My Scarlett...

Who needs a photographer when you've got a good camera and a little photo shop? I am no where near a photographer but I enjoy doing my own children's photo's. Once a year we like to do new ones...special ones of just them, to look back on one day. Scarlett was the one I was most afraid of doing. She rarely even looks at the camera, and is the opposite of a ham. She is very reserved when she knows she's putting on a show. I finally got this one after about 15 minutes of picture taking, and this is one of the only ones that turned out. Woohoo! We got lucky...and she is as cute as bug. I love this little lady.

I haven't got to the other kids photo's yet, but I will post them as soon as I do.

I run like a girl...

At my last half Marathon in Tacoma, after picking up our shirts from the Expo, we (like always) decided to browse and see what cool running products were being sold. I rarely buy anything, but once in a while I can't resist the temptation. I saw a shirt that had the above quote on it. I looked at my friend and said "wouldn't it be fun to run in a shirt like that?" She quickly put me in my place and reminded me how unfun it would be to be wearing that, and to be passed. I had a quick mental picture of people passing me and snickering, and looking over their shoulder at me after leaving me in the dust. I didn't buy the shirt.

Running for the soul...

I stole this picture from an online running group that I belong to. I couldn't resist.

My best friend has had some big time issues with her IT band (part of her leg) and she was finally instructed that she needed to lay off running for at least 6
weeks. This leaves me running with none other than....(drum roll)....myself. It's been interesting times being alone, I have to say. The negatives are obvious. I can't visit with my bff about daily happenings, which I love being able to do. No more talking about what happened last week on Survivor or Grey's Anatomy. (We always have very intelligent conversations you know.)

On the other hand, it's also been good for me, in a very temporary kind of way. I have realized that I can do it alone, even if I don't want to, and that I do have the motivation to get my rear out of bed and venture out in 30 degree weather. Which I must say, is a lot harder to do when you're running solo.

During my run this morning I went to turn my music on and my ipod was totally dead. This too, was good for me. I just thought about anything and everything in that 4 miles, that I don't have time to think about at any other time of day.

I believe that running isn't just good for the body, it's an awesome pick me up for the soul as well. I am grateful to be a runner, even if I do look like the goofy little girl in the photo. :)

Try to find me...

I gotta tell ya, that Halloween game night always stresses me out a little. Coming up with a costume can make me a nervous wreck. I'm not that creative and so it causes odd amounts of anxiety. This year my kids made it easy for me when they said "How about Where's Waldo??" In light of their obsession with these books, we went with it. It was actually a lot of fun dressing up us a nerd. I loved wearing glasses, ha!

We went with our good friends, the Three...uh, make that Two Amigo's. It was a blast as always and I came away asking "why were you stressed about that??" It was great and the hostesses happen to be obsessed with scary freaky things, which made it all the more fun. I love Halloween. This is one of my most favorite times of the year. Now time to bring on the real deal.

P.S Try to ignore my dirty mirror in the background.

Wonderful mockery...

This picture might clue you in as to who I don't want to see as our President, next term.

So, this is love...

I love bedtime pictures when the kids are asleep. This is a time when they can get all snugly and not even know it. I like to creep up on them unaware, and sneakily shoot a picture. The flash usually goes off and they rustle a little, and then resume there adorable cuddling. I love these sweet kids.

White trash...

Okay, so our trash man picks our trash up once a week, and I swear to you, we have more trash than I can believe. I guess It's because we are a big family, but holy heck! It's costing me like $50 a month! Craziness. If I were a better recycler I wouldn't be paying so much, but recycling takes too much effort, and Chris hates it too.

Our drive way is just long enough that Chris doesn't like to pull both the large cans out, so he drives them on the good old Lawn mower/trash transporter. The kids love to get a ride when he does this. Only, normally it's only one or two kids, but last night 5 kids ended up on there. I hope these kids realize how lucky they are to have Chris as a dad. He really is one unique guy.

Mexico...

I have officially received a stamp in my passport. I have always wanted to leave the Country just to see what is out there, and thanks to my husband and my best friends husband...I was able to. I didn't know what to expect when we arrived in Puerto Vallarta, but when we were attacked at the airport by timeshares and taxi cabs, I have to admit I was very overwhelmed. Knowing hardly any Spanish at all also made it that much more discouraging. Thankfully my friend Tammy knew a little and that certainly helped.

Where we were was so poor. It was so obvious we were not in America anymore. Little kids (two years old) would be riding in the front seat with their heads hanging out the window. The buses were only 30 cents each way. Homes were small and run down. It was one of the most humbling experiences I have ever had.

While we were there we decided to go to church and the spirit was so strong. It was testimony meeting and I didn't understand a word spoken, yet I knew it was real. I thought the people were wonderful. It was my favorite part of the whole vacation.

We flew to Cancun 4 days into our trip to escape a hurricane and being in Cancun was like being in America. It was so beautiful. But I wouldn't trade the experience of Puerto Vallarta.

I missed my kids and husband but was able to Skype them every night. It was wonderful! Chris was an amazing dad while I was gone, and I came back appreciating him and my kids more than ever. I am thankful that he is a husband that encourages me to spread my wings and seek adventure. I am not unaware that many husbands would have not been keen on the idea (and understandably), but he never blinked an eye...and I love him for that.

So, all in all? I loved Mexico...but if I ever leave the country again, it will be to a new and exciting place. But I have a feeling it won't be for a few more years. :)

Love you girls...

I absolutely love girlfriends, and girls nights. And when there's pedicures, dinner and dessert all wrapped up in one? I'm one happy girlfriend, myself. There's nothing like being able to talk to other girls about life, concerns, and raising kids, etc. And no matter what, I always come away feeling validated, relaxed, and happy. Oh, and the laughter is something I couldn't live without. Thanks girls for being so awesome in my life.