Jack loves to take a bath...

Jack loves his bath so much he always kicks and kicks and kicks. He usually has me, the wall, and him- face and all soaked at the end of each bath. It's so cute to watch. Anyway, I decided to video it one day and that day he had another trick in mind to show off. Then, when I finally remembered to bring the camera in the bathroom again he was ready to show off his kicks. He is so cute I could just eat him up!!!

Valentine's Day

The day started bright and early so we could all prepare for our race! I got dressed in my pink running skirt and a pink shirt and headed to Allie room to wake her up. When she finally was up enough to see what I was wearing she said "oh Mommy I wanted to wear a skirt too." I told her I was sorry but she didn't have a skirt. She was surprised when she walked into the kitchen and saw a pink running skirt and a pink shirt set out on the table. She was so excited! The 5K was first, so I was up. I was so bummed because when I was about a half mile to the finish line I had to stop. I was sooo sick. I figured out that eating a cereal bar about a 1/2 hour before a race was not a good idea. That is what happens when you are busy getting kids ready beforehand. Anyway, I started up pretty quickly afterward and still finished 4th in my catagory. I was bummed that I had to stop because had I not stopped I would have finished 3rd. But... as Brad said I needed to be proud of what I did, becasue even with stopping during the run I still managed to finish 4th. Up next was the 1-mile fun run. Allie just could not wait any longer she was ready. So we went to the start line and I asked her if she wanted to get down in the race position. She basically said that would be embaressing... is my baby growing up? Allie's idea of running with me consist of holding hands, so we held hand the whole 1 mile. It was fun, we played the ABC game... I know my running buddies know about the ABC game. It was a bit different playing with a 5 year old. So we finished the race and Allie received her medal. She was as proud as she could be. I was so proud of her too! Brad and Jack were on the side line to cheer us on and that made an already great time even better.

We hurried home from the race to start preparing for our Valentine brunch. I invited one of Allie's friends and his mom over for a Valentine brunch. The kids exchanged Valentines and had lots of fun playing; and I had lots of fun having an adult conversation.

Valentinie's night Brad and I went on a date. Yes you read it right... a DATE! It was so exciting. I got all dressed up and even put on all of my makeup in my make up bag instead of just what I had time to get too. I was ready when Brad got home from work. I kept him guessing all week as to what I was wearing. I actually was putting on an act. When he would as me what I was wearing I would tell him I wasn't sure but I would find something in my closet to wear, all the while I was planning. I was borrowing earrings and a purse and found a dress from my closet and bought new shoes. I even found a video clip on utube with instruction to a really easy up do. So, when Brad got home I walked into the living room and he just stared for a few seconds and said WOW... you just WOWED me! It was nice, I figured he'd be surprised since I definately don't take that much time on myself on a regular basis. Brad was such a gentleman, he even opened the car door for me. I felt like we were dating again. It was nice to check-out of reality for a while. We met three other couples at the local casio. We had lots of fun. We ate, drank, bar hopped, visited a sweet shot and gambled. We finially headed home around 2:45am. What a late night, but it was great we had so much fun. I enjoyed having so much time with Brad.

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!!!