Saturday, December 15, 2007

21 Miles!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's official. After 4 hours of running I finally passed the 20 mile mark. In the spirit of the marathon (since MP3 players are not allowed), I decided to forego my MP3 player and actually run without music! Crazy you might say?! Well, actually today it was kind of nice--for the most part. Since I was missing my usual running partners to talk to during the run, I had some quiet time to myself to think. A LOT of quiet time. What did I think about during those long hours, you might ask? Well, here are my thoughts in a nutshell--I made out grocery lists, Christmas lists, sung a few Christmas carols over (and over) and even had a Kenny Rogers song stuck in my head for about 2 to 3 miles (who knows how that got in there!) Anyway, after about 14 or so miles of singing (in my head) and pondering life's mysteries, it started to pour! I'd like to say that it was a nice warm rain, but in reality it was freezing! I was actually beginning to wonder if hail was coming down, it was hitting me so hard. Did I mention that there were 40 mile an hour winds blowing at me for several miles?! Okay...maybe the wind wasn't blowing me that hard, but it was enough to push me back in my steps a few times. With the cold rain pelting me and the wind in my face (not to mention a few cars that got too close to the side of the road and splashed water all over me--nice!), all I could do was put one foot in front of the other--it was brutal! Sorry, to have such a flair for the dramatic, but let's just say I've seen better days. But one image kept playing over and over in my head to motivate me to keep going. This....
My dear husband put this note in my car (taped to my steering wheel) the night before. In my whole conglomeration of random thoughts, this note kept popping up in my head. My motivation to continue on (besides get out of the rain!) was due to my loving husband and kids who believed I could do it. And I did.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Breakfast with Santa & other Christmas Happenin's

Lately, there has been a plethora of Christmas events going on in our area. Since its been busy, busy, busy around the house with Christmas decorating, gingerbread train making (or really eating, since the train never actually got made!) or Christmas shopping, we've really tried to do more fun things with our family rather than get wrapped up completely in the business of the season. Just this past week, we took our kids along with some friends to the 'Festival of Lights' in nearby Dickinson, Texas. The two big draws to the event--the holiday lights and the fact that it was 'free' (you can't beat that around the holidays!) Not only were there lights, there were a lot of fun things for the kids to do. The park had a train that the kids could ride on! Yes, that is a 'Thomas the Tank Engine' pulling the train. Let's just say that was the first thing we did since Layton absolutely loves 'Thomas'.


No, your eyes are not deceiving you--Layton and Ashlyn are actually riding the train by themselves! No tears! I'm not sure who was more surprised that they got on it without being scared--me or the kids! Layton was actually waving at people as they were coming back around the 'track'. Just when I think I've got them all figured out...


Not only were they having train rides, they were actually having a 'Blizzard on the Bayou' section of the park with snow (okay, it wasn't actually a blizzard, more like a 9' x 9' patch of manufactured snow--but hey, what do you expect in Houston?)

The kids had fun slipping and sliding in the snow. Here's Ashlyn doing just that.


Oh yes, and you can't play in the snow without having a snowball fight. Here's Layton throwing snow at some wandering bystanders. What's funny is that he's never played in the snow, but he instinctively knows how to make snowballs (and throw them). Ah, boys will be boys...


It was definitely a fun event to take the kids too, and with the 'free' pricetag, we could even afford to get more Christmas candy (not like we needed it!)

Speaking of fun events, our kids' Mother's Day Out program hosted a Breakfast with Santa this morning. It was such a treat! The kids all lined up outside to watch Santa arrive in style on a horse and buggy (which perplexed Ashlyn who kept on asking "what happened to Santa's reindeer?") It was really funny--you would have thought a rock star was pulling up with all the screaming going on! Layton and Ashlyn were excited (not as excited as some kids!), but it was really neat to see the wonder in their faces. Once he pulled up, the kids all went back inside to hear Santa read a Christmas story, and then get their pictures with Santa.

Okay...if your kids are anything like my kids in past years, the thought of sitting on Santa's lap would literally send them screaming. So, I kept wondering to myself, "Is this the year they will actually sit on his lap?" Well, this year we ended up getting both of them on his lap for a quick picture before Ashlyn darted off. Layton pleasantly surprised me (again!) by telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas. "Cars...(not one, but) two cars".

After pictures, the kids were off to the craft tables. Here's Layton and Ashlyn making one of three crafts. There were beads, glue and glitter--lots of it. Very messy, but oh so fun for the kids.


Here's Layton proudly showing off the beaded Christmas tree/pipe cleaner that he made.

After Ashlyn's (20th) time on the moonwalk, we finally went home. We had a ball!
What are some of your favorite things to do with your family around the holiday season?

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Saturday, December 1, 2007

"I've got the power..."



I know what you're thinking--how old is this song?! I know this is a flash from the past, but if I could pick one song to sum up how I feel today, its this one! Can't you just see me dancing along?! You would be dancing too if you just ran 19 MILES! Okay, maybe I'm not dancing, just gingerly sidestepping across the floor without too much weight on my left knee. But after a good ice bath, (yes, my first ice bath! I am a true athlete now!) I am dancing around my living room! I reached a milestone--didn't think I could do it, but now I have!!! And all on the eve of my 33rd birthday...

26.2 miles in January--Bring it on!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Girl Time

Ashlyn and I just recently got to spend some one-on-one time this past weekend at a 'Nutcracker Breakfast'. I am always amazed at how much Ashlyn reminds me of myself as a child, but also just how much of her own person she is already becoming. She is such a lively, imaginative girl and she's just plain fun to be around! She's either turned into a 'mini-me' or my mom reincarnated. (Watch out karaoke, here she comes!). I hope Ashlyn never loses that fun-loving, creative outlook on life. Here's to my dear, dear Ashlyn and many more fun 'girl-times' together.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Semi-Wordless Wednesday

What Daddy does while Mommy is away...
"The Three Little Pigs"--aren't they cute?!


Monday, November 12, 2007

A "Weighty" Issue

Okay, I'm about to jump on my soapbox so get ready... Why, oh why are females (a.k.a. me) always so obsessed about our weight? What seems to have been on the 'backburner' in my mind has recently come to the forefront. Why now, you ask? Well, it seems that I have recently started to regain a little bit of the weight that I lost after Layton. And I am NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT! What irritates me the most about the whole issue is that I am probably in the best shape of my life being able to run long distances while I'm training for the marathon, but since I don't wear a size 2, it doesn't matter. (Okay, I don't think I've ever worn a size 2, except maybe when I was in junior high?), but that doesn't make me feel better. Since when is a woman's size/weight an indicator of her self-worth? Why is it that when we gain weight, we suddenly aren't the same smart, funny, capable women we were when we weighed less? I know a 'good' weight/size is relative for everyone, since my weight could be someone else's goal weight--but I know I look at other people wishing that I was their weight/size (is that bad?!) Sorry for the 'Debbie-Downer' post, but that's how I feel lately...

Am I alone in this, or is anyone else tired of looking in the 'fun-house' mirror?

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

A Surprise Weekend

Some friends of mine and I hopped into the car, an SUV actually, (minus kids and husbands) with one goal in mine--surprise the pants off our friend, Lacie (and boy did we!) Since Lacie's 30th birthday was fast approaching, a plan was hatched--surprise Lacie for her birthday by showing up at her house in Brock, TX (which is about 5 hours away. 6 with construction on the road.) With any great plan, there were a few kinks. Construction on the freeway put us back an hour, so we were racing to get things ready before we got to Brock. Here's my friend, Deanna and I blowing up some of the decorations. Ah, doesn't a good road trip always bring out the kid in you?!! Actually, I don't think the 'grown-up' Maria was ever there on the trip. Boy, did we have fun!!

Once we got to Brock, we encountered a few obstacles--almost running into their house before we actually discovered they had not left for dinner yet (a long, but funny story!!), trying to get into her house without being seen--but we did it! Here's Lacie's surprised face.

Here's us in our 'party' wear.

Our next days and nights consisted of staying up late, talking, and 'pigging out' at the local cafe with about 'a jillion' desserts--but mostly, laughing, laughing, and laughing (I can't remember having laughed that much in a long time!) Once we got back, we just had to go surprise another one of my friends, Robyn, for her 30th by showing up on her 'new' doorstep at 10:00 pm to wish her Happy Birthday/Housewarming. It was truly a Surprise weekend!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Halloween 2007

Here's a few pics of my kids (a.k.a. Supergirl and 'The Boxer') on Halloween. Aren't they cute?

Here are the kids in a rare picture moment together. Layton was convinced he was dressed up as 'Superman', so we just went along with it. He sooo much wanted to be Superman since Ashlyn was Supergirl. He's such an adoring little brother!
Since they had a Halloween parade at Mother's Day Out, I couldn't resist posting a few of those pictures. Here's Ashlyn doing her runway walk...

Daddy and Layton.

Hope your Halloween was a fun one!!

Monday, October 29, 2007

My first 'half' -- Ooh, Rah!

This past Sunday, I reached a milestone: my first half-marathon. For those of you who know me (or have been keeping up with my blog), I started a marathon training program in July with the hopes of completing the Chevron Houston Marathon in January (and still be standing after it was over!). Well, I have been lucky enough to be introduced to my first actual races through this program: a 5-miler, a 10-miler this past month and most recently the half-marathon. Since I am a born worrier (I'd worry about nothing if I could do it--in fact I think I have!), I've been worried about how I'd do on Sunday's race, "would I be able to complete the half without my knee pain flaring up?", "would I know where to park, where to go, etc.", even "would I be able to make it to the starting line without catching my daughter's cold?". Well, all my questions were answered as usual before Sunday (thank you God) and I made it to the starting line. The weather was perfect except for the cool temperatures in the morning. I think it was in the low 50's (my father in Missouri would be laughing at this one--weather is soooo relative, isn't it?) but once I got going, I felt great. After a hard run up and down the hills of Allen Parkway (again, so relative, isn't it?) I ran across the finish line.

Here's me with my race medal. My knees were aching, but I still got my race "bling".

Here's me with the 'fam'. You can definitely tell the kids had just gotten up. Jason had just got them out of bed to come see mommy finish her race. I'm not sure if the kids saw me or not, but Layton kept telling me, "Mommy, I proud of you". My family always make my heart smile.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband who supports me in everything I do. Not only does he support and encourage me in all my running endeavors by coming to my races and watching the kids so I can do my training runs, he is my No. 1 fan at home. I am so thankful for his support, because without him I wouldn't be able to accomplish many of my life goals. I don't know what I have done in my life to end up with such a wonderful man, but I thank God every day for it! I am truly blessed.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The Great Outdoors

This past weekend, the family and I headed out to spend a weekend in 'The Great Outdoors' (a.k.a. Huntsville State Park) with some of our nearest (and not so near) and dearest friends. Of course, we almost didn't make it due to my dear husband's last-minute food poisoning (that's a whole other story), but luckily, we made it safe and sound to the park on Friday night as promised. Here's a rundown of our fun camping weekend in pictures (of course!)

Here's what we got to wake up each morning. Peaceful, isn't it?

It was so cold the first night and morning, that my dear husband had to 'wear' his blanket. Let's just say the guys got a good laugh out of this one!


Here's Ashlyn and her friend, Haleigh, enjoying the outdoors. Ashlyn is such a cut-up, I wonder where she gets it from? Hmmmm.....


Here's Layton and Jason taking a little afternoon nap in our shelter. They look so cozy, don't they?

Here's my dear friends in our 'Camping Diva' shirts. You didn't think that just because we were out in the wilderness, we couldn't look cute??!!!


Here's a picture of all our kids. If you look closely enough, you can see all the dirt on their little faces. Oh, to be a kid again...



Here I am roasting marshmallows with the kids for our s'mores. Poor Layton kept dragging his marshmallows in the dirt after he roasted them, so we had to do his twice. (Good thing, we had the chocolate from the previous s'mores to eat until we could get the marshmallows roasted!)


The Stansell family sitting down for a picture. I don't even think I noticed that the kids weren't sitting still for this picture until after I saw it. Oh well, one of these days we'll get a good family picture.


We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends to do things like this with. It was definitely a fun time had by all! Now, back to the daily grind...Until next time!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Monday, October 15, 2007

"Do, Re, Mi..."

On a recent trip to the library, I picked up a cd in the children's section, entitled 'A Child's Celebration of Showtunes'. On this particular cd, it featured classic songs from the original cast recordings of a variety of Broadway shows. 'The Sound of Music', 'Fiddler on the Roof', 'The King and I' are just some of the shows that it featured. I was in heaven! As the song 'Do, Re, Mi' came on, I could just picture Maria Von Trapp singing with the Von Trapp children as they were picnicking by the Alps. Oh, how those movie scenes made me wish I was one of the Von Trapp children (okay, maybe not a Von Trapp in real-life since the Nazi's were taking over Austria at that time, but you get the picture...) All those songs made me revisit my old love of movie musicals. (Is there anyone on the planet who does not like 'The Sound of Music'?)




Speaking of movie musicals, I happened to come across another great movie musical, 'Grease' as I was flipping through the channels the other night. One of my all-time favorites! I knew all the songs of 'Grease' like the back of my hand! 'Grease' was one of my mother's favorite movies when I was a child and I grew up singing all of the songs like they were nursery rhymes. In fact, my sister, Jackie, and I made a tape recording when we were preschool age of 'You're the one that I want' from the movie (if only we knew what we were singing!) I think Jackie and I both wanted to be Sandy in the movie (of course, who wouldn't want to look as great as she did at the end of the movie and end up with John Travolta!) Anyhoo...(back to my train of thought--sorry about that) I forgot just how much I loved watching movies like those and singing along with all of the songs. Of course, my beloved husband, Jason, would have to disagree with me on some of my movie tastes (he cannot stand 'Grease' or 'Annie', two of my all time faves!) But I just love 'em!


'Grease', 'Annie', 'My Fair Lady', and 'The Sound of Music' are some of my all time faves! What are some of your favorite movie musicals?

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Harvey

This past Friday, Jason and I had the opportunity to see the play, 'Harvey', at the Pasadena Little Theatre. What made the play so special was that Jason's mom, Glenda, had a part in it. Since it was opening night, we took the kids up to the play as well. Let's just say that's when the "fear" set in...After we sat down, the director got up and made an announcement for everyone to "turn their cell phones and pagers off and to stay seated until intermission since the actors would be going in and out of the entrance doors". (Can you see the sweat start beading up on my forehead?!) Needless to say, thanks to some snacks (thank goodness for goldfish!) and yes, some good behavior on the kids' parts, we made it through the first Act of the play without any loud tantrums or screaming. Despite the 'fear' of the kids misbehaving during the play, the first Act was really good! It was also very touching for the kids to see their 'Mamie' acting in a play. The kids were so excited to see her when she came out and were so quiet the whole time she was performing. At the end of the play, Ashlyn told us that she wanted to reach out and hug her, but that she couldn't reach her. How sweet is that?! I'm just so glad that the kids got to see her in a different setting, not just as their 'Mamie', but as Glenda, doing something that she loves.

If you want to catch a great play, 'Harvey' is running through until the last weekend in October. Check it out--you'll enjoy it!

Do you have some 'memorable' experiences at shows/theaters with your kids? I'd love to hear 'em!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Sunday, October 7, 2007

"The rain, rain, rain came down, down, down..."

No, I'm not going to start singing this Disney song (this was in Bambi, right?!) but for some reason, this song popped in my head as I was thinking about Saturday morning. Unfortunately, unlike most people's Saturdays where they get to sleep in until noon--I got to get up at my usual time (before the crack of dawn--otherwise known as 5:00 am) to go meet my running club for my long-distance run. I stumbled sleepily out the door, drove to our usual meeting place at the Clear Lake High School (yes, I drove there right after I "stumbled sleepily" out the door--scary, isn't it?), stepped out of the car to meet my running group and then the heavens opened up. As I was kicking myself for not staying in bed, I thought to myself, "Is there a way I can discreetly sneak away to my car without the rest of my group knowing?" "Is my running group going to think I'm a wimp?" But before I had a chance to think any further and debate my future social standing in my group, our group's organizer, Angie, spoke over the loudspeaker--"What are you going to do today? What if it is raining on marathon day? What are you going to do then? Not do it?! You have a choice..." Well, my choice was to run my scheduled 9-mile run in the rain (a.k.a. torrential downpour). I'll have to say I was miserable--spitting the rain out of my mouth, stepping in puddle after puddle, and using my hands as windshield wipers to wipe the rain out of my eyes, but...I did it! No one can stop me now! I'm strong! I'm invincible! Now, if only I don't catch pneumonia...

Monday, October 1, 2007

A Tribute to Lily (1946-2005)

The end of September was the 2nd anniversary of my mother’s death and I wanted to take the opportunity to write about her--the mom I knew that not a lot of people did. My mother was born and raised on a small island in the Philippines and she used to tell me the most interesting stories about growing up. She told me about how a boy on the island used to jump out from behind her and scare her on her walk to school, so she told me that one day she took a knife and hid it in her clothes, and as she put it, “he never bothered me again”. Or her story about how she unknowingly worked for the black market out of college and how she was kidnapped and the CIA got involved. Her most poignant story was about how she was (7 years old?) at the time and was told to watch the dinner cooking while her older brother took care of the house and her other siblings (she was one of ten!) while her mother was just recovering from giving birth and how their hut and everything in it was set on fire and they lost everything. She did tell me about how my grandmother and grandfather never blamed her or said anything to her again about it and just rebuilt it and went on. (I guess after that story, nothing my kids do should ever matter that much either!) When she was a teenager, she was a nanny for a US couple and came to the States back in the Civil Rights times and she would tell me about how she felt being of a different color than most. When she was a teenager, both her parents had died, so when she married my dad she came over to this country by herself, parentless. Every known soul, except my dad was still in the Philippines. She made me see just how strong and daring she was and how she lived a life of adventure. She was strong, independent and bold, and she didn’t care what people thought. She always spoke her mind, so what you saw was what you got. My mother was a larger-than-life personality for her 4’11” frame. The only word I could use to describe my mom was ‘over-the-top’. She was a fireball and I honestly grew up thinking she was not afraid of anyone or anything.
On the contrary, she was also a very kind, hospitable woman, who never met a stranger. She was very social and could strike up a conversation with anybody from off the street and invite them to our home. She loved to have people over after church and would cram our house full just to enjoy their company. She was a terrific cook and she always cooked enough for an army, even though there were only four of us.
She was a very extravagant lady and she loved to shop. She loved ‘bling’, not the costume jewelry, but the real stuff. I think she could have hocked her jewelry collection and bought a small country, considering how extensive it was. She always joked that she would ‘come back and haunt my dad’s second wife’ if he remarried if he ever gave her any of my mom’s old jewelry. You would think it was funny, except for the serious look in her eyes! If anyone could come back as a ghost, my mom would because if she said it she meant it!
She loved to learn knew things. She cooked, she sewed, she played the guitar, and she even took piano lessons herself for awhile. She also took small engine repair classes to learn to fix our lawnmower, and upholstery. She even refinished our antique baby grand piano by hand. She loved music and she sang and played the guitar—she was even in the church singing group, ‘Sweet Adelines’ when I was a girl. She taught me about commitment. She made me stay with piano lessons for 12 years. By doing that she taught me that with commitment, things pay off. She taught me that I can’t live a life just doing things halfway.
She was a stay-at-home mom when I was little, selling Mary Kay on the side, but she decided that one day she would get a job. She didn’t want just any job, but a good-paying job for the Postal Service that she saw in an ad. So, with no experience, she studied for and took the Postal Exam and almost made a perfect score! She eventually became a Supervisor in the USPS in downtown St. Louis. She was always so proud of that story.
She worked nights for many years so that my sister and I could go to college. She was a tough, little lady and she took care of herself. She always stressed independence and practicality with us. She wanted us to be doctors, lawyers, because she thought we could be those things. Also, she always wanted us to be able to support ourselves, with or without a husband, because as she had been shown in her life that life did not always go the way you had planned.
I see her so differently now than I did when I was a kid. Now I see what great strength she had and determination to make it for herself and her family in another place, away from anything familiar. She was very determined and whatever she set her mind to, she did. She was so proud of me and my sister and my kids (Ashlyn & Layton—she loved you so much!!) and loved to brag about us all the time. I could spend pages writing about her, but I just wanted you to have a little glimpse into the person I called mom.
She taught me not to be afraid, stand up for what you think is right--no matter how big or scary someone or something is. That you can accomplish anything that you want to in life. That you are stronger than you think you are and to not take for granted the people in your life right now. To always do the right thing. When things are hard to suck it up, put on a brave face and get right back out there—that’s the way she always lived her life and I’m proud to say that I am her daughter! Mom, may God hold you in his loving arms until we meet again someday.


For those of you out there who have lost your mothers--fight to keep their memory alive so that your children and grandchildren know them. And for all of you out there who still have moms living on this earth--don't forget to tell them you love and appreciate them. Don't wait until its too late.
May God bless all our mothers out there.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Ashlyn & Layton 'On the Run'

Do you ever wish that your kids could share the same hobbies that you do? Well, mine did this weekend. The running club I'm in hosted a pancake breakfast and 'Kids K' for our children to race in. It was soooooo cute!!!!! Here are some pics of the kids getting ready for the race. I had to get up early that morning to put in my miles (10 to be exact--wahooo!!!) so Jason had to get the kids ready to go by the time I came home to take them to the race. Everyone was groggy so when we got there, so I fed the kids powdered donuts until the race started. Whatever works, right?:)

Here's Ashlyn and Layton before the race started. Ashlyn was really excited to race that morning and Layton was really excited to eat powdered donuts. I guess there really is truth to the saying, "To each his own..."



Here's me with the kids before the race started. Layton wasn't too much into the race thing, so Jason decided to hold him to see if he could run with him--he still looked cute in his number though, didn't he?


Here's all the kids lined up ready to race. I think Ashlyn is in the 2nd or 3rd row from the front. I thought I got her pic, but with all the kids moving around, it was a little difficult....
Jason stayed behind with Layton, since he was a little scared, so I wasn't sure if Ashlyn would be scared or not once the race got started. Once they yelled out, "Ready, set, go", she was off!!! Once the race started, a few of the kids went down (I feared a domino effect), but A. just ran right around them and kept on going. I was so proud!!
At the end of the race, each child was given a medal a bag full of goodies and a 'SuperKid' sticker. Here's Ashlyn with her 'goodies'. She's so happy!! Who knows...maybe one day my kids and I will run the marathon together:)

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

I've been tagged!

My sweet friend, Lacie, tagged me on a few 'remember-when's', so here goes...

1.What I was doing 10 years ago- September 1997: I was just beginning my master's program in Marriage & Family Therapy and living in Searcy, Arkansas. Jason and I had just been dating a couple of months when I started. He was living in Searcy as well and working his first job as a controller for a Hardwood Flooring plant down there. We were both busy back then with work and school but still found time to be together. I'm sure I was enjoying the fall weather in Searcy back then. I sure miss the fall season....

2. Five years ago was September 2002: Jason and I had just moved to our house in January of 2002 after having lived in Deer Park for two years. I was so excited to be in Clear Lake--close to everything. Of course, I may still be a little to close to the mall (can you ever be too close to shopping?:)

One year ago September 2006: This was a time of both good and bad remembrances. It was the one-year anniversary of my mother's death, but also the month of my dear Layton's one-year birthday--it was a bittersweet time. I think we also had flown up to spend the end of September with my family at the annual family reunion in Missouri. I'm sure we were sitting under the walnut trees at my dad's farm listening to bluegrass music. Did I mention my extended family is into bluegrass? Shocker isn't it?!! Anyway, it feels like you are living back in the turn-of-the-century when you go back there--very peaceful.

4. Yesterday, September 18: I was at Mother's Day Out teaching yesterday. Nothing eventful there, but Ashlyn and I did get to spend some one-on-one time in the evening. We went to the library and got'special treats' at Walgreens after we were done. 'Special treats' by the way, is my code name for chocolate. And yes, I do love them!

5. Snacks I enjoy: Chocolate (really any kind but most recently the Take5 bars--they are so yummy!) Swiss cheese and crackers, Godiva chocolate cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (ok--I guess its not really a snack, more like a meal!:)

6. Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million dollars: Where do I start? I would probably pay off all of our student loans, house, etc., give money to the church, help my dad and sister pay off any debts they may have, give money to aid in Scleroderma research and then travel, travel, travel (see below).

7.Locations I would run to: Disneyworld (a big blow-out vacation for the kids!), the Philippines (to see where my mother grew up), and any country in Europe.

8. Bad habit I have: Complaining and worrying!! Need I say more?

9. Things I like doing: Blogging (of course!), running, playing as a family at the playground, the beach, or wherever! Going on family vacations (of course, we haven't been on one lately, but when we do get to go--I like them!:), spending time with my friends, going out on dates with Jason, and laughing (a lot!)

10. Biggest Joy of the Moment: Laying in bed with my kids before they go to bed and talking to them about their day. Its so great that they are both in a conversational stage where they can talk to me. Of course, they are still little so it is quite humorous at times! I want to treasure these moments forever!

Thanks for the tag, Lacie!

I tag my sister, Jackie, next. You're it!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Ashlyn's new house

As most of my friends know, my dear husband has a hobby that takes up most of the space in the garage--woodworking. He just started this hobby not too many years ago (isn't that terrible that I don't quite remember when it started? Hmmm... must have had kids by that time.) Anyway, through the years he has made some pretty incredible stuff--some tract racks for his family's tract publishing company, a humongous (as far as sandboxes go) sandbox for the kids to play in, and a toybox for Layton's room in a castle design (it's so cute!). Since I've been so impressed with his latest creation (a toybox for Ashlyn), I couldn't help sharing it with you. Isn't it amazing?! Look how Layton and Ashlyn are getting into her new, toybox/house--I'm wondering if I'll be able to get them out to actually put toys into it?:)
He picked out all the paint colors, painted it and even put cute flower knobs on her little side doors. If you look close enough, you can even see that he took the time to put real shingles on her roof (now that's a dad for you!) I appreciate you honey for all your hard work--and I know Ashlyn and Layton do too!!

Sunday, September 9, 2007

My first race

I guess the title is pretty self-explanatory... I had my first race on Saturday and it was a 5-miler! Let's just say my nerves were up and I pushed myself as hard as I could. I got an awesome finish time, but had a raging headache after a few hours to show for it! (Mental note--don't push that hard again!) Anyway, it was fun, it was a learning experience, and my dear husband and children were there at the finish line to cheer me in. Here's some pics of race day (just as extra proof to all those out there who couldn't believe it could be done (by me!)

Here's me at the finish line. The super-excited look on my face comes from spotting my family at the finish line waiting for me. I think I look kinda scary in this picture. Please say I don't look like this every time I'm happy to see my family (just think what I'm putting my poor children through!:)


Come to think of it, my happy face could be a result of successfully picking up my water bottle after dropping it once, trying to pick it up, kicking it a small distance and then actually picking it up after my second try. Did I mention this all happened within 20 feet of the finish line? Funny how all my embarrassing moments happen in front of like a zillion people. Okay, maybe there weren't a 'zillion' people there, but there was a crowd. At least it wasn't as I was crossing the finish line--see there's a bright side to everything:)

Here's me with the kiddos after I crossed the finish line. As you can see, both were just dying to get their picture taken with sweaty old mama (they were so excited they just couldn't stand still for the picture!) Oh, and thank goodness for Pepperidge Farm. If it wasn't for their goldfish my kids wouldn't be standing here waiting patiently for mama to come in from her race (or sitting quietly in church, or sitting still at library time, etc...)


Here's my attempt at stretching post-race. As you can see, Layton saw me sitting down and immediately sat on my lap. He probably thought I was going to read him a book...sweet boy!


Just as I'm finishing up this blog 'entry', Layton is telling me 'You race--Im proud of you, mama'. Kinda makes me want to melt! How about the rest of you 'racers' out there? Any funny or special 'first-race' memories?

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Happy Birthday Layton!



Yes, my dear sweet Layton has officially turned 2! (Okay, his actual birthday is not until tomorrow, but we had his "official" Thomas the Train birthday party today). As most of you parents out there can attest, time with our little ones goes way too fast! It seems like only yesterday my sweet, precious boy came into my life. I cannot believe how much he has changed since he was a little baby! Here's Layton 'through the (2) years". Flashback time. Here come the wavy lines...



Here's Layton as a newborn. He was as cute back then as he is now and look at his big eyes! Isn't he adorable! He's just the cutest baby! But not like I'm biased, or anything:)


Here's me with Layton in the hospital after he was born. Okay, I don't look that great in the picture, but I love this picture because of how happy I look in it--just don't look too close :).


Okay, here's some other pics of Layton. Not sure how old he is in some of them, but isn't he cute!!!! Look at those chubby cheeks, just makes you want to pinch them!








Here's Layton in some of Ashlyn's sunglasses (he still wants to have whatever Ashlyn has!) Some things never change!




Here's Layton at his 1st birthday party last year. He doesn't look too different here, and boy does he still love his sweets! (Just like his momma!)




Thanks for indulging a sentimental mom by looking at my pictures. What a blessing and a gift from God my sweet Layton has been to me (and Ashlyn too!). Here's to many more...