Pet Peeve

Why is it that the thunder and lightning always rolls in right at bedtime? Arrrrrrh!

A 5K and a Party

Sami with her shirt honoring her daughter Lizzie

Saturday was a beautiful day! I ran in my first ever race, a 5K. I was going to run in a half marathon last May, but then got a stress fracture and had to pull out. Maybe that was the way it was supposed to be because my first race was a memorial run for my friend's daughter Lizzie who died of cancer last October. It was a perfect morning and I was able to run the whole thing without walking, which was my goal. It was an emotional run since there were posters with pictures of Lizzie and some of her favorite Bible verses posted throughout the route. Anytime I wanted to walk, I just thought about that brave little girl and how much pain she endured. That was more than enough motivation to keep me going. Thank you Stratton family for letting me be a part of your family!

Sami, Ryan, and I hanging out after the race

That afternoon was Alex's birthday party for her friends. This was her first one with just her friends. She loved it! We did a little Build a Bear activity at a local toy store. The kids were so well behaved and cute. It was so easy having it there and not at my house. I think she will be talking about her party for a long time.

Kindergarten Here We Come!

Today was Ryan's 1st day of Kindergarten. It went great! I did good as well, no tears. I did have dreams all night last night that it was my first day of school and everything went wrong, but every thing was great this morning. He went right in, hung his backpack up, and went to watch the hermit crabs. We got some pictures, but he wasn't too keen on that process. He has half days for the next 6 days and then moves to all day. Ryan said he liked it and wants to go all day because they will then have 3 recesses. Too cute!

Where Did Time Go?

Tomorrow my little boy starts Kindergarten. I know he is so ready and is very excited, but I am getting a little nervous. Crazy, I know. I used to get somewhat annoyed at those parents who boo-hooed over their child going to school. I didn't get it. Oh, but now I am getting it, big time! How strange it is that someone will see my baby more hours during the day than I will?!? He will love it and have a blast and I will be fine. But it will be an adjustment. I am glad the first seven days are half days before they switch to all day. That will help with the adjustment. I will really miss you Ry-guy!

On a different note, Ryan participated in a little 3 hole golf tournament last Saturday. He didn't win, but was definately the cutest! :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Miss Alex!

Today is my little sweetheart's 3rd birthday. I know everyone says this, but really, how in the world is she three? I can't believe how much Alex has changed since her last birthday. She is such a joy to be around and is one of the funniest people I know. She loves her big brother and will not take a nap or go to bed at night without a kiss from him. What are we going to do when he starts all day kindergarten soon? Her eyes are so big and beautiful. They are a perfect combination of my and Jim's eyes. She is very outgoing and loves to play with her friends. especially her best little friend Jenna. Jim and I are so very lucky to be her parents.

Sunday night we had Jim's dad and stepmom, his brother and his wife, and my parents over for dinner and cake. Alex had so much fun opening her presents and having all of the attention on her. She is such a little ham!

This is inside joke. My child is obsessed with chocolate milk. When I saw this shirt, I knew I had to have it for her. She loves it!

What a great expression!

I hope you have a fabulous day my little princess! We love you tons!!!!

Princess Alexa

A couple of photos of Alex in her Belle Princess dress.

Golfing in Cali

It's me! I'm back! (I am sure you were waiting on pins and needles for me to return, weren't you.) I'm not sure why I was away for so long; I guess I really have no good reason other than life. I don't know where to begin so I will just start with the present.


Jim and I just recently returned from our trip to California. We attended a golf school at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach. It was so much fun! We played tons of golf. We were going from morning to night. We didn't get a chance to do much site seeing, but did get to eat at some wonderful restaurants in Monterey. But really, isn't that what vacations are all about, the food?!

Jim and I with our golf instructor Bob

The highlight of the trip was getting to golf at Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach. It is one of the top ranked golf courses in the US and has to be one of THE most beautiful courses anywhere. Several holes are along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It was amazing! I even pared a hole, which is even more amazing than the scenery. :)





Another highlight: 17 mile drive at sunset. Gorgeous!!



It was great to get away with Jim. We had so much fun! Thanks babe for a wonderful trip. Can't wait for the next one!