Merry Christmas

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas. I took Christmas Eve off which was the first day off (other than weekends) I've had since July when we went on our cruise. I still went to the Y to workout, but got to sleep in!!! YEAH!!

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents' house. My sister, Chris, and her husband and boys were there.

Morgan & Travis

My nephew, Shane, - 4 yrs. old.


My brother-in-law, Mike Huntington, and nephew, Daniel (1 1/2 yrs.)

Scott and my sister, Chris, with Travis giving the "peace" sign

My parents bought the kids Guitar Hero - Rock Star for the Wii and they've been rockin' out ever since.

Now that the holidays are over, with the exception of New Years, I can get back to my normal diet and regime (I hope). I'm planning on running the full marathon in April for the OKC Memorial Marathon - if my body cooperates! I have a full calendar of duathlons & mini-triathlons that I plan to participate in - so it should be a busy year.

We're taking a cruise with the kids and my parents in March so stay tuned for that.

God Bless & I hope 2009 brings much joy, love & success (despite who is in the White House).

Busy Pre-holiday Weekend!!

Morgan and I went to see the movie, Twilight, yesterday which is based on the book series by Stephanie Meyer. Many of our friends said that the movie was pretty bad and not at all like the book; however, I tried to keep an open mind. I loved the books so was looking forward to the movie. I really liked it!!! There is no way to cover every detail in a book, but I thought the movie did a really good job at depicting the story line.

I went to Sheri's house for holiday brunch yesterday - girls only. Sherri is like Martha Stewart. There is nothing she can't cook, sew, create, etc. I am the most uncreative female on the planet so I just watch her in awe. She's my hero!!! It makes me strive for more creativity.

Party!!!

Last Saturday we had a birthday party for our friend, Randy (a.k.a. Lonny), at Gissella's house. The Big 12 game - OU v. Missouri was also on which was why Kim was missing from the picture - she went to the game.

I went to my employee Christmas party for the YMCA last night at Johnny Carinos. I got to sit and chat with a few of the girls that I rarely get to talk to - so it was nice getting to know them a little better. It is nice that the Y takes us out for Christmas, but it is a bummer that we can't include our spouses. I guess that is what happens when you work for a non-profit organization.

Things at the studio have been slow unfortunately. I think everyone is freaking out about the economy and what the new Obama administration will mean for their finances. Tanya, the owner of the studio and the most awesome mentor (a.k.a. Yoda), says things will pick up so I am just teaching my classes and working with my few private clients.

The kids have only one week left in school and they are excited. I don't really think they understand that homeschooling will still be work!!

Daddy-Daughter Nerd Night

Scott & Morgan had a fun activity a few weeks ago. The Young Women at church hosted a Daddy and Daughter Nerd Night. The daddies and daughters did hair (Scott did a great job on Morgan's pony tails), played games, had snacks (of course) and participated in other activities.

It makes me feel so blessed to have a husband who is so involved in the lives of our children - even if it means dressing up like a nerd and acting silly. I know Morgan will always remember these times with her dad.

Let the Holidays Begin!!!!

It's Black Friday - the busiest shopping day of the holiday season. I am proud to say that I was not one of those loonies up at 4 a.m. waiting for the stores to open. Don't get me wrong, I like to shop for my loved ones (and myself) during the holidays, but I don't feel the need to cram myself into an overflowing store, get stampeded by sale-crazed people and wait in line forever.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I started this holiday off with an 8K run called the Turkey Trot out at Lake Hefner. The weather was cool, but not windy which translates into a perfect day to run. I was happy with my time which was 44:53 (chip time) and/or 45:20 (official time). I would've been a little faster, but my first mile was spent weaving in and out of walkers or slow joggers. We went to my mom's house for the big meal. My sister and one of her kids were there. I tried out a new dessert recipe given to me by one of the girls I work with at the YMCA. It was a sopapilla cheesecake - YUM!!! It was awesome! After eating way too much, Scott and I crashed and bid the kids a good night (at 6:30 p.m.). Yes, we know . . .

As the holidays are now underway - try to remember the reason for the holidays and keep a level-headed perspective. It is not about the sales, the stores, etc. It is about our faith, our family and friends.

What a week!!!

TGIF never held so much significance!!! Work was busy this week. I'm trying to get everyone in before the holidays begin; grocery shopping so I can avoid the crowds next week; the weather turning really cold (o.k. so maybe 50 isn't cold to you, but it sure is to me); trying to put together a syllabus for homeschooling the kids (oh yeah, didn't mention that we're pulling the kids out of school at the end of December to home school them).

This month has flown by - I know how cliche that sounds, but it there is truth to most cliches. Thanksgiving is less than a week away and before you know it Christmas will be here. I love the holidays, but I hate the shopping part. I'm not one of those women who loves the thrill of the hunt for sales. If I could do all my shopping (grocery included) online - I would be set! Trying to get all my workouts in is definitely a priority - to keep my weight in check and keep the stress under control. I love the decorations, lights, music and food.

Talk to y'all later!!!

I attended my Reformer Level 3 training this weekend and, boy, am I sore. It was a great workshop; Sarah Malloy was our instructor and she is wonderful. There are many exercises on the reformer that I do not intend to do anytime soon! I still have several more workshops to take before I can take my test which is a little discouraging, but I just need to keep plugging along. If you have never tried pilates on the reformer, you need to try it. You will never want to lift weights again.

I'm back to running a little more lately and so far so good. I ran with Cori yesterday (5 miles) and I felt strong even though it was cold and windy. Hopefully I can get myself geared up to run the half-marathon in April. Many of my friends ran the San Antonio Marathon this weekend & it was sad watching them all train - I wanted to go too!!!

Last night after my workshop, I went to eat at Red Rock Canyon Grill with Scott & Sherri. If you've never eaten there - OMG!! You must! It is my favorite place. The atmosphere is so relaxing and the food is terrific. It is "the" place to go.