South Dakota

I know, I know, it's been a while since I've blogged. I've been spending some time getting back into the classroom since we officially head back for workshops next week, planning a little weekend getaway (that'll be a later post), training for triathlon #2, and trying to wrap up all the summer projects that didn't get done!

In addition to those things, last week we spent a couple of days at Grandma and Opa's house in SD. Now that Ben and Matt are both in school, it makes it a little more difficult to visit and juggle schedules. Matt, Adam and I hadn't been to SD since last summer, so it was an overdue visit.

Evening at the park

A friend of Grandma's told her about a county fair going on about 45 min from her home. After taking a roundabout way of getting there (Brian figured he knew his way through the cornfields) we arrived at the fair and were pleasantly surprised. We enjoyed the day looking at animals, going on rides, and eating great fair food!

A fun day!

Bumper cars!

Runnin' out of gas!

When the boys were in a more serious mood, they loved helping Opa fill orders for his blade business. They had fun using the paper shredder, the credit card machine, the label maker...and of course finding Opa's drawer with chocolates! Opa compensated them well for their work. I think I may consider quitting my day job and working for Opa! : )

Filling an order

Opa kept a watchful eye...but it looks like Ben fell asleep on the job!

If only they would always work this well together!

We love you Grandma and Opa!

10 Reasons to Tri

My sister and my SIL have done a great job recapping our first triathlon experience. It was an emotion-filled weekend that ended on a high note! We all accomplished the triathlon, and quite successfully if I do say so myself!

Top 10 Reasons to "Tri"

10. You get to go out for dinner with the girls the night before and not feel guilty for loading up on pasta!

9. You earn an honorary degree in meteorology by checking weather.com every few minutes.

8. You learn about cogs, derailuers, chain rings, bricks and shot blocks.

7. You discover new parts of your community by riding 25 miles on your bike!

6. You get to convince the Starbucks boy that he should open his drive through a few minutes early to give coffee to 4 crazy ladies on their way to a race in the pouring rain.

5. You get to be part of a great team raising money and awareness for a good cause.

4. You get to have numbers marked all over your body...a badge of triathlon honor!

Yes, these really are our legs. I'm on the far right. : )

3. You get to realize that you can accomplish much more than you ever thought possible.

2. You and your friends get to wear matching swim caps.

1. You decide you like the adrenaline rush and decide to sign up for another race this summer!

September 5, 2009

A very special thanks to Brian and the boys for being so supportive and flexible this summer as I took on this adventure! I love you!

NF Endurance Team

On Sunday, August 16th, a team of approximately 14 women will be racing in the YWCA Women's Sprint Triathlon! These women are part of the NF Endurance Team, and I am proud to say that I am part of this team!

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disease that affects nearly 1 in 3,000 births. My good friend, Kari, has a six-year old son, Connor, who was diagnosed with NF at the age of 1. Currently his symptoms include NF related scoliosis and a plexiform tumor on his spine. NF can also lead to learning disabilities, deafness, blindness, and a host of other complications.

NF has impacted our family because my cousin Carly was diagnosed with NF at the age of 18 months. She struggled with multiple surgeries and other NF related issues her entire life, until at the young age of 18, she was diagnosed with NF sarcoma, the first of its kind, which eventually took her life one year later. My uncle Scott has written an incredible book about his family's journey through NF and cancer. It is a book that will change your outlook on life!

The NF Endurance Team is raising money for NF research. Any contribution helps. Please consider making a contribution to help Connor and his fight against NF, and in memory of my cousin, Carly.

The following link allows you to make a donation online.

http://www.active.com/donate/nfraceforresearch09/KHarris420

Some of the team members were interviewed by a local newspaper!

Thank you for helping to make a difference in the lives of children and families with NF!

Home Improvement

We're not ultra-handy around here, so when something needs fixing, usually one of two things happens.

1. Whatever needs repairing gets left for months, if not years untouched.
2. We pay way too much to have someone come out and repair what is broken.

Today I attempted to change that. Our patio screen door has had a small rip near the handle for some time. After a busy weekend filled with lots of kids at our house, the rip grew until eventually the entire left hand side of the screen was flapping in the wind, ever so gracefully.

I just learned recently that stores even sold a do-it-yourself kit for this type of problem. I sent Brian to Home Depot, and less than $15 later, this is what he came home with.

My attempt to rescreen the door on the kitchen floor.

Hard to tell, but it actually came out pretty nice, if I do say so myself!

**UPDATE**

I'm a pro!! I just went around and tightened up loose screens all over our house! I'm lovin' this little tool! Anyone have some screens that need to be fixed?