3 half's, 1 full, 4 pairs of shoes, over 700 miles

This is a little delayed, but that’s ok!
In a reflection of the year I have realized that I have purchased 4 different pairs of running shoes, and have ran in 3 half marathons, 1 full marathon, and since August I have ran over 700 miles. Doesn’t that just sound crazy? Running is freedom for me. Free from distractions, alone time, prayer time, singing out loud and not being embarrassed…sometimes I have drum solos, listen to music that you don’t listen to when you’re driving, seeing awesome sunrises & sunsets, great conversations…when you run with friends, looking at pretty houses, and of course a few large bowls of cereal afterwards! Here is some race wraps from the year!

NOLA Half- 1:57 (Kristi (left) pushed me the whole way...while wearing glasses!)

YMCA Half- Time unknown...Rebekah and I got stuck in a line to go to the bathroom and missed the start!

Dallas Full- 4:27(Rebekah and I look like we feel no pain...don't be fooled, RP had to push me the whole way!)

NOLA- 1:53 (This was best I have ever felt; should have pushed it harder...oh well. We all did amazing!)

Some of my favorite people to run with! One of our favorite parts is eating afterwards. I deserved a Diet Coke! (Angie, Kristi, Rebekah, Me)

a little inspiration

When we were in Houston we did a little pit stop in Anthropologie. While I was shopping Aaron was looking at all of the furniture. In the kitchen section we saw something very similar to this, and Aaron was like, "I'm making this when I get home". So, we came home and made this. It's super useful, and was a nice addition to our guest bedroom. Maybe you need one too?

this why we've been busy

I wasn't kidding when I said we have been busy. I'm really glad we are now done with some of these major projects so now we can enjoy Spring! Aaron is quite the carpenter, and I just fill in the gaps. Luckily we have been very blessed to have some great friends that have lent their helping hand. Check out the remodels!

These 3 are all befores...

The After. Aaron built the bottom, we added some crown molding, & just made it more into a 3rd bedroom.

We painted and added crown in the hall, guest bath, & our room. Those were some late nights, but were done!

in our element

This is a bit delayed…but in my next post you will see why I have been so busy! Aaron and I had a very fabulous his and hers weekend. The best part about it is that we were able to start it on Thursday! We both got to see something/someone we’ve wanted to see for the last 10 years. As you guys know mine was David Gray. We headed to Houston on Thursday, we were in the car for 40 minutes and realized that we didn’t have the tickets, but were on our merry way to get there 10 minutes before the concert. It was pretty much amazing! He was awesome and so was his band…opening act….eh…could have done without. They next day was beautiful so we walked everywhere to shop and eat. I love the city. You can just do that, and everything is so much easier. Where we stayed was beautiful, and I highly recommend it if you need a place, the houses around it were amazing and once again could walk everywhere!
Then Friday night Aaron’s dreams were then filled, the Houston Rodeo. That was very out of control. I was freaking out because I had never been that close to a pig before, had never seen real baby farm animals, or seen a huge cow’s water break, or been 3 feet away from a bull with a ring through its nose. I really loved it. We then walked over and saw Toby Keith play. I can’t stand him, but it was all about the experience. We were very surprised to know that Aaron’s work scored him sky box tickets, so we pretty much had it made, and I just took all in how big the arena was. We had an awesome trip here are some pictures of the great weekend! Thanks A!

this japanese magnolia

Everyday after I workout I walk my four legged friend. Right now is the time of year I love to walk her the most. It feels great outside and things are starting to bloom! A few houses in our neighborhood have these Japanese Magnolia trees. They are so beautiful. I wish we had one until I see them shed like Magnolia trees and the mess they leave behind. So, until then I’ll just enjoy other peoples as I walk! Aren’t they pretty?

See pretty...but what they leave behind...I don't want to rake that!

christmas in march

Around here it really feels like Spring. I’m wearing shorts, running comfortably in tank tops, pulling weeds, house projects, doors left open, windows down, and Biscotti is panting! (The true signs of Spring!) We have been busy bees, and haven’t been able to update this blog! As soon as I get my pictures from race weekend I’ll post them. (Ps- We had an amazing time!) Right now I’m looking forward to finally getting my Christmas my present. This Thursday we head to Houston to spend the weekend at the Hotel Derek and go see David Gray! I’m so excited; I’ve been looking forward to this since December 25th and it’s finally here! I love his new album. You should for sure check it out! I’ve listened to him since my sophomore year of High School, and have never seen him live before. So, glad that we’re about to change that! Only 2 more days!

gold medals in nola

We are just a few days away from the Mardi Gras 1/2 & Marathon in NOLA. I’m getting very excited! Ready to visit with friends, shop, eat, and run!! This was my first big race last year and the furthest I had ever run…13.1. Apparently that was my jump start! So, Kristi, Angie, & Rebekah and I are off to do it all over again! Hope to make good time again; at least I’m out of the 18-24 year old bracket! This will be my first Rock & Roll race, so I feel like that with New Orleans we are sure to have a good time! One of the other cool things is that the 2008 Gold Medal Olympian Sammy Wanjiru will be running too! Just to paint a picture he finished the Chicago Marathon ('09) in 2:05...really? His fastest half is 58:33. I can't deal with that; the only medal I'm getting is the finisher's medal. I'll have to let you guys know what he finishes in. Wish us lots of prayer, love, & endurance!

Sammy...I'm pretty sure I'm 2 of him!