Jayce's class, and boy, do I look old and tired.  Could it be because I really am old and tired?  Shudder!!!

Other thoughts --

Half marathon in November.  Anyone want to join Karin, Sherri, and me on our crazy adventure?  "Ugh," and yet motivating at the same time.

Will I ever sleep?  Ever???? I thought running early in the morning would reset my body clock and get me to bed earlier.  I'm still up until 1 or 2.  I can't keep this up . . . I'm tired of sore eyes, low energy, and constant yawning.

Alyssa is graduating from preschool tomorrow.  She had her last day today which included her final alphabet lesson on the letter Z.  Sounds so final and cold.  She's beyond ready for kindergarten -- I honestly didn't think I'd be sad today.  But I was.

Jayce got braces on Friday due to cross bite issues (just on his top four middles permanent teeth).  He also wears an expander in his mouth.  He looks infinitely older, especially with his glasses.  Big changes at the Pikes!!!