Race for the Cure

The morning started blistery and cold and I wore my LLbean fleece to run the race. My friend, and training partner, picked me up at 7am and we made our way to the race. The place was abuzz with thousands of people, samples of Fuze drinks, breast cancer keychains, and a line so long for Whole Foods samples that we never got to try a thing. We even stood close to the station where they were running hot air balloons just to stay warm. At about 8am we clustered over to the start line. There were three categories: Serious Runners, Not So Serious Runners, and I May Never Run one of these again in my Life Runners. While I thought I should be in the last section, I decided I didn't want to start that far back. The race started at 8:30 and we weaved through a quaint and funky neighborhood getting two wonderful views of the city from across Monona Bay. There were runners of all shapes and sizes, male and female, tattooed and not, serious and not so serious. And of course, there were breast cancer survivor runners with special t-shirts. There was also a group of Girls on the Run. It's a wonderful program that encourages girls, especially low-income girls, to be runners. They all ran with green t-shirts and had adult guides.

My friend Mary and I made it to mile 1, in what seemed like record time for us. Then mile 2 came along right before a small hill, which we thought was going to be the death of us. Mile 3 was right where the 5k walk was about to start. It was there that we pushed on to finish the race and read all the signs made in memory or honor of women with breast cancer. My favorite part of the run was the energy and camaraderie of the crowd. My second favorite part was going to the water stations, getting my water, and then throwing the cup aimlessly into the air. Oh, how cool can you get! WE crossed the finish line together and our time was something like 36:10. we will get our official notification in the paper or by email. I, for one, was thrilled to not only have finished, but to not stop at all, and to make it much faster than the almost 45 minute practice runs that I had been doing.

Unfortunately, I missed my family at the end. They got there too late. I had told them it would take me 45 minutes. So, we reunited at home and took some reenactment photos in the parking lot. The other picture is of my shoes with the first timing chip that I have ever placed on them. I didn't even know how to do it, but some nice man put it on my shoe.

If you would like to donate, you still can. www.madisonraceforthecure.com

Staying in Shape on the Job!

Elias takes Engine #7 out for a test drive.


Time to move on the treadmill so we won't be lazy at the fires.

Adelaide is beefing up her muscles so she can be a firefighter like Jim's wife, Pat.

Visiting Jim's Firehouse

Yesterday, we got in the car and took a trip out to our neighbor, Jim's, workplace. Jim is a firefighter. Jim graciously showed us around the firehouse. We saw where he sleeps, eats, works out, and fields calls. Then he took us into the garage and Elias and Adelaide got to see wherer the hoses hook up to the hydrants.

Elias got to try on Jim's hat. He learned that lieutenants wear red hats and the other firefighters wear black hats. Elias understood that Jim was like the Daddy to his team.

Lights on, sirens going, and Jim's son, Oscar, driving.


Elias and Adelaide standing by at Firehouse #7 in Madison waiting to be summoned.

Our first family Bike Ride

Memorial Day was a great day to get the bikes out and take a ride. We joined our friends and decided to bike to a little town called Verona. Adam was on a one speed AND had to pull the kids. I got it easy and just pulled myself. We made it to Verona in about an hour and stopped at the cutest coffee shop. Adam refueled with espresso and drip coffee, the kids with lemonade, and I, of course, with a latte. The ride back was a bit quicker, but windier. It was so fun to see the kids enjoying the ride and getting to look at our environs with a new pair of eyes. We hope to make this a much more regular occurrence.

Move Over Harley!

Do you think we need a garage. (And, believe it or not the Big Wheel is the only vehicle we have actually purchased.)

Adelaide refuses to be outdone by her brother.

Elias loves his new Big Wheel and is getting faster and faster every time!

Now he's doing some off-road driving.

A Glorious Gardening Day

Our lawn is truly au natural, chemical free. You'd think we fit in right here in Madison, but almost all our neighbors have a lawn service and we really are put to shame. In our defense, the grass had been cut four days prior to this picture; Unfortunately, the dandelions have a life of their own. This should only last a few more weeks.

I was thrilled to get some plants in the ground yesterday. Elias and I made a trip to Home Depot and he was surrounded by festive colors in the shopping cart. He was more than happy to put out fires for me and get the plants good and hydrated.

A side view of the contrast between the attractive flowers and the unattractive yard. Adam took a weedwhacker to them this afternoon and is planning to mow tomorrow.

Hard to tell whether this firefighter wet his pants and got the job done with a heavy dousing of water. All we know is that a few minutes after all the clothes were off and he was running down the street. Luckily, our neighbors appreciate a good streaker from time to time.

I'll Read to You

In a sweet moment this morning, Elias offered to read to his sister. I had put in an audio tape of Curious George and he invited Adelaide to join him on his lap. By the time I got the camera they were no longer sitting together. Rather, they each were enjoying looking at a different Curious George book. These books on tape are a real hit. He listened to Ferdinand the Bull this afternoon.

Speaking of books, I got rid of about 100 books yesterday. I managed to load them into the back of the car and head downtown to campus. Thank God I could still sweet talk my way into getting a college student to help me with a book dolly. It would have taken me 7 trips to haul them all with one laundry basket. I made $124 at the Textbook Underground and later hauled the remaining 50 books to Half Price Books where I was offered a mere $63. Not too shabby for a day's work. I was a bit scared that I would put out my back and then not be able to run next weekend. But, so far, so good.

Bibi babysits

Adam and I enjoyed Bibi's willingness to babysit while she was here. We went out to see a movie and only had to pay for the price of the tickets! Hooray. Here are the kids while she watched them.

The Bachelor

Elias has a penchant for asking, "Who gave me this?" He seems to think that everything he has was given to him by someone. And, in some ways, he is right. Most of his toys and books were purchased by people other than his parents--and certainly not him. The other day, he grabbed this pillow, an armrest kind of pillow that one leans against to read. It is red. Adam refers to it as Mr. Ugly. And, it sits on our blue floral bed adding some real bachelor life to our married decor. Elias was enjoying sitting against and curling up with his books. He said, "Who gave me this pillow?" I said, "That's not your pillow. That's Daddy's pillow and he had way back when he was a bachelor." Elias quipped up right away, "Well, he's not a bachelor anymore. He's a Daddy."

So, here's a picture of Daddy being squashed between two car seats. We think he could start his own reality TV show called "the Little Bachelor."

More Pictures from the Tracks

All Aboard!

Here are the kids waitng in the station! Choo Choo!


My mom has much better pictures than I do because my camera pooped out. But, yesterday we had a true Wisconsin day that started with breakfast of eggs, bacon, and cheese. we then drove North an hour through the farmlands and went to the North Freedom Railroad station. We boarded an old steam engine train and even got to check out the engine and the authentic caboose. Elias was excited when Sir Topham Hat came by to collect his ticket. After our train trip, we ate out at Culvers, a true Wisconsin experience! More meat, more cheese, custard, and more cholesterol!

Bibi goes back to school

Because my mom's background is in early childhood, I wanted her to have the chance to visit Eli's school. Elias took Bibi to school with him while they were doing a farm unit. Elias read with her, collected eggs and hay with his friend, Allanna, and showed Bibi every nook and cranny in his classroom. They had such a good time that Elias and Bibi did a little more "school" during quiet time. My mom was as impressed by the school as I am. It is hard to believe that the year is almost up, but we sure are grateful for this year in Madison because of New Morning. What will I do without it???

Waiting for Bibi

The kids were excited that Bibi was coming for a short visit. However, there was some confusion on Adelaide's part. You see, she associates Bibi so heavily with Bibi's dogs that she didn't understand that Bibi was coming without them. In particular, Addie has a passion for Kiza. So, every time I mentioned Bibi's arrival, Adelaide chimed in with "Kiza." When we prepared to put on our shoes and go to the airport I said, "Do you want to go see Bibi?" And Addie replied "and Kiza!" Luckily, all was forgotten at the airport when Bibi arrived. Later, however, Adealide learned to say that Bibi has "three dogs." And she named them "Tani, Kiza, and Kuku" aka Mtani, Msindikiza, and Shukuru.

My First 5K

For about two years, I have wanted to run in a 5K. I needed the guts and the time and the place. Now I have all three. Even though, I'm sure I will be the person for whom the ambulance waits at the end of the race--the sweeper, if you will. I have never been a runner, but since last summer I have been working out regularly enough that running a 5K can finally happen. In addition, I wanted to run to celebrate the end of my Aunt (and godmother's ) cancer treatment. So, below is the form letter that comes with running the race. Only a few weeks to go!





Dear Friends and Family,

I recently accepted the challenge to raise funds to support the Komen Madison Race for the Cure® on May 30, 2009 in the fight against breast cancer. One in eight women will be stricken with breast cancer in her lifetime and the more we raise, the more the Madison Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in our own community and support the national search for a cure.

Click here to visit my personal page and pledge your support.

Please join me in the fight by pledging in support of my participation in the Race or contributing generously to the Komen Madison Race for the Cure®. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in Madison and national breast cancer research. It is faster and easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send your tax-deductible contribution to the address listed below. Whatever you can give will help! I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you so much for your time and support in the fight against breast cancer! Every step counts!

Sincerely,

Melissa Wilcox

To sponsor my participation online, click here.

Mom Hits the Road

Certainly, some of my priestly interests and ministries have been shaped by being a mom. I started a Families of Faith group at our parish this year. The goal of this group was to be a resource for other parents of children as we try to raise them in the Christian Faith. Ideally, this group would also evolve as a place to find fellowship and support. I have read voraciously on the topic of parenting and faith over the past two years. But, now I'm headed off to do something that I have wanted to do since Seminary.

I am traveling to St. Paul and the Redeemer in Chicago, in Obama's neighborhood, to learn how to lead Godly Play. Godly Play is a Montessori based approach to Christian education for children. Its basic philosophy is that all children need is the right space to hear the "sacred story" and they will grow in faith and love. There is much more behind this and there is a Godly Play foundation that prepares parishes to use the Godly Play program. Their website is www.godlyplay.org if you are interested in learning more about the program.

Finally, part of my hope in being trained is to use this program with Sudanese seminarians. There is quite a bit of room for cross-cultural approaches to Godly Play, and I know they are using the program in some dioceses in Tanzania. It would be particularly good for people who have been through any kind of trauma because it focuses so much on "stories." I plan to travel to the Renk diocese in Sudan next January as a part of the VTS/Duke Divinity program. This program partners with Seminary staff in Sudan for two weeks and trains their staff so that they can better teach their students. I am very excited about going and hope to bring this Godly Play expertise as well.

The Chopping Block and Popcorn Mania

The other day, Elias really helped us in the kitchen with a fine motor project of chopping vegetables. Later he had been begging to pop popcorn. We did. This is what happened when both kids got silly!

A Dose of Sunshine

We had a wonderful weekend. Everybody got their hair cut, except Elias. We took two marathon walks. We had a fine dinner at Lombardino's, without the kids. Really parenting is so many ups, and then some downs, that it never ceases to surprise me. I can feel how sunshine and the outdoors makes a huge difference for our family.