Archive for the 'general' Category

I started running when we returned home from our stint in Italy. I discovered my Italian cuisine had left with me some unwanted lbs. So I started to run. As the miles began to become easier, I started adding more. Then came the thought, I’m going to want to have kids soon.  I better run a marathon before I do that. So I did. The Nike Women’s marathon On Oct 16^th 2005 in 4:26 min. I was proud of that time. Then I had my twin girls and I thought, I got to get some “me” time. I better train for another marathon. So I did. I ran the Nike Women’s Marathon in 4:29min when the girls were six months old. I joke that they each cost me a minute to my time.  The marathon bug has fluttered by me often since then, but never lasting long enough for me to commit to training.  Then I had another baby and thought “I ran a marathon after the girls, I better do that again”. Admittedly, training while caring for three kids and having a husband with an unpredictable work schedule is less than ideal. It’s especially tough if that baby never sleeps longer than three hours at a time. My training suffered.  The marathon date neared and I had no idea how I would perform. With my last two marathons, I religiously stuck to the training plan; I never missed one mile from my schedule. This time, I never ran more than 15 miles and most long runs, topped out at 10.

So I set out early Sunday morning with no idea how I’d do. I told myself that if I needed to walk, I would. I was hoping that I would finish under 5 hours. Secretly hoping that I would come in closer to 4:30. This time was a little different, I had a running partner. My friend Diana joined me and we chatted it up the whole time. The miles flew by and I never had the urge to walk or stop. I just kept going. As we crossed the 13.1 mark, we noticed we were under a 4hour marathon pace! Amazing! That fueled my determination to get to the finish ASAP.  Diana left me on my own for 7 miles, I chugged along counting down the miles. Finally I found my family smiled, waved and ran on. Diana joined me for the last 5. I was less chatty. By mile 25 I was pretty ready for it to be over. Luckily I was almost there! Nothing ever hurt, cramped or bothered me. As we neared the finish I realized I would not make a sub 4hours, but I would blow my old record away. I finished at 4:05:38. I might have even teared up a bit as I crossed the line, so proud that my body had accomplished such a task. I joined the family to take a few photos and we discovered that the memory card had been missing the whole time! We didn’t get one photo! Oh well, Sometimes there’s events that are etched in your memory forever. No photos needed.

of course, this is the age of the iphone and nothing goes completely undocumented

we were looking forward to ringing in the New Year with our super fun friends. then we got a visit from the flu bug. change of plans.

we made the best of the extra time together with our little family. and fortunately the flu seemed to be a mild bug who didn’t stick around too long.

we spent time playing with our new gifts. daddy really enjoyed helping grow a few new friends

we had a special dinner with lanterns, candle light and “wine”

when putting away the christmas decor, we found a box with dolls we’ve had waiting to give the girls for over two years, so as a little pick-me-up we brought in a new years gift. i’d say the babies were a hit!

we all went to bed early and got some extra rest. we woke up to a beautiful day. after a morning of undecorating the house, we headed to the beach. winter days like this are why i love living in SoCal. truly a gift!

i’d say 2011 was pretty good to us. sure there were struggles, adjustments and financial strain but more than anything there was laughter, giggles, silly songs, lots of love and hugs. our biggest blessing was the arrival of baby meadow. she brought so much joy to us all, i look forward to 2012 with great anticipation of new surroundings, accomplishments and prayerfully a new job for mike. bring it

This Christmas we look a little road trip (if you consider an 8 hour car ride with three kids under five little) We packed a lot into our trip up north. It was great to be with family from both sides, meet new loved ones, take on new adventures and have uninterrupted time together.

Christmas Eve- Time to relax, time to play, bake a cake for Jesus, and prepare for the big day.

Christmas Day-  Wake-up early, sneak downstairs, open stockings, wait for cousins, open gifts, venture to see more family, go to church, and pass out with our bellies full and our hearts warm, full of great blessing

This is our third Christmas living in SoCal. Being new to the area, we’ve had to search out our own holiday events and traditions. We have tried several events around the county, only a few have we made an annual tradition. At the top of our list is the Horizon Living Nativity. This event is AMAZING.  The church goes all out, converting the campus into old time Jerusalem. They add in a petting zoo, some camels and this year an ice skating rink.

What I love most is that this is not your typical “manger scene” nativity. They take you on a walk through the bible, starting with creation and ending with Jesus as King who has risen from Death.

Often, when we recommend this event to friends with little kids, they ask if the crucifixion scene is too intense for little kids. The answer is probably “yes.” The scene is intense and it is uncomfortable, but I want my children growing up knowing that the cross was intense, it was horrifying, it was undeserved. The cross is not something new to our girls. It is something we discuss daily. We thank Jesus for his obedience and sacrifice. We talk of sin and our need for forgiveness. If anything this reenactment has been a great learning tool, reference and visual aide to enhance the story of the Gospel. For weeks after there is great discussion about Jesus dying on the cross, but we are quick to point out the tomb is empty… and He is Risen Indeed

Wow… Is it really December already? The Holiday festivities are in full swing.  We’ve enjoyed a tree lighting, christmas parade and a christmas concert. But mostly we’ve enjoyed the sunny outdoors, special time with visitors, our christmas decorations, designing some “interesting”outfits, the horse ranch up the road and Meadow’s favorite game of picnic.