Santa and Kate

A couple of weeks ago I went to pick Kate up at her Mother's Day Out program. Her teachers had mentioned that morning that Santa would be coming to see the kids. In the back of my mind I was thinking that Kate had never seen Santa. Should be interesting. Well, apparently it was. They told me that she and another little girl took off running down the hall when they saw Santa. What they didn't tell me was that they brought her back to him to get the picture below. A classic for sure.

This one is also a keeper. Destined to be on our fridge forever!

Tradition

Even though Kate and Carson have pretty much zero idea of what is going on this year as far as Christmas goes, I figure it is never too early to start talking to them about the real meaning of Christmas. I tell them that the real reason why we celebrate Christmas is to remember the birth of Jesus. I look forward to the coming years where we can really start talking to them about the reason behind this season. But for now they ooh and ahh at the Christmas lights we drive by and marvel at our little tree. Kate has become very partial to the blue lights that our neighbors across the street put on their house. Every time she seems them her eyes get wide and she says, "oh WOW!" Little innocent joys that I love seeing through their eyes. They have no concept of getting presents yet. I love it. I want to hold onto this time forever. This year we decided to collect some toys to give to the kids at Cooks children. We went their yesterday to drop them off. The lady that received them told us that they would be used not only at Christmas but all year round for Birthdays. I can't wait until Kate and Carson really get the meaning behind this. I want my kids to have compassion for other people. I believe simple kindness is such a forgotten trait in today's society.It is so wonderful to think that we are starting these family traditions with our kids right now.
In Front of the big tree in the lobby at Cooks.

They look so teeny tiny in Santa's big chair. Notice Daddy standing by to make sure Carson does not get the heave ho from sis.

Here's Kate with Santa. She doesn't look to enthused. See above post as to why.

13.1 Miles

It has been almost 6 months since I wrote THIS POST entitled "This is War!" I made a commitment to myself and to my family to take my health back. Along the way I have had road blocks, such as changing schedules, sickeness (my own and my babies), lack of motivation and many others. But I never stopped. I just kept pushing on towards my goal. To cross that finish line this morning was a feeling of great victory. To put my finisher medal around Kate's neck was a sweet moment for me. Yes I did this for myself but I also did it for my family. I did it to show my kids that what seemed impossible (at least to me) can be possible if you really make the commitment to do it. I could not do this alone. Jared's constant support and motivation was essential. My running partner Hope kept me going on my long runs. The long runs are where I actually thought that maybe 13.1 miles was in my future. It is a sweet experience to accomplish your goal. I am so thankful to God that he answered my prayer this morning for strength, endurance and most of all for my safety.
Jared took this picture as I was coming up to meet him after the race . I was very tired and sore but oh so happy!

The registration for the race was closed when I tried to sign up so I put out an announcement on Facebook that I was looking for someone who couldn't run the Rock so that I could take their place. My friend Brenda sent me a message saying that her running partner's husband was injured and couldn't run. That was my open door. So for the purpose of the race my name was Paul Steen. Thanks Paul!

35 Years

As Jared kissed me goodbye this morning he asked me how it felt to be 35. I said it felt great. I've had a lot more fun in my 30s so far. My kids were born and our marriage has enjoyed the sweetest of times in my 30s. Then he started to do some math. He said, "You know when you're 40 I'll be 36." I told him that that was too much math so early in the morning and wasn't it time for him to be out the door?:) Seriously, turning 35 doesn't bother me in the least. I welcomed it. I cherish this time in my life. I get to stay home with two little sweeties, I am loved by a wonderful man, I am about to run a half marathon in 2 days, and most of all I am coming to understand more and more God's love for me. It is a beautiful feeling. My day ended with watching a movie with my sweet husband. Tomorrow I go to pick out new running shoes (my birthday wish from Jared). I know I'm pretty weird. But this is my life right now! Here are a few pics from my day.
My Mom spoiled me by sending this gift set from L'Occitane. Wonderful wonderful stuff!

My Dad surprised me with these gorgeous flowers.

I spent most of my day working on this Christmas dress for Kate.Sewing has become a new passion of mine. It is much cuter on her but she is on a modeling strike until further notice so this picture will have to do.

Sweet Little Dress

This morning I finished this little dress for my Mom's friend in DC who just had her little girl Annie. It was fun to make. You can't really tell in the picture but I put a little A on the front. Every girl loves a monogram! I just hope that Annie likes it! I bet you can't guess which sweet girl is going to get one next!

Family Fun Run

Yesterday was a lot of fun. Our whole family ran in a 5k set up by our church to support a ministry called Teen Lifeline. It is a ministry that supports teen Moms. I pushed the kids and Jared ran in his first race in about 2 years. I was so proud of him for getting back into it and he loved it and felt great. I hope that this is the first of many family runs that we are able to do.
A really great experience with our babies.

I am SO proud of this guy. Despite running for only 2 weeks he ran his 5k in 27 minutes. Can you say natural runner?


Me and my baby. I was SO happy he ran this with me.

That's Gracie and Hope. Not only are they 2 of my best friends in the whole world, but they are my running buddies to! I run all of my long week end insane runs with Hope. I know I would not have been able to do them with out her. I am running the half with her next week end!

Here are my running babies all bundled up and ready to go. Carson was so warm that he fell asleep!

Rest for the Weary

I have been listening to this CD by an artist called Plumb a lot lately. I'm pretty sure that she wrote this whole album right after she had a baby. It speaks to the challenging yet rewarding parts of parenthood. I have been thinking about all of us who have been wrestling with babies who are sleep challenged. There are many of us. It helps to know we are not alone with our little ones. This little song called "Me" brings it all into perspective. It emphasizes the precious moments that we have with these little ones. Sweet little ones.

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