The End of 2010

      This year has been a whirlwind of events.  As the year comes to a close, I can't help but think about how life seems to be passing by quicker than I remember. At this rate, I am going to wake up one day wondering how did I turn 50. Which is somewhat depressing to say the least. So I have decided I am going to really try to appreciate and take in EVERY single thing this next year. I might start a journal. I have noticed that those funny sayings or stories that you think you will NEVER forget.... I am starting to forget. I really want to remember the hilarious things Audra says. So I think journaling will help, and I know I will be so grateful later on that I did.

I want to give a little recap of the year with our family.

Ryan has completed his third semester of Medical school. One more semester of classroom work... He is ready to move on to clinicals. He has started running and swimming consistently to train for a triathlon. He is in the process of getting his bike finished so he can bike to and from school (so economical). He loves spending time with Audra when he has free time. He is such a great dad and I am so proud of him.

Audra has finally GROWN!!! She has been wearing 12 to 18 months for almost 2 years. The only problem is she is growing taller not wider. So we either have high waters or they fall off her hinny. She is now 25 pounds.  She knows her alphabet and sounds. She loves learning new things. She is a complete Ham bone. One thing I prayed for was to have a child that would have an imagination. God answered my prayers ten fold. She can make anything seem magical and fun. She is the apple of my eye and I am so blessed to have her as a daughter.

I have made so many amazing friends in SAA and my church. I feel right at home here and love Fort Worth. I was lucky to be involved in two of my best friends weddings this fall. I was in San Antonio a lot this year for the weddings, but it was worth it. One thing that has completely changed me is running. I started training with a good friend for a half-marathon. I am Proud to say I was able to finish. I have found a love for running and can't wait to continue training. My next goal is to run a full marathon. Ryan and I ran the warrior dash in Austin and were totally blessed to be invited to stay with our friend Jenni and her husband. We had not seen her in over 10 years. I am really enjoying reconnecting with her (internet is such an awesome thing). I love being able to be a wife and mother. I would not trade in my job for anything.

I am looking forward to 2011. This year is going to be full of change and growing for us all. I can't wait.

Here are some of our family photos for 2010!

I hope everyone has a great night welcoming the new year. Blessings!

Better Late Than Never!

   So I know its been almost two weeks since Halloween, but I was hoping to get some pictures from my friend. My camera wasn't working that well. Didn't happen so I decided to go ahead and do my post. 

    Anyways, this year when I took Audra down the costume aisle I was super excited to see what she would pick out. As we walked down I was pointing out every princess, animal, vegetable, mineral..... everything under the sun that was cutesy! I walked past the super hero part, but Audra had seen enough and had made her decision. She was going to be Batman girl. Not that I mind Audra being a superhero. In fact, I really should not have been surprised. Audra loves superheros and is always pretending to be one. All I know is that God has a sense of humor. If you know me I am the queen of PRINCESS EVERYTHING. When I had a little girl I was so excited about dressing her up like Fancy Nancy everyday. You know, covered in fru fru and pom poms from head to toe. Not that Audra doesn't dress up ever, but she is her own person. Her own person likes to wear jeans and a Buzz Lightyear shirts. Don't get me wrong, she rocks Buzz Lightyear shirts like no other little girl could. I just think its funny that God gave me a very conservative, practical kind of girl. I think the biggest thing I am learning as a parent is that each person is unique. Audra proves that to me daily with the way she acts and thinks. I'm very excited to see how Audra will blossom and grow. With all that being said, here is Audra showing off her Batman outfit.

Yeah, My point exactly. Where did she come up with this pose?

Look Mom! Im Flying...

!

Watch Out!!!!

Wasn't she the cutest Batman Ever! :) I think so.... I may be a little biased though. I hope everyones Halloween was fantastic!

A Modern Day Princess

 Today one of Audras best friends came over to play for awhile. These two girls are both ham bones and are always coming up with something hilariously new to do.

Abagail and Audra

Its a tradition for them to always pull out Audras dress up clothes and play princess, but today they took Princess Tea party to a whole new level. While I was doing dishes in the kitchen, the girls were in Audra's room playing when they came waltzing out talking to each other, I turned to check on them and quickly had to take a double glance. I started laughing immediately and ran to get my camera. They weren't just talking to each other. They were standing talking to each other on play phones! When they moved back into the bedroom they sat down and continued to talk to each other on the phone.

This got me to thinking about my childhood. I didn't even know what a cell phone was at Audra's age. The saddest thing about all of this is that Audra is more cultured when it comes to the recent ITouch technology than I am. I can work one basically, but I don't own one. Audra can not only work one, but can play any game she wants. I blame my sister and Corbin for introducing her to it.  She is now asking for Santa to bring her one for Christmas.  Don't worry my three year old is not going to get one, but this does prove to me the that the days of simple dress up and tea parties is over. Technology is here to stay and maybe when Audra has children they will be wanting laptops and hover cars for Christmas when they are three, who knows?

I did It!



October 23, at 10:23 I became a half marathoner. I made that word up, I really don't know what you call it. All I can say is that it was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.

 The night before the race I went and picked up my packet and got my number. I was 146 and what  glorious first number it was! We then went to an Italian food restaurant for my carbo loading! I wasn't very impressed with my pasta, but Audra's pizza was out of this world. We then headed to our hotel so that I could go to bed early. I quickly got my PJs on and waited for sleep to come but it didn't come for a long time. When I finally did fall asleep, I woke up every hour to two hours thinking I was going to miss the start of the race. I got up and started getting ready for the race at 6. I drank some honey milk and ate a banana and waited somewhat patiently, mostly anxiously and nervously to head over to the college and get things rolling. 

My little cheerleader!

When we got to the starting line, people were everywhere stretching and running. I was just staring at the first thing I was going to have to conquer... I huge mountain (well it was a hill but to me it looked like a mountain). In my training I did a lot of exercise besides running, but I was not prepared for this type of terrain. 

This was the first hill... a little bit scary just looking at the picture again.

I quickly started stretching and telling myself that this course was going to be a piece of cake. When they called us to the starting line all I could do was pray and tell myself I could do this. I don't even remember really hearing the gun go off or anything about the first few seconds other than everyone had started moving and I ended up being half way up the hill. When I finally came to my senses I was starting to be a little out of breath and I tried to focus on pace and no one else around me. I got into the groove fast and the first few miles were quite pleasant. I was singing along to my tunes, but pretty soon the going up and down of hills was wearing on me. I felt like giving up almost, but at the half way mark I got to see Ryan and Audra. They both were cheering and smiling and I knew I could do it. They gave me the little drive I needed to keep going.

This is when I saw Audra and Ryan. My face tells everything I was feeling at that moment...Love and encouragement! 

second lap I wasn't smiling I was just trying to keep moving

The second lap a lot of people started dropping further and further behind me to where there was only a few people I could see around me. I guess a few others were not prepared for the hills. When I got to the last stretch my legs were rubber, but I found the strength to push it and I finished only about 2 minutes off my usual pace. Although it wasn't what I was hoping, I am proud of it. I am excited about beating my time in the next half marathon. Today I am taking my five Fingers off their lonely pedestal and am beginning to train in them for my next run. I am excited to see the difference these shoes will make.

Pure Bliss and excitement crossing the finish line!

While I was running My two cheerleaders had their own adventures. Ryan and Audra congratulated runners and Audra gave everyone thumbs up! The best part is that Audra told Ryan she wanted to run a half marathon. We are planning on having a family 5k sometime in the future. It really makes me excited when Audra wants to do something like me. In the end this was a great first experience and I can't wait to run more, and hopefully one day Audra and I will be running half marathons together.



Pumpkin Patch!

So this weekend was one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. Ryan had been researching something fun to do with Audra and came across Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch. He texted me from school and asked me to check it out and see if it would be worth our while. Well looking at the website I thought it somewhat to good to be true. It stated everything was free; buying a pumpkin was optional. I am totally one for free. So  texted back quickly and stated Saturday we are going. I was excited because this would be my first time at a Pumpkin Patch.

Saturday morning I got up and went for a run (I was not prepared for the 60 degree weather and burnt most of my energy on trying to get my muscles warm during the three miles). I came home early from the run, First, I was freezing. Second, there was a 5k going on and closed off half of my running trail. I went for a run that evening to get 5 more miles in.

After I crawled back into bed and Ryan gasped at my chilly hands and feet I laid on him "accidentally";
we both got up. He made coffee while, I made chocolate chip pancakes and sausage. Audra was excited to wake up to her Mickey Mouse pancake. We finished breakfast quickly and headed to our first Pumpkin patch adventure.

We pulled into the driveway and a huge moose greeted us and all I could see was rows and rows of pumpkins! I felt the wonder and excitement as much as Audra did.

We rode a hay ride and took tons of pictures with cartoon characters.

After a few hours of playing went to lunch and then went to Wal Mart to pick out some pumpkins to decorate.

 Audra with Her pig character.

Audra and Daddy working hard on their pumpkins!

All our finished Pumpkins! We had a great day and have decided that this is going to be our yearly tradition. I hope that everyone is enjoying the fall and festivities as much as I am. Have a Spook-tacular week!

Half Marathon is Almost Here!

Im back home from San Antonio thankfully. I really missed home, but I got to see one of my friends be successfully married, and thus ending my frantic two and half months of traveling back and forth. I am now trying to get back into the groove of cleaning and getting supper on the table. It will happen eventually (hopefully).

My main focus though is getting back into the groove of running. My half marathon is October 23. I have to admit I am a little nervous. Before I went to San Antonio for awhile, I was confident because I had ran 12 miles and was not even out of breath. I came back and ran 4 miles and could tell my body had not ran in awhile. I know I can bounce back, but its in almost a week. I am going to try to get one more long run in on this Saturday before the big day. Hoping I can do this.

On a lighter note, while I was gone Ryan, my husband, told me he had a surprise for me. I never know what a "surprise" is going to mean, but to my delight and joy he got me a pair of five fingers and nike running shorts! Oh yeah and an ultra sweet note about his support for me in the run next weekend (I know, too sweet). I have been wanting a pair of five fingers since I read and researched about them. I had to wear them of course because I just got them, but regretted it later. They correct and retrain you muscles to walk/run correctly, and after a few hours i sure did feel it. Sadly, I decided it would be best to wait until after my half marathon to wear them again. They are sitting on my dresser very lonely, but soon I will be wearing them everywhere. Here are the shoes and shorts.

So I will see how this next week goes and wish me luck!

Autumn is Officially Here!

Its that time again. The time of year where I feel alive. I want to bake cookies and pies. I don't care about calorie intake. I happily clean out closets, wash dishes, and do laundry so that my house looks as close to Better Homes and Garden as possible. I shower Audra with coloring sheets, crafts, and Christmas music. I just breath in every second of Goodness of this season. I enjoy every single thing that Autumn brings. The fresh cool mornings. The fire on while snuggling in a blanket to read my latest fiction novel. Getting to spend time with family. The joy of giving presents. I know this may all seem like its a little early to talk about, but this season seriously seems to be over in a blink of an eye. I slowly put away all my Christmas decor and dream of it until next year.

I just want to say that although this season has always been my favorite and even really magical to me; its not just the decorations. I think that one of the reasons its so special to me is I remember Christmas plays and being so amazed at God's love and what He did for us. It gave me this overwhelming Joy. I am able to embrace the whole Joy and Excitement of this season. I hope everyone else is too.

Here are some photos of my "fallness". It looks better in person but it gives you an idea!

I love my pumpkins!

Audra put these up with some guidance, She was very proud.

Our greetings on our front door

So since I have officially got all my fall decorations up, don't be surprised if a more "cheerful" me starts to emerge. Also, if i look like I may be gaining a few pounds, I probably am, all the baking I will be doing has to be eaten. :)

Family Update!

So time has escaped me. I have wanted to post about five different updates since my last adventure with the phone, but have been very busy and find it best just to give a quick overall update.

Audra has started Preschool and is loving every second of it. She informs me everyday that in order to have fun today she needs to go to preschool. She had her third birthday and was very excited. She got a little overwhelmed when everyone sang Happy Birthday to her and she cried. It was short lived though and soon got over it, opened gifts, and ate her frog cupcakes. She now thinks she is 3 going on 18 though. She thinks she knows it all. I thought this was supposed to happen in teenage years....

Audra and Aubrie at her birthday party!

Audra crying while they sang happy birthday!

Ryan is busy studying and doing great in Med School. I am so proud of him. He finds some way of balancing school, studying, being a father, and being a husband. He amazes me and am so thankful that God gave him to me. He is preparing to go down to South America during his spring break this year to do a medical mission trip again. He is really excited about it. They had to change the location this year because of all the war and violence going on in Mexico. Even though they are taking precautions and going to a different area; it is always very dangerous to go to a different country. So be praying for him and all the students that are planning on going.

I have felt like I have been in a whirlwind of events. I have been planning showers, Audra's birthday party, cleaning, training for my half marathon, being a bridesmaid for Adriene, church activities and of course a wife and mom. All my days have started to run together. I am now working on wedding and shower stuff for Megan's wedding. I am still pretty busy. I am up to 9 miles and so happy. The half marathon is only about a month away. I feel confident I will be able to accomplish it!

Something that has been on my mind a lot because of all these weddings has been love. Marriages every year fail. Marriage is not all coco puffs and honeycombs. People simply give up because times get hard or they fall out of "love", but love is not a feeling or an emotion. Sure you can get butterflies and feel on cloud nine while you are in love, but if it was a just feeling no one would ever stay married. Love is a sacrifice of self. God was the biggest example of love put into motion. He sent his son for us; to die so we can go to Heaven and live with Him eternally. You don't get more selfless than that. His example of love should be how we choose to love our spouse. Put their needs over our own. Paster Stephen started a series this week on Divorce proofing your Marriage. I would recommend everyone listen to it that is married or going to be married. He talks about how God wants our marriages to thrive and succeed. I know Im taking my role as a wife a lot more serious. I love Ryan and want us to have a healthy marriage. I want it to be one that when people see it they want to know how we do it, and then be able to point them to God and give Him the glory.

lakecountry.org and go to recent series if you are interested in listening to the message.

The Most Wasted Day Ever!

So today was a complete waste of the day for the most part. It started as every other day does. Audra woke up way earlier then I wanted, I waddled into the kitchen drank some delicious coffee, ate breakfast with Audra, and then went to find my phone. Only when I went to find it, it was not in the usual places. I looked on the kitchen counter... nope. I looked on my dresser... nada. I looked where Ryan studies (he has a bad habit of borrowing my phone and then leaving it where he used it)... still it was not there. So at this point I'm thinking OK, maybe its in an unusual place. So i do the rest of my morning ritual and then begin the phone hunt.

I started by cleaning up the counters, then I sorted through the laundry, then I start stripping the bed. It is not showing up... I start to panic a bit... face it in today's world we live by our phones.... So i then start to throw mattress' off beds, search through drawers, have people call my phone on facebook (thanks Nick and April). My phone is not turning up... so i go to the last thing I did before going to the vbs meeting... Gardening. Now I'm thinking oh kidney beans... it stormed last night, I'm going to have a water logged phone. So I go outside and crawl around the grass, undig up dirt, and even empty our huge bag of yard trimmings to comb through (Oh yes I was being thorough). Still to no avail... NO PHONE!

At this point I was somewhat in a state of ultimate frustration because my phone has to be in the house somewhere.....it just has to be. So I literally start doing everything I had already done over and over again hoping that my phone would magically pop up in one of the areas again. As Im doing this I come up with three theories. The first being Aliens coming into my house and taking my phone... I thought very far fetched. The second being that the borrowers are real and they have finally taken something that they better give back or else. The third being, and most likely, Charlie has finally done it. He has eaten everything in the world he is not supposed to. I seriously was about to get a large glass of ice tea and set in the back yard and watch him poop out my phone (if you don't know charlie you may think I'm kidding, but this dog will eat anything and I would not doubt if he had the chance he wouldn't try eating it).

Then I remember that my dad has a tracking device on his phone, so I thought before I get my glass and sit in the back yard waiting for the show, I figured I should give it one more shot. Well sure enough my dad tracks my phone and its in a neighborhood accross town.... UGH!!!! I was very frustrated with the whole day of me looking and fretting, but most of all the time wasted not spending actual quality time with Audra. So today was a complete waste of time, but hey it did get me to clean... so there is a positive... right?

Vacation!

So I am ready for a vacation from vacation! It was very fun, but I am slowly catching up on energy.

We went to Missouri and Arkansas. We celebrated my mimi and papaws 50th wedding anniversary! Wow! Can't wait to say I have been married that long.... well i can wait but that is such an accomplishment. Most people don't stay married to the same person for 5 years these days. I got to see all my extended family. Audra got to experience her first boat ride and LOVED it. Her favorite part was Uncle Andy falling head first off the tube and doing a somersault (Go figure).

We then went to Belton and went skiing with Ryans parents, siblings, and Aunt Amey. We had a lot of fun, except I got really sick from allergies. One huge accomplishment is I was able to get up again on skis. I wasn't able to get up the summer after Audra was born.

Proof I got up! Wahoo!

Little cutie!

My Papaw!

Carmen and I!

I love this picture of my Sis, Mimi and Me.

Audra devouring her watermelon. She had five pieces!

Now things have settled down and Ryan is back into school. It was a good, crammed three weeks of summer. I am glad everything worked out that we were able to go see everyone though.

So this fall is full for me. I have two weddings Im in and one of my friends is having a baby any day now. So I will be back in forth to San Antonio a lot. Also, Im excited because 3 months until my half marathon! Im really looking forward to proving to myself that I can do it. I will keep everyone posted how training is going. After vacation I have a lot of catching up to do. :)