No, this isn’t another plyometrics post. Instead, its how I spent my late morning.

After this morning’s long run and tropical ice cream breakfast, I had to haul butt to a birthday party for one of Makenzie’s dear friends. First I have to get all emotional that my little girl is starting preschool on Monday. Now, I get to face the fact that our little ones are turning THREE this year. Sigh.

Fall birthday madness began today. I don’t know why but there are a lot of fall birthdays around here for the little ones. We have party after party after party on our calendar. I don’t mind. It’s all fun and games to me. Including today’s party which was all about the jumparoos. Weeeee!!!

Is that what you call them? That’s what I used to call them growing up. Whatever they are called, it makes for some fun for toddlers and the parental units accompanying them. I had a great time watching Makenzie live it up with her friends and catching up with some of my friends as well. And meeting new ones – hi, Molly!!

And we clearly can’t forget the fun that comes in the form of cake.

oahlkandihoaihja. Speechless. That cake was amazing!!! Normally I could care less about the cake and just want a vehicle for the frosting to make it to my mouth. I think I could say that this was some of the best cake I have ever eaten. EVER! I loved every bite. Just like I loved these posts from this past week. Check them out if you missed them. It’s FFF Features time!

Featured Post of the Week: I Am A Runner

It finally hit me that I can call myself a runner. Runner Up: Month 7 Progress Pictures!

Featured Fitness Post of the Week: Break Through Plateaus

Because we all hit them from time to time.

Featured Meal Post of the Week: Healthy Candy

This post highlighted some goodies - “Reese’s” Oatmeal, Chocolate Covered Strawberry Green Smoothie, and some delicious eye candy you don’t want to miss…or just want to take a gander at again. Runner Up: Chocolate Coconut Pancakes

Featured Fun Post of the Week: Daily Feats Add Up

A cool new site and tool to rack up points to earn gift cards to fun things like iTunes, Amazon, Fandango, SpaFinder, Best Buy, Starbucks, and more!

Featured Cuteness of the Week: This Can’t Be Happening

Getting ready for Makenzie to start preschool on Monday. I can’t believe it!

Featured Reading of the Week: Sisters Jess & Jo from the blogs…

Eat Drink Breathe Sweat (Jess)

and Determined To Be (Jo)

A few words come to mind when I think of these two ladies. Dedicated. Loving. Supportive. Encouraging. Genuine. Open. Fighters. Fit. Healthy. Motivating. Every post they write touches me in some way. I love hearing their running thoughts, their body image ponderings, and just experiencing their growth over the years I have read both their blogs. Love these ladies and I know you will too. Plus, they both face a half marathon together tomorrow, so give them some of the love and encouragement they pour out into the blogging community back. 🙂

• What was your best moment this past week?
• Which do you love more of – cake or frosting?

So, I know just yesterday I posted about finally believing that I am a runner. Even still, I sometimes have runs where the fact that my body can carry me through miles and continues to adapt and grow stronger seems surreal. I felt that way during my run yesterday afternoon. It was hot. My legs felt a little heavy. Did I say it was hot?

My plan called for a three miler. I usually take this run at no set pace and just run in a way that feels good and care-free. Well, I felt on fire yesterday…and not only from the heat. The times I would quickly check my pace, it always fell in the eights and I thought “that can’t be right”, “this can’t be happening considering everything going into this run”. But I finished up three miles in an average 8:48 pace and it felt strangely…easy. Despite the hills. Despite the heat. Despite the last day in my training week since Fridays are my rest days. I ended feeling pretty dang good.

I also ended up making my super cute 4all by jofit top not quite as cute by rocking it with running shorts and a Bondi Band. Leave it to me. I would say “this can’t be happening” but we all know that would be a lie. What’s not a lie? I love this top! The Pretty Tennis Tank is yet another great piece from the team. I couldn’t get over how supportive and comfortable the top was…which I shouldn’t expect any less since every piece I have received fits that description. Plus I gotta say I think the cut is quite flattering and I love the different, classy coloring. Two thumbs up!

And now for the kicker. The true #thiscan’tbehappening moment. I took Makenzie to meet her preschool teachers today. She starts preschool on Monday.

This. Can’t. Be. Happening!

I thought I was sooooo ready. A couple extra hours during the week when she is in school and Braedon has his morning nap? A change for her that she has desperately wanted for months? (kid has talked about school since March) A break from the toddler mood swings which can only help me appreciate her even more? Yes, yes, yes! Or so I thought when her leaving me for 3 hours a day, 3 days a week loomed weeks into the future. Now, just a few short days away and I kind of want to cry. Okay, I will cry. I know it. You know it. No point in hiding it.

I have made sure to cherish every little moment with her this week. Not a single complaint about reading the insane number of books the kid will listen to repeatedly…

I took her to get her very first haircut.

She badly needed one. Plus, it was like negative $20. Yes. Negative. She got a $25 gift from being referred by me to my hairdresser. Kids cut = way less than that. My “referral” still earned me $25 on my next appointment too. Hey – they told me to do it! All I had to pay was a $5 tip. Score. Well, I also had that $4 in ATM fees because I didn’t realize you can’t tip on your card there and had no cash on me at the time. Lame.

But, back to my little M. It isn’t sinking in that she is growing up little by little. I still think of her as a baby bobbling around and barely able to communicate. But, no. She is full fledged little human who will carry on conversations with me, make jokes, and be the most excellent mommy I have ever seen to her beloved “Teddy”.

I’m going to miss my goober.

Even if she won’t make a crazy face with me.

• Last time you thought “this can’t be happening”?
• What is a ridiculous fee you hate? I think TicketMaster charges some pretty outrageous fees too. Oh! And the parking fees at many hospitals in our area. “Hi. We’re sorry you’re mother is sick, but pay us $10 to see her”. Ick.

**Gotta do that disclaimer thang: I was sent the 4all top free for review as part of their ambassador program. I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.