Proud of these two......

These next pictures are very special to me!  Both for very different reasons......

August was a pretty rough month this same time last year for Mom.  She was starting her last round of chemotherapy and it was definitely taking it's toll on her physically and emotionally.  To see her smiling and looking this fabulous really puts things in perspective. 

 Now Jenn.........I'm proud of her too.  If you follow this blog you can see there aren't a ton of pictures of Jenn from the last few years.  But she's been working really hard to change her eating habits and become a healthier person by exercising daily.  Jenn has lost 35 pounds and that is amazing!  And I couldn't be more proud of her.  I love these pictures of us!!! And I love that she wants her picture taken again!

Proud of you Mom and Jenn!!!!  Love you both!!!!

Turkey Trot 2011

After I ran my first 5K back in October I thought it might be fun to do a Thanksgiving day run.  I thought it would be even more fun to get everyone involved.  I couldn't think of a better way to negate all of those calories we were about to take in that day than running a few miles.

 It was a brisk 38 degrees that morning at 7:15, but at least it wasn't raining.  Here is the whole crew minus Paul....he was taking the picture.  Me, Brad, Sherri, Marcie (Jenn's BFF) and Jenn

 Jenn was a good sport considering I sort of roped her into it and didn't give her much of a choice.

 It was a pretty cool experience.  I hope to do it again next year but I plan to have the kids run it too.

The power of PINK

I am going to take a quick time out from the blogging I do about my kids.  This post is about me!  Feel free to skip ahead to the next post about the grandkids!

A little over 10 weeks ago I decided I wanted to run in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure.  I had participated in the past, just never actually ran.  This year it was personal and I really wanted to do it.  So I got on line and found some different running apps.  Found one that looked good then I invited Sherri to train with me.  She has been my rock since Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in January and I thought "who not include her in my running misery?"  I have always exercised, I've done classes, I've lifted weights and always gone for cardio walks.....but never have I ran.  Except for the time I was trying to impress Paul with my athleticism back in 1997.  Guess it worked like a charm cause 5 quick years later her married me.   Anyway.....back to my running.  Sherri and I would run three times a week, starting with 60 second intervals combined with 90 seconds of walking and eventually that lead to 28 minutes of running.  The plan to was to be able to complete a 5K at the end of the 9 week training program.

We did it!!!!

 

Couldn't have done it without my support group.  

34 Years and a bunch of poppies

A few months ago we celebrated my friend Ashley's birthday at P.F. Changs. We had the most delicious cake. While still chewing my first bite I leaned over to Sherri and whispered, "this is what I want for my birthday!" I had no idea she would really get it for me let alone plan a little neighborhood party for me. It was incredibly special and I will never forget it. A few days before my birthday the kids asked if they were "invited to my birthday." I explained that of course they were invited and there wasn't really anything to be invited to. Just being here Tuesday morning they were "invited."

Well, I didn't know that after our family dinner to Abuelo's we would be going over to Sherri's house for cake and celebrating with neighbors and friends.

I just love Sherri and I think of Sam like a little sister. Not having my sister nearby I often enjoy some of their sister drama and am glad to not be directly involved in it.

These girls really know me......I received wine, a super cute glass, a cookbook and a gift card to Hobby Lobby! It's like we've been friends forever!

My Posse (from left to right, Sam, Tyler, Sherri me and Ashley)

I remember celebrating my 20th birthday with Paul..........didn't know at the time we'd be celebrating my 34th together!

Fast forward two nights.......and the celebration continues!

So for my birthday celebration the girls and I decided it would be fun and a little different to check out "Paint Your Art Out." I had no idea they were going to make it so special. They made me my own blinged out apron to wear that night along with more birthday cake, complete with pink plates, napkins and forks.

Oh and did I mention wine? A little red and a little white to help get the creative juices flowing!

Who knew that in 3 short hours, a lot of funny stories, and a few glasses of wine later a blank canvas would turn into something worth hanging?!?