St. George (Painter's) Half Marathon 2009

I needed a little jump start to my new year so I bit the bullet and signed up for the Jan. Half Marathon. It was a great time! Met up with some of my running buddies (The "Sole" Sisters). The weather couldn't have been better, 40's, sunny & no wind. I did pretty good for the first 8 miles keeping about 8:45 pace. About mile 8 I hit the wall as expected (due to my lame training lately) from there on I finished with about 9:30-10 min. miles. I wanted to break 2:00, but came in at 2:01. That is actually about 8 minutes slower than I ran this race last year. But given my current stress level with work, kids, church calling, etc etc.... I have to take all into consideration and pat myself on the back for just being out there!

Old Friends & New Memories...

9 years ago when we moved to St. George I was pregnant with Arielle and we lived in a little 4 plex apartment. We met some great friends in that neighborhood that we've stayed in touch with through out all the years and through out all our MOVES! This past weekend one of those families- The Chesters came to St. George to get out of the COLD N. Utah weather. We ran all over town with them and had a blast! Skateboard Park, In-N-Out, Swimming, Shopping, Playing at the Park, Mall Cop Movie & Pirate Island Pizza! Wow- those Chesters know how to party! The kids had fun catching up and playing together. Aimee and I spent lots of time chatting just like old times and sharing enrichment ideas(we have the same calling). We also got to spend some time with The Flagmeiers when they joined us at the park- they are an awesome bunch! And stopped to say hey to The Wilkinsons too. All these guys are special to us. Its great to have old friends & new memories!

Gymnastics Star !

Today Arielle got to show us her stuff at a gymnastics "show off" day. She did such a great job and almost has that back handspring mastered. Great job Arielle!

Great Read

I just finished reading this Newbery Honor book with Toby & Arielle. We've been cozying up on the couch and reading a chapter or 2 a night. What a delightful book! Even though its a "junior" novel I would recommend this book to any adult. Its a quick read with a nice, uplifting theme. Makes you very grateful for family and a roof over your head, even my kids gleaned that from the book. It takes place in the winter in France- delightful touch of french vocabulary and scenery. If anyone else has a good family read chapter book they'd like to recommend, I'd love to hear it!

I Cry The Day I Take The Tree Down...

I wish this season could last all year long...Ok, I don't really cry, but it is kinda a let down 'cause I LOVE Christmas! I have had a wonderful long break from work and a great Christmas celebration with Jim, the kids & my family. We had a quiet Christmas Eve, ate tortellini soup and talked about the symbols of this time of year and watched The Nativity. Christmas morning the kids were stoked to find a new bike for Arielle and a guitar and shoes for Toby. We had a nice morning opening gifts then the kids ran around the neighborhood with their friends and checked out everyone's new loot. On the day after Christmas we went to my parents. We were there for 5 fun filled days...FAMILY...gifts...food...chuck e cheese...hogel zoo lights...sledding at Daybreak...girls' night of shopping & Twilight...COUSINS...Anna & Arielle BFF time (2 sleepovers)...ticket to ride game nights...Olive Garden traditional dinner with Meg & Sheaner...New Year's Eve goofing around (yes Ash I'm talking about you & I dancing ) and on and on... Jim and I even snuck in a night out for our anniversary celebration! That's right- amongst all the holiday chaos we celebrated 13 years of marriage! The spirit of Christmas, family and friends was burning bright. We are so thankful for Jesus Christ, good jobs, our health, our family, and great friends (just to name a few...). Now we have one more quiet weekend before we go back to the grind. Ready or not, 2009 is here! Happy New Year!!!