Spring Break 2012

We had a wonderful spring break and enjoyed EVERY minute of time together! I feel so blessed to have had these days with Russell and Sloane. We made some terrific memories over the past week. I could not choose just a few pictures to share so I put together a slide show to show our fun. Happy Easter to all!!!

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Sloane's Easter Musical

This week we were delighted to attend Sloane's final Easter musical with Grace Christian Learning Center. These musicals always bring tears to my eyes. Hearing the voices of children sing about Jesus' sacrifice gives me goose bumps. The best part is, they TRULY understand the message! Sloane looked absolutely adorable in the dress and headband she picked out all by herself. She sang her little heart out and was exhausted by the end. She even had a few yawns during the final song.

Sloane next to her pal Sadie

She loved waving to us any chance she got.
"The name of God is, a mighty fortress, all who run and they are safe."

"God's not dead. He sure is alive. He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion."

"Lifted up, he defeated the grave, raised to life, our God is able."

Good friends; Sloane, Hope, and Sadie. All 3 have birthdays within the next month!

Here is a short video clip from one of her songs.

A Few Favorite Pictures

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The Happenings of a Year

A year of time means so many things. Kids grow, new jobs begin, love is found, tragedies occur, milestones are reached, awards received, vacations take place... As a year passes, new memories are made and join the memories forever etched in your mind. Laughter is heard as family and friends celebrate joyous occasions that bring you together and remind you of the love that surrounds you everyday. Whether it's a holiday, a birthday, a wedding, or a shopping trip, you smile for the camera knowing that this is a day you will remember. Over the past year, I have had several of these moments. Moments that I feel so blessed for what I have. I smile, but then I always remember - she's not here to share this with. You see, my mom celebrated her 1st birthday in Heaven yesterday. Not a day has gone by that I don't think about her and want to call her. Yesterday, while shopping with Aron at the mall, all I could think about was all the things I needed to tell Mom. Bottom line... there is no better person to shop with then MY MOM!!! As much as I love my husband, "shop-til-you-drop" is not something he quite understands! Aron and I made yesterday about Mom and did things that reminded us of her. We ended the day shopping and going out to eat. I chose a burger and Aron chose ribs - two of Mom's favorite meals. As the day came to an end, I sat alone eating ice cream and thinking of Mom. My memory making won't end, but it will never be the same without Mom to share it with. I love you Mom!

A year ago, I traveled through a snowstorm to be with Mom. This year, a heat wave!!! As much as Mom enjoyed keeping tabs on the weather, I can not help but believe she has something to do with this marvelous March we've had! Sloane talked me into filling up the pool on Wednesday.

Russell enjoyed a water fight with a neighborhood buddy.I have such wonderful friends. My co-workers surprised me with an edible fruit arrangement. We have been enjoying it ALL weekend!My friend, Michelle, remembered that Mom used to make chocolate zucchini bread so she made a loaf for me!!! It was delicious!!!Flowers from my dad and Aron.Flowers from my friend, Theresa. I also received several cards, texts, emails, and Facebook messages. Thank you to all my wonderful friends and family!!!My dad spent the weekend at the cottage. Typically the cottage is unreachable by car this time of year due to snow and mud. Thanks to the beautiful March weather, he was not only able to drive in, but he and my aunts launched the sailboat!!! Unheard of in March!!!Mom's ashes and headstone are at the cottage overlooking the lake. Dad was sure to bring her flowers on this special day. She was smiling I'm sure when the sailboat ventured out!

We Love Sunshine!!!

We are enjoying every minute of this wonderful March weather! We have been outside as much as possible enjoying walks around the neighborhood, playtime at the park, a trip for ice cream, and so much more. It looks like the nice weather will continue on this week and we are hoping it remains this way forever! Last night Aron and I enjoyed sitting on the patio with our neighbors until almost midnight! It is one of our traditions to spend at least one evening a week during the warm months out on our patio. Aron and I call this "Patio Night." This was the first March "Patio Night" we have every had!!! Here are just a few pics from our marvelous weekend.

The kids had fun putting together their little greenhouse they received from Uncle Tom and Aunt Marilyn. What a fun project!

Russell planted sunflowers and zinnias.Sloane planted marigolds and zinnias.This cross bow and target was a Christmas gift from Uncle Keith, Aunt Kelly, and Papa. Russell was so excited to bring them outside to practice his shooting!Sloane was ready for a walk around the neighborhood with her babies.Our first 2012 trip to DQ! There are sure to be many more - especially if this weather continues.

A Busy Spring Ahead - A Post About ME!

Well, it is that time of year...TRAINING time!!! I've got my new shoes broken in, training schedule planned out, and a new goal! The goal being 2 medals! Yep, TWO! How? I have made the decision to run two spring half marathons just 3 weeks apart. The first will be in April when Aron and I head back to Nashville for the Country Music 1/2 marathon. The best part about this race is that Aron will be joining myself and his best friend, Gregg in running it. This will be Aron's first 1/2 marathon and I am so excited for him!!! Then, 3 weeks later I will be flying to Myrtle Beach and joining two of my best gal pals, Maria and Sarah, in running the Diva 1/2 marathon! I could not resist the idea of running along the ocean in a girl only event that serves you roses and champagne at the finish line! Could it get any better than that? I am super excited for these challenges and am anxious to get into prime running shape over the next two months. I won't be raising money for these races - but don't worry - come summer time I will be back with Team DetermiNation raising money for the American Cancer Society as I train for my 2nd FULL marathon! Yes-sir-eee... I am doing it again!!!

The following quote is less about running than it sounds and more about personal challenges I have had to overcome throughout the past 12 months. It's not so much about the pain in my lungs, but the pain in my heart.

Tumble, Jump, Chop, and Kick!

Both Russell and Sloane are staying busy these days with their extracurricular activities! Russell began karate a couple of months ago and enjoys going 2-3 times a week. I am extremely impressed with the owners and instructors of TDS Family Martial Arts! Russell has learned so much including Korean vocabulary, muscle coordination, and self-discipline. Most importantly, he LOVES it!!! Sloane continues to enjoy dance class once a week and beginning today she has added gymnastics onto her list of activities. After a month of begging Aron and I to sign her up for gymnastics class, we finally caved and agreed to an 8-week session at Troy Gymnastics. Needless to say... she LOVED every minute of tumbling, balancing, jumping, and swinging! As tiring as it can be shuffling around to all these extra activities, I am loving every minute of it! Watching them have fun is such a reward! Luckily I am still able to squeeze my runs in! I have also convinced Aron to join me in running the Nashville half-marathon in April!!! So...we are in full training mode at our house. Now, if spring would arrive everything would be perfect!

My Gymnast!

Ready, Set, Hi Ya!