Overdue Blog

Well, I guess I'm somewhat overdue for an entry. It always seems like a challenge to sit at the computer and do mindless things, much less write a blog where I actually do have to think. Well here it goes...

I guess I'll start where I left off Dec. 1st... wow it has been long. December was a bit of a crazy month, as always. Besides the biggest holiday of the year we also celebrate, me and Brad's anniversary, my birthday and Brad's birthday. It's always crazy, but always ends up being a fun month. Allie and I had our big debut in the church choir on Christmas Eve. Allie sang a short verse in the mic all by herself. I was of course beaming! Brad did get it on video. She also was able to get a little mic time during "Away in a Manager." I love hearing her singing those songs. I love that she is not only learning the songs, but understanding what they are saying. This year we really took the time to remember the meaning of Christmas. Allie is at a good age to really understand and starting to appreciate what is truly important about Christmas. Being in the church choir has really added to our catholic education for both of us and I am extremely thankful for that. Christmas Day was a fun day. We kept things pretty simple spending time with our family on Christmas Day - that is a change. Brad's parents and brothers came to Lake Charles to spend the day with us. I really did appreciate that since it is a 3 1/2 hour drive and they came and left in the same day. Allie always enjoys their visits, especially when they bring girlfriends because of course they always end up playing with her. I love it too since it gives me a little break!

It's funny how after the holidays it almost like a job trying to get back into your routine. That is exactly how it was for us this year. It was a challenge getting Allie on time for school each morning. Thank goodness for a great teacher. She was always so nice and never minded getting Allie caught up if she was late. Don't worry I am getting better. On the 12th of January my father-in-law turned the big 50! So, we had a party at our house for him. It was the perfect meeting point with Brad's grandparents coming from Houston, and Brad's parents coming from Houma. It was great for us... no traveling!!! Brad and I realized that we've got it! We were always so afraid of having too many guest over at one time thinking we couldn't handle preparing food, keeping everyone happy, all around being good host...but we did a great job! We didn't have any problems admitting that to ourselves afterwards :). All and all it was a really fun day. We are definately enjoying the extra family time we are getting.

February has been off to a good start. On the 1st I ran the 1/2 Mardi Gras Marathon with my friend Jeannie (from VA) and Cassie a local I started running with. Jeannie and I ended up on Bourbon the night before and we had such a good time. We even sang karaoke. We sang a Brittany Spears song in a redneck bar!!! The next day we did manage to get up a run 13.1 miles. When we were done with the run we were able to get a front row view of the winner of the marathon as he was running across the finish line. It was so awesome. I think I had to be almost as happy for him as he was. It was such a great thing to witness in person. I loved how right before he crossed the finish line he got a really excited look on his face, calm but excited. He was obviously extremely proud! After the race Jeannie and I headed to Cafe Du Monde and then we shopped at the french market. It was a great visit and I am so greatful to Jeannie for making it to New Orelans.

Apparently in Lake Charles ever Febrary there is a rodeo here and it's pretty big deal. So this past friday at Allie's school they had rodeo day. Allie was so excited to dress up in her cowgirl gear. I have to say she made one of the cutest cowgirls I've ever seen. She was so excited about it she asked me to wake her up early just to be sure she would have enough time to get ready and have her hair french braided in piggy tails.

Allie and I are also looking forward to our first mother daughter 1 mile run on Valentine's Day. I'm not sure who is more excited me or her. More on that later!

I wanted to take a few more lines to say Thank You to all of my wonderful friends in Virgia. I am truly blessed to have met so many great guine people. Really I do believe it is rare these days. I lead a very fulfilled life in Virgina and that is why it is so hard for me to move on. I know that you all are rooting for me and I cannot express to you how happy that makes me. Thank you all for your continued support - I don't know that I could have done it without all of you!
I miss you guys like crazy!!!