Pat Pat and Pa Pa visit from NC

Its always so nice of Mom and Dad to make such a long drive to Texas, especially with them not being young chickens! They made it just in time for Valentines weekend and allot of babysitting for Tom and I.

They had all the boys while Tom and I were at Kellys Valentine dinner and Jordan was at a school dance. Mom had to go straight to bed when we got home. I wonder why.

Our family Valentines dinner. Not too fancy, spaghetti. That was a very important meal before my race the next morning. Then once again Mom and Dad had all the kids until about 1:00 the next day. Thanks so much for keeping them during the marathon. It allowed Tom and I to have a great time together (all but miles 20-23, I think I was delirious)

The kids all loved their huge Hershey bars!

Mom actually got in some Jackson time. He was very snuggly with her!

Jacks was so proud that Pat Pat and Papa could be at his basketball game. Jackson has really had a great season: some good plays, learning the game, and having fun. The downside, they have not won one game yet.

Jackson has the best hustle on the team!

Life is pretty good for Logan: his Pat Pat and unnamed elephant.

Mom cant get enough of him but I know that he tires her right out.

We got the kids out of school early one day and went to the Texas State Capital. ( We were laughing because after 3 different schools we finally had collected all the kids). I have always wanted to do this since moving here. It was a requirement for Jackson to Earn his Wolf Badge in Cub Scouts.

Larson wanted to bring home the canon for his Pirate Party.

The boys look like little Forest Gumps sitting on the park bench.

It is a very beautiful building.

Papa and Larson had allot of bonding time while Mom and I ran errands for the upcoming party. Larson sleeping next to Papa.

Papa and Larson actually worked on a song while we were gone one time. Papa on the piano and Larson on the drums. It was the cutest thing ever ever! I took video but with my old camera so I cant download it.

So Mom and Dad, how does it feel to be around Larson 24 hours a day---EXHAUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!

We had such a great visit with them. The weather was nice and we got in some great dinners and a lunch at the Oasis overlooking the lake. I was sad to see them go since it is a once a year trip but we will see them in Hilton Head for Spring Break in a couple of weeks!

2-15-09 26.2 4:23

Buddy's Marathon

This is how it goes:

Have a crazy desire to run long distances. Doing it with a good friend makes it better. Over the last 4 months we ran 450 miles. Wake up at 4:00, nurse a baby. Get dressed and get your number on. Walk out the door at 5:30 and see a sign from Jessica cheering me on!

Pre-race jitters with Jessica and Theresa. Tom and Kelly, our support team were on bikes and ready to tackle the 26 mile course.

This is the day that you wait for and the run is actually very fun. Jessica and Theresa had a faster pace than I wanted so I dropped back at mile 10. We continued to pass one another the rest of the race.
Have a great brother in law who is willing to come jump in the race at mile 17 with me. He truly saved me on this one because miles 20-23 were a little tough for me. He was awesome and really made me stick it out!!! Tom was beside me alot which was so great but he was on a bike and not use to riding that much. Around mile 23 I looked over and asked if he was OK??!! We had alot of fun together on the race course. I finished off the last 23-26.2 pretty strong and it always feels so good to cross the finish line.

At the finish line with friends, family and one very cool medal.

Theresa, Jessica, and Buddy showered and celebrating together. What a great day. Marathons are so addicting and we are already talking about which one it next.

Thanks to Tom, my kids, and Jessica for helping me through training!

The saying goes: Running, Its Cheaper Than Therapy!

The Invitations Are Out

Larson dressed the part, put pirate music on in the car and hand delivered his pirate invitations. I can not tell you how many times he has asked, "How many more days until my party?"

I bought 6 packs of Root beer and I was pushing that drink on everyone as I would not waste such a good drink just to use the bottles.

Larson is easy to excite but he had so much fun delivering his bottles.

Valentines Dinner

Kelly invited us to have a couples dinner at her house instead of going out to a restaurant for Valentines. If anyone knows Kelly, this night was going to be far better than a restaurant. She certainly knows how to entertain and her 5 course meal was very very good!

Kelly and Kelly
Married 22 years

Jenn and Shane
married 15

Michelle and Jim
married 15 (I think)

Of course, us, married 15
A wonderful evening with good food and great friends. Thanks Kelly and Kelly!

New Beginnings

Jordan and I were able to attend the New Beginnings program with our Young Womans group at church. All girls that will turn 12 this year were invited. Jordan is more than ready to finish with the primary program and join her new group. She was excited just about being invited but once she got there she was so blown away. The leaders and girls did a "Mission Possible" theme surrounding the values of the program. It was all done in the dark with spotlights. At the end they introduced the new agents on the screen. Jordan has high credentials and will be able to fight off all evil so she will be well accepted into the "force". Great job by the leaders and girls!!!

These cute cupcakes were made by Paige Jones and the score for me was that she had 18 of them left for me to take home and use for our Achievement Girls the next day. Thanks so much Paige.

Short but oh so Sweet Visit

We love Aunt Char!

This was the longest time that had passed since Aunt Char visited Austin. We were so excited for her to come! She got a job after 10 years and that tends to make her schedule less flexible. Imagine that?? We have had to start going to her more often. Anyway works, just so we get to be together.

It was the usual for us: play, play, play and play some more. Larson never gave her a break. We all loved being around her so much. Thanks for the visit Aunt Char and cant wait for Spring Break!

Winter Break 2008

Austin Nature Center with the Dimons

We had beautiful weather during the break. The kids and Mom were so glad that they were off from school. Jordan spent time with friends, had sleepovers, saw movies. Jackson played with his friends and accomplished alot with his cub scouts. He even scored a new WII game!

Larson had two days at school that was a summer camp. The theme was Hawaii and he really enjoyed that. He has set off his volcano that he made at least 10 different times. Our house has a nice vinegar smell to it.

Tom did some furniture rearranging for the kids. I would never flip couches over and make forts but I am thankful that he will do that and I just look the other way. I cant complain he puts them back and even vacuums. They watched movies and spent a couple nights in the forts.

Buddy is up to her old tricks. Jordan especially but Jackson also was always given a huge home made party that I would prepare for 3 months ahead of time. Tom actually built a wooden corral for one with a swinging sign for the horses to ride under. OK that was way back then. We wont be building a pirate ship for this one but we are trying hard to give it a good effort for Larons 5th birthday party. Larson liked the way this bean bag toss turned out. He asks every minute of every day how much longer until his party. I get to hear that until the 28th.