tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74712151895841475072024-03-13T04:39:42.243-07:00The 'C' Michael'sOnly a hint of the crazy lives we lead. Enjoy the story, if you can keep up!The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-20193486985366773262011-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:00:37.137-08:00ugh!!<div style="text-align: center;">Out of space on the blog and trying to decide what to do! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have deleted as many posts as I can, somehow I just feel like I am deleting history. Not ready for that yet. Hmm... will keep you updated.</div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-13796497882924737952011-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:002011-01-10T17:43:28.445-08:00The good, the bad, the goofy!<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxJ5UmK3I/AAAAAAAACt4/5cQTo9vAHKc/s1600/IMG_2779_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxJ5UmK3I/AAAAAAAACt4/5cQTo9vAHKc/s320/IMG_2779_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Tired poor mom... about 3:00 am!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, upon making my New Year's Resolution I promised myself that I would post the good, the bad and the ugly! I would be proud of my times regardless if they were good.... or just plain sucked. I wish I could say that this race didn't 'just plain suck'. </div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuw6O9z2DI/AAAAAAAACt0/j7aOpDdpXgo/s1600/IMG_2778_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuw6O9z2DI/AAAAAAAACt0/j7aOpDdpXgo/s320/IMG_2778_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">First, let me say that the experience was completely amazing. I haven't gone anywhere by myself (besides work) since having my kids. So after, arranging carpools, cleaning the house, doing ALL the laundry and pre making all the meals....I packed up and flew to FL! All by myself! My mom picked me up and we went to check out the Disney scenes. The next blog was from the Expo. It was huge... I got lots of goodies! I was so lucky to have my mom to go with me!</div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On friday we slept in and went to the beach, it was gorgeous! So relaxing. Saturday morning we woke-up at 1:30, yes AM. I was excited and still nervous. So happy to have the support of my mom! There were so many people there. We checked out the scenery and decided how cold it really wasn't. I had planned for much worse. We had to start the walk over to the start line by 4:30, so I left my mom and started the trek. For one thing I was completely amazed at how many restrooms 27,000 people required. In fact, at one point I looked into the woods and there was a line of men & WOMEN in the woods! Not exactly pixie dust, but hey... I met a woman from Ashville who was running to support her friend as she had done her first 5k ever! </div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There were 8 corals, and as I previously mentioned I got into coral A. I was kinda excited that I wouldn't have as many people to weave around, but it seems I was the obstacle! </div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At the beginning of the race they had a live feed from Afghanistan, a soilder who ran the Disney half last year had organized a half, in Afghanistan, that would start at the same time we did. They had a woman and her daughter talking to her husband. Both would be running. It was so sweet! They even had the 'Today Show' hosts appear... as they were running also! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is a link to the Disney blog. It's worth watching the videos they have. A couple got engaged at the half way mark (under the castle) of the full marathon. A blind soilder ran the half. I actually ran next to them for a while. They were tied together with a rope. So inspiring!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">disneyparks.disney.go.com</div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxe0KB3aI/AAAAAAAACuA/RX58157Oye0/s1600/IMG_2798_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxe0KB3aI/AAAAAAAACuA/RX58157Oye0/s320/IMG_2798_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anyways, for you non-runners... this is boring. The race started with fireworks! All 8 corals they started.... with fireworks (so I heard). My first 3 miles were great, and I was over it. Not sure what happened. I was tired, and hot and it was a lot of work mentally weaving around these people. I slowed down, hoping to get into my grove... but nothing. I decided that I was hot, really hot. So, I dumped one of my favorite running vests and headband. I might add that my bib was safety pinned to my vest so I was running and unpinning and then running and repinning! Ha! This was about mile 5 1/2... we shortly entered the Magic Kingdom. Running down Main Street, around the huge Christmas tree and the castle. It was roughly 6:15, still very dark. There were so many people cheering us on, it was hard to walk... but I had to. My body was rebelling. My Achilles, my quads, my hamstrings were all hurting. I never felt overwhelmed by my breathing though, just my body. So, the last 6 miles were more of the same. I would just try to make it one more mile and disappoint myself one more time. At least there was a lot to look at... lots of high school bands, characters, firetrucks, hot air balloons... you name it! I couldn't believe how many people would stop at the characters to get their pictures taken with them! </div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center">So, I finished... at one point I honestly thought I wasn't going to be able to. No drama. Seriously. The last 1/4 mile there was a choir, and stands and stands of people! I was completely amazed. It was probably the only thing that actually helped me run across the finish line. So, my final time was something around 2 hrs 15 minutes. A mere 30 minutes over my goal. </div><div align="center"><br />
Here is only one of the costumes... hilarious!</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxnLo7MHI/AAAAAAAACuE/ZUYUQT577OM/s1600/IMG_2799_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxnLo7MHI/AAAAAAAACuE/ZUYUQT577OM/s320/IMG_2799_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I realized that I am kinda tough on myself sometimes. I am so thankful that I was not only willing but able to participate. It was an amazing experience and I will certainly beat my time next year!</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxPJ_saJI/AAAAAAAACt8/Cp1zIigxFp8/s1600/IMG_2795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSuxPJ_saJI/AAAAAAAACt8/Cp1zIigxFp8/s320/IMG_2795.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">On this wall everyone wrote who or what they were running for.... the wall had probably 6 of these huge squares... It was very inspiring!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">A huge, amazing thanks to Chad, my life, my support and my inspiration. Even though my run completely sucked he was so encouraging! He handled everything at home, including a sick kiddo. I wish I could upload the pics of the signs the kids made for me both before and after the race.... so stinkin' sweet!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">So, contemplating doing the Goofy Challenge next year. 5k on friday, 13.1 on Saturday and 26.2 on Sunday. Just keeping this in my sights. We will see ;)</div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-13917086101654191992011-01-07T09:02:00.000-08:002011-01-07T09:02:04.653-08:00The Mouse Is In The HOUSE!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDnvYgO5I/AAAAAAAACs0/jGCC386Ig2o/s1600/IMG_2758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDnvYgO5I/AAAAAAAACs0/jGCC386Ig2o/s320/IMG_2758.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDximu7dI/AAAAAAAACs4/-eaGZGjc1QI/s1600/IMG_2761_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDximu7dI/AAAAAAAACs4/-eaGZGjc1QI/s320/IMG_2761_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> Packet pick-up and expo! What a fun day with my mom!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">On this wall you write who and/or what you are running for. Being for the mouse.... running for my kids. Love em to pieces!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCHWDTKRI/AAAAAAAACsU/3Mvoh7XC2y4/s1600/IMG_2738_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 133px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 321px;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCHWDTKRI/AAAAAAAACsU/3Mvoh7XC2y4/s320/IMG_2738_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCUEEsG7I/AAAAAAAACsY/3Mp6GbMzW9k/s1600/IMG_2739_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCUEEsG7I/AAAAAAAACsY/3Mp6GbMzW9k/s320/IMG_2739_1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCuUGjWDI/AAAAAAAACsg/zCZr0SX4XIg/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCuUGjWDI/AAAAAAAACsg/zCZr0SX4XIg/s320/IMG_2746.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Just some funny shirts we saw at the expo!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDgXZvobI/AAAAAAAACsw/UYz_QxE67FU/s1600/IMG_2750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDgXZvobI/AAAAAAAACsw/UYz_QxE67FU/s320/IMG_2750.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdB7MB7s-I/AAAAAAAACsQ/W7Po-PjH5Nc/s1600/IMG_2736_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdB7MB7s-I/AAAAAAAACsQ/W7Po-PjH5Nc/s320/IMG_2736_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDGExgrEI/AAAAAAAACso/L-vWlHiuO_A/s1600/IMG_2748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDGExgrEI/AAAAAAAACso/L-vWlHiuO_A/s320/IMG_2748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDXr1ayVI/AAAAAAAACss/qyZKcvpyV90/s1600/IMG_2749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdDXr1ayVI/AAAAAAAACss/qyZKcvpyV90/s320/IMG_2749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCgtg9UTI/AAAAAAAACsc/0YFMArJ0oTs/s1600/IMG_2743_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdCgtg9UTI/AAAAAAAACsc/0YFMArJ0oTs/s320/IMG_2743_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdC4BR-g5I/AAAAAAAACsk/tHCJ3zSkO7g/s1600/IMG_2747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSdC4BR-g5I/AAAAAAAACsk/tHCJ3zSkO7g/s320/IMG_2747.jpg" width="320" /></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-43175420635671899172011-01-04T23:34:00.000-08:002011-01-04T23:34:32.214-08:00Runnig of the Lights.... Event #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RUNNING OF THE LIGHTS 12:00 1/1/11</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We couldn't think of a better way to bring in the new year... other than running. I was kinda bummed when I found out this race was a 5k, disqualifying it from on of my 34 events. BUT!!! It's a 5.5k! :) Totally qualifies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my buddy Meredith. We worked together at our first nursing jobs... 10 years ago. She just had baby #2, doesn't she look great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQYvMMLrVI/AAAAAAAACsA/re6ZMW9BImw/s1600/IMG_2714_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQYvMMLrVI/AAAAAAAACsA/re6ZMW9BImw/s320/IMG_2714_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was a little concerned about Chad's knee, he has only run once since the half and could only go a mile because his knee hurt so bad. He always amazes me and did fantastic! His best 5k ever! His time was 27:43, he was 107/404 men and 23/59 in his age group! Awesome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQY3chQbYI/AAAAAAAACsE/PSdOi30f3Gg/s1600/IMG_2715_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQY3chQbYI/AAAAAAAACsE/PSdOi30f3Gg/s320/IMG_2715_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I wish I could have taken pictures during this race. It started with a live feed of the NYC ball drop and we were off. The first half mile was pretty rough, very dark and lots of pushing and shoving. After that it spaced out and the lights started. These are no typical front yard lights. These are professional, amazing lights! At the end of the first mile the started fireworks! Absolutely beautiful! So much fun! I had seemed to forget this course... the last mile has really steep hills, really steep. the first race I did here was the tri I gashed my knee open. The only race I have ever walked in. The second was 'Angel's Race' I raced for Ava and knew the hill wasn't going to get the best of me. This time around was a little better. I have learned that I run faster in the cold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQY_H2WVhI/AAAAAAAACsI/Fdk_YHYxLMY/s1600/IMG_2723_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQY_H2WVhI/AAAAAAAACsI/Fdk_YHYxLMY/s320/IMG_2723_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I ended up 18/481 women and 4th in my age group (only by a bitter 5 seconds!) out of 68 women and my final time was 25:00 minutes. Was a record for me too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQZPVyI-sI/AAAAAAAACsM/OS90jmGPd0U/s1600/IMG_2724_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TSQZPVyI-sI/AAAAAAAACsM/OS90jmGPd0U/s320/IMG_2724_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center">Notice the snow on the ground. The thermostats only read 35 but it was chilly, still lots of snow left of the course.</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">I leave Thursday morning for FL, event #2! I am traveling alone this time :) The Disney Half Marathon is Saturday. The weather looks perfect, and I</div><div align="center"> will have a cheering section. So happy my mom will be there to cheer me on!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Kiddos went back to school today, everyone was happy to return to routine. Carson will be swimming in a swim meet next weekend. He is very ready, and we are excited to see how much he has improved.</div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-48335592572820333802010-12-31T18:30:00.000-08:002010-12-31T18:30:12.600-08:0034 races this year....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TR6Qpsmv3RI/AAAAAAAACr8/7SDEmX7ofVc/s1600/IMG_2618_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TR6Qpsmv3RI/AAAAAAAACr8/7SDEmX7ofVc/s400/IMG_2618_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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.</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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 :)</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Carson has said that he would like to get a 'b' time swimming, and run a 5k.</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pretty realistic goals for their first time!</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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.</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I have no doubt Carson can and will get a 'b' time swimming, and running is almost second nature for him.</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Chad has no resolutions, says he is too busy!</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TR6QKRtnn5I/AAAAAAAACr0/y8oTAsrDHFU/s1600/IMG_2625_%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TR6QKRtnn5I/AAAAAAAACr0/y8oTAsrDHFU/s320/IMG_2625_%2521.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TR6QYd6AITI/AAAAAAAACr4/aTzZSgJw6BI/s1600/IMG_2623_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TR6QYd6AITI/AAAAAAAACr4/aTzZSgJw6BI/s320/IMG_2623_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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! </div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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).</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, stay tuned... let's see if the 3 of us can keep our resolutions! </div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">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)</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oh, and I had to add these pics from earlier this month. I just can't get over how stinkin' cute my kiddos are :) </div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-5663468577807764122010-12-26T17:51:00.000-08:002010-12-26T17:51:46.475-08:00White Christmas!<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas morning!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfnuSOItGI/AAAAAAAACqw/D747Q7dog0s/s1600/IMG_9555_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfnuSOItGI/AAAAAAAACqw/D747Q7dog0s/s320/IMG_9555_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Caelyn's knitting kit from grandma! We have already made 2 hats!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfoospeP9I/AAAAAAAACq4/-5oQtz29uY4/s1600/IMG_9558_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfoospeP9I/AAAAAAAACq4/-5oQtz29uY4/s320/IMG_9558_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Carson's spy gear fanny pack! Too funny!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfpGwCzPxI/AAAAAAAACq8/fK_9fKveAWM/s1600/IMG_9568_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfpGwCzPxI/AAAAAAAACq8/fK_9fKveAWM/s320/IMG_9568_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> 'The best slippers ever!' She hasn't taken em off!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfpr5QK01I/AAAAAAAACrA/Fc1RzmeGyZ8/s1600/IMG_9572_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfpr5QK01I/AAAAAAAACrA/Fc1RzmeGyZ8/s320/IMG_9572_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Whoa! A leotard.. and the box was fantastic!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfqEA4qcjI/AAAAAAAACrE/E0ZNZgdMAF0/s1600/IMG_9578_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfqEA4qcjI/AAAAAAAACrE/E0ZNZgdMAF0/s320/IMG_9578_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Yay! Swim bag! He is official now ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfqkrw-FqI/AAAAAAAACrI/tr7w46AcoYY/s1600/IMG_9599_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfqkrw-FqI/AAAAAAAACrI/tr7w46AcoYY/s320/IMG_9599_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Super huge bag of goodies from Teresa and Dave!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfrB8zbo5I/AAAAAAAACrM/5NQRZGl5XaQ/s1600/IMG_9602_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfrB8zbo5I/AAAAAAAACrM/5NQRZGl5XaQ/s320/IMG_9602_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfrgEh9jkI/AAAAAAAACrQ/CyiLDLi9Kq8/s1600/IMG_9607_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfrgEh9jkI/AAAAAAAACrQ/CyiLDLi9Kq8/s320/IMG_9607_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfr55fKbHI/AAAAAAAACrU/0tP4lzdrHnA/s1600/IMG_9615_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfr55fKbHI/AAAAAAAACrU/0tP4lzdrHnA/s320/IMG_9615_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Finally getting the hang of this... ready for the next present!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfsapZJguI/AAAAAAAACrY/LpWG14785wk/s1600/IMG_9631_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfsapZJguI/AAAAAAAACrY/LpWG14785wk/s320/IMG_9631_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> WOW!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfsz3AzbBI/AAAAAAAACrc/IaQ0pbDj31s/s1600/IMG_9644_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfsz3AzbBI/AAAAAAAACrc/IaQ0pbDj31s/s320/IMG_9644_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div> Mickey + Computer = happiness!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRftOAKylUI/AAAAAAAACrg/yi_ZOqOdYQA/s1600/IMG_9661_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRftOAKylUI/AAAAAAAACrg/yi_ZOqOdYQA/s320/IMG_9661_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Sillliness!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfto1K7wXI/AAAAAAAACrk/yBIB7YY2ysM/s1600/IMG_9665_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfto1K7wXI/AAAAAAAACrk/yBIB7YY2ysM/s320/IMG_9665_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRft7SHvL5I/AAAAAAAACro/LJC505MIJCY/s1600/IMG_9672_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRft7SHvL5I/AAAAAAAACro/LJC505MIJCY/s320/IMG_9672_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfuKUX55VI/AAAAAAAACrs/_5Ra5LLVbgU/s1600/IMG_9674_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfuKUX55VI/AAAAAAAACrs/_5Ra5LLVbgU/s320/IMG_9674_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Stockings!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfupGhp_LI/AAAAAAAACrw/Ujm5DJ4VH1E/s1600/IMG_9681_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfupGhp_LI/AAAAAAAACrw/Ujm5DJ4VH1E/s320/IMG_9681_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Loving the leo's! Perfect fit :)</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfnPrRBI5I/AAAAAAAACqs/R7kAGby000Y/s1600/IMG_9550_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfnPrRBI5I/AAAAAAAACqs/R7kAGby000Y/s320/IMG_9550_1.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfiz91qzPI/AAAAAAAACqo/-Vq1OpVdmBs/s1600/IMG_9549_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRfiz91qzPI/AAAAAAAACqo/-Vq1OpVdmBs/s320/IMG_9549_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">She actually knew that her name was on it!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The second picture was just so silly I had to add it :)</div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-35760265200913885912010-12-24T19:46:00.000-08:002010-12-24T19:50:29.929-08:00...and to all a good night!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVjcj-PfyI/AAAAAAAACqM/xeEZNBJQ9o8/s1600/IMG_9496_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVjcj-PfyI/AAAAAAAACqM/xeEZNBJQ9o8/s320/IMG_9496_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">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!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVkGbngK5I/AAAAAAAACqQ/nSk8zpqV78c/s1600/IMG_9508_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVkGbngK5I/AAAAAAAACqQ/nSk8zpqV78c/s320/IMG_9508_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVkXLlm3DI/AAAAAAAACqU/QBmrgJNio0U/s1600/IMG_9519_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVkXLlm3DI/AAAAAAAACqU/QBmrgJNio0U/s320/IMG_9519_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVlWNSEuDI/AAAAAAAACqc/LqRa8ss7Qu4/s1600/IMG_9531_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVlWNSEuDI/AAAAAAAACqc/LqRa8ss7Qu4/s320/IMG_9531_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">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!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVieX3VXyI/AAAAAAAACqI/_hzk5-HIERs/s1600/IMG_9538_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVieX3VXyI/AAAAAAAACqI/_hzk5-HIERs/s320/IMG_9538_1.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVk5IqSaDI/AAAAAAAACqY/gfPbyUhFTSE/s1600/IMG_9528_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TRVk5IqSaDI/AAAAAAAACqY/gfPbyUhFTSE/s320/IMG_9528_1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">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!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">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. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">-C (x5)</div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-22502376450507316912010-12-12T08:26:00.000-08:002010-12-19T08:39:23.291-08:00Thunder Road Half Marathon<div align="center"></div><div align="center">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!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">This was our very cold (and still dark) pre-race pic!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549833446709979282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT4HZG66JI/AAAAAAAACpY/eUGdUaet_5I/s400/IMG_2653_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549833603535753890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT4QhVGUqI/AAAAAAAACpg/qDvV3OSQAAA/s400/IMG_2654.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">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.<br /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">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!<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549834122752300706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT4uvj-FqI/AAAAAAAACpo/-kDzmOF_z2o/s400/IMG_2659_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549834978238967810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT5gif4sAI/AAAAAAAACpw/PuRvi-MYkpo/s400/IMG_2665_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549835936640717602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT6YU0q0yI/AAAAAAAACp4/Zgg5Ae2v0PI/s400/IMG_2669_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">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!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549836468284566018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT63RWcKgI/AAAAAAAACqA/zetOWTcLODw/s400/IMG_2671_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">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!</p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-2364807365252599792010-12-08T20:27:00.000-08:002010-12-12T08:25:55.145-08:00Snow Hunt!<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548534813970915266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQBbBBKf38I/AAAAAAAACn4/Di1iMVcaptI/s400/IMG_9375.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img class="gl_align_center" alt="Align Center" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" />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! </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548535473166210274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQBbnY251OI/AAAAAAAACoA/FBXXhUM9GZ8/s400/IMG_9378.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">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!) </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548536101379530226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQBcL9IoXfI/AAAAAAAACoI/-BZLKKFCfPQ/s400/IMG_9382.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548543886073066194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQBjRFYM8tI/AAAAAAAACoY/NY0tqd7lZG0/s400/IMG_9392.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548536671644629746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQBctJibOvI/AAAAAAAACoQ/P8Lub8MfPro/s400/IMG_9386.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">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...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549826951061496322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQTyNS7o4gI/AAAAAAAACog/iRMhE-w-ji8/s400/IMG_9411.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><p align="center">This was the wife of the tree farm owner, the kids truley believe she was an elf...</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549832568038373778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT3UPzSOZI/AAAAAAAACpQ/XSdcesMlM18/s400/IMG_9415.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549827292370040146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQTyhKZ79VI/AAAAAAAACoo/rrvhk6iJoFI/s400/IMG_9409.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">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!</p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549828191104960242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQTzVedChvI/AAAAAAAACo4/HwaesZutYkE/s400/IMG_9464.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549830078693490962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT1DWRNwRI/AAAAAAAACpA/HW0o7a9zHec/s400/IMG_9472.jpg" border="0" /></p></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549831402302255506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TQT2QZGIsZI/AAAAAAAACpI/3mmfKiCfaxI/s400/IMG_9471.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">A beautiful tree and some tired kiddos!</p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-38787073065655701392010-11-16T12:48:00.000-08:002010-11-16T13:37:32.571-08:00Our little fish!<div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOL1asPPg4I/AAAAAAAAClA/afBYCBeeBSM/s1600/IMG_6786_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540260330519626626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOL1asPPg4I/AAAAAAAAClA/afBYCBeeBSM/s400/IMG_6786_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div align="center"><div align="center">Carson had his first swim meet this weekend. There are several different teams...the teams are pretty basic..</div><br /><br /><div align="center">1- The beginners. They focus primarily on the 4 different strokes and doing them correctly. To move up to the next team you must be able to do all 4 strokes and swim 10-50's (10 laps, down and back) on the 1 minute. Sounds not so hard.... it is not so easy. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">2- The white team. They focus on endurance and skill. Not even sure how you move up to blue team... we aren't there yet!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">3- Blue team</div><br /><br /><div align="center">4- Red team</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540258588099796882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOLz1RN-35I/AAAAAAAACkw/_vbJW3ftHJ0/s400/IMG_6774_1.jpg" border="0" />This was his beginner coach Mary Jo. She is fantastic! She kept Carson on her team 2 extra weeks just beacuse she wasn't ready to get 'rid' of him. Says he kept up the moral of the whole group and was always willing to do anything she asked!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540253872328940018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOLvixmmGfI/AAAAAAAACkY/h9p97pOvBgs/s400/IMG_6769_2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Carson has been on the beginner's team since starting to swim in September. He took his 'test' to move up to the White team on Thursday! So he had one practice with the more advanced team before his meet. It didn't affect his meet in any way... all events are done by age. </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540257780105227554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOLzGPNELSI/AAAAAAAACko/cwhR62alIpA/s400/IMG_6751_1.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div><p align="center">On Saturday Carson had 4 events and a relay. Unfortunately he was disqualified for 2 events and one relay.... because of improper form on the butterfly and he only touched the wall with one hand, instead of 2 on the breast stroke. Getting disqualified isn't a big deal. It happens to everyone (so we learned). On Sunday he did much better and was only disqualified on one event. He also had 4 events and a relay. He ended up with 3-2nd place finishes and 2-3rd place finishes! That is fantastic for his first meet!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540255871324839458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOLxXIcW3iI/AAAAAAAACkg/uczwLQGb-7A/s400/IMG_6771_1.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is his buddy Roshin, he has really taken Carson under his wing and shown him the ropes. They are so cute together!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540259655175666514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOL0zYYse1I/AAAAAAAACk4/NGjykoN01mo/s400/IMG_6792_1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div><br /></div><p align="center">On Carson's first day of swim practice he ended up crying because he didn't like the back stroke. Said it was too hard! Ironically it's one of his best strokes now! The strokes that he did the best were free-style and back stroke. The swim team has national incentive swim times. They are based on gender, age, and stroke. You get patches to put on your swim bags (a big deal). These are called 'b' times, 'bb' times, 'a' times and 'aa' times. Carson was less than a second from getting 'b' time on his freestyle!<br /></p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540261095754154722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOL2HO9XwuI/AAAAAAAAClI/MmVtA8Vsuw8/s400/IMG_6833_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540263594079490290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOL4Yp8jEPI/AAAAAAAAClQ/lSW1iv1ARp8/s400/IMG_6777_1.jpg" border="0" />His 'b' time for this event would have been 49.19 or better!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540264315250107506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TOL5CohBZHI/AAAAAAAAClY/y2EVIGrReY8/s400/IMG_6778_1.jpg" border="0" /></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-50045691802376135862010-11-09T13:04:00.000-08:002010-11-09T13:12:02.306-08:00Christmas List...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TNm4_TX46nI/AAAAAAAACjw/5Oy1hwtxxDQ/s1600/IMG_3777.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537660614500477554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TNm4_TX46nI/AAAAAAAACjw/5Oy1hwtxxDQ/s400/IMG_3777.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I am using our other blog to help with Christmas lists this year. I refuse to spend money on anything this year that I am not positive it is the right gift. Kids are hard, because they have so many toys, and need so little. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">Please, please send me ideas... or I am very likely not to get anything. I would rather know it's the perfect gift. :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">So, I mean no harm or insult when posting this. Simply ideas. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://carsonssummer2009.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-list.html">http://carsonssummer2009.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-list.html</a></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-45323268333930907892010-10-31T19:12:00.000-07:002010-11-02T20:31:25.988-07:00Barney's Halloween Bash!<div><div><div><div><div><br /><div align="center">Stone Mountain Georgia!</div><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534427035368522034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM48EOZ1gTI/AAAAAAAACi4/0yLmSqBO7Ks/s400/IMG_5541_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">We camped at Stone Mountain Park about 5 years ago, we had such great memories that we were wanting to try it again. We couldn't have had better timing! The trees were perfectly changing colors, and the weather was absolutely amazing! What better motivation than to spend the weekend with my sister and her little birthday girl! Oh, and it always helps that the kids had an extra 1 1/2 days off school! <br /></div><div align="center">---I still have day one pics to add here ---</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Day 2- Everyone insisted on hiking 1.3 miles up the mountain. So, we were off! Once again the kids were amazing... running ahead of us and jumping from rock to rock with such grace. We were completely amazed that there were actually so many hikers, even people running up and down the mountain. I attempted to portray the incline in some of these photos.... it wasn't a 'piece of cake'. It was, however, completely worth it! The views were amazing! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Oh, the Barney explanation... I made the mistake of buying the $5.00 Barney movie for Carrigan. She is completely obessed! I think the entire family knows every word to the 'Halloween Bash'!<br /></div><div><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4k7-mhklI/AAAAAAAAChg/VnkXbggnQd8/s1600/IMG_5824_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534401604920382034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4k7-mhklI/AAAAAAAAChg/VnkXbggnQd8/s400/IMG_5824_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> As we approached this tree Caelyn just couldn't resist touching! She said it looked like gems... it's chewed bubble gum! Ewwww!!! She always sees the brighter things ;)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4j7QYGAaI/AAAAAAAAChY/_WFSRPxvlMw/s1600/IMG_5820_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534400493000196514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4j7QYGAaI/AAAAAAAAChY/_WFSRPxvlMw/s400/IMG_5820_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534404002922113714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4nHj2sKrI/AAAAAAAACho/1n5mbwt-_jQ/s400/IMG_5832_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534409213770623426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4r23xyacI/AAAAAAAAChw/_gpB4Eakjeo/s400/IMG_5846_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534412108314112290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4ufWyu8SI/AAAAAAAACh4/Aa-073c1keY/s400/IMG_5851_1.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><div>Back to crossroads to the ropes course. Carrigan completely enjoyed the kiddie one (with a bit of help from daddy!)</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534416268460147394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM4yRgi1wsI/AAAAAAAACiA/JTmvemZ4xJc/s400/IMG_5895_1.jpg" border="0" /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534418923892503106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM40sEzP8kI/AAAAAAAACiQ/EwnEHlnKgJY/s400/IMG_5907_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>Lilli, just hanging out!</div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534418219813326146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM40DF5sTUI/AAAAAAAACiI/XTbO34P17Dg/s400/IMG_5902_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534420369769498418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM42APHMBzI/AAAAAAAACiY/vPBDEsfPngI/s400/IMG_5923_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534421630752286706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM43Joo6Z_I/AAAAAAAACig/SOGh47ssRGg/s400/IMG_5933.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534423084606340850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM44eQquvvI/AAAAAAAACio/24LrrYnE0Bk/s400/IMG_5989_1.jpg" border="0" /><br />We ate dinner at a Fantastic restaurant... Mrs. Katie's. They actually throw (and I mean throw) the rolls at you. This was Carrigan and daddy 'bumping' cause they were so excited about the rolls! Whopee!!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534424304662363410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TM45lRuwPRI/AAAAAAAACiw/Ls7L2Bxykps/s400/IMG_5996_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-45588206538595770102010-10-01T19:57:00.000-07:002010-10-01T20:21:30.504-07:00Life's "Tri'als<div><div><div align="center">So, last Sunday was a big event for me. I had several first time friend participating in the tri with me and It was the largest event I had done. Always makes it more difficult. It was my first ALL women event also. Come to find out, my swim time was entered 10 seconds too fast. 10 seconds is a lot in the pool! I was a bit nervous. My starts number was 18, but since they had 2 start sides I was actually number 9! Yikes! Well, the swim was fantastic! I actually ended up passing someone and know one even got close to passing me. I might have beat my best time had it not taken me 3 attempts to get out of the pool. I just kept slipping on the ladder! Oh, well. </div><br /><div align="center">The bike was a short quick, easy ride... well other than noticing my helmet was on backwards! Ha! Only me. I couldn't decide it I should leave it, stop and turn it, or attempt to turn it while riding. Well, I decided that I was not stopping! So I did it while riding. The only tricky part was clasping it with one hand. That is clearly a 2-hand job! Anyways, the weather held out for every participant, but poured... completely with lightening and thunder during awards. I finished 16th overall (out of around 1300) and 2nd in my age group. I was happy with that finish. I am about 75% convinced that my tri season is over. Not only is it getting colder but I am navigating through some medical issues. We will see... I am not 100% convinced!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523279656556494978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TKahlYQxAII/AAAAAAAACgw/noFWtU66jMs/s400/flood10012010.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">So, Chad gets a call Wed afternoon informing him that he needed to be in charlotte in about 2 hours. Their USAR (Urban Search and Rescue Team) was being deployed to the coast for flooding. The initial reports were 2 days. They have since been extended to 5, possibly 6 days. The last 2 days he has spent reinforcing local task forces. Nothing too exciting. Early this morning they changed locations. He is now way out in the middle of nowhere. This rural area has no access to EMS or medical care. If things get back, they will get bad quickly. So far the news is reporting 26 inches of rain since sunday and 7 deaths. They are calling this the 100 year flood. He is happy... what man isn't... playing with big ropes, boat and power tools. Not to mention having a hot meal handed to them 3 times a day... not knowing where it came from (or caring). We pray that they give aid where it is needed, but be safe in the process. The kids miss their daddy terribly...</div><div align="center"></div></div></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523280674435650738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TKaigoKEVLI/AAAAAAAACg4/Atok0b4lkXI/s400/flood10012010-2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Here are just a couple pics he sent me. This is his pimpin' ride!</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523280817544139938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TKaio9RylKI/AAAAAAAAChA/wChGJ0GupSo/s400/flood10012010-3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523281396100273906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TKajKokUlvI/AAAAAAAAChI/MY8Ga4pFDwk/s400/flood10012010-4.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523281503556038162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 293px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TKajQ43xbhI/AAAAAAAAChQ/pY5Vsm8U39s/s400/flood10012010-5.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">My favorite! I love the flamingo's!</p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-29166844493655704172010-09-26T17:00:00.000-07:002010-09-26T19:22:53.712-07:00Grandfather Mountain<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521398019594542706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_yPsV6XnI/AAAAAAAACfo/mhgu-EAUiNc/s400/IMG_1670_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_vxce9nJI/AAAAAAAACfQ/0LzpFx8OLsc/s1600/IMG_1580_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521395300918205586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_vxce9nJI/AAAAAAAACfQ/0LzpFx8OLsc/s400/IMG_1580_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center">Grandfather Mountain<br /><br /></div><div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_lnBHTROI/AAAAAAAACeI/dZJ1KgfrRb8/s1600/IMG_1528_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521384126656234722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_lnBHTROI/AAAAAAAACeI/dZJ1KgfrRb8/s400/IMG_1528_1.jpg" border="0" /></a> Starting the trek to the top! So beautiful..<br /><br /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521387103586330546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_oUTCvp7I/AAAAAAAACeQ/-cMZCeBq15g/s400/IMG_1531_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521390600845985698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_rf3WbB6I/AAAAAAAACeo/0GjxDTSiwrM/s400/IMG_1550_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521394538649222322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_vFEz3_LI/AAAAAAAACfI/ze8HuwPI-MI/s400/IMG_1561_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521389416581329986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_qa7nudEI/AAAAAAAACeg/T8ao1o0Y-3o/s400/IMG_1549_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521388792190469874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_p2llWBvI/AAAAAAAACeY/T0KGFL4An68/s400/IMG_1543_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521391304535222690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_sI0zAqaI/AAAAAAAACew/13iEt8Zv__w/s400/IMG_1554_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521392531178310530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_tQOZgy4I/AAAAAAAACe4/VaIVvoC94Fc/s400/IMG_1557_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521393327491980146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_t-k5fG3I/AAAAAAAACfA/Co7BCdaPkQ0/s400/IMG_1559_1.jpg" border="0" />See the theme yet? Kids were having so much fun! They honestly ran up that steep, rocky trail. It was all we could to do keep up :) <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521411131499388770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_-K5_on2I/AAAAAAAACgo/054vsU-KMwo/s400/IMG_1643_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521405840675246242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_5W8I3EKI/AAAAAAAACgA/LZxHAy3NjLE/s400/IMG_1663_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521409226253979938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_8cAZu0SI/AAAAAAAACgY/3nHMNzXeAEg/s400/IMG_1654_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521408677674437282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_78EyLSqI/AAAAAAAACgQ/dzgQXmjOpfE/s400/IMG_1660_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521406540460507538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_5_rCqwZI/AAAAAAAACgI/EUpjN1i-eJo/s400/IMG_1661_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521401179721057586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_1HouyRTI/AAAAAAAACf4/-xCFw_CB2zU/s400/IMG_1665_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521400298399022050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_0UVjPO-I/AAAAAAAACfw/lFo5ne3dIs0/s400/IMG_1666_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">I was so disturbed by this man! He rode his bike all the way up the mountain!! What was he thinking? Geez....crazy!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521383619548893522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_lJf_fUVI/AAAAAAAACeA/bcn8tvmcLBg/s400/IMG_1526_1.jpg" border="0" /><br />So, I don't typically take pics of spiders, but I just happened to have my camera in my hand when I found this one. So, Pops... this one is for you!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_jpSWv7sI/AAAAAAAACd4/evOOG3WCIKQ/s1600/IMG_1523_2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521381966620913346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_jpSWv7sI/AAAAAAAACd4/evOOG3WCIKQ/s400/IMG_1523_2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My favorite, favorite pictures are ones of sleeping, peaceful kiddos. Especially when they are my kids. They were exhausted!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521396848424753314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_xLhZRmKI/AAAAAAAACfg/dEkmcrs6ao0/s400/IMG_1672_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521396306064416594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_wr88fn1I/AAAAAAAACfY/zgFyyIAFWgk/s400/IMG_1674_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJ_fEu637-I/AAAAAAAACdw/CxVZA6HsCGw/s1600/IMG_1678.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-5092448130721067822010-09-13T19:28:00.000-07:002010-09-16T18:45:43.929-07:00Happy Birthday weekend, part 1<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div align="center">Home, sweet camper :)<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517473047441023506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIAgPqDohI/AAAAAAAACbo/d2D13akCcZs/s400/IMG_1506_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">We are fantastically blessed to have friends who let us borrow their camper! This is not just your basic camper! (And they aren't your basic friends ;) ) It has more amenities than our house does! Needless to say, this is the only way I will camp! We did this last year for Chad's birthday weekend and it just worked out again. Chad loves the outdoors and so do the kids. So, this was our weekend in a nutshell. We camped near Grandfather Mountain. Beautiful camground, right on the water. I honestly think the stream was the kids favorite part. The water was probably 60ish degrees! Even Carrigan kept saying 'more wada, more wada!' The weather was beautiful, minus the little bit of rain. But nothing soothes you to sleep more in a camper than rain!</div><br />This is only half of the adventure. We hiked up Grandfater Mountain and even went across the mile high swinging bride. I will make another post with ALL of those pics. Enjoy these for now!<br /><br /><div align="center"></div>All the kids fished. I hate to even mention the name of the place we fished because they were so rude. But they did catch a great fish :) and had so much fun! Glad daddy knows how all that equpiment because all I did was get a hook caught in Caelyns pants... really... not kidding!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517483393710137490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIJ6eg1oJI/AAAAAAAACcQ/G0Vf3NvQu1I/s400/IMG_1474_1.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517681567165579810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJK-JsKgAiI/AAAAAAAACdg/VaLBkV-rJ9g/s400/IMG_1481_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517577654486274226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJJfpLRJkLI/AAAAAAAACdY/P_dehnjvZqo/s400/IMG_1482_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517489426789945890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIPZpfJ0iI/AAAAAAAACdI/SMBEIZUGo6o/s400/IMG_1492_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">I probably gave a little bit too much attention to these 'smores' pictures...We had sooo much fun and it was the first time the big kids at all the ingredients! Yunny... yummy.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517487424840873362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJINlHpTNZI/AAAAAAAACcw/am0ZJBdpgGc/s400/IMG_1512_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517487995054751762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIOGT24gBI/AAAAAAAACc4/N6Ko6GlCn6c/s400/IMG_1509_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517486220472379122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIMfBBeZvI/AAAAAAAACco/zTp8lzTv058/s400/IMG_1514_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517485565181058866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIL4332XzI/AAAAAAAACcg/sxciQfy5C_M/s400/IMG_1519_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517488798757351266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIO1F4g72I/AAAAAAAACdA/JO2yHJ2v5ag/s400/IMG_1508_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div align="center">Daniel Boone Inn is typically a once a year treat for us (Christmas tree shopping). But, we couldn't resist. Look at the pics and you will see why it's one of our favorites!<br /></div><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517690971851867394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJLGtHWcRQI/AAAAAAAACdo/rmTaSAdSz0Y/s400/IMG_1454_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517490493501389410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TJIQXvS-umI/AAAAAAAACdQ/fBO3Gy2ri-s/s400/DBI.jpg" border="0" /></p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-75133855942197231352010-09-07T18:35:00.000-07:002010-09-07T19:00:29.803-07:00Over Cancer...<div align="center">Can't take any more cancer!</div><br /><div align="center">Ava has passed away due to her brain cancer. </div><br /><div align="center">My best friend's mother has a rare type of cancer and just found out today that she will have to take a chemotherapy pill everyday for the rest of her life. This pill makes her insides 'on fire'. She is nothing short of miserable.</div><br /><div align="center">Caelyn's preschool teacher, Mrs. Deanna has newly diagnosed breast cancer.</div><div align="center">This is Caelyn and Mrs. Deann</div><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514353558904327442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIbrWHRnTRI/AAAAAAAACaw/9opEgc_hoKs/s400/IMG_9035_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Struggling today. Holding my kiddos longer and tighter and I might just say that I have a little bit more patience. They are each a blessing and I am sad that I it has taken someone else's tragedy to open my eyes.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Oh, I have an ear infection, sinus infection, strep throat, and mono... but no cancer :)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-82808449841260415782010-09-05T06:41:00.000-07:002010-09-05T07:56:58.813-07:00Praying...<div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Ava<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOfTVzZx7I/AAAAAAAACZw/ud9gTHuOxFU/s1600/IMG_1064_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513425523450693554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOfTVzZx7I/AAAAAAAACZw/ud9gTHuOxFU/s400/IMG_1064_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I'm not exactly sure why this picture reminds me of sweet Ava, although most things these days remind me of her. We pray for her daily, the kids pray for her. Friends, friends of friends, kids of friends.... are all pulling and praying for Ava. This week has been especially tough on me. Things that used to seem to important to me seem...almost trivial. Blessed to have the 3 most amazing and healthy kids, and one rockin' husband!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I am writing this as I learn the news of Ava's passing... No words to express sympathy to the Hunters right now. I now know why that picture reminds me of Ava. Carrigan knew.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513426694430162914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOgXgCqf-I/AAAAAAAACZ4/ooinWo5aLXs/s400/IMG_0962_1.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><p align="center">We recently did a photo shoot at this 'farm'. The family has gone out of town for about 2 weeks and have given us access to come 'play'. The kids (and chad) are in love! They have 23 acres, 3 horses, 6 goats, and countless chickens. In this picture Caelyn is eyeing the chickens as they leave the hen house... she wants to see the eggs! Oh, and the outfit was completely her doing, down to brothers boots!<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513428416952490178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOh7w7_WMI/AAAAAAAACaA/2KCG-Hl5dsU/s400/IMG_0972_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">The rest of the pics are me merely loving the gorgeous NC weather.... and my new camera!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513429384896060802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOi0GzuHYI/AAAAAAAACaI/H5tMnOaX7kc/s400/IMG_1081_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513432830878685474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOl8sGAGSI/AAAAAAAACaQ/Ub-jca3Xw50/s400/IMG_0957_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513433473583565474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOmiGWySqI/AAAAAAAACaY/cYTZSFuHOjE/s400/IMG_1019_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">It is obvious she was a little cranky? The horses sent her over the edge. I still can't resist her many faces!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513434483377723554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOnc4IeWKI/AAAAAAAACag/P6p4LsSgtl4/s400/IMG_1008_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center">Don't think I forgot Carson, he was requesting not to have his picture take today... so I enlisted him as my assistant. All of Carrigan's smiles are because of him. I also bargained with him that I will take him for his own photo shoot. He was surprisingly ok with it.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513436458581365314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TIOpP2VuEkI/AAAAAAAACao/PyIP9yud4AY/s400/IMG_0999_1.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Turning into such a beautiful little lady.<br /></p><p align="center">I do have one more athletic event to blog on... the kids ran in a 1/2 mile fun run! It was really neat. </p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-56174642955008149412010-08-28T19:26:00.000-07:002010-08-28T19:56:09.650-07:00Torture Tri...<div><div><div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnJvuqaEpI/AAAAAAAACZA/UIsUySRKoKY/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510657440881447570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnJvuqaEpI/AAAAAAAACZA/UIsUySRKoKY/s400/IMG_2420.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnJD39eZAI/AAAAAAAACYw/9LzpQY0xdQk/s1600/IMG_2418.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510656687463097346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnJD39eZAI/AAAAAAAACYw/9LzpQY0xdQk/s400/IMG_2418.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">I am blogging this at almost 10:30... and have been up since about 5:00. I have swam 5oo meters, biked 18, ran 3, drove just over 200 miles, done 3 loads of laundry and given 4 baths! All in all, it was a pretty fantastic day. Chad had decided late last week that he wanted to try and open water swim triathlon. I was game, as I knew sitting on the sidelines was not for me. I have been very apprehensive about open water swims for several reasons, mainly the distance. So far my tri's have been anywhere from 250 meters (5 laps) to 400 meters (8 laps). Of which, I had no problems with. I have always enjoyed swimming and while I am not fantastic, I can certainly get it done. So when this tri, at 500 meters, became open it was 'do-able'. The only problem was that it was rated as 'hilly'... and it was almost 18 miles. So far the longest bike I have done has been just over 12 miles. What a difference!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510657141985850898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnJeVMJNhI/AAAAAAAACY4/x5WRNOoxmFQ/s400/IMG_2419.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Anyways, Pops and Nana graciously agreed to watch the kiddos so we could torture ourselves. :) It was quite the different tri. You start in waves based on age and sex. There were 75 women 35 and under starting in my wave. You basically run toward the water as fast as you can. You get kicked, shoved, stepped on... whatever it takes. I kinda stood back and watched, as I didn't need to be in the front of the pack. I quickly learned that the green water I was swimming in made it very difficult to see where you were going! Although I didn't have any problem with the distance it was very different in 'open water'. Chad seemed to enjoy the change and was certainly willing to try it again... regardless of the fact that he HAD to wear a swim cap :) So cute, btw! The bike was rated as hilly, and boy was it ever! In fact towards mile 13 someone went off the opposite side of the road and down and embankment. EMS 'extracted' him on a backboard! Quite an event. I even saw someone either just starting or just finishing (the very hilly) run who had passed out and was lying in the middle of the road! These people are a bit too hard core for us! I did enjoy the bike, I never felt like I wasn't able to finish. Now the run.... a different story. My legs were very tired and while the first mile felt great, miles 2 and 3 didn't go as well. Chad and I both finished. Obviously slower times than we liked, but it was definitely an accompliment. </div><br /><div align="center">The shore we left from</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510658733552072402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnK6-PGdtI/AAAAAAAACZY/Ti1UhfoLhLY/s400/IMG_2412.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510659196103871570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnLV5YCzFI/AAAAAAAACZg/SvGL94hs6HA/s400/IMG_2404.jpg" border="0" /> End of swim...<br /><br /><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510659605427445714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnLtuOY39I/AAAAAAAACZo/7Fmv5ubTxrA/s400/IMG_2401.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">The best part of the race!!!!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510657763564957042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THnKCgwJrXI/AAAAAAAACZI/WFAxupHdBi4/s400/IMG_2421.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div align="center">Might I mention that I am super lucky that not only does Chad encourage and support me but he wants to participate. I love that we have events like this to do together. Even if he is a little more competitive than I am :) </div><br /><br /><div align="center">I only have one more 'scheduled' event right now... end of September. But I am</div></div></div>sure by tomorrow evening we will both have one scheduled sooner! Too funny!</div></div></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-6582518854753315492010-08-28T18:17:00.000-07:002010-08-28T18:24:30.654-07:00Not exactly my style...<div><div align="center">So, we spend the night with Pops and Nana so Chad and I could do this triathlon... I will blog about that later. They asked me to photograph a spider, yes a spider. Like I said, not exactly my style....but ok. Here is it!</div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510636128925123810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THm2XNcEBOI/AAAAAAAACYo/WANmFrU-NB4/s400/IMG_0564_1.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">And just for the record... YUCK!</p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-86492184541979245842010-08-21T19:48:00.000-07:002010-08-21T20:22:47.802-07:00Still catching up...<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCSCiaFRsI/AAAAAAAACX4/o44Y-gEzSQA/s1600/IMG_2343.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508062916567713474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCSCiaFRsI/AAAAAAAACX4/o44Y-gEzSQA/s400/IMG_2343.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="right">So the pics I am starting with are of our Disney trip... Carrigan's first time! She was completely captivated by every moment. In fact, she only napped for about 30 minutes the whole day! All </div><div align="center">3 of the kids loved the fireworks, and the Haunted Mansion didn't even phase them. I honestly feel like we have Disney 'down'. We know the in's and out's and know exactly when to hit the rides, the food... everything! And we definitely have learned NOT to do than one park without a rest day in between.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508061444821086898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCQs3uV8rI/AAAAAAAACXg/uIkslvKFztA/s400/IMG_2324_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508060986152186066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCQSLDJ8NI/AAAAAAAACXY/j0C_cX_-mpw/s400/IMG_2320_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508061776963808738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCRANDVreI/AAAAAAAACXo/Xf_-J6h3xs8/s400/IMG_2326_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508062550354375090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCRtOKBMbI/AAAAAAAACXw/hgYfAcSAzyY/s400/IMG_2338_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508064735067068690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCTsY2HWRI/AAAAAAAACYA/VNUjOCVSFmQ/s400/IMG_5344.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508064978193882594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCT6ikEHeI/AAAAAAAACYI/3_a15t7DM8Y/s400/IMG_5340.jpg" border="0" />Other happenings...<br /><br /><p align="center">We are tentatively planning a joint birthday party for Caelyn and Carrigan on October 23. Hoping for some cooler weather. Should be fun x2!<br /></p><br /><p align="center">The big kids start school on Wednesday. Carson and Caelyn both got the teachers I requested. These teachers are phenomenal! We are super excited for a great year. Within the next 2 weeks Caelyn will be starting gymnastics and Carson will be starting swim team. I can't be more thankful that I can carpool them to and from their 'events'.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508065384489522802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCUSMIflnI/AAAAAAAACYQ/qdLjeHXf054/s400/IMG_2389.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Um.... I completely tri#6 of the summer this morning. It was quite different from the rest. I drove up to Raleigh all by myself, stayed in a hotel.... all by myself. Was very different. I chose this hotel because it was nice, and quiet. Nice and quiet. I only repeat that because the fire alarm went of 3 times. Only between the hours of 11:30 and 4:30. Needless to say I didn't sleep very much, luckily I am used to that. The swim was a bit longer than my presvious tri's... this one was 400 meters, where I usually do 300 meters (8 laps vs 6). Of course my big mistake was losing my goggles 3 seconds before I was to start. They were on the bottom of the pool. So, it took me a couple laps to get in the grove, and I was convinced I lost a contact in the whole ordeal. I didn't and all was good. It was nearly perfect weather. It's hard to compare times with previous tri's because each is a different event. They may be similar distances but some are much more hilly, more hot, rainy. But, all in all it was a good day. My shin's are doing well. Surprisingly I switched back to my old running shoes and it seems to have fixed 'it'. Forgot to mention I placed 2nd today in my age group. I won a towel! The kids (and I) were pretty disappointed. A white towel. Oh, well. Good accomplishment. </p><p align="center">We are hoping to teach our kids to keep busy and lead a healthy lifestyle. When leaving the Y last week Carson asked when he was going to be able to workout after school starts! Too silly. I reassured him he could start running with me, in addition to swim team. I think he is temporarily ok with that answer.</p><p align="center">Results....</p><a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=2021">http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=2021</a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508065836924959090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/THCUshlgeXI/AAAAAAAACYY/N2hX7vDJPZM/s400/IMG_2388.jpg" border="0" />My motivation by Caelyn... it says, 'Caelyn, Mommy I LOVE YOU!'<br /><br /><p align="center">Chad and I are debating long tri next weekend. It would be our first open water swim, and a longer distance. And the bike! It is super hilly and about 5 miles longer than what we are used to. What's life without a challenge here and there... right? I could always fall off my bike and need stitches...or lose my goggles!</p></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-5046802645442376032010-08-19T06:35:00.000-07:002010-08-19T07:33:35.777-07:00Family fun day!<div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG0-A8Kf6FI/AAAAAAAACXA/GAFxBOk5K7Q/s1600/IMG_5664_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507126105215068242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG0-A8Kf6FI/AAAAAAAACXA/GAFxBOk5K7Q/s400/IMG_5664_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><div align="center">Seems I have worn out my old camera, so it was time to sink the money and upgrade (gulp). Here are some of the first pics I took with the new one. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507114700071174146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG0zpEsTAAI/AAAAAAAACVQ/rmUqr-mWqjg/s400/IMG_5555_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">We enjoyed a Saturday afternoon by on the shore (I guess that what you can call it). The kids enjoyed playing in the water, and Aunt Mary even attempted to hold her own against the boys... which proved no easy feat.</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507115251149005698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG00JJnfY4I/AAAAAAAACVY/mouJsD74xhA/s400/IMG_5563_1.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507124844251572402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG083itX6LI/AAAAAAAACWw/M3-mSIrLKCM/s400/IMG_5618_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507115724224824562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG00kr9jhPI/AAAAAAAACVg/qyZKZGqyyCM/s400/IMG_5574_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121891885043186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG06LsSVzfI/AAAAAAAACWQ/aeOYFnevE6k/s400/IMG_5576_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Carson and Ben are hilarious! So different, yet so alike. Every time they are together they pick right back up... like they see each other every day. We are so lucky to have cousins that are so close in age and get along so well :)<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507117808955599378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG02eCMGqhI/AAAAAAAACVw/w1cQCa1e4hc/s400/IMG_5579_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507119594910526834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG04F_Y8LXI/AAAAAAAACV4/CmaoxOx74f4/s400/IMG_5582_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507128288281505426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG1AAAuGLpI/AAAAAAAACXQ/4E3B9c5Xbok/s400/IMG_5684_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507120608574548514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG05A_lRqiI/AAAAAAAACWA/NadJh_d6FzY/s400/IMG_5590_1.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507121113756900994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG05eZiInoI/AAAAAAAACWI/1t1avL39LGw/s400/IMG_5592_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507125479366262946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG09cgshAKI/AAAAAAAACW4/Qtr6WrggBeY/s400/IMG_5625_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Can't help but put these pics of Carrigan in... could just eat her up!<br /><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507122428745246242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG06q8PyZiI/AAAAAAAACWY/mqv6PVKgGBA/s400/IMG_5602_1bw.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507123600220215906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG07vIVL2mI/AAAAAAAACWo/jL7grwz6eCE/s400/IMG_5607_1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507122915996555714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG07HTZjWcI/AAAAAAAACWg/UXFyA89ziwQ/s400/IMG_5603_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507126895724844626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TG0-u9Ct1lI/AAAAAAAACXI/guZxRNqaIL4/s400/IMG_5720_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-51004166137257814392010-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:002010-08-18T20:43:19.768-07:00Learning lessons...<div align="center">Someone who doesn't mind having her picture taken....<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGyl4gyGFWI/AAAAAAAACU4/mfdZykbijcU/s1600/IMG_5768_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506958834658579810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGyl4gyGFWI/AAAAAAAACU4/mfdZykbijcU/s400/IMG_5768_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">I am learning that as I try to teach my kids new things every day, it seems they are teaching me more than I can keep up with. In not so many words Carson and I came to the realization that we do things that we love because we love to do them. Sounds pretty basic. But after all is said and done, it is probably forgotten by most. I enjoy my pictures, so regardless if my kids like to let me take them... I am going to! Ha! Carson didn't exactly like the end of that realization :)</div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506959967355366786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGym6caDbYI/AAAAAAAACVA/BZfXF-9IjFs/s400/IMG_5777_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">We have also learned to surround ourselves with good people. This is hard for Carson, he has a dear friend who sometimes does bad things and makes bad decisions. There are people that bring you up and people that bring you down. We agreed that we 'are' the people that bring you up and only want to be with those people.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506960791474882850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGynqafdSSI/AAAAAAAACVI/HwjVq43uYLE/s400/IMG_5773.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Happy Retirement to Bonnie and Rick! You 2 are an inspiration to our family. Working hard at what you love to do. Glad we could celebrate with you!</div></div>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-10437495244818431082010-08-15T21:01:00.000-07:002010-08-15T21:13:11.339-07:00More FL...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi6df6qxQI/AAAAAAAACUw/wGAI71TFxbM/s1600/IMG_2290_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505855560406975746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi6df6qxQI/AAAAAAAACUw/wGAI71TFxbM/s400/IMG_2290_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div align="center"><img class="gl_align_center" alt="Align Center" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" />My kids are officially fish.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">Not much to blog other than pics... they pretty much speak for themselves. All 3 of them love the water. No fear, no worries. All day, every day. Tan lines to prove it. Besides... I just can't resist her white fanny! </div><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505853570474777490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi4pq13G5I/AAAAAAAACUI/u_QmOEjeWfU/s400/IMG_2182_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505854512522868242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi5ggPoNhI/AAAAAAAACUg/to9_dFcOeCg/s400/IMG_2185_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">They just kept going and going...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505853918695978018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi498EQ9CI/AAAAAAAACUQ/6tnPlIpozt8/s400/IMG_2172_1.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505854188481916978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi5NpGPsDI/AAAAAAAACUY/zo2MgxvU_kE/s400/IMG_2176_1.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505854962302226354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGi56rzYj7I/AAAAAAAACUo/FxRwK45WkLo/s400/IMG_2264_1.jpg" border="0" />The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-15219787972076382992010-08-12T11:36:00.000-07:002010-08-15T21:01:36.772-07:00FL!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRTkJ1eDnI/AAAAAAAACUA/0Hsp8Wgvjio/s1600/IMG_2282_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504616525134171762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRTkJ1eDnI/AAAAAAAACUA/0Hsp8Wgvjio/s400/IMG_2282_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div align="center">Our FL trip! Well, we decided that it isn't often that we can just pick up and go where we want when we want so we did! Chad packed up the van (kudos to him- he has some crazy amazing talent to make things fit... still working on marketing that!) and I left with the kids. Yes, just me and the 3. I was a little worried because our recent beach trip was not to much fun. But everyone actually did fantastic! Not one complaint, and no ear plugs. :) We left Tuesday and since Chad was working he flew down friday. </div><br /><br /><div align="center">We had such a great time! The kids stayed with camp grandma, which I honestly can't believe I didn't get a picture of! It was a fort in the corner. They honestly slept and napped there the entire time! Crazy kids!</div><br /><div align="center">One thing I have been trying to complete is Carrigan's profile. We had the older two done several years ago and when I found out I was pregnant I went to get the same frame. It has been empty now (on the wall) for almost 2 years. We unsuccessfully attempted the profiles in april. But i was determined. So we braved downtown Disney. Now, mind you I love these profiles. I love the fact that when we had them done, the artist was fantastic with the kids, she was quick and friendly AND they look amazing. So, this time I expected nothing less. Wrong. The man couldn't have been more opposite. It was torture to say the least. Of course we pay... then look at them. They were horrible! Horrible! Horrible! There is no way to make Carrigan not look cute, just isn't possible. So we truck on over to customer service. 10 minutes later we had 4 free Disney tickets (apparently they do the profiles on main street). Seriously! Was that easy, and we got our money back for the horrible ones. :) I love a deal, and the kids LOVE Disney!</div><br /><br /><div align="center">So, here are some pics from dowtown Disney...</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRBDfNDAZI/AAAAAAAACTY/z_M6iBmHWqA/s1600/IMG_2268_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504596172725223826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRBDfNDAZI/AAAAAAAACTY/z_M6iBmHWqA/s400/IMG_2268_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504612541656182546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRP8SOTrxI/AAAAAAAACTw/7-PwlkCFm8k/s400/IMG_2279_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504597539085861010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRCTBSzwJI/AAAAAAAACTo/HOZXiDmBnYY/s400/IMG_2278_1.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504612893251121154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGRQQwBEsAI/AAAAAAAACT4/Ko80LxGOC8k/s400/IMG_2281_1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Giradelli ice cream... a Michael favorite.</p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7471215189584147507.post-81969657029102498742010-08-11T20:24:00.000-07:002010-08-11T20:36:35.962-07:00Not sure anybody reads this anyways...<div align="center"><br /><div align="center">Some days I even debate spending the time to update this I as i know very few people who actually read it, or care. Needless to say when I do update it i must think someone does...</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504359514010863106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGNp0IyoxgI/AAAAAAAACTA/O9XtVQgDMO0/s400/IMG_2134.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><p align="center">Funny moment caught before we left for my last tri. They loved the swim caps!<br /></p><p align="center">This was by far my worst tri, unfortunately because I was so excited about it! We ended up getting a hotel room AND taking the kids as we had no family around and couldn't afford a sitter. We definitely learned our lesson the hard way! No sitter= No tri! It was a miserable cold and rainy morning. I didn't care much, but poor Chad was toting 3 cold and tired kiddos around. The kids even made signs to cheer me on, but the rain made them very difficult to hold.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504360299073282226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGNqh1YGoLI/AAAAAAAACTI/ie92XDfgGBo/s400/IMG_2149_1.jpg" border="0" /></p><br />I even finished after riding over half the bike course with a flat tire (no fun). Was a fantastic workouts on my legs... just what I need before my 3 mile run! My times were ok. But to be expected. The rain stopped shortly after we got out of the pool, but many bikers busted on the slick roads. Luckily, I didn't this time!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504360828545151618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nolmGSgGDdE/TGNrAp0CMoI/AAAAAAAACTQ/jMLmOzLTbIM/s400/IMG_2166_1.jpg" border="0" /></div><p align="center">My biggest fans!</p><p align="center">Nothing to exactly be proud of, but I did have a flat tire :)</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=1976">http://www.setupevents.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=event_results&id=1976</a></p><p align="center">Like I said before, I have no idea what this means, except that I went up in 'standings'.</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.setupevents.com/files/FemaleAge_SS.htm">http://www.setupevents.com/files/FemaleAge_SS.htm</a></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">lots more pics from our fantastic FL trip to come... :)</p>The 'C' Michaels- all of us...http://www.blogger.com/profile/00367527086106376554noreply@blogger.com8