June 30, 2010

Today I'm thankful for endurance and short bits of time to myself. 

I cleaned house this morning, and then I ended up watching my niece, while my mom did some weedeating and yard work in preparation for the garage sale I'm apparently having this coming weekend. 

(*I get volunteered for a lot of things, and just told at the last minute.  Such is my life.)

After mom got things set up to her specifications, she took Kasey AND my two back to her house to play; so that gave me a much needed afternoon to myself.  I probably should have been sorting and digging out stuff for the garage sale, but instead, I did my 10 minute Pilates warm up, ran 3.03 miles in 40:01 minutes, showered and watched a movie on television.  I rarely get the chance to sit down and watch TV, and it's something I feel is a total waste of my time, but every now and again, it's nice to plop down on the couch and enjoy getting wrapped up in a good comedy or action adventure.

I was really feeling unmotivated in my photography today, so I just snapped a quick shot of the treadmill with my mileage and time.  I'm still feeling that I'm not hitting my stride quite right.  Tomorrow I think I'll up the speed a little.  Today I ran on a speed of 4.5 for the first 2.5 miles (which for a lot of people would be a really brisk walk . . . but I'm short.  So I take twice as many steps as a lot of people.  lol).  I jumped the speed up to a 6.0 for the last half mile or so.  I just can't seem to figure it all out.  I'm sure it will come with time, once I get adjusted to things . . . and I'm pretty happy with the fact that I haven't fallen off of the thing . . .  YET!

June 29, 2010

Today I'm thankful for flexibility and taking in life to it's fullest.

I woke up, did my Pilates and ran 2.0 miles in 25:51 minutes on the treadmill, then tacked on another half mile at a slower jog. 

Bayleigh, for some reason, had it in her head that she wanted to go golfing at a real golf course . . .

so I dusted off my bag, and we all headed out right after lunch.

Bayleigh is really doing a good job;

when she actually listens to instructions and does what she's told.

And Eli was my official "ball washer".  He had lots of fun cleaning everyone's golf balls, and "helping" drive the cart.  (The boy has a lead foot . . . we're going to have to work with him a bit.  lol)

We played 9 holes and then headed back to the clubhouse for a treat before we left.

And after we got home and rested for a few moments, Dave brought out a new treat he wanted to test out.  He stuck some yogurt in the freezer with spoons sitting straight up from the top.  They froze into yogurt pops and the kids really enjoyed them.  (They didn't drip nearly as much as the kool-aid pops.)

Then we headed to the neighbors to help her fix her garage door, and on the way back . . .

we stopped at mom's house and I took a picture of one of her roses and I caught her working in the garden.  (*Don't tell her I took a picture of her hoeing . . . she'll shoot me!)

It's been a long day of fun!  I wish it would have lasted longer, but we'll have to save some fun for another day.  We can't use it all up at once!

June 28, 2010

Today I'm thankful for Summer treats and getting my "brain" back on track.

Who knew that Jelly Belly made popscicles?!  The kids enjoyed theirs!

And this morning I tackled the treadmill for the first time ever.  It took me quite a while to get things figured out and set to the right speeds and settings.  As a matter of fact, it took me 29 minutes and 21 seconds to run 2.0 miles.  But I'm pretty sure something is wrong with that one, since I can walk 2 miles in 30 minutes.  I guess I'm going to have to break down and buy the operator's manual online, just so I know what I'm doing.

This past month, I haven't even cracked open my "brain".  I'm so off schedule and floundering, that I decided I needed to start somewhere.  So this is it!  I also needed a good challenge and Cathy Z. has provided one for me by setting up a challenge of running 50 miles in July.  I'm looking forward to it!

I managed to do 9 (NINE!!!!) loads of laundry today, 2 dishwashers full of dishes (plus some hand washing), my Pilates, a good run, and I took out the garbage and cleaned the kitchen and part of Eli's bedroom today.  I'm tired . . . but just waiting on that last load of laundry to finish drying, so I can put my comforter back on the bed before I fall asleep. 

Hoping tomorrow is another productive day!

June 27, 2010

Today I'm thankful for RAIN!  I woke up this morning to a few pitter patters outside on the deck, then it came pouring down for a few moments before fading away again.  We haven't had a good rain in WEEKS.

After we got around, we headed off to church.  The kids were a bit wild, but at least I made it through the lesson and the kids retained a few important bits of information. 

I fixed a frozen pizza for lunch, and then we all laid down for a nap.  Later in the afternoon we headed out so the kids could play, while I helped Dave measure, string line, and set posts for the chain link fence.  In the process of setting posts, another shower pounded through and got us all soaking wet.

It cooled things down nicely, but it didn't take us long to dry out.  We sat out on the deck for a little while, drying off and watching it sprinkle . . .

and the sunset was amazing this evening.  It lit up the sky with all shades of pink and peach.  Even off to the East.

We still have a lot of clean up and landscaping to do, but it will just have to come a little at a time.

I'm hoping to get to bed early, so I can start my week off on the right note.

June 26, 2010

Today I'm thankful for healthy kids.  Although at times I get irritated with all their whining and bickering, I do realize how very blessed I am to have them both.  Happy, healthy, rambuncious and rowdy.

The past few months I haven't taken very many photos of the kids.  Mainly due to the fact that I get the above response to any camera pointed in their general direction.  It's really quite frustrating.

So I've relegated myself to shots like the one above.  Zooming in close enough, so as not to capture the offending tongue.  I'm hoping this stage passes quickly.

Dave has been teaching Bayleigh to hit golf balls; since we've got such a nice level dirt area out in the back yard at the moment.  She's getting pretty good, and I dare say she could probably beat me.  It's been YEARS since I picked up a club.  I think the last time was when I was about 6 months pregnant with Bayleigh.  WOW!  I'd hate to see what my swing looks like now.

The DirectTV guy installed the new satellite today.  We dumped Dish after they told us it would cost $100 for them to come and put the dish back up after we had the house re-roofed . . . and I also downgraded our landline service.  We're now saving about $30.00 per month . . . at least for the first 10 months of our contract with the new cable company.  So . . . the kids are happy (they have more channels to watch), we're happy (because we're saving some money) and life is good. 

I'm hoping to stash the money we're saving, back for a new pair of running shoes.  I may just have to wear the ones I've got until they fall apart, though.  I always hate spending money on clothes and such, when it could be used for so many more important things (like a new lens for my camera!  lol).  Aw well . . . such is life!

June 25, 2010

Today I'm thankful for good friends, good food and good times.  I spent most of my morning cleaning on the house.  Then Ryan and Chance dropped by with the treadmill.  Ryan was nice enough to take the heavy end, while Chance and I carried the lighter end.  I really appreciate all the trouble they went to to deliver it.  (Any time you all want squash or garden goodies, come on down!)

And this evening, I was invited over to my friend Nancy's, for some food and adult conversation.  This carrot cake was absolutely SINFUL.  (It'll take me awhile to run this one off!)

And we all had a wonderful time.  Some were old friends and some were new aquaintences.

It was just nice getting out of the house and visiting, without having to worry about the kids getting into things.

On the way home, I stopped by a field and took a few photos of a Mimosa tree.

They're really pretty and after we get the kid's play area set up, I may see if I can find one to plant close by.

As I was heading over to my mom's I stopped to get a picture of the full moon.  It's just gorgeous tonight.  I'm hoping it won't keep me awake all night. 

After I picked up the kids, and Dave got home, I drove back over to mom's to drop off the Jeep for her to drive in the morning.  She's got to work in the kitchen at school. 

I walked back home in the "dark", but the moon was shining so brightly, that I actually cast a shadow on the ground.  It was a nice, peaceful walk home.

(*Thanks for inviting me over Nancy!  I had a wonderful time!)

June 24, 2010

Today I'm thankful for close family ties.  I got up early this morning to do my Pilates and get my run in before it got too hot.  I didn't shave any time off this morning, but I kept it at 2.5 miles in 26 minutes.  I'm continuing to work on my form and my pace, but I think it's finally coming around.

My cousin Sharon is having a garage sale this weekend, and invited us up to do a little early shopping.  We don't live that far away, but it doesn't seem like we get together as much as we did when we were kids.  We're going to have to remedy that!  I picked up a few goodies (along with a TREAD MILL), and by the time my mom was done shopping we had the back of the Jeep filled up.

Ryan is going to be delivering the tread mill tomorrow.  I just couldn't pass it up for $50, PLUS it means I have NO excuses not to use it every day.  Rain, heat, snow . . . the only thing that will deter me is if the electricity goes out.  It WILL take some getting used to, and I prefer to run outside, but just in case . . . I've now got a back up!

I shot the two photos on the way home from Ryan and Sharon's house.  The sun setting to the West and the moon rising in the East.  It was a beautiful evening!

June 23, 2010

Today I'm thankful that my little girl isn't of driving age yet.  She's going to be the terror of the highways when she reaches 16.  Unfortunately I know it's going to get here sooner than I'm ready for.

Marc and the guys started re-roofing the old part of the house this morning at the crack of dawn.  Actually I'm sure they were here before the sun, just waiting for enough light to start working by.  They had everything finished up before noon!  Thankfully they weren't working through the hottest part of the day.  It's been miserably hot here this past week and we're still under a heat advisory.

Beccie picked up Bayleigh for her play date this morning, around 10:00 a.m. and then brought her back just in time for us to get out the door for the fair.  (Thanks Beccie . . . for having Bayleigh over.  We all need to get together soon!)

We were the first exhibitor's to show up, so we got registered and then the kids and I sat in the Jeep (which I'd parked in the shade), and the kids drank some water and had some snacks while we waited for everyone else to get set up and signed in.  We had to be there at 2:00 p.m. for sign in and set up, and the judging was held at 4:00 p.m.

The kids got to visit with some old friends from last year's show, and they also met some new friends.  I entered Eli with the two birds above.  The little one is a Silver Seabright Bantam and the larger one is a Golden Laced Cochin Bantam.  He ended up getting one blue ribbon and one red ribbon (mainly due to the fact that these two were very young birds) . . .

And Bayleigh got a blue ribbon for last year's Grand Champion/Best of Show.  This one also made 2nd reserve champ this year.

After the winners were announced, Bayleigh helped pass out the blue ribbons.  I think she had just as much fun passing out ribbons as she did showing her chicken! 

Next year, we'll take more chickens.  And hopefully I'll have some help with the kids.  It's hard keeping two small one's occupied for over 3 hours.  lol

After we finished up, we stopped by to see Dave at work and then ran through Dairy Queen for some ice cream. 

I'm just glad to have made it through the day in one piece.  I've taken 3 ibuprofen and I'm praying for a good night's sleep.  I'm BEAT! 

June 22, 2010

Today I'm thankful for new discoveries and a healthy body.  I got up early this morning to do my Pilates, and then I added another 1/2 mile to my run.  I'm glad I got out early before the sun really started beating down.  It was pushing 80 degrees, as I ran this morning, and we were indeed under another heat advisory today. 

I only managed to snag a little under 3 hours of sleep last night,  so I did make time for a short nap this afternoon.  I don't know what it is about me . . . but if I'm up and running after midnight, it's hard for me to wind down and it takes a while for me to actually fall asleep.  I'd be better off if I just stayed up all night.  If I go to bed between 9 and 11, I'm asleep seconds after my head hits the pillow.  WEIRD.  I'm going to be shuffling my schedule again.  It's an on-going process I think.  Things change and my schedule needs to change with them.  I wish it didn't have to though.  I JUST get into my niche, when I have to shuffle things around again.  I guess that keeps me from getting stale in my habits.

While I was outside helping Dave measure and mark out the play area today (in the NASTY heat), the kids found a cool surprise.  A whole slew of tadpoles were growing and thriving in the canoe out by the shed.  Dave had pulled it back there last fall when we were working on the house, but he forgot to turn it over, where it wouldn't take on water.  This is the result . . .

We're just going to leave it like that for a little while longer, so the tadpoles can grow into frogs and make their way into the world.  Then we're going to tip it over, so the mosquitoes don't take us alive.

This guy and his buddy (the 100 foot tape measure) got to be my constant companions today, as I helped Dave measure out and mark the kid's play area.  It had to be close to 100 degrees out and it only took a few minutes before you were soaked all the way through.  It was like a sauna . . . but worse.

We have guys coming to re-roof part of the house tomorrow, so I hope they're up bright and early.  I don't want them having to suffer from all this heat.  Maybe we'll get some rain soon . . .

Well I'm actually going to make it to bed before midnight tonight!  So here's hoping for a good night's sleep and getting back on track in the morning.

June 21, 2010

Today I'm thankful for Mondays.  One of my favorite days of the week. 

I attempted to catch up on laundry and dishes today, but only made a dent in things.  Tomorrow.  I'll get caught up tomorrow!  Truly I will.

Dave and I took the kids to see Toy Story 3 in 3D this afternoon.  The kids loved it (probably more because of the 3D glasses than anything else).  I really wish I could have taken my camera in, but digital items (including cell phones) are not allowed inside the movie theater.  Thus, my lack of photos today.

I thought the movie was sweet, and I'll admit there were a few scenes that brought tears to my eyes.  (I'm a sap.)  Of course Dave and the kids had to pick on me . . . but I'm alright with that.  I have no problem shedding a few tears over something that touches my heart.

After the movies, we stopped in at Verizon, to see if I could get my cell phone fixed.  I must look a lot younger than I really am, because the 12 year old employee I got stuck with kept telling me how he was lucky to get the "good looking" one this time; as he and his co-workers like to compete against each other in this area, during working hours.  It was hard not to appreciate his eagerness to help me out, and I ALMOST squeaked out of there with a new phone.  But he finally had to "share" me with one of his co-workers, who figured out what the problem was.  I was flattered that they both wanted to help me so badly; but I think I was just another notch on their belt for the day, and Lord only knows what grading system they use.  I'm thinking it must be pretty lax.  lol

Next on the list was a quick run to Wal-Mart, and then dinner time!  We ate at one of Bayleigh's favorite restaurants; Jasmine's.  Then we headed home.  We made it back just in time for me to take the above photo of the moon at twilight.  I had to switch over to manual focus on this one, as it was just too dark to zoom in.

I was again hoping to make it to bed early, but luck isn't on my side tonight!  4:45 a.m. is going to come way to quickly, but I'm hoping to get my run out of the way early.  We've been under a heat advisory, so I want to get it in before it hits 90 degrees, if it ever gets UNDER 90 degrees tonight . . .  wish me luck!

June 20, 2010

Today I'm thankful I'm married to a man who is a wonderful father and husband.  He almost always makes time for the kids and I, and I think it's nice that we celebrate dad's like him.  (We love you sweetie!)

Before we headed off to Sunday School, the kids took Dave his Father's Day cards . . .

then we were off!  I'm so glad Kasey got to come to church with us today.  She's such a sweet little girl and we haven't got to see her very much lately.

The kids were pretty good today, and they even helped sing "Jesus Loves Me".

The rest of the afternoon was spent lazing around watching the US Open.  For supper, I tried my hand at making coleslaw from scratch.  I didn't think it turned out too terribly bad.  While I was mixing it all up,

the boys decided to dress up as "cabbage heads".  They're a silly lot, but you can't help but love them for it.

I was hoping to make it to bed by midnight, but I'm cutting it a little close trying to catch up from the wild weekend.  Maybe I'll do better tomorrow. 

June 19, 2010

Today I'm thankful for fun.  And LOTS of it.  Although the electricity went out last night about 2:30 a.m., and both kids ended up sleeping in bed with us AND staying awake until 5:00 a.m. tossing and turning until it came back on, I think today went rather well.  Dave and Eli played "Old MacDonald" this morning, while I cleaned up the kitchen in preparation for more cake baking.

I didn't have any eggs, so Bayleigh and I made a trip to grandma's for a dozen, and she ended up staying at grandma's house, since Kasey was there and she hadn't got to play with her for a while.

On my way back home, I ended up taking some pictures of mom's flowers . . .

She always has the prettiest flowers.

And I'm just lucky if I can get ANYTHING to grow.

The weeds and wildflowers I do just fine with, though.

Dave fixed up some of the first squash out of the garden for lunch . . .

and Eli helped me bake the cakes and cupcakes for Bayleigh's bowling party tonight.

We had a few nice storms move in last night and during the day, so the temperatures weren't too bad.

We made it to the bowling alley just in time to get everything set up before the guests arrived . . .

and both kids had a blast bowling.

Thank goodness for bumper guards on the kids lane!  The adults played in the next lane over, and we all had a great time.  I even ended up with the high score for the adults . . . a whopping 112!  We'll be joining the pro tour soon.  lol

I really liked the fact that the bowling alley does their own little thing for the kid's birthday parties.  Giving them a bowling pin for everyone to sign is such a unique gift and something I know Bayleigh will cherish for a long time to come!

We'll have to do that again some time!