Camping

Last weekend was our little camping trip to Mexia(Meh-hay-ya), TX.  We met up with a couple friends- Jake, Kelly & kids.  It was fun to get out and enjoy cold mornings with mexican hot chocolate, tin foil dinner, s'mores, and long talks by the camp fire.  Yum.  Thanks J & K for making this happen- it was tons of fun.  Hopefully we can get more people out next time- it'd be a blast to have a big group! 

 

We were in town and asked two different people how to pronounce the name of the city, Mexia.  A white older woman said "Meh-hay-ya" and a Latino guy said "Meh-hee-ya"... so who knows how to say it...but it was a very friendly little town.

We tried going on a 'hike' but there are no mountains nor hills even!  I also was a little nervous to go camping in Texas because I didn't know what kinds of bugs to expect.  The only thing I saw were mosquitos (which attacked my left ankle for some reason. i guess i missed that ankle when i was bug spraying), and gigantic daddy long legs!  Wow they were huge and they were all over on the outside of our tents.   Eww sick.  There was a lake there, but Pax was the only brave one to swim in it- for several reasons.  First- the lake looked pretty dirty and gross, and there were two huge signs that said ''Caution: Alligators in lake'', and ''Caution: Snakes in lake'' or something to that effect.  Yeah- very brave.

Yesterday I got my pedicure, which felt amazing and looks amazing.  They always do such a good job, but I always notice the girls giving the pedicures ask their customers if they want another service, trying to get more money out of us - ya know.  So, they asked Ann and Heather if they wanted a manicure, or little upgrades on their pedicures, and then they asked me if I wanted my eyebrows waxed.  Why do they always ask me if I want my eyebrows waxed???? And they ask NO ONE ELSE! They asked me last time I was there too.  And the lady that asked me this time wasn't even the one giving me a pedi, she was doing Ann's pedi.  Do they look THAT bad that you notice them clear across the room? Sheesh people! I know they can get a little funky but not that bad right? 

I actually just got them done at an Indian salon in Irving called Styles of India.  She threaded my eyebrows and my upper lip. OUCH!  She said that it hurts the worst when you do it for the first time, but every time after it gets easier to tolerate.  It's true. This was my second time to do my brows and lip.  My brows really didn't hurt at all; just felt like regular plucking.  My lip didn't hurt as bad as the first either, although it definitely still made tears roll down my face.  It was funny because when she got done, she gave me a mirror to look at myself and make sure everything looked alright.  When I looked at myself, I kinda laughed because I looked horrible.  It looked like I had just gotten punched in the face.  My eyes were red, tears rolling down my face, my lip was red, and my hair was CRAZY from the pouring rain that hit as I was getting out of the car to go in the salon.  haha.  Very funny.  So, great experience with threading.  I recommend doing it if anyone is thinking about it.  There is no rash that you may possibly get from waxing.  Just slight redness that lasts a couple hours. And they threaded surprisingly fast.  I was in and out in 10 minutes.

We've got Paxton's family's pumpkin carving contest this Friday night.  We'll see who the winner is this year! Wish me luck...

Last Call

Myself and Ann will be going at about 6pm tonight to get a pedi. If anyone still wants to join, either let me know or meet us there. We'd love to see you!!

Pedi

Hey- does anyone wanna get a pedi with me either Tuesday or Saturday? I wanna get it done at Grand Nail Salon in Frisco.. they have always done a great job... Anyone who's interested, let me know and we'll meet up!! Most likely it'll be Saturday- maybe around noon?
(Do I have to make a reservation? Anyone know?)

apples

My FIRST attempt at baking an apple pie  = Success.

Tyler Half Marathon

{Click on this to enlarge}

I'm peering through those two guys' heads below the shine.. hehe

YES! I did it. I finished my half-marathon I've been training for for so long.  So here's a few details.  

The night before I slept pretty well.  I was anxious, but nothing like Christmas Eve or anything... except that I had a dream that my alarm didn't go off, so I woke up late and missed the race.  Nightmare!

The race started at 8:00am.  I woke up several times, but finally arose at around 6:30, got ready, ate breakfast - grapefruit, toast, yogurt, banana, and water, then got to the start line at 7:15am.   About 20 minutes before the race, I had to use the ladies room aka porta-potty... so I went.  About 2 minutes before the race started I had to go again.. but I didn't have time.  It wasn't that bad anyway, I thought. I could hold it.  Wait- I'm running 13 miles--I don't know how well that will go over.  We'll just have to wait and see.  

The first 5 miles were great.  Easy breezy.  As I was approaching the 6 mile marker, an older guy who had part in organizing the race was coming up on me, and mentioned that from mile 6 to about 6.75 is the worst hill he's ever seen.  OH GREAT! Once I got close enough to mile 6, boy he wasn't kidding.  I started going a good pace and eventually passed that old guy.  After about half way through the hill, i realized I was only half - way through, and also realized I couldn't keep this pace up.  Especially since I felt like I was climbing a mountain.  Ok- a little exaggeration- but after already running 5 miles- I can exaggerate right?  After that hill, it got better and flattened out for awhile, but not for too long.  There weren't any major hills like that, but definite steady inclines that last forever.  It really was a tough course. 

Mile 8: I see a shiny candy blue Corvette pull up with my cute hubby and Steve cheering me on.  It was great to get that extra encouragement.  They met me at about mile 9 too.  That was fun.

Meanwhile, my bladder seems to be getting fuller and fuller.  Of course I hydrated myself throughout the race also, to give me a little extra fuel.  Mile 10: There's no more holding. Luckily I was in a somewhat wooded area.  I pulled over, actually right next to a house with a wall of trees so oncoming runners wouldn't see me(except for the biker going the opposite way-whoops).  Relief.  

Back on track- the next mile and a half was good.  Then a side stitch came on.  Grr-I hate those.  I tried everything to get rid of it.  I tried to run it out. I tried to walk it out.  I tried to push up and in under my ribcage. I tried pushing it really hard.  Gratefully, it went away and I could run a little longer.  A little before mile 12: Tired and struggling to keep running.  I stopped more frequently than I wanted to, but it was so hard to find the extra strength to keep running and just FINISH.  Runners were passing me, reminding me that I was ALMOST THERE, and DON'T STOP NOW.  I was getting so mad at myself that I couldn't keep running.  Once I heard people at the finish line and then finally saw the mile 13 marker, I took off.  

I finally crossed the finish line 2 hours and 3 minutes later.  My goal was under 2 hours.  I was just 3-4 minutes off, but I am still happy with my time, and feel very grateful that I was able to participate and finish my race.  I was planning on doing a marathon in February, but quickly rejected that idea at about mile 10.  Maybe in a year.  I DO however plan on running another half marathon in February-instead of that full.  Also the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day, and maybe the Jingle Bell Run in December.  So, there are definitely races in the future that I am looking forward to.  Fun Fun!  Well that's my report on my race.  It was a super fabulous day.  Later that day we spent time with Paxton's uncle John and his kids.  They are all so cute, and this little girl was attached to me once I walked in the door.  It was fun to be around them.

I was exhausted though, and as usual, didn't feel too well.  After lots of water, a little food, a long, much needed nap, visit with Nonnie- Pax's grandma, and a light dinner, I was back to normal.  Recovery went well and am now back to running.

QuEsTiOn

Hey everybody.
Ok- I have decided I want to get some facial hair removal done. I need suggestions, comments, tips, advice, referrals, anything on what type of hair removal I should do and who to go to, a brand I should use, anything. Should I wax? Thread? Use a cream? Have any of you used anything that you like? Let me know- I am searching. And I also want to do it pretty soon so that if I happen to break out or have some kind of reaction( i really hope that's not the case), it has time to GO AWAY.
I have done threading before- which hurts really badly, but it works really well. If I remember right, I didn't have a rash either. I got my brows and lip threaded before I got married. But it HURT. I'm sure waxing hurts too but... I don't know. I just want any feedback - ok?! ASAP!

On another note, I just want to quickly say that I love my husband SO MUCH. He is so good to me. The past 2 years have passed by so quickly, and I can't WAIT to see what the rest of our years together has to offer to us. I am grateful that he encourages me, comforts me, helps me, and loves me everyday. I have the best husband ever. Love you Pax.

OK- time for comments...

2nd Year Anniversary

Well, since I usually never post anything (this is Paxton by the way), I figured I would make this post on our 2nd Year Anniversary. Since it falls on a Monday we decided to mostly celebrate it over the weekend. With General Conference it was kind of tough, but we managed to go to Macaroni Grill on Saturday night and then take these cool pictures (see below) on Sunday. Abby made this tradition when we got married that she would try on her wedding dress every year to make sure she still fits. I had a lot of fun taking pictures of her and I honestly thinks she looks better than the day we got married.

Abby is so important to me in my life. She truly is my best friend and I always enjoy the time we spend together. She makes me laugh more than anyone else and I am so glad she is my wife. Love you Abby!!!

Enjoy the pictures...

That is the flower the waiter gave us at Macaroni Grill the previous night. They also had a girl sing Opera to us. It was pretty cool.

Everytime I look at this picture I think this is how Abby would pose back in the old western days when nobody smiled. If only she had a fancy hat and a couple of guns.

Love Him!

I have the best husband ever.  Last night I went to the General Relief Society Broadcast.  While I was there, he had gone to a buddy's house to hang out.  Once the meeting was over, I called him and let him know I was on my way home.  He said, Ok I'll leave right now - be there in a minute.  When I walked in the door, he had this displayed for me.  I started to cry a little bit.  I had already been a little emotional and weepy from the R.S. meeting, so it was easy to cry over little things.  I just love him SO much.  He does sweet little things like this for me all the time.  He always gives me little back rubs, makes me lunch when I'm rushing to get ready, laughs at my stupid jokes, makes me laugh with his stupid jokes, visits me at work, cleans the whole apartment by himself-cuz i'm lazy, and so many other things.  He's the best thing in my life- i love him so much!!!!

Tag

Tagged by Jeni

1. what are the last 3 things you purchased

*green apples
*nectarines                      all from Costco
*sharp cheddar cheese


2. What are the last 3 songs you downloaded?

* Winter Wonderland - Bing Crosby 
* Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Michael Buble'
* Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives ...... Can you tell I've been craving Christmas music? 


3. Where were the last 3 places you visited?

* Waco, TX
* Tyler, TX
* Idaho Falls, ID


4. What are your three favorite movies?
     There are too many, but a few I like are...
* My Best Friend's Wedding - by the way- does anyone have that movie- I wanna watch it. ha
* Robin Hood (cartoon)
* Lord of the Rings- always a fave


5. What are your 3 favorite possesions?

* piano
* flat screen TV
*  Paxton

6. What are 3 things you cant live without?

* peanut butter
* running/working out
* Paxton

7. What would be your 3 wishes

* To be able to live close to both of our families and have enough money to go visit whenever we want. 
* Paxton to have a job that he LOVES (maybe his own business) and me a stay-at home mom.
* To have already accomplished running a marathon. 


8. What are 3 things you have not done yet?

* Run a marathon- or half for that matter.
* Been out of the country - which will change in about a month :)
* Eaten a gallon of ice cream by myself... has anyone?


9. What are your 3 favorite dishes?

* mashed potatoes, gravy, ham, veggies, & a roll.
* chicken & broccoli casserole OR chicken roll ups
* Beef or chicken fajitas from Julios


10. What 3 celebrities would you want to hang out with the most?

* President Monson- he's a celeb right?
* Sandra Bullock- I don't know why but I've always liked her. I wrote her a letter in 5th grade telling her how much I admired her, expecting a letter back from her... she never wrote back. I was so sad.
* Jessica Simpson- so i could feel smart, hang out with the Cowboys, and go to a few workout sessions with her trainer. 


11.Name 3 things that freak you out

* Spiders and bugs- ewwww! 
* Scary movies
* Dark and alone


12. If you could describe yourself in 3 words what would it be

* Friendly
* Frugal
* athletic

13. Name 3 unusual things you are good at

* baking
*  Spelling--- try me.
* falling asleep in 30 seconds at night


14. What are three things you are currently coveting?

* a TiVo
* an SUV or truck 
* shoes of all kinds- especially these Nike Shox


15. Name 3 bloggers you tag

* Anjeannette
* Melanie or Jessica-whoever keeps it updated :)
* Krista H.

10K

Last Saturday a couple friends (Kelly & Sam) and myself ran a 10K at the Dallas Arboretum.  This was my first official race.  I ran the Susan G Komen race 1 year ago, but that doesn't count.  So it was pretty exciting to see how everything works.  The runners had to line up according to their pace per mile.  I should've been at the 8:00-8:30 marker, but well Kelly & Sam are way faster than me, so I started with them.  They quickly ran off ahead of me once the race started though. Haha- it was expected.  Anyway, my 'unofficial goal' was to run the 6 miles in 50 min or less.  Unfortunately I didn't meet that goal. Here are my stats:

My division was age 20-24.  So anyway, it was a fun experience.  I was really counting on my adrenaline to give me a little more energy than it did.  Oh well.  I am just hoping it will help me in my half-marathon.  Eeek!  Unfortunately this week has not been a good one.  I have been SO tired. Who knows why.  My alarm goes off at 5:25 am and my eyes can hardly open.  Usually I'm pretty good about getting up and going, but this week I just have been so exhausted.  I've only run 3 miles on Tuesday- and those 3 miles were tough!  Someone, please give me something to re-motivate me.  After training for so long, you kinda get drained and I think that's where I'm at right now.  I've only got 2 more weeks before my race and I'm kind of freaking out because I'm not as motivated as I used to be, and I feel I am digressing in my training.. boo.   Ok, enough talk, I'm going to DO something about it... right?!

Flashback

I was flipping through our pictures we have on our computer, and found this one of the boys all line up ready for some "Front Yard Football" or 'FYF'.  That was Paxton's kind of fun growing up.  

And this was mine.  {I love Johnny's HUGE hair.  He always had so much hair. haha} 

Here's another one I thought I'd share.  Yes I have mastered the pb&j making skills. [WHAT AM I WEARING? I actually remember those gray jumper sweats..funny]

I am anxiously anticipating the 10k race tomorrow.  I want it to get here already.  It SHOULD be a somewhat easy run.  I'm just hoping I finish in a decent time.  Aack!  I also SHOULD run an extra 4 miles on top of that to be on my training schedule... hmm I wonder how I'm going to do that. 

Another thing I am VERY anxiously waiting for is CHRISTMAS !!! I have downloaded 4 Christmas songs from itunes because we have no Christmas CD's, and have been listening to them for a few weeks now.  ha.  I think I just CANT WAIT to go to IDAHO for Christmas, that the thought of it makes me so happy.  I just can't wait to play in the snow, or even HAVE snow on Christmas, see all my neph/nieces and fam, and just vaca for 2 weeks.  But we sure will miss you Ann & Heather :( 

This past Sunday, Elder Bednar came to our stake and spoke to us.  It was an amazing experience and he is such a great speaker.  He just captivates the whole congregation and keeps their attention the entire time he speaks.  He spoke for an hour, but it surely didn't seem like it.  The spirit was so strong there, I loved it.  Plus we had some rockin' seats, so that was even better!  

Wish me good luck on my race!!!!

Ciao !

"These are SO FREAKIN' GOOD!"

That's what Pax said this morning after scarfing down my sour cream blueberry muffins.  So, I thought I'd share the recipe.

Sour Cream Blueberry Muffins

1/4 c. butter-room temp.

3/4 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

3/4 c. sour cream

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1 c. frozen blueberries

Cream butter, sugar, and eggs one at a time.  Beat well.  Sift flour, salt, and soda together.  Add to butter mixture, alternately with sour cream.  Add vanilla. Gently rinse and fold in berries.

Bake @ 350 deg. for 12-15 minutes.  Makes 12 large muffins.

Yum.

Stake Volleyball Tourney

Last night and all of Saturday morning we had a Stake Volleyball Tournament.  We had 3 teams- women's, men's, & co-ed.  Our women's team won last night, so we played again this morning and won, so we made it to the championship.  Unfortunately we lost against the young single adult team.  Our men's team got out quickly with the double elimination, losing both matches last night.  Our co-ed team did about the same thing as the men's.  We played our two matches and lost both.  Bummer.  But it was still fun.  There were so many people on our team that we had to wait awhile to rotate in and out.  We decided next year we're forming TWO teams for all divisions so we can all play more- and hopefully play better.  It was still a lot of fun.  Every time I have opportunities to play volleyball, I get so excited.  However, my competitive side quickly comes out whenever we start playing badly.  I have to keep reminding myself that it's just for fun.  But ya know- sometimes I don't want to play "just for fun."  I wanna get really aggressive  slam the ball in the opponent's face.  Oh and it didn't help that the courts were mini's.  Yeah I hit it and served it out a few times.  Grrr.  Besides the frustrations, I had a lot of fun!  We've captured a few glorious moments of the event.

Paxton's notorious 1-handed block while looking away. hehe

 

Unfortunately, this pass was the point to lose the match :(  {Should I have posted that?}

Here are a few pics, THANKS TO KATHY CASE, from our boating trip last weekend.  It was so much fun!   On our jet ski ride, we got a little crazy.  Amanda almost fell off a few times.  Oops. Luckily she's got a strong grip.  We had fun doing cookies and trying to splash the people on the boat.    

 Finally, Paxton is done with this one client where he had to work 60 hours/wk.  I hated it, and so did he.  But we think he's done now, so he'll be back it the norm-40 hour weeks.  

I am still training for my half and I'm getting faster and faster.  It's pretty exciting - it's coming up quickly.  Only a month away! 13 miles used to seem like such a long run. Well it still does, it just seems achievable now.  

Alright- that's it. Peaceout!

Was that a pig or a cow?

Hey.  Yeah it's well overdue for an update on this thing.  Happily, things have slowed down at work for me so I have a life after work each day now.  Unfortunately, Paxton has been working longer hours, which will end shortly.  We are looking forward to that day.  The long hours has been wiping him out, truly.  As I type he is sprawled on the couch.  (This is his 2nd nap of the day)  But hey- it's Sunday, the official day to catch up on rest.  So not only has he been working longer hours, he was studying for the CPA exam, which he took a section of last Thursday.  It will take a few weeks to get the results back.  Everyone pray he passes.  He has worked so hard.  Let me just give you an example of how exhausted he can get.  After 8.5 hours of working on a Saturday, he finally got to go home.  Once he got home he ate a little bit, then headed to the gym.  He lifted and then decided to cycle on a stationary bike for awhile.  He starting pedaling hard then decided to take it easy and slows down.  He pedaled slower and s l o w e r and s  l  o  w  e  r until . . .  his head dropped.  His bobbing head is what woke him up.  Yes he fell asleep!!!  Poor guy- he's exhausted.  hahaha.  Who falls asleep while they're working out?  Obviously it wasn't a too intense of a workout.   I wonder if anyone saw this.  

While Paxton was falling asleep while working out, Kathleen, Eric & I were on our way home from a fabulous day at the lake.  We went boating and jet-skied at a lake house that belonged to some friends of ours in the ward.  It was so much fun!  The exciting part happened on the drive home.   About 30 minutes into our 1.5 hour drive Kathleen & I were looking out our windows and spotted this HUMONGOUS animal that at first glance looked like a cow.  At second glance we realized was a pig!  Simultaneously, Kathleen and I yell, Was that a pig????  Eric slows down, turns around and we go back to check out this place.  We turned into a dirt driveway and see this.

and this.

This is the HUMONGOUS hog.  These pictures do NOT show how huge he really was.  

There was a can labeled "Hog's Fund" for anyone to make donations that goes toward food for the hog.  The story of this place is that this guy named Ted bought this property with the hog on it.  He was planning on killing him and eating him the next week, but the people said No No don't kill him.  Ted didn't have enough money to feed him so he said that if they gave him money to feed him he wouldn't kill him.  Well, now he's made a place for anyone that stops by at his FREE petting zoo to make donations.  Ted was pretty funny.  We were out taking pictures by his huge hog when he got dropped off by a friend.  He stumbled out of the truck shirtless and smelling like tobacco.  He was really friendly though, and told us all about his animals.  He showed us a cute little potbelly baby piggy that got abandoned by his family.  Eric was tempted to take him home.  He even admitted that if Ted offered for us to take him, Eric would have.  The little guy really was cute though. 

This poor goat was tied up.  He was being 'punished' because he scratched up Ted's new paint job on his beautiful bright blue truck. :)

The black one above is Billy.  He had a huge beard.  It was funny to hear all of them 'baa'.  As we were leaving Ted had gotten a huge bucket of feed and was pouring it out for all the animals.  They were all racing and herding over there.  It was pretty cute.  But there were all sorts of animals there.  A hog, goats, rams, horses, chickens, a dog, and the zoo-keeper Ted. :)

Happy Birthday to Us!

Last Saturday, Paxton & I celebrated our birthday! We had a super fun birthday party at Pax's mom's house that night and invited all of our friends to celebrate with us.  Because it was a Birthday Luau, tons of cute decorations were put up to make us feel we were at the beach.  It all looked so good.  Thanks Ann!

We also asked everyone to come dressed up of course.  Paxton may have gone a little overboard.  I don't know.. what do you think?

hahaha

I'm so happy I have a husband who has enough confidence to wear this at his birthday party.  haha... No, he didn't really wear it- this was just a little dress up session.  I love him.  

So, it seems that now I've registered for my half in October, my body is breaking down on me.  My heels have always hurt from my plantar fasciitis, but it seems to be getting worse again, and now my shin is hurting.  Bummer.  I'll get over it, I just thought I'd complain for a second.

As for work, I am anticipating the day when the salesmen will leave!  I only have to endure this week and the majority of them will leave- yipee!  Unfortunately about 4-5 will still be stickin around...ugh.  

Paxton is working lots of hours & studying for the CPA still.  He definitely stays really busy, but he still finds time to entertain me with his crazy personality.  This is an old video that I think I've posted before, but I just love it.  For those who haven't seen us in awhile, this will refresh your memory of him and his sillyness.   I am so grateful for him and his efforts to make me laugh at every moment.  My amusement is what fuels the fire for him.  

Exciting

So- I'm really excited. I found a marathon that is scheduled for a Saturday, and not Sunday! I'm super stoked. Also, another bonus is that it's nearby- in Fort Worth. The past few months I've been looking up races here and there- and the races on Saturdays were always at least 4-6 hours away. I just couldn't get myself to travel that far to run 26 miles. Maybe if it was the Boston Marathon or the NYC Marathon.
So I am registering for my half set for October 11, and then the full is February 28th. Anyone wanna take on the challenge with me? Or you can be even more hardcore and do the ultra. My goal is to run this marathon in February and hopefully qualify for the Boston marathon 2 months later! Is that too crazy and unrealistic? Maybe it'll be too full to register by February. Who knows... but that's my goal.

Jammin it up II

So I sent a birthday package to Katie in Ohio.   I wrapped the inside of the box with scrapbook paper.  I didn't have any birthday wrapping paper, so I got creative.   I made Katie's favorite treats-- Peanut butter Krispies -- and put them in tupperware.  I gave a few little toys inside, a bag of mints, a huge homemade Birthday card, a letter, and a few pictures I knew she'd like.  It was so fun making it for her.  I think I'll do it again soon-- maybe for Christmas.  

Speaking of Christmas, for the past 3 weeks I have been really wishing it was Christmas time.  I just want to listen to Christmas music.  I love that time of year.  Sadly we have no Christmas music or movies. :( Bummer.  Do you think they're selling any Christmas music?

I took this picture because after I topped this sandwich off, it was HUGE.  I made it for Pax- and I don't think he could fit his mouth around the whole thing.  It looked pretty though.  All I needed was a flagged toothpick.  With my no meat month I have a lot more vegetables on hand than usual, so I stacked his sandwich.  Yumm. 
Today I made 2 batches of berry jam!!!  Paxton's sister and niece picked fresh blueberries and blackberries, and they gave them to me to cook with.  So i decided to make jam.  I also had a frozen rasp/blue/blackberry mix that I made another batch with.  We go through jam so quickly because I eat pb&j every single day... I'm surprised I'm not sick of em.  Anyway, I'm so excited to try some. 
Paxton and I have been enjoying a really relaxing weekend.  It's been nice to not have too many plans and always going going going.  We just don't want the week to start up again... ugh.

  Bye bye*