Chiggity Check this out

I love that my basement is making progress, here is a whole new room that was created for our utilities (water softener, water heater, and furnace). Still lots to do, but we're workin on it.

Thanks Gary, Jordan, and Aaron for all you hard work!

11 Minute increase!

It is Sunday night, pain still fully enforced in my legs and I keep thinking what my next 1/2 marathon goal should be? I could always try to increase my time, but I am super pleased with my time on this race. To me speed is not everything - each race I do I am reminded of how the only person you are competing with is yourself. Because I am not a competitive person it is the perfect sport for me. The entire idea of running a race, even a 5k (3.1 miles), was completely undoable a year ago, here I am now wondering what the next step will bring. I am happy to say that I am enjoying running - it is no longer a thorn in my side.

13.1 - two

This weekend brings my second half marathon. Although my training for this event has not been as diligent as my first, I feel good and excited for the challenge. In my preparations for this race I was able to run the course - it takes you through some fun neighborhoods of well kept yards (always a favorite of mine), and some cute older homes. There are moments of down hill which will be great for momentum and rest of pushing myself forward.

HI HO, HI HO

Spring break is here! I am so excited to have some time off, hopefully the weather will cooperate. Aaron on I are on our way down to St. George for time away from the kids. Thanks Mom and Steve for taking them for the weekend. Who knows what we will do, but that is the best part about vacation. Enjoy your kids this week my friends.

My new favorite thing

Van is LOVING reading, he wants to read books to himself, he wants to have books read to him, and he wants to read to Finn each night before bed. He is such a good big brother - the first night he read to Finn before bed was the cutest thing I have ever seen. They read and finished a book, then Van says "OK Finn, lets say a prayer" They then got on the floor to pray, it was so sweet. Of course I did not have my camera out and ready, so this is a partial replay of the new nightly reading ritual.

Dear Friends and Family

Next time you see me and/or my sweet ride, please tell me how good my new tires look. It was the most un-fun, un-satisfying thing I have ever spent money on. - oh well, that's life. Right?

Zoo in a winter wonderland

This weekend we headed up to the zoo. Van got a new book from the book fair with 100 facts of deadly creatures, we took it to the zoo to see how many from the book were at the zoo. He was very into the search and taught me about how deadly they were. Thanks to Kevin and Shannon who let me play mom to a little girl-it's so fun, but no it has not changed my mind about more kiddos.

Here you go

Aaron just got back from a guys road trip. Rob that used to live with us was/is moving from near Chicago to Dallas, Texas. Aaron flew back to drive this journey with Robert. I sent the camera with Aaron telling him to take lots of pictures - I have never seen that part of the country. This is what he came back with, yes there are only TWO. So, the top is Rob getting gas, hi Rob. The second is an accident on the freeway, that diverted them off the free way (that, and Rob's Tom Tom).
They had lots of fun and glad they could be reunited for a few days.

THIRTY THREE

Aaron has hit his 33rd year of life. Wow member when you were little, and to think of 33... you didn't even know that was an age someone could be.
Happy Birthday Aaron! I love you so much and am so glad I am married to you!!!

Christmas in a nutshell

This Christmas was the perfect amount of everything! I really enjoyed spending time with my boys, and seeing family here and there. When the kids are not in school they get to watch movies at night and play later than usual. I thought the boys were playing, when I went in to check on them this is what I found - asleep in the clothes baskets. We did have to move them to their beds because I was afraid Van's head was going to pop off, and Finn might have major crampage in the morning. Cute brothers

Finn testing out some pilot gear at Jeff and Carolina's.

On Christmas Eve morning we get together with my mom and Steve to celebrate. The kids were so excited to be together, and of course to be spoiled by Grandma and Steve.

Here we are, checking out/opening what Santa brought for the kids.

A tradition lost then found. We each create a gingerbread house, I think we think it is a competition, but then they are all to good to decide - what do you think? Here is Van's house

Shannon and Kim's creation, inspired by Phobee's doll house on Friends.

Kevin's house.

Finn's house, mostly made for eating not to look at.

Aaron - architectural mastermind.

As a farewell gathering before the cousins left, we went to Chuck E. Cheese - always a good time.

Finn rode this little ride over and over and over again. The ride would take a picture of you and print out a black and white photo for the rider. I think we had 10-15 photos by the time we were done.