A YMCA Family

I was asked last week to give a testimonial to the staff at our local Monroe/Sky Valley YMCA on what they mean to my family and I. After giving the testimonial, I was blown away by the response I received from others and just wanted to share it with you. And share it again to those that heard it and would like to see it again. Please say thank you to those that make it possible for you to do what you do. Be appreciative and recognize the job they do. They are doing one of the most important jobs in the world in my opinion. Hope you enjoy!!

Testimonial: When Jamie asked me the other day to come in today and give you a testimonial, I had no reservations because I knew exactly what I was going to say, except for being shy about public speaking. Because it’s important to my family and I.

What you do between these walls, out on the fields, track, and within our schools and community everyday makes a huge impact on our members and families.

You greet families with a smile as soon as they walk though that door.

You watch and take care of our children. All of my children have been raised and nurtured by you for the last 9 years. And what a wonderful job you have done!!

You’ve created a safe environment for members and families.

You coach my children. Teaching them ballet, t-ball, basketball, and soccer.

You have taught my children to swim.

You help and train members and families on health, nutrition, overall wellness, how to properly use equipment. **Emily and Brennan: Those videos are awesome. Keep them coming. You are having fun and it shows. It’s contagious.

You have given my family confidence in all areas.

You have pushed us out of our “comfort zones” to try new things. **To try an indoor triathlon, to run a 5k, to run a 10k, to run a half marathon, to run a full marathon. ***YOU have made that possible***

You have pushed us to volunteer and love it. From helping with the Sky Valley Classic every year with Tania to coaching the children of our community with Coach Austin. You have pushed us to be a better version of ourselves, to step outside of ourselves.

You’ve made it possible for parents to go out at least once a month and have a date night. I cannot describe how invaluable that is to our relationship and to our families. And when we pick the kids up, they don’t want to leave because they are having so much fun. They fall fast asleep as soon as we get home. They’ve had so much fun and have learned so many new things, they change their habits. For example: Miss Li Li taught the children about Chinese new year, Chinese food, dance, and eating with chopsticks. My 9 year old daughter loves to eat with chopsticks every night for dinner and she loves to listen to Chinese music.

They are learning about different cultures. Wow….Amazing because their brains are sponges right now. The themed Kid’s Night outs are the BEST!!

My family considers the Monroe/Sky Valley YMCA their second home, their Y Family!!

You’ve made my family homemade cards after the birth of our children.

My children love to walk through those doors everyday because they are learning new things, having fun, making friends, and being very well taken care of.

LOOK around this room – Everything you do everyday makes a HUGE impact on our members and families lives.

You are nurturing and helping to raise our future!! I can’t think of a more important job!! You are amazing, you are all truly rock stars!!

We thank you and could never quite tell you in words how much you mean to us and our family.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

 

Happy Runner Mama’s Day!

My daughter, Erin, brought me this book as a present for Mother’s Day and I just have to share how impactful we are with our children. And just how much they pay attention and love you! They are always watching and learning from you. When you are having a “moment,” always remember this.  I hope you all had a beautiful and wonderful mother’s day, you are the world to your little ones!

Many days we get caught up in just getting things done. Dishes, cleaning, prepping meals, homework, work, training, volunteering, teaching, changing diapers, breaking up sibling fights, bills, medical appointments, family commitments, etc. this list can go on and on depending on our situation but one thing is for sure. Don’t lose your fire amongst all the demands because  your little ones are watching and are why you do what you do.

My Mom Is the Best! by Erin Free

I love my mom so much! She is always working hard, it is so hard to say one thing about her because she is many things. That is why I love her so much. I would do anything for her. My mom works so hard for us. Sometimes I think wow she is the most awesome and sweetest moms in the world, even the universe (I don’t know how to spell universe so I don’t know if it is spelled right)!

Runner Mama Rules! (pic)

My mom owns a website called “Runner Mama”. She is a really good mom. My mom was in the newspaper once, I think she should be on it again because she is trustworthy for being on the newspaper already. I can’t believe I have a mom like my mom. I will tell you what she is in many words. Sweet, kind, nice, best, best mom, not rude, fun, smart, tough, best runner, and awesome. I hope you liked this book, I hope my mom will love it too…

 

Supporting each other❤️

Where do I even begin with this beautiful soul? I’ve watched this amazing woman over the years run and win road races in Seattle, win Spartan races and compete on American Ninja Warrior and most recently become a new mommy. The fierceness in her eyes one foggy morning while running a local race in Seattle made me want to know her. She had such determination that it took my breath away! As I got to know Rose…she coached me, gave me encouragement, taught me that you can be an amazing athlete but still remain humble & down to earth. Rose has also taught me so many other things in life and I truly believe I’m a better athlete, person, mom, daughter, wife, human being/soul because of her and her amazing outlook and support in life. Support the people in your life and especially the ones that fill your heart ❤. This woman is pure gold and I love her!! She is committed – to her career, to her sport and to her family, and yet she always finds the time to support others. That’s where the magic is🌹🌹