Life is full of highs and lows...

It has been a busy couple of days, full of highs and lows.

Getting my cycling sweat on (plus still getting my strength training done) every day has really helped me with everything happening lately. I feel like my ankle is one the mend, although there are still times when it aches and I go into panic mode. I'm hoping those times happen less and less often!

Grace had a gymnastics meet on Saturday and got blue ribbons in all four events. She is really rocking it in gymnastics. I love her commitment and dedication to what she loves so much. And the fact that she does cartwheels and round-offs everywhere we go is pretty entertaining.

To make the most of the last day of summer, Scott suggested we all get pedicures. Since it is one of my girls' favorite things to do, they were beyond excited when I suggested it. Can you tell we like pink?

Because my girls aren't allowed to wear polish on their fingernails at their school, we decided to do manicures at home. They wanted white tips to make the most of their lack of colorful polish, so I obliged. At home tip, a little tape works wonders for keeping the white in a nice straight line.

Then Tuesday, my ninjas went back to school. They seriously are the best little people on the planet. Grace was pretty nervous, but Ellie was super excited and was a little ball of helpful energy all morning. I'm sure going to miss my little buddies.

Remember I mentioned there have been some lows the past few days? Well a full blown case of shingles qualifies in this category. It is my second time having shingles. Not only that, but I've had chronic nerve pain since the last time I had shingles. Don't be too jealous. Feeling like my back is on fire from the inside out actually isn't as fun as it sounds.

The other low was my Grandpa died on Saturday. He was one of the most loving, selfless, absolutely good men I have ever known. It's hard to even do justice in words to the amazing person he was. My faith and the knowledge that I will see him again has been a great comfort the last few days. Scott, my girls and I spent some time with him the night before he died, and I feel blessed to have been able to spend that time with him.