Blogging, reading, and running

There was a time in my life that was just about me. I ran when I wanted, ate when I wanted, did what I wanted, and slept when I wanted. I owned my schedule, thrived in my routine, was in control of my world. I know this sounds very self-centered but it was true.
Now, almost three years after having kids, I sometimes feel lost in my life. It took me a while but I have accepted and embraced my new role, relinquished whatever control I thought I had. Don't get me wrong, being a mother has been one of the best experiences of my life, but I have managed to lose myself along the way. And yes, I will take ownership for it, for the most part.
So, as I think about what I need, I realize running used to keep me grounded (gaving me a chance to clear my mind, do something that was truely for me). I want to read the stack of books I have bought but haven't got around to reading, and of course blogging, which helps me fulfill my need to keep a scrapbook of my family.
Simply put, I miss running the most. And for the record, running with a jogging stroller does not count. I plan to get back to running, to train for the Warrior Dash and the Bisbee 1000. Maybe I'll even consider running a half marathon, it used to be on my list of things-to-do. Lets hope I can MAKE a little time for me!

Random pic's

Just some random pictures from our daily life....

More words from Mason

...ball, wuby, doggy. These are just a few more words that Mason is trying to perfect.

Happy Birthday to Kevin

Happy 29th Birthday Kevin!!!

Poor Kevin had to work but that gave Brandon, Mason, and I a chance to make yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting (per request)!!! My little helpers were caught taste testing the batter and sat in front of the oven door watching the cupcakes rise.

Thanks to all for the cards sent, it was another great birthday celebration.

Saturday afternoon with Grandma

We spent the day at Diane's to celebrate Kevin's birthday. The peanut butter pie (and lunch) was delicious. Worth every calorie!!!!
Just stopping to smell the flowers....or contemplate picking all the leaves off.


The boys love exploring the backyard, this trip found Brandon obsessed with Grandma's Shop-Vac (just his size you'll notice) and Mason content to play in the sandbox.

Mason's 3rd word

This weekend while I was working, Kevin taught Mason a new word! He now points to the deer mounted (Grandpa Payne's mule deer) on the wall and says, "dea"!!!! My hunter of a husband is very proud of this as Brandon's "3rd" word was elk (thanks to the elk mounted above of fire place in our old house). While we are still a ways away from full conversations with Mason, he gets his point across just fine by grunting, pointing, raising his voice in protest, and heading to the kitchen when I ask if he wants to eat.

Cold December days

It has been another cold and rainy weekend but that hasn't stopped my boys from playing outside. Kevin continues to humor me by putting up more Christmas lights, this time on the back porch. After all, one can never have enough colored lights to make the house feel festive.
There was always something comforting about the Christmas lights glowing through my bedroom window in my childhood. It made the night seem peaceful and gave me hope that the day to follow was full of promise. These days, my life is busy with work and my other full time job, motherhood, but I am still drawn to the Christmas lights at night.
We have been talking to Brandon (and Mason) about the meaning of Christmas and that we will soon be buying gifts for our unknown "friends" from the angel tree. Again this year, I find myself more excited about buying gifts for those kids than for my own! I also think we will (again) participate in the annual diaper drive (for both children and adults). After all, there are many people who need help.