Merry Christmas!

Time is literally flying or running by me. I can't believe it's been two months since my last post. I have been unusally busy with work and running the last two months. Thank You for those who have checked on me - I really appreciate it!!!!!

I wanted to wish everyone an especially Very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year.

I hope to post occasionally but I will check in after I run the marathon in February. Until then I'm not sure if I will have a chance.

God Bless You!

Any Suggestions?

It has been over a year since we said goodbye to our sweet Kasey girl. I am just now seriously considering making the big plunge into adopting a new puppy into our family. I have never been great at making decisions, especially big ones.

The question: What kind of puppy should we get? I would really like a Golden Retriever but the rest of my family doesn't want a really big dog. I want a dog that will run with me but we all have to make compromises, right? The poodle mixes are adorable but apparently very expensive - Kev doesn't necessarily want to spend a couple thousand on a dog. I'm not sure I do either.

I definitely either want a dog that can be inside or out, minimum shedding and barking, and a friendly, lovable dog. And of course a dog that won't dig, chew, or destroy my carpet- lol. Decisions....... decisions.....

Anyone have any suggestions?

After I figure this one out than we have to think of a name........

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

It is a gloriously cool breezy Autumn day! Right now the temperature is a fabulous 55 degrees with a high today of 62!

Now that is more like it!

I hope it is a beautiful fall day where you live, too!

"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Busy Days of Autumn

Is it really Autumn? I guess it is officially but we have only had a few days to tease us into thinking it is fall. I am patiently awaiting consistently cool breezes flowing through our hair. I know it is coming but it is so hard to be patient. I want to start wearing my hoodies, long sleeves, and jeans!!!!

I have been busy these days with working part-time, cheering my boys in football, and running.
The rest of my activities fill in the spaces: Beth Moore Bible Study on David ( really awesome), keeping L ( my 6th grader) on task with school and homework, watching all the new shows (thank goodness for DVR), keeping my house clean, and keeping my family alive (feeding them).

So, all of the above has taken me away from blogging - but I shall return periodically.

I so wanted to take a picture of this absolutely beautifully very large spider web in between two large trees in our backyard. I need to go take a photography class (and get a new digital camera) so I can share all these interesting occurances that take place in my back yard.

Anyway, let me know if the real Autumn comes your way. I would love to hear about it.

Speaking of birds.....ouch!

My son called me the night of the "bird convention" in our backyard. "Mom, there was a huge bang on the window and there is a bird laying on our steps to the back door. He is still alive. What should I do?" My advice was just to leave him alone and I would check on him when I got home. The bird we hope survived because when I got home he was gone and I didn't see him anywhere in the yard. He left behind seeds from our tree and several loose feathers. Later that evening I noticed a mark on our window. It is an exact outline of where the bird hit. You can see his wings, his sideways body, and an outline of his eyeball. Ouch! He hit really hard. I wish I could take a picture of the outline but it won't work with my digital camera. It is so funny how you can see exactly how that poor little birdy hit.

It reminded me of times when I have been walking fast on a mission or running and without any warning I hit a huge obstacle. One time I ran directly into a street sign pole. I was too busy talking and didn't see it in front of me. The other time I was running on the sidewalk and didn't notice that the sidewalk was out of line and I tripped and hit the ground full force. It is painful and extremely embarrassing.

If I figure out how to take a picture and post it for you , I will. It is such a good reminder for me to slow down and pay attention.

I think the convention is over!

A Bird Convention

I didn't get the memo that there is a bird convention going on in my backyard today. I could sit here for quite awhile watching them. I have seen black birds, humming birds, blue birds, cardinals, and various other colors of birds hanging out in my yard lately. I enjoy watching them but I suppose I should take some pictures or learn about the different kinds of birds. What if a very rare bird appears - I wouldn't have a clue. And then every once in a while one flies right into our windows - ouch - the loud thump makes me jump everytime.

They are so cute! I think it's time for me to get a pet.

Marathon Training

As of September 2nd I started training for the AT&T Marathon in February 2007. As of today I have started a training diary of the whole five month experience. I am anxious, a little scared, and excited about my new endeavor. I truly believe that anyone can accomplish their goals - nothing is impossible ( especially with Jesus Christ). I just hope my fourty- one year old body will cooperate with this new goal. I am just going to do my best!

The training group that I am in is awesome. Approximately 200-300 people of all shapes, sizes and ages. Some are training for the half marathon and others will walk the full marathon and the rest will run. The groups are based on how fast you comfortably run one mile. I am in the 9- 10:30 minute mile group. I ran with my group for the first time on Saturday and I felt very comfortable with the pace. I was about in the middle of the group. It should be very enjoyable and challenging.

No pain - No gain!

Too cute!

For those I love.......

Find Your Wings

by Mark Harris

(click above to listen to song)

It's only for a moment

that you are mine to hold

The plans that heaven has for you

will all too soon unfold

So many different prayers I'll pray

for all that you might do

But most of all I want to know

you're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you

I want you to know that

as I watch you grow

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams

and that faith gives you the courage

to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings

May passion be the wings that leads

you through your days

And may convictions keep you strong

guide you on your way

May there be many moments

that makes your life so sweet

Oh, but more than memories

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams

and give you the courage

to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off

But I'll cheer you as you fly

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams

and give you the courage

to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings

so let my love give you roots

and help you find your wings.

An Angel to My Rescue!

On Friday I decided to take my mountain bike out to my favorite running spot. I was fighting the "not really sure what to do with myself lately" blues! I packed myself up and put my car keys and my ipod in my running pouch. I attached the pouch around my handle bars and took off on the winding trail. When I got to a bridge that attaches the trails I decided to stop and put on my ipod. I pulled it out of my pouch, strapped it on, and went on my merry way. As I was retracing my way on the path back to my van I noticed an elderly man coming towards me on his bike. He was holding his arm up and dangling some keys from his hand. I couldn't hear him because I was joyfully listening to John Mayer's Daughters song. After I passed him I stopped, took off my earphones ,and turned around. He had stopped as well and asked me if the keys he was holding were mine. I squinted to focus on them. Oh my goodness, they were my keys. I walked over and snatched them from him as I was thanking and blessing him.

What a very kind gesture. What an angel. The trail we were on spans approximately eight to ten miles. I am not really sure when my keys flew out of my pouch but I was so relieved the nice man took time out of his day to rescue me. So...... I was thinking..... I obviously need to pass it on or like the movie titled " Pay It Forward" starring Helen Hunt.

I hope you encounter an angel this week or, even better, have the opportunity to be one!

Laundry, anyone?

We never are lacking in laundry, are we? My older son K has this very annoying habit of leaving his wet towels on the floor after his shower, therefore he never reuses his towel.
How many times do I need to ask before he will break the habit?
The great thing right now is he takes his morning shower at school after football practice - it is really nice - and they do the laundry! I love it!

We went to K's highschool open house last night! Very impressive! It brought back fond memories of my highschool days. Although we didn't have things so great in our day. I am so excited for him - I pray the next four years are full of learning and great memories!

Laundry isn't so bad........ is it? Ugh!

Hope you have a bright,fresh, sparkling clean day!

No, today is not July 28th nor is it a Friday. I hope I didn't confuse you this morning or get your hopes up. It is in fact Monday!

Are you addicted to coffee? Basically coffee motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. I can't wait to have that first sip. I drink mine with fat free half and half. This month I am brewing Snickernut Cookie. It's okay. Definitely not my favorite flavors. I can't really taste the cinnamon. What is your favorite?

I drink about five cups each morning or three mugs full. I am wondering....... is all this coffee bad for me? I heard one study that some coffee is good for you, but five cups each day? What do you think? My coffee is the only caffeine I consume all day. I drink water the rest of the time.

Hope your coffee is steaming hot and delicious this wonderful Monday morning.

Have a great week! (School starts - yea!)

An Amazing City

Just returned from San Fran and Tahoe - Whoa - I am amazed at God's creation! I can't wait to go back!
Here we are on the "crooked street". The flowers are beautiful!

How many more days of summer?

Don't get me wrong - we have had an awesome summer! It has been crammed pack full of fun, adventure, sun, sand, water, friends ,laughter, and lots of excitement ........ i am exhausted!

Before I go any farther.... update....... Logan had a great time at camp. He loved it and wants to go back next year!

So.... Kevin and I have one more adventure and then I think I am ready for reality to kick in and to get back to a normal schedule. My workout schedule has gone to pot. My kids sleep schedule is to not sleep. I need some major "Me" time.

I am a little anxious about my children beginning middle school and high school but nonetheless... i am ready.....i think?

how many more days?

I miss him

My son L has been at Camp Peniel for five days. This is the first "real" camp he has been to where I haven't been able to talk to him on the phone or have any communication with him whatsoever.

What do I mean by "real"? You know, sleeping in a very primitive cabin, canoeing in the lake, riflery and horseback riding.

The camp takes pictures each day of the children doing various activities. Of all the 500 pictures taken this week he appears in 4 of them and they are all close-ups except for one of him swimming in the lake. It drives me crazy because I have no idea what he has done all week except swim in the lake!!! Ugh! And one of the pictures he has this really horrible look on his face! Why would anyone post that picture? We are supposed to see our children laughing and having fun at camp, right?

Kevin assures me that he is having the time of his life - not to worry.

Above is a picture of L & I on our family vacation at the beach! This is the kind of pictures I had hoped to see of him - my happy, comical, silly L!

Well, we pick him up tomorrow morning - I CAN"T WAIT!

Their Back

Our cute little deer family has been visiting quite a bit lately. Usually bright and early in the morning and sometimes at dusk they come to visit our neck of the woods. It is hard to get a picture because when I open the door of course their cute little ears perk up. As you can see in this picture they are very aware of me. I was only able to catch one of the babies here but there are two. The other night we actually had two different moms and three babies visiting. It is a special treat to my day........ i imagine after awhile it won't be that exciting to me... but I enjoy watching them now. Not sure if they can jump over our fence. I might not be as welcoming if they help themselves to breafast in our flower beds.

And the question that I still ask is.... where do deer live? I know in the woods, but where?

OUCH!

My husband and son were in an accident last Friday. An eighteen wheeler ran a red light outside of our subdivision. L and I happen to be right behind them and witnessed the whole thing. We actually saw the truck coming for them before they did. I was talking to my husband and I screamed when I saw it coming. Scary, huh?

God was protecting them because it hit in front as you can see and neither of them were injured.

Praise God!!!!!!

Extremly Eventful Weekend

My uneventful weekend changed drastically on Sunday. K had a 10:00 am game and a 4:00 pm game. His team ended up winning second place. K was disappointed. He is very competitive. I was very proud of him! He had an awesome month of baseball. Out of I think twenty five at bats he only got out two times and he had the most RBI's of his team. During his last game Kevin called to tell me that L's team won their third game of the day making them one of the top four teams out of 32 in the South State AAA USSSA Select Tournament. L's team has been together three years and this was by far the most successful tournament they have ever had. Because they won they would stay over into Monday to play in the final four.



I decided I needed to be there to see them play. A friend and I packed up and drove to Beaumont at 9:45 pm Sunday night and arrived in Beaumont at 3 am. The drive wasn't bad at all. After a few hours sleep we woke up, ate breakfast, and went to cheer on The Jammers in their first State Championship Game. Unfortunately they lost 8-4 to a Houston team but it was so worth the drive to be there! We drove home later.

We are so proud of The Jammers!

Uneventful Weekend

I shouldn't complain. I have been waiting patiently for one. And now that it is here..... ugh! I just can't stand to miss out on fun eventful weekends, but I am.

Kevin and L are away at our last baseball tournament of the season. K and I are home for his tournament. Unfortunately, we were awaken by a nice thunder storm with heavy rain this morning which would normally be wonderful except not on a baseball tournament weekend. We waited all day to find out that K's game was postponed until tomorrow. So basically we sat around the house all day. I did get alot accomplished but I felt like we were really missing out on the fun with Kevin and L.

We ended the day with a very nice shopping experience at Target. We lingered around the deoderant isle smelling Axe (that's good smelling stuff) . We had a nice conversation with the checkout boy about the fact that there must be subliminal messages unconsciously heard while shopping there to "buy, buy, buy". Am I the only one that spends way too much money in Target? We also visited Marble Slab and Hollywood Video. Came home, grilled chicken and in a few minutes I will be enjoying Tristan + Isolde and if I can stay awake Prime with Meryl Streep and Uma Thurman with a nice glass of Chardonnay. K decided after watching the soccer games recently he would rent a soccer video game- not sure how that is going.

The baby deer haven't come back for a visit yet.........I am waiting patiently.,,,, if they come to visit it would definitely be worth staying home this weekend. Of course, my quality time spent with my teenager is well worth it!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Fathers Day Weekend was Over the Fence!

Whew! Today is my first day of rest, well besides the fact that my house is somewhat unorganized and I have loads of laundry to finish and lots of other stuff to do.

One week ago I completed my fourth sprint triathlon. I was competing against myself again this year. I wanted to beat my time of 1 hour 44 minutes from last year. Drum roll.........................

My time this year was 1 hour and 38 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My swim and bike were my best ever and I did better than last year on the run taking 6 big fat minutes off my time! Woo Hoo! I am very reluctant to post this picture (swim caps don't suit me well) but this is before the swim with my friend Mendy. This was her first triathlon and she definitely is a very tough cookie!

Anyway, back to this weekend. After a week at camp, I returned home on Friday to both boys baseball tournaments. K's ended up being cancelled because we had some really nice rain on Sat and Sun which was too much for the fields but L played. On Saturday I was late getting to his game. L's team was first to bat and he is the first batter. On a full count ( 3 balls and 2 strikes) he smacked one over the fence for his very first homerun!!! Another Woo Hoo! Of course I missed it because I was late which is quite a bummer, but very exciting none the less!

We finished off the weekend with an awesome steak and shrimp dinner grilled on our new Weber and a nice rest in Kevin's Fathers Day gift! Ahhhhhhhh!!!


Oh, I forgot..... as we were eating dinner we saw the absolutely cutest sight in our backyard. Two baby deer and their mom. The babies were playing in the greenbelt as their mom supervised. I didn't get my camera out in time, but I hope they come back for another visit.

The Lazy Days of Summer?

Hello Everyone - although I don't know who all is out there lately. I have been so swamped with end of school activities and training that I have neglected my blog. This week begins our summer which is so exciting to me although most of June will be unfortunately busy.

Our Memorial Weekend was quite nice. We finally broke down and purchased a pool table, which was unusually stressful for me, but I am good now. Of course, we have been pooling most of the time. I am raising young pool sharks.

We invited some friends over for dinner Sunday night. It was very nice, although I am still working on my hostessing skills. I tend to overdo when I entertain. I always prepare way too much food, which I guess is better than not enough. And I tend to fret too much about every little detail. I am trying to train myself to relax and enjoy, which I did most of the time. I think overall everyone had a good time and enjoyed themselves - I hope!!!!

This week, at least for a couple days, the boys and I will sleep late and be lazy. After that we will play baseball ( every weekend this month), celebrate K & L's birthdays, participate in VBS, attend baseball camp, K starts strength and conditioning camp which last for the first half of summer, Danskin is on the 11th, and on the 12th L & I leave for church camp in San Marcos for a week.

My definition of summer is sleeping in, laying around the pool drinking lemonade, and walking around barefoot in a tank top and shorts and doing absolutely nothing and having fun at the same time. Maybe in July?

What is your favorite thing about summer?

I am thankful God has given us so many wonderful opportunities this summer!
I hope yours is full of fun as well!

May flowers are here!

May is an extremely busy month in my house. I have one son finishing middle school and the other graduating from elementary. They both have many end of year activities including the continuation of baseball. It is exciting, fun, and emotional!

I haven't been very faithful to my blog but I will be around every once in awhile!

I hope your April showers brings lots of May flowers!

Bless You!

Step by Step

My twelve year old son wrote this poem for his english class.
My husband and I were impressed with it.

I think he is growing up........

Step by, step by step
She glided through the hall
Walking slowly, walking tall.

I suddenly got the nerve to say hello
Thinking about her soothing soul
She kindly said "hi" back to me
Then she walked off beautiful and pretty.

All day long I thought of the girl
Her and diamond pearls
The ones that shined ever so brightly
I suddenly saw them glowing in the night.

I ran over to achieve my destiny
Hoping she wouldn't get the best of me
I never thought it would turn out like this
She hugged me and gave me a kiss.

Cute, huh?

Tri Training - Yahoo!

This week begins my annual Danskin Triathlon Training! I love it! I love it because I need the weekly guidance it gives me. My trainer telling me each day what I need to be doing, how far, and how fast.

Every Thursday and Saturday morning I will meet with my group to swim, bike, or run ( or a combination of two). The other days my trainer gives us a schedule to follow. I wish we could meet together everyday. I love Meredith, my trainer, cheering me along with every stroke, pedal, and step.

I need a cheerleader following me around every minute of my day. "Great job, Peg!" "Way to go." " It's okay, Peg, you will do better next time." "Get your butt off that chair, girl." That's exactly why I can't go hardly a second without Jesus walking by my side. He is the best cheerleader I know! He is always walking by my side, unfortunately I need to be walking by His as well. It is a constant challenge. But just like the triathlon it is an awesome one!

I want to do better this year! I want to get in that open water and swim with great confidence. I want to spin like crazy up those hills. And I want to run, run, run with great enthusiasm up that really big hill at the end of the race. I am sooooo excited!

I will be posting our weekly training on The Runner Inside of Me just in case you would like to train too!

Come on - you can do it!

Happy Spring!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter celebration! We did! I have been so super busy with baseball and other stuff but I wanted to make a point of posting a note before I get to all the must-dos today. There are way too many, unfortunately.

One thing I love about living in Central Texas are the Bluebonnets. I look forward to them every year and every time I drive by a blue patch I ooooo and ahhhhh! There are very few around my area this year but one day I looked outside my front porch and saw this lone bluebonnet in my bed. I don't know here it came from but I am blessed that it has made a home there! I hope to see her year after year!

I know one of you could turn this post into a very inspiring devotional! Simple minded me will just say:

Thank You God for flowers and the joy and peace you both bring to the earth!

Realization

It came to my mind last night after dedicating a whole weekend working a baseball tournament for my son L's baseball team and watching Chef K's five baseball games; after reviewing our week's schedule of three more baseball games, two track meets, and another weekend of baseball and L's school carnival..... what will K & I do when our children leave and go away to college?

Cry, sleep, and work to pay for college? I can't even comprehend what life will be like......

I can't think about it.

"This is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Five Wierd things about me!

I am a perfectionist procrastinator.

I am obsessed with poptarts and cereal marshmallows (it stems from my childhood).

I have an odd, dry sense of humor.

I will do just about anything for a back massage.

I love just sitting and watching people.

Do we have anything in common?

Obsessions!

One of my obsessions is sugar! I love all those chewy, gooey, smooth, crunchy sweets - Candy, cookies, cake, chocolate, cheesecake, and ice cream - anything with sugar involved. But, when I can't go a day without it there is a problem. So, on Ash Wednesday I decided that I was going to begin a forty day fast from sugar. In other words, rely on God, not sweets. Comfort in Him, not in dessert.

I have been successful so far and I will succeed because I have made a commitment. I am an expert at keeping commitments, It it just difficult making them.

Speaking of temptations....since that Wednesday ,Chef K has make chocolate chip cookies and then he made these beautiful delights during spring break - Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies - I can't even savor the crumbs. Shame on him!!!

But, together we made a wonderful meal last week from his Food Network - Favorites - Recipes from Our All-Star Chefs Cookbook. We made Dave Lieberman's Spicy Coconut Shrimp with Mango-Basil Salsa & Lime Jasmine Rice... and it was amazing! It had a subtle sweet spicy taste.

Here is another food picture for your viewing pleasure:

I was able to eat every single morsel - it was divine!
Bon Appetite!

Spring Break, already?

We all say it, "I can't believe how fast this year is going!" My children even say it now. So of course in my mind I am in disbelief that Spring Break is next week, already! Unfortunately, I am not really that excited about it. Because of my husband's profession we have no opportunity of traveling this time of year. I guess the boys and I could venture out on our own but nothing exciting comes to mind.

So, we will hang out and spontaneously find fun activities to keep us entertained. Bowling, movies, shopping ( they are both into that now), hanging out with friends, eating out, etc......
My hopes are that I will actually get some bigger chores marked of my list. Cleaning and organizing the garage, organizing the millions of pictures I have in my upstairs closet and begin the daunting task of scrapping, finish lining my kitchen cabinets with shelf paper, plant some flowers in the empty pots in the front yard. K & L are really into running track right now so we plan on heading over to the park for some sprinting. I would also love for Chef K to try out some of the recipes in his Food Network cookbook he received from me for Christmas. If so, I will post some pictures.

Sounds really exciting, huh? Maybe not, but I hope we will find some adventures along the way. Trust me, I will let you know if we do. I am very thankful to spend quality time with my boys! Before I know it they will be off on their own adventures without me!

What are your Spring Break plans?

Getting on with my day.......

Do you ever have the great opportunity of sitting around your house by yourself, in your pajamas, drinking coffee with bed-head hair , no make-up , really bad morning/coffee breath and doing absolutely nothing? Well, not really nothing....but close to it.

Well, that is what I have been doing this morning. It is 10 am! This is what happens to two hours of my day when I sit and email/blog on my laptop in my cluttered living room adjacent to my messy kitchen.

Okay, back to reality!!!!! I quit working about a month ago. My job was temporary. It was lots of fun. I really enjoyed being one of the millions of Americans that struggle getting out of bed, spend fifteen minutes figuring out what to wear, scurrying around the house to get everyone out the door, and joining the crowds that are sharing the roadways to experience THE daily grind. I liked the paycheck, too.

Now my job is getting my body back in shape and the other thirty tasks I have on my to do list!
What would I do without my list....... I would be lost!

So I am off to swim! Trust me, it's not fun putting on a bathing suit the beginning of March - UGH! But it will be worth it, eventually........

Hope your morning was much more productive than mine has been so far!!!!
Did you get anything crossed off your list?

Great Advertising

This happened to me one day. Since we moved in our new home many companies leave pamphlets on our door for lawncare, softwater systems, blinds & windows coverings, and rain gutters. One day I came home and there was a pamphlet and flyer laying on my entry way tile floor. I saw it, picked it up and the whole time I was thinking: "How in the heck did they get this in here?" I checked the door - it was locked. I tried sliding the info through the door - didn't work. I was really freaked out. Then I noticed it was an ad for a security company. Wow - this was a great advertisment. They know how to get in my house......I was thinking- they have proved my need for a security system! Whoa!

Turns out they did slide the papers through the side of the door. Kevin figured out how they did it when he got home that night.

They absolutely got my attention!

Viva Las Vegas!

Well, since you asked, jettybetty:

My husband and I had another glorious weekend in Las Vegas. This time we shared it with our special friends: Kim & Clark, Elvis, and The Blue Man Group! And not Barry Manilow, boo hoo!

My great friend Kim invited us to join them in Las Vegas to surprise her husband Clark for his 40th birthday. We have wanted to go on a trip with them for quite awhile and this was the perfect opportunity!

Kim had a great plan to surprise Clark. Kevin & I met a limo in front of The Venetian and snuck inside. Clark got in the limo and we yelled "Surprise" (of course). He was speechless and totally shocked! The limo took us to The Elvis Chapel! Kim had arranged for Elvis ( yes, he is alive) to renew their wedding vows! Awesome, huh? It was a hoot!

The chapel was very quaint. Not long after we arrived, Elvis greeted us! Elvis is looking really great for his age, don't you think? We took a few pictures with him and then we proceeded with the ceremony. Elvis walked Kim down the aisle as he sang a song. It looks like Kim was crying but we were all actually laughing hysterically. He led the ceremony- they exchanged vows and rings. He then sang another song. We took more pictures and went on our marry way.

The next night we experienced "The Blue Man Group". It was totally different than I expected it to be - really interesting and funny! The only disappointing part of the whole weekend was that Barry wasn't in town. We have to go back to see Barry! I missed you, Barry!


Other pictues from the weekend:
Shrimp Scampi, a famous scandelous ex-baseball player(do you know who it is?), The gardens in the Mirage, and dinner at The Venetian.
That's all the pictures I can show you because you know:
What happens in Vegas - Stays in Vegas! lol

My Romantic Valentine!

Although Valentine's Day was celebrated by most about six days ago, my husband and I celebrated this weekend! My husband is always full of all kinds of surprises, mostly really great ones. This Valentine's Day (the actual day) we exchanged gifts. My theme this year was red. Everything I bought the boys was red. K got a new red baseball bag and Under Armor shirt. L got a red Nike shirt and shorts (really cool ones). And I bought my hubby red running shorts and an Under Armor shirt. I did all my shopping at Academy in about twenty minutes. My gift to my hubby wasn't quite as romantic as his to me! He bought me a necklace that I was admiring in the Brighton store on our recent trip to Las Vegas. I need to blog about our visit with Elvis while we were there.......




Anyway, we had decided because of our hectic schedules that we would wait until this weekend to go out on a Valentine's date. I knew he was making the reservations. What I didn't know was instead of dinner reservations he was making Bed & Breakfast reservations in Salado, Tx. (and dinner ones, too) We had a super romantic overnight date. I love bed & breakfast inn's. We spent our honeymoon in one and our first anniversary- both my husband's surprise. Anyway, this one was wonderful with a cozy fireplace in our room. The wintery weather this weekend cooperated nicely! It was perfect!

Thanks for my romantic valentine , Sweety Pie!

My new ride!!!

Finally, two triathlons later, I am happy to announce I have purchased my very own road bike. It gives me a new excitement and motivation for this years race. Shopping for bikes is a little intimidating considering you can spend anywhere from $600 - $5000 on a bike. It is crazy! And then you add in all the accessories: helmet, gloves, clips, shoes, pants, shirts,water bottles, and other things that I don't even know about yet. I am very excited about my investment and can't wait to ride it!

Since I bought the bike, I have put about 65 miles on it. Oh, my bottom feels the pain. I haven't invested in any biking shorts yet. Note to self: Buy Biking Pants. They have a nice little cushion in the seat! I have a few more accessories to get as well. I definitely look like a real dork on my bike right now. Compared to all the seasoned bikers here in Lance Armstrong country, anyway! That's okay! The fact that I am out there pedalling my heart out is awesome!

Oh yes, and I had my official first fall, too. When you stop and you forget your foot is in still attached to the pedal, and you fall over - it is a very humbling experience - quite humourus as well!

Wow - that's somewhat accurate!

I took "The Five Factor Personality Test" that I found at Gayle's blog and here are the results:

You have medium extroversion.You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party.Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences.But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time."

Conscientiousness:
You have medium conscientiousness.You're generally good at balancing work and play.When you need to buckle down, you can usually get tasks done.But you've been known to goof off when you know you can get away with it.

Agreeableness:
You have high agreeableness.You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly.Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone.You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance.

Neuroticism:
You have low neuroticism.You are very emotionally stable and mentally together.Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly.Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure.

Openness to experience:
Your openness to new experiences is low.You're a pretty conservative person, and you favor what's socially acceptable.You think that change for novelty's sake is a very bad idea.While some may see this as boring, many see you as dependable and wise.

Very intersting! This is all very accurate except for Openness to experience. I would say mine is medium but probably not high. I would like it to be at times, but I am very dependable and sometimes a little boring.

Take the test!

Odds and Ends pictures

Our new chairs, Ziggy, and me!

Have a great week!!

A Blast from the Past!

When I was growing up my absolute favorite comic strip character was Ziggy! Do y'all remember him? I still have a stuffed Ziggy doll in the attic (along with all my pandas, of course). That reminds me - I really appreciated all your great advice on my Panda collection. I haven't done anything with it yet. Well, it's been a little busy since then.....
Anyway, today I was shopping for a new calendar. I had seen a Ziggy desk calendar when I was Christmas shopping last month. I hoped it was still available. My second choice was The Far Side. I love that kind of humor. Well, aparently not a whole lot of people loved Ziggy as much as I did. There were a slew of calendars leftover from Christmas. When I saw Ziggy it just made me smile inside! Ohhh, what a great way to start everyday this year. I just love that little guy! I went to the ziggy website and downloaded Ziggy on his scale.

So, my question for you today is what or who is on your 2006 calendar? AND....

What is your favorite comic stip character?

Challenges for the New Year!

Not in any specific order:

Be more disciplined in my prayer and quiet time with God.

Get back in triathlon shape. I haven't swam or biked in many months but I am purchasing a new road bike soon. I will post a picture when I do!

Update and improve my blog. Anyone have any tips or advice for me on this? I would like to jazz it up a bit...... And then start posting on my running blog again.

Work on my arms and abs. Two of my Christmas presents were an Ab Lounger, and weights( Yes, that's what I asked for).

Scrapbook - I am really behind.

Continue getting our new home decorated and organized. It is coming along. We bought some new furniture this weekend. A new recliner, a chaise lounger (I call it a "fainting couch"), and an end table. The end tables we have are ancient!!! I think they are a few years younger than me. I will post pictures when all of them get here. We still have many more purchases to make: A nightstand for me, a dresser, an entertainment center, chairs for the game room, a breakfast table, and more. There is also some painting I would like to do. It will take time!

Entertain more in our home! I have no excuses anymore. I have lot's of room to have friends over. Lot's of partying in 2006!!!!!!!!

I think this is the year that I need to train for the full Marathon for 2007! I am ready to do it but I need someone to do it with me! I know I can do it myself it would just be more fun with a friend.

So, I was curious what I challenged myself to do last year....hmm....oh yea....... here was my New Year Post in 2005. Let's see - I definitely did all these things more: ran, shopped, ate out, blogged, took pictures, and hung out with my guys. Hey, that was easy...... I'm sure this year will be a little more strenuous.

I hope yours is blessed!

Hook Em Horns!!!

Chicken enchiladas and coffee, anyone?

I think it was "Hey, Babe" or something like that. It awoke me around 4 am. I was in the middle of Chuy's chicken enchilada dinner dream with friends. My eyed popped open. My husband was happily snoring beside me. Did he actually say that out loud as he was sleeping or was someone else communicating with me? Well, it worked. I am up! Been up for over an hour now.

Sometimes I think God wakes me up. "Spend some time with me - I miss you", he says suddely. Maybe I woke up because last night I was worried that our new alarm wouldn't beep at us at six. Or maybe those enchiladas were making me really hungry because my stomach was growling at me. After laying in bed for awhile, I decided I better get up and spend some time with God . When He speaks loud enough to wake me up, I listen! Then I decided to lay on my chair and a half in the living room and my mind just kept wandering. Some of my best blog post have come to me in the early hours of the morning. So, thanks to my new lap top I am blogging with my two fluffy pillows and my black fur blanket in the dark. It is now almost 5:30, I am still hungry, wide awake, and writing this post.

Back to reality today. The boys are going back to school. Kevin & I are back at work. Life continues as normal. Making lunches, basketball practice, carpooling, waiting in traffic, homework, erronds that have been put off. Two weeks is a nice length to have a break. Just enough time to rest. I am ready for the normal routine. Really?

Our Christmas break was a great success. I will write about our trip to Amarillo. My boys and I shared some great time together. I am so thankful for them. I love my reality !

Well, my early morning has come to an end. Time to get up and get in the shower. Time to take on the day. I am actually ready to go back to sleep now. Too late! Coffee, anyone?