The perfect push-up

The kiddos and I have been working out at home lately. Lily is learning how to do a mean push-up. :)

Lily is really focusing:

Too easy

We now have "real" cable. That means all of the kids channels and about a billion shows that the little one's have never seen before.

This could be trouble. They are in love. The timer is set.

Sometimes they get along

And when they do it is beautiful.

Adventures at starbucks

I never tire of this

So adorable and girly! Lily wanted to have her hair done for ballet today. It is unbelievable just how naturally girly she is. It never gets old when she winks at me and kisses my cheek.

My boys

Tonight Gavin and I went to his school to have dinner and have fun with math. His curriculum night included jeopardy math, problem solving skills and a hot-dog/potato chip dinner. In other words, an awesome night.
This is the scene when we came home.. Alvin and the Chipmunks playing on the DVD, Lily on one couch.  And this--something that has never happened before... Dean has NEVER fallen asleep in his Daddy's arms before.

Big Kids

We no longer have babies, no longer have "rug rats". We just said Happy Birthday to our little Dean who is now 2 years old.

I was asked if I was sad that our little guy is now not so little, and what do you think I said?

Well, you are probably wrong... I am not sad. I enjoy having big kids, I LOVE the fact that they can feed themselves and play together. I am excited about the idea of preschool, and that Dean is now old enough to start tumbling classes.

Big, crazy kids. That's what we have now. I love them so much, and I can't wait to see what they will learn next!

Christmas in Photos

While I was away..

While I was away, doing a little bit of running, a lot happened! Lily was in her very first ballet recital! Isn't she adorable!!! ;)

Super cute! I am so proud of her!


Meanwhile... Gavin turned 8 years old AND got one of the leads in the school play! He got to play the role of "Dr. Molar". My very handsome boy is growing up!


While Gavin did have one major role in the play, I think that Dean stole the show! (Watch the video to the end for some comedy).

I am very glad everyone had such a great time while I was away.

26.2 people

Running a marathon is like... well, I hear its difficult. Have you heard about the "Wall" that some people face during a marathon? Basically, running for that long of a time period can get pretty intense. I have learned of a little mental trick to help me get through any road blocks that I may face during my very first marathon. The "trick" is that for every mile that I am about to run, I am supposed to think about, or dedicate that mile to a specific person, and therefore I can't give up on that mile and let that person down. Get it? This is my list, written down for accountability purposes.. (there is no way I am going to let any of you down):



1. The first mile is dedicated to my dad, because he is going to be there at the start with me.

2. Mile 2 is for ... I am stuck already! .. I don't want to put anyone in mile 2 because I know that my adrenaline is going to be pumping, and I am not even warmed up yet, let alone about to give up. Ok- mile 2 if for ... my dog, Frankie.

3. Mile 3 is for Sweet Lily who is now 3 years old!

4. During mile 4 I will be thinking about my SIL, Audrey, who has 4 kiddos, and who has just started running herself.

5. Since I am thinking about SIL's, the fifth mile is for my other SIL, Jessica, who also has picked up on running!

6. Ok, so moving on to my sister, Shelly. Hopefully I will be able to stay with her and do the Virginia Beach marathon for my birthday.

7. Lucky 7 is for FRC's Lucy. Always bubbly and kind.

8. This mile is for my dear son, Gavin, who turns 8 just 2 days before I run!

9. Of course I can't leave out my other son, Dean. Mile 9 is for my handsome baby boy!

10. First 10 Done!!! Mom in law, Chris.

11. My mom

12. TC

13. Half-Way point! Ready to turn around and come back where I started! I will be thinking about coming home to my babies!

14. Papa, and heaven.

15. Next is my big Brother.

16. Then Randy

17. And of obviously next comes Marcie

18. I think mile 18 will be dedicated to FRC president Bruce, who just completed his very first marathon, and qualified for Boston during it!

19. My mile 19 is supposed to be for this happy old man I saw walking around the airfield on my last long run. I passed him a few times and he was just so happy and was cheering me on.. he just makes me smile.

20. Almost done! Just a 10k left (maybe just over an hour to go) I will be thinking about FRC vp, Candi, who is one tough cookie, and just took 45 mins off of her last marathon.

21. Keeping with the FRC theme, Tamera is next. She pushed me through my very first 13 mile run, and always told dirty stories up hills to make me not think about the climb.

22. My old high school friend Pia is next. I saw a picture of her doing the Disneyland marathon a year or two ago, and I was so inspired that I started racing myself.

23. I will be thinking about my neighbor, Susan, who is the ultimate super-mom. PTO, FRG leader, up for the "family of the year", Yard of the month winner. It seems like everything she does is 110%!

24. Next I will be thinking about my (former) neighbors; the Smiths and their unending generosity, Amy Texas who is one tough cookie, and all of the other good friends that have come and gone so fast in this army community.

25. This maybe one of the most difficult and challenging miles, I will be imagining squirrels, and my good friend, Eileen, who just completed an ultra-marathon! (50 miles!)

26. Big #26 is for Sylvia, who should be waiting at the finish line for me.

0.2 This last 2 tenths of a mile is for my finishers medal, and for the Mai Tai I am about to drink! So I guess, more or less, the last little bit I am running for me.