Mya 'Tri's Indy

We spent an awesome day together with Mya at the Tri Indy event in downtown Indy. All three of us were suppose to do the event but John was given orders by the sport doc to stop running for four weeks - so, he stepped up as event photographer, coach, cheerleader, and our own personal wrench...he was awesome!

Mya has asked to do triathlons but I've been reluctant due to the open water swim (I have had a few panic attacks in the water...yikes!). But at this particular event you swim in the canal that runs through Indy and it's only 4ft deep! So, I thought....let's give it a 'tri' -- especially if I can swim right behind her! 

Our 'coach' dropped us off at the registration tent so we could pick up our packets with the timing chip and running bib. As John went and parked the car, we went to the transition area to set up our gear and bikes. We were not on the same rack and when I came back to check on Mya her bag was gone along with her running bib. There is always some drama on race morning - this was our drama - so, we went back to the tent to get new numbers...we were all set!

As we walked down the canal to the swim start, John was giving last minute advice and strategies to her. She was pretty quiet. But, man - when she hit the water, she was off! The swim was really cool because John could walk right alongside us on the canal - snapping pictures the whole way. She did great and I was not able to make up the 2 second difference between us - in fact she gained on me pretty easily.

She exited the water first (phew...glad that part was over!) and ran to the bike. I caught a glimpse of her in transition and just reminded her that I'd be right behind her! :) I was able to catch her about two miles into the bike course...this time it was 'Hey, hot stuff...it'd be easier if you rode at a higher cadence'. To which she replied "...ugh...Mom, go away!' I was just trying to be helpful!! I ended up feeling really good on the bike (the tandem riding with John has helped) and having a pretty good run.

She looked great at the finish line...super strong and fit - just like a true triathlete...which she is!

...at the swim start

Swimming in the canal

finishing up the bike portion

And here comes Mya

Feeling good 

Doesn't she look like a pro?

So proud of this girl!

Indiana State Fair Band Day

The Yorktown Marching Band finished their season yesterday at the IN State Fair. The title of their show was The Dawning of a New Day and it truly moved me to tears (I am kind of emotional these days!!). I thought they looked fantastic - crisp and clean and tight. They earned an 18th place position out of 45 bands - so they were able to perform in the evening competition as an exhibition. I was so, so proud of all the kids...especially Jackson! He earned the 'most outstanding drum line member' award for the year and served as drum captain.

Look at that smile! Thanks to Katja for getting him  'show his pearly whites'!

John and I enjoyed our time at the fair - truth be told we were in and out in about 90 minutes. We gawked at all the ridiculous food choices - deep fried twinkies, deep fried snickers, deep fried butter...oh, my! We ended up getting caught up in a little rain which prolonged our stay in a tent that was selling belt buckles, lighters, and various offensive articles of clothing. But all in all, great people watching! :)
We left the fair and went down to Broad Ripple to explore the 'State Street' atmosphere of Indy. We found a fantastic restaurant, The Usual Suspects, where I enjoyed an amazing 'pear-y mason' martini, stuffed shrimp quesadillas for an appetizer, and their signature dish - Osso bucco...an award winning specialty of the house. Yummy!! John ordered the snapper and had to send it back twice because it wasn't cooked all the way through - he was getting a little peeved (Jackson and Mya understand the intensity) but helped me eat my dish and they didn't charge us for the snapper. So, we'll go back for sure - but won't order the snapper!

Full Band - Jackson is bottom left.

Look at my handsome boy - so proud!!

Father's Day Dinner

John enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day dinner prepared by our lovely Mya...I got to enjoy it too! :)

I was originally very concerned about her preparing a meal for her father...thoughts of John picking at his dinner due to high calorie count or just plain bad taste plagued my mind. But, we were both completely stunned by the presentation and the taste of dinner.
She researched several healthy recipes she thought her dad would enjoy on the internet and I brought her shopping at Meijer. She was so specific and thorough with her preparation -- it was kind of driving me crazy! But, I put on my happy face and tried to support this special dinner for her dad.

On the menu for the evening was

• Appetizer - Bruschetta bread 
• Dinner - Lemon pepper broiled salmon, Herb roasted red potatoes, Spinach Twist...twisted by Mya
• Dessert - Incredible Yogurt...of course!

It was delish! The big surprise of the evening was that Spinach Twist - it tasted like vegetarian lasagna! So yummy my mouth is watering as I write this. And the broiled salmon was broiled perfectly - which is hard to do!

She has always wanted to cook for us (key =  for us not with me!). We will certainly welcome another dinner researched and prepared by our Mya-girl!

Really?!? Yes, he did!

     Trying to keep myself busy tonight - the eve before Jackson signs his contract with the Army.

John and I are all set to take the day off tomorrow and be present at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) in Indy to help Jackson read through his MOS (Military Occupational  Specialty) and be sworn into the FSTP (Future Soldiers Training Program).  Are you impressed? My son is joining the Army - I better learn this stuff!! :) 

     So, last night our wonderfully talented and amazing neighbor  took what will be considered Jackson's senior pictures...before the haircut! She really was able to capture the essence of 'Jackson' with his guitar, and up in a tree, and on the railroad tracks - can't wait to share the photos. But, he really did go to Sports Clip this morning for a haircut...it's all gone! He sent a picture to G'ma Moore who forwarded it to G'pa but I haven't seen it yet - he wants me to wait until tomorrow. He did donate his hair to Locks for Love and plans to grow it until he ships off to basic training (about two weeks after graduation). 

He did not have to get his hair cut. The Army did not require or even suggest it. And truth be told, I wanted him to wait. He cut it out of respect for the process of enlisting in the Army. 

Dedication!

Side note - Jackson called G'pa Moore (who served in the Army during the Vietnam War) and asked him if he wanted to be present at the swearing in tomorrow - G'pa will be here!

Our Jack-Son

I am so, so excited for and proud of my son! He is on his way to making the most important decision yet in his life. Here is the best recap that I can put together...
On Tuesday last week, he went to Indy to take the ASBAV test - a very important test that will help determine what job he is most suited for in the Army. He was feeling a ton of pressure because he knew he needed to get a score of 70 to do the type of job he wants in the Army. I received a call from Staff Sargeant Warrell before Jackson made it home that afternoon, stating that Jackson received a 74 - the average American scores a 50!! He also said that Jackson has the qualifications to do any job in the Army that he wants - so proud! On Thursday, John and I met with the recruiter in Muncie to sign parental consent for Jackson to join the Army (he's still only 17 years old). And although it was emotional (I didn't cry in front of the recruiter, though!) and scary and concerning, I am comforted by my faith...in my son who has an amazingly, beautiful life force and a strong sense of who he is and what he wants and the passion and drive to make it happen for him on his terms. As a parent, I can't ask for anything more from him.
So the next step happens Tuesday. Jackson will be traveling down to Indy on Monday at noon to go through a battery of physical and health tests. If all runs smoothly, he will be sworn in to the US Army on Tuesday afternoon as a future soldier in the delayed entry program. Before he signs, he will receive a contract that will tell him exactly what the Army is offering (we get to look it over also) and his ship date for basic training (most likely two weeks after graduation). He is looking to be an infantry-man with the hopes of furthering his training with the Rangers.
John and I will be there - with cameras and the biggest smiles on our faces (and tears in our eyes); so proud of our son! And ultimately so thankful for direction in his life.

Happy Easter w/ The Craney Clan

 

Enjoying the IN sun!

Roz and family made their annual Easter trip 'down South' to Muncie again this year. It was Harper's first visit to Indiana and she was very impressed with the sunshine we ordered especially for her! :) It was a quick visit but we were able to get in our long weekend run together, Easter dinner, a visit from the Easter bunny, and Sunday morning church -- all within a 24 hour time period!

Our annual long Easter run
and, yup...Roz without a shirt!

Of course the Easter bunny left a basket for the kids on Easter morning but I was kind of sad for Jackson as he seemed disappointed that he didn't have to 'hunt' for his basket - poor guy...I guess the Easter bunny just thought he wouldn't want to play that game anymore. What does the Easter bunny know?

Such a fun girl - so, so sweet!

The Craney Family - Easter 2011

Happy Easter!

The rainbow cheesecake - can you see all the colors?

Mya and I ended up going to two services on Sunday morning. We went to an early church service at a Lutheran church in town with the Craney's and then Mya and I went to First Presbyterian (our church) to help with the breakfast and then stayed for the 11:00 service. Mya made a rainbow cheesecake to bring to church - it was a huge hit. And as much as I complained the night before as we were running around town looking for all the ingredients - I was very proud of the final product and her perseverance! :)

Mya's 15th Birthday

We celebrated Mya's 15th birthday at The Cheesecake Factory in Indy...her fav!! She invited her friend from XC and track, Carly, to come along for the celebration. The restaurant is inside The Fashion Mall so it was great that the girls could go window shopping while John and I relaxed at the bar during our wait for a table. She thoroughly enjoyed her tiramasu cheesecake and we enjoyed a wonderful evening with two amazingly confident and mature young ladies. But, 15 years...with my girl??? Crazy!!

Happy 15th Birthday