34 races this year....

So we figured the big kids were old enough to understand what a New Year's Resolution is.  We talked about it over dinner for a few nights and this is what they came up with.

Caelyn wants to 'do better in school'.  When asked to elaborate she said she didn't know.  She also said she wanted to run in a race and get a medal :)

Carson has said that he would like to get a 'b' time swimming, and run a 5k.

Pretty realistic goals for their first time!

For Caelyns race we have decided that since I plan to run in the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February that she and I will do the 1-mile race.  She wants to work up to the 1-mile.  So cute.

I have no doubt Carson can and will get a 'b' time swimming, and running is almost second nature for him.

Chad has no resolutions, says he is too busy!

My resolution, in honor of turning 34 this year, is to do 34 races.  The only stipulations is that they have to be more than a 5k.  To put this into perspective, I did 9 triathlons, 2-3k's and 2 half marathons in 2010.  Not even half of the 34 for this year! 

First event begins tonight at midnight... only a slight loophole.  It's a 5.5k :)  Running of the Lights.  Sounds like fun, fireworks and the whole path is lined in Christmas lights.  Sounds like there are about 800 people signed up and the weather should be perfect... around 40.  (At our last half marathon it was a bitter 26 degrees).

So, stay tuned... let's see if the 3 of us can keep our resolutions!

Oh, and our resolution for Carrigan is no more pacifier.  We bought her a big girl bed yesterday and she went to sleep in it tonight with no pacy!  What a huge accomplishment for all (probably me more than her because I am not ready to give up my baby)

Oh, and I had to add these pics from earlier this month.  I just can't get over how stinkin' cute my kiddos are :) 

White Christmas!

Christmas morning!

Caelyn's knitting kit from grandma!  We have already made 2 hats!

 Carson's spy gear fanny pack!  Too funny!

 'The best slippers ever!'  She hasn't taken em off!

 Whoa!  A leotard.. and the box was fantastic!

 Yay! Swim bag!  He is official now ;)

 Super huge bag of goodies from Teresa and Dave!

 Finally getting the hang of this... ready for the next present!

 WOW!!

 Mickey + Computer = happiness!

 Sillliness!!

 Stockings!

Loving the leo's!  Perfect fit :)

She actually knew that her name was on it!

The second picture was just so silly I had to add it :)

...and to all a good night!

I am kinda over this blog right now.  I swear I have been sitting here for over 2 hours trying to get my old template back!  So, no this isn't the background I wanted but it's all that will work.  Take it or leave it!

Just thought I would share a couple of pics from our Christmas Eve...  Since Chad worked all day we decided to crash his party!  Luckily there were other families to share the afternoon with.  We have become so close to these families, it's getting easier and easier for me to understand this thing called 'brotherhood'.  They are all fantastic guys, I hate Chad will be moving on to another station in January... but we know with this move brings new challenges and new families!  He has worked so hard, we are so excited for him!

We have plans to do absolutely nothing tomorrow.  This year Chad and I have come to realize that our family is OUR family.  We need to treasure these times and these memories that we make together.  We are looking forward to a white Christmas and spending it together :)  No worries, family events were held last weekend and there are more to come.  We might all stay in pajamas all day... just because we can!

 

I love my little life, my awesome husband, amazing kids, fantastic family, and the outstanding friends who make me the best mom, wife, and friend that I can be.  Thank you for all who SUPPORT us and love us.  Without you we are nothing. 

xoxo

-C (x5)

Thunder Road Half Marathon

So after my first half Chad decided he was up for the challenge! Needless to say I am a bit of procrastinator.... I like to wait until the very last minute to register. The forecast was calling for cold, cold rain on race morning. Not my idea of fun! But as the days got closer to registration the rain was to hold off until Sunday and race day looked like the best day in almost 3 weeks!

This was our very cold (and still dark) pre-race pic!

Our timing chips! For some reason I thought these to be super cool. They said the race on them, and we got to keep em! Usually these are lent to you for the race and as soon as you finish you are attacked by 4 people to get their chip back. The first time this happened... I leaned over and about threw up. I let them get their chip off my shoe now.

It was a 7:45 start, at very cold start...30 degrees with a bit of a breeze! There were just over 5,000 runner between the half and the full. The full marathoners ran the first half of their race with us and at mile 12 we separated. Needless to say, I was so happy I wasn't running the full 26.2 miles! Anyways, it was a bit crowded to begin with but seemed to spread out a little after the first mile or so. It was much, much more hilly than the Space Coast half!

Several of my tri and running buddies say they always prefer the awards that are practical...a towel, a hat, a coat...blah, blah, blah. I could care less. If I win a medal, I want the medal. My friends kid me that I am 'all about the hardware!' Maybe one day I will be 'over' the hardware. But for now the kids enjoy us coming home with them, and I like seeing them around the house... a reminder of our hard work!

So, this is our little joke. We always say that we do these events for the sticker (and the hardware, of course). What is a Honda Odyssey without our accomplishment list on the back? So, I joked a marathon runner friend if Chad and I both did the half if it 'qualified' us for a 26.2 sticker (13.1+ 13.1). She quickly said 'NO!' So this one is for you Amy!!... And for the record, Chad and I both are sporting our 13.1 stickers now!

Snow Hunt!

Our snow hunt this year was fantastic! We woke the kids up super early and kept it a secret! It was very exciting, even though we had some flurries at home the day before. Chad and I kept joking how many times we heard, 'Dad, dad... it's SNOWING!' by Carrigan. She just stood at the window with her nose to it forever!

Anyways, this first tree farm we attempted... the owner was ahead of us in his truck. Needless to say he was unable to get up the mountain (he kept sliding back towards us!)

The next place we went we realized that the temperature was about 7 degrees and large wind gusts. We put the older kids in every layer we brought with us and they went for a hunt. Chad didn't take long to find our tree! We warmed up inside with some hot cider...mmm...

This was the wife of the tree farm owner, the kids truley believe she was an elf...

The kids were all begging for some sledding fun so we trekked up to our favorite spot on Beech Mountain! Boy was it cold and snowy... but everyone had a blast! Not a complaint for either (big) kid!

A beautiful tree and some tired kiddos!