Wonderfully Sew Knit

2011...Finish, 2012...Start

2012-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't posted since the 7th of November but I have been busy recovering from elective surgery and then Christmas and New Year's were upon me.

I'm happy to say that my injury from the last post has worked itself out.
I'm sad to say my right ITB is now bothering me.
I'm happy to say that everything has gone smoothly with my surgery and recovery.
I'm sad to say that because of the surgery and injury I gained about 6 pounds over the holidays.
I'm happy to say I won't keep it on and already have a plan in action to get rid id it.
I'm sad to say after the 1/2 mary in November I wasn't able to do any more races in 2011.
I'm happy to say I my 1st race of 2012 was a success...and look at my cute outfit!

The skirt and race legs (both are very comfortable) are from Team Sparkle thanks to a monetary gift from my mother-in-law. :o) You rock, Gay!

Egg Nog Jog 1/1/12

(Note the knee wrap...right ITB issues. :/)

One of my friends told me I looked like a super hero...wonder what my name would be??

I had two goals for the race...run without stopping or walking and do it all at a 10 minute pace or less. I reached both of those goals and I'm looking forward to a great year of running.

Ouch! Rotten Injury

2011-11-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to do the Women's Half Marathon since last year when I saw their medals. They are amazing...anyway, I trained hard and was set to finish in under 2:14...two weeks before the race I ended up with an over use injury. Yuck! I rested and iced and saw the chiropractor...I did all I could.

On race day I was so excited because Rebecca Meyer was also running the race and I hoped I get to see her. She was on Biggest Loser and her season was the season that inspired me to begin running.

So the race started and about 1.5 miles into it I look back and there is Rebecca Meyer! Holy cow! I slowed down and told talked to her for a little bit...she said she was proud of me and I told her I was proud of her...it was GREAT!

So at mile 2.4 my knee started to bother me and by mile three I was limping. I could no longer run. I had two choices walk 10.1 miles or quit. I really wanted to quit...but I wanted that medal even more so I started walking.

At mile 6 I was in horrible pain even though I was only walking. Rich met me there with an Ace Bandage and I wrapped my knee tightly. I was crying and ready to give up. I think if I hadn't been a mother I might have done just that.

So I walked and walked and walked some more. 10 miles takes a long time to walk. At mile 10 my knee was feeling much better and I jogged off and on until mile 12.5. From there I ran...I ran faster than I'd ever run before...I had a pace of 8.36 on my Garmin. I crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 56 minutes. They gave me the medal I really wanted...but I didn't feel like I had earned it...it was bittersweet.

This morning I woke up and could hardly walk...my upper calves don't feel sore they feel like they're on fire. I'm limping everywhere and haven't even gotten dressed yet. Walking uses different muscles than running...I had no clue. When I'm able to run again I'm going to train for 3 weeks and walk for 1...just in case.

Today with all this pain I feel like I earned me medal. :o)

This is Becca, a running buddy, and I after the race. :o)

New Thanksgiving Shirts Needed

2011-11-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

These are the shirts we've worn for the last two years but happily they are all too big for us...except Sarah's which is too small.

I need a new idea for this year.

Costumes

2011-10-30T08:44:00.001-07:00

The girls have a Halloween party last night. Rich and I wanted to kids to know we meant buisness...are we scary?

Halloween Craft #4

2011-10-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

Spider web with egg sack. The egg sack was lots of fun to make. :o)

Halloween Craft #3

2011-10-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween Crackers!
The whole family made a bunch of these for the girls' party. They're filled with little goodies and look too cute!

Halloween Craft #2

2011-10-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Gummy Worms and snakes.
Candy Corn.
Sour straws.
Chocolate balls.
Chocolate sprinkles

The Little Orphan Annie

2011-10-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

My Aunt reminded me of this today. My mom used to recite it to my sister, brother, and me when we were little...scared the tar out of me...especially the third part.

The Little Orphan Annie

James Whitcomb Riley

Little Orphan Annie's come to my house to stay.
To wash the cups and saucers up and brush the crumbs away.
To shoo the chickens from the porch and dust the hearth and sweep,
and make the fire and bake the bread to earn her board and keep.
While all us other children, when the supper things is done,
we sit around the kitchen fire and has the mostest fun,
a listening to the witch tales that Annie tells about
and the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!

Once there was a little boy who wouldn't say his prayers,
and when he went to bed at night away up stairs,
his mammy heard him holler and his daddy heard him bawl,
and when they turned the covers down,
he wasn't there at all!
They searched him in the attic room
and cubby hole and press
and even up the chimney flu and every wheres, I guess,
but all they ever found of him was just his pants and round-abouts
and the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

Once there was a little girl who always laughed and grinned
and made fun of everyone, of all her blood and kin,
and once when there was company and old folks was there,
she mocked them and she shocked them and said, she didn't care.
And just as she turned on her heels and to go and run and hide,
there was two great big black things a standing by her side.
They snatched her through the ceiling fore she knew what shes about,
and the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

When the night is dark and scary,
and the moon is full and creatures are a flying and the wind goes Whoooooooooo,
you better mind your parents and your teachers fond and dear,
and cherish them that loves ya, and dry the orphans tears
and help the poor and needy ones that cluster all about,
or the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!!

Halloween Craft #1

2011-09-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

I don't remember where I saw this but I loved the idea.

This is what I started with...one t-shirt, orange fabric, and a pair of socks. (plus all the stuff to sew it together)

And this is what I ended with...

(Sheesh! I need to clean that mirror. I'll do that now)

I love it!

First Time EVER!!!

2011-09-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

First place!!!! I had to run a 5k, then Rich biked 12.5 miles, then I ran another 5k. It was so much fun. If you live locally check out "TRI" For Acts of Kindness and give it a go next year...it will be well worth it.

I don't know our over all finish time...it was someplace around 1:42:00 Rich did really well on the bike ride...he said he never got passed, but passed lots of people. I was slower than the TWO...(yes, they had two runners)...of the second place team but Rich was 10 minutes faster than their biker so we totally won!!!

I think this was the best event I've ever been a part of. The coordinators really went out of their way to make sure everyone had a good time and everything was safe. They were even shoveling sand off the bike route in the middle of the night because rain flooded the area and the sand built up.

We got a goody bag at packet pick up AND finishers bag filled with treats after the race. Plus a finishers medal AND a place medal. AND I won a $50 gift cert. to Trisports in the raffle! All around wonderful event and I'm doing it again next year.

The little one is the finishers medal and the big one is the gold 1st place medal. I've never had one of those before. :o)

ETA: Our over all time was 1:42:53.29. The splits were...

0:27:54.96

0:00:22.19

0:45:20.19

0:00:20.68

0:28:55.27

Run------------------- T1------------------- Bike--------------- T2--------------------- Run

Date and Walnut Stuffed Pears

2011-09-03T13:37:00.001-07:00

Tonight's Dessert

5 Small Bosc Pears

½ cup water

½ cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon butter

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

Filling

1/3 cup chopped dates

2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Halve and core pears. Combine ingredients for filling and fill centers. Combine remaining ingredients; bring to boil and pour over pears. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender; baste frequently with syrup.

Mom's Group

2011-09-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday's I meet with this wonderful group of women. Two Wednesdays a month we do a Bible Study/Lesson. One Wednesday we bring a craft and chat while working on it. And the other Wednesday we cook.
(No they all aren't that much shorter than me I was on my toes so I could be seen surprisingly were all close in height)
(One of the "moms" is missing...she had to leave early for a dentist appointment)
This was obviously a cooking week. We made green chili enchiladas and Muddy Buddys (or puppy chow).

Tonight's Dessert

2011-08-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding. So easy to make yet so many calories. Yum!

(Go ahead...click on the photo to make it bigger)

First time NOT Manditory Tuck

2011-08-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's only a partial tuck...but it's still a tuck!

I wonder if I'll tuck more after I have surgery in December??? Hmmm....

What I Did Yesterday.

2011-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this post yesterday (and posting today) because I want to share how I spend my (average) day...I was told recently that I have LOTS of time because I'm a stay at home mom and my kids are in school...so lets see.

5am Get up and get dressed.

5:15 am Go for a run with Rich.

5:50 Log my miles and plan my daily food and do small load of late night snack dishes. (by hand)

6:15 am Shower and eat breakfast...yell at the dog for whining at my food...put a load of napkins and kitchen towels in the wash.

7 am Drive girls to school. (It takes about 45 minutes round trip)

7:45 am Put napkins in the dryer and start a load of towels. Have second breakfast

8:10 am Sweep and Mop (We have a lot of tile so this takes a while) Do breakfast dishes.

8:30 Fold napkins and dish towels. Start another load of towels.

8:45 Check e-mail and facebook.

9am Put first load of towels in a basket and throw second load of towels in the dryer. Leave for Bible study. (It takes about 20 minutes to get to the church)

9:30 am Bible Study

11 am Back in the car and headed to the gym to build some muscle with free weights.

NOON! Arrive home and make myself lunch. Check e-mail and Facebook...plus Daily Mile.

12:15 fold and put away all those towels.

12:20 pm Start dinner...get that all set up and ready to be thrown in the oven. Make a loaf of sourdough bread. (I use a bread machine to make the dough but bake it in the oven myself.)

12:50 Wash lunch dishes and dinner prep dishes.

1pm Make a yummy Greek yogurt snack, check email, type up this list and save it so I can add to it for the rest of the day. (Tell the dog she can have my left over carrots if she'll stop whining at my food)

1:20pm Feed the dog my carrots and wash the outside of the fridge...it's stainless and takes FOREVER.

1:40 pm Sneak a peek at a really good book.

2pm Leave to get the girls from school.

3pm Have the girls make an snack. Do those dishes and my snack dishes.

3:15 Homework help, check to see if everyone is getting their micro-nutrients for the day. Have a snack (Oatmeal for the 3rd time today...I love that stuff...and not those yucky instant things...Quaker oats from scratch...yum!) Oh, read another page or two while the girls finish their homework.

4pm turn on oven for dinner and set the table.

4:15pm put dinner in the oven and make a cup of tea. Go read a few pages.

4:45 Check over homework and make sure ALL directions were followed.

5pm Rich gets home!!! Yay family!

5:15 pm Dinner

5:45pm Dinner clean up (Rich washed the dishes) AND more homeowrk help.

6pm Check power-school and see the girls grades for the day. Talk over any low grade and make a plan to get it up again.

6:30pm Read with another cup of tea.

7Pm Yet another snack (oatmeal :o)) and more reading while Rich and the girls work-out.

7:30pm Chat with Sarah.

8pm Remind the girls to make their lunches and chat with Megan.

8:30pm GO TO BED (Watch Dick Van Dyke)

9pm blissfully asleep...remember I'll be waking at 5 to run.

This is just an average day...it doesn't include bill paying, doctor visits, orthodontist visits, dentist visits, clubs for the girls, grocery shopping, chatting with friends, volunteering, vet appointments, hair appointments, family dinners with extended family, making gifts, cleaning the house, washing the windows, meal planning, church activities, gardening, prayer, visiting with family on the phone, play hostess, and all that other stuff I do on any other average day.

I understand that as a working parent they do all of this and work too...BUT...I don't think it should be assumed that because I chose to stay home I'm in charge of (or at least given the bulk) of the volunteer work at the kids' school. I didn't chose to stay home to run myself ragged taking care of work that should be equally divided... because they had kids too! I won't do it any more. I do my fair share (and a little more because that's how I am) but you do your fair share too!

Broken Washer

2011-08-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Rich and I bought a washer and dryer together 17 years ago...before we got married and gave it to my mother for her birthday. Before she died she downsized and didn't need the set any more. I'm very thankful that she gave them to us.

The washer and dryer that Rich and I had been using were kind of crappy. We had the keep the dryer door shut with a ski pole and the washer got a funny smell if you left the lid shut for a day. (Even if nothing was in there) :op

Fast forward about 6 years and we have a washer that breaks. I was washing some area rugs and the thing went crazy! Jumping all over the place and making a funny noise. :o( When I opened the washer the drum was REALLY off center.

Rich took it all apart...

(See Rich behind the washer? That's his maroon shirt. He has his handy lap top there too, sitting on the book that tells you how to fix the washer.)

...and found that one of the springs came loose. Yay for an easy fix and another reason to be thankful...a handy husband. :o) We don't need to buy a new washer...it's a good thing too because my stove/oven has given up on me and I've been saving (not very well) for a new one. Only two burners work and the control panel is busted so I can only bake at 350 degrees. That's not too bad but it takes forever to cook anything that needs to be crispy. Anyway...

Yesterday I was doing laundry. I successfully washed six loads and it was time to clean the laundry room and wash those area rugs again. I didn't think ANYTHING of it...and I broke the washer again. The nice thing is it's an easy fix, the bad thing is Rich has to fix it again...and probably again next week when the rugs get washed. That's okay though...he's handy and it only takes about 1/2 and hour. On the bright side...after fixing it four or five times he should be able to get his fix time down to 20 minutes or less. Maybe I'll start timing him :o)

Ann Schmidt Run to Remember

2011-08-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

I left this race yesterday feeling discouraged because I didn't meet my time goal and I was sure I didn't place. My husband (it was his first race) beat me by a whole minute and I'm very proud of him but I still felt like I FAILED. We stayed around for the amazing breakfast and some games but left before the awards.

This morning I got up to a message from a friend telling me I placed 2nd in my age group! Her message made my morning.

(click to make bigger)

I REALLY wanted to place in this race. It's the first time I've ever placed in any race and I'm thrilled!

P.S. My husband place 3rd in his age group and like I said before...it was his first race. :o) I am so proud of him!

I'm Tired...

2011-08-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm worn out from running, counting calories, and weight training...even though the weight training is new. On Monday I start a 14 week training program for a 1/2 marathon but I'm burnt out.

I've decided to skip today's scheduled workout and eating plan...in fact I'm taking the rest of the week off. This doesn't mean I'll toss everything aside and eat with abandon...well maybe it does a little...but I still have a 5K race on Saturday and I would really like to place in my age group so I'll have to be properly fueled...that means good clean food even if I want to eat ice cream 10 times a day.:o)

I'm not going to exercise for the rest of the week except for the 5K and hopefully when Monday rolls around I'll have a new outlook on counting calories, nutrients, and running.

I'm looking forward to doing another 1/2 marathon and since I'm not such a newbie to running I might actually enjoy it this time. :o) This (<--click) is the one I'm planning on running. It looks fun and the finisher medal rocks!

What's On My Mind

2011-08-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

My energy has been zapped by the humidity and so have my creative juices. I don't want to neglect my blog but I also don't feel like posting. I'm going to list everything that's been on my mind and maybe one of the things will spark a writing interest for me in the next few days. So here goes...in no particular order...

Megan's health.
My health.
Auntie Janet.
Rebecca.
Sarah.
Rich.
Running.
Bible reading.
Broken washer.
No baking.
Cleaning house.
Hospitality.
Thanksgiving.
Halloween.
Christmas.
Finances.
Sweeping.
Friends.
Parties.
LISTS!!!

...that's all I can think of and there is a couple I feel I could easily write about. So, maybe in the next day or two I'll get a real post up here.

16th Anniversary

2011-07-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

We spend the day hanging out and signing me up for a gym membership so I can weight train. :o) Then we went to Red Lobster for a nice dinner. We were going to go to the Melting Pot (we love that place) but we wanted to save money AND we felt that would know us off our training track.

Did I mention that Rich and I have signed up for a duathlon relay as our anniversary gift ? I'll run and he'll bike. We both get up at the crack of dawn (5am) to bike and run. Crazy I know but waiting until later in the day it would just be too hot. Anyway, the relay is 3.1 mile run, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. I get to go twice!

Just before we left for dinner Sarah took this picture of us. I guess my sunblock is working...I'm quite white!

(Click on photo to make larger)

Run With The Roosters 5 Miler

2011-07-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

It was EARLY.
It was humid.
It was far.
I was slow.
My time was 50:54.
I came in 9th in my age group.
And 153 rd over all.
This picture makes me look like I have bird legs.
It was a great race. :o)
I'd do it again.

(Click to make larger)

Run With The Roosters.

1st Pepper Harvest

2011-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

While I was watering the garden today I noticed that one of the peppers had turned red. I picked it and all the others that were the same size or bigger. We weren't sure if they were going to be hot but we hoped they would.

Peppers "hotness" is based on the amount of trauma the plant has. Since ours froze in a frost and almost died from lack of water they had lots of trauma. I bit into the red one and was disappointed that it wasn't hot...was I ever wrong! Another bite told me that these were the hottest peppers I had eaten in a long time. I finished the red one after giving Rich and Megan a bite and ate a green one...just as hot only not sweet too. That was five hours ago and now I THE worst heartburn ever. :o)

Crunchy Soft Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

2011-06-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

These cookies are amazing...they are crispy and chewy. I didn't follow a recipe...I just made it up as I went along.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Preheat oven to 370 degrees

1 cup butter
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix all of the above until light and fluffy. Then add...

2-1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups quick cooking oats.
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Mix until well incorporated. Drop by large teaspoonfull on cookie sheet and bake for 11 minutes or until nice and golden. Do not over bake. Remove cookies from pan to a wire rack immediately and allow to cool. Eat and enjoy. :o)

Hiking #2 The Lookout

2011-06-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

We saw this off in the distance and decided to take a detour and hike to it...I'm glad we did.

(Click on picture to see better)

The lookout has the cutest "doorbell" (a cast-iron skillet and pipe) and gate.
You can't see the lookout from the path, but it has some amazing steps leading up too it.
I didn't get a picture of the front because I'm not foolish enough to climb out on the tiny ledge to take one.
The guy that lives there six days a week is named David and he invited us in.
Looking out.
It was pretty cool.

Hiking

2011-06-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to Mt. Lemmon and did some hiking. The first trail was 3.7 miles and the second one was just over 2. It was a great day.

(Click on photos to make larger.)

I was surprised to see water ...and dandelions.
Such a pretty hike.
Nice, shady, and cool.
We also hiked through a burnt area.
It looked pretty desolate.
But if you look carefully you'll see life coming back to this area...a butterfly.

Rich is...

2011-05-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

Dependable.
Loving.
Excellent provider.
Rugged.
Patient.
Respectable.
Kind.
Gentle.
Secure.
Funny.
Caring.
Best Friend.
Sexy.
Supportive.
Romantic.
Unselfish.
Handsome.
Attentive.
Charming.
Masculine.
Adorable.
Intelligent.
Creative.
Steadfast.
Understanding.
Good-natured.
Sweet.
Courteous.
Polite.
Christ focused.
Generous.
Compassionate.
Flexible.
Strong.
Mild.
Considerate.
Civilized.
Laid-back.

I'm going to start focusing on my blessings more and what a better place to start than with my husband. :o) I hope you focus on your blessings often.

Dress #2

2011-05-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

The light is bad in the house right now so my dressmaker's dummy (Betty) is modeling it for me. :o) (Made last night)

This bread smells so good. I can't wait to have some with dinner tonight.

Distorted Body Image

2011-05-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

I think lots of people have a distorted body image...especially over weight people. When I was fat, I knew I was fat...I just didn't know HOW fat I was. My body image was distorted.
Even though I lost 70+ pounds I still had a distorted body image. When I looked in the mirror I saw the person in the picture above. That's how I felt and how I was sure I looked. I kept trying to lose weight because that's what I saw. Then I got sick...really sick with a horrible virus. I gained 17 pounds in one week. I felt fat and looked bloated...I saw the weight pile on and there was nothing I could do about it...I literally saw myself getting fat. IT WAS HORRIBLE...but it made me see the real me...so I guess it's a good thing. (On a side note. I went to the doctor because I was so freaked out about the weight gain and they found a lump on my thyroid...I'll post more about that later)
I'm no longer trying to lose weight. I have a few more wrinkles than I had 70 pounds ago...but I'm thin and now I know it. When I look in the mirror I see the person above...I'm not fat anymore. Thank you Lord, for allowing me to get sick so I could get better.

Skirt #3

2011-05-29T16:20:00.000-07:00

This is such a simple skirt to make. It literally took me less than an hour. :o)

(Sorry the photos are so fuzzy...I don't know what happened.)

Dress

2011-05-29T15:25:00.001-07:00

I really like this simple classic dress pattern. I'm going to make it again in a floral linen or cotton. It was really easy to make and it fits well. :o)

Skirts

2011-05-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

I seem to go through fazes. First it's reading. Then it's knitting. Then sewing. I got the sewing bug last week and decided to make 3 skirts and two dresses. I didn't have any patterns in my size so it was fun to shop for new ones.

I made this skirt out of an inexpensive paisley...the first time I make something I always use cheap fabric. That way if I mess up it won't be a big deal.

(Click on any picture to make larger)

Lots of pinning.
And pinning...
The finished skirt. I don't really like it...it's too plain looking and I need a shirt to go with it.
I love this one though! It was a bit harder to make but the fabric and pattern are wonderful!
The dress I'm making right now (pictures later) is a great pattern but horribly plain (cheap) fabric. I plan to make it out of a linen or something shimmery once I learn the pattern. :o)

(Oh yeah...the pinkish red shirt I'm wearing...I bought today to go with the skirt and it's a small! An Old Navy small so it's really a small. :o)

Overachiever

2011-05-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

I’m going to say it so no one else has too. I AM AN OVERACHIEVER! And I’m happy to say that because I didn’t used to be. Since I just had a birthday and have been having some medical problems I’ve been looking back over my life and I must say that 3 years ago I was a lazy slob. All I did back then was the bare minimum. Today…it’s only 11am and so far I’ve…

Run

Got kids off to school

Shower

Breakfast

Played a Facebook game

Check and reply to emails

Paid bills

2 loads of laundry

Grocery shop

Had a pool noodle fight with my daughter.

Prep/clean and put away groceries

Had a snack

Sweep (my enormous floor)

Mop (said floor)

AND wrote a blog post

I think I’ll stay and overachiever. Life is a lot less dull this way. :o) Now I'm off to have some lunch and sew a new skirt for myself.

Begging

2011-05-21T12:09:00.001-07:00

What could possibly bring about this kind of begging?

Day 1
(Click on photos to make them larger)

Could it be meat?

Day 2

Nope... Could it be bread?

Day 3

No...What does she want so badly??

Day 4

Carrots. Yep, she's begging and whining for carrots.

Almond Puff Pastry

2011-05-21T12:02:00.001-07:00

Sadly this is all that's left...so not a very good picture.Happily this is all that's left...my family loved it.

I couldn't find the recipe that my mother used (but my sister is going to send it to me) This one seemed close enough so I used it.

Almond Puff Danish Pastry
source: www.finedinings.com

Ingredients

Pastry
1/2 cup cold butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ice water

Topping
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 eggs

Icing
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 to 2 tablespoons warm water
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted and chopped, garnish

Directions

Make the pastry
In a bowl, cut the butter into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. sprinkle ice water over the mixture, blend just until dough comes together. Divide in half, shape into two 12-in. x 3-in. strips 3 inches apart on an un-greased baking sheet. Set aside.

Make the topping
In a large saucepan, bring the water and butter to a boil over medium heat. Add the flour all at once stirring until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; add the almond extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny. Spread over the two prepared strips covering them completely. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour or until puffed and golden brown. Cool on a rack.

Make the icing
In a small bowl combine the powdered sugar, butter, almond extract and enough warm water to achieve spreading consistency.

Spread over the cooled puff pastry. Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds. Cut into one inch strips and serve.

I'm Thankful For...

2011-05-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

I'm thankful that my family is willing to go on an 8 mile hike for Mother's Day.

(Click on this picture to make it larger)

You know what's better than reaching your goal weight??

2011-05-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Shooting past it! :o)
In the last 7 days I've eaten out 6 times. I've Also had Eegees, cherry pie (3 slices), cranberry shortbread, and S'mores. Still I've lost 2 pounds. Oh yeah! I think my metabolism is on overdrive and I'm loving it.

I did it!!!!

2011-04-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Before...Smoker, size 22, and 234 lbs

(Remember you can click on photos to make them larger)

After...Nonsmoker, size 8 and 160 lbs.

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

I.
Did.
It!!!!!!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 20a "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead,"

Eggs have nothing to do with that Bible verse but we sure had fun with them.

Dying eggs

Sarah's eggs
Megan's eggs

Deviled eggs
Easter Cardamom Bread
My eggs
He is risen indeed!

Cherry Pie-lets

2011-04-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Made for Easter but I think I'll eat some now and give some to my brother. :o)

Cherry Pie Filling
I was going to make it from scratch and I'm sure you can find a wonderful recipe but while I was at the store I picked up a can of Cherry Pie filling (lite).

Pie Crust

1-1/2 cup flour
6 tablespoons butter
1/16 teaspoon salt
3 (or more if needed) tablespoons cold water.

In a food processor, process the flour and salt until combined. Scatter the butter pieces over the flour mixture and process with 1-second pulses until butter bits are no larger than small peas, about 10 pulses. Turn the mixture into a medium bowl.

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold to mix. Press down on the dough with the broad side of the spatula until the dough sticks together, adding up to 2 tablespoons more water if the dough does not come together.

Roll the dough out very thin on a floured surface and cut circles to fit your muffin tin. Fill with pie filling. Use scraps of dough to made the lattice on the top. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until the crust is browned.

Serves 12.
168 Calories each.

Oreo Marshmallows

2011-04-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Chop the Oreos in a food processor. Melt marshmallows and margarine.
Mix it all together.
Press into a square baking dish and refrigerate of 30 minutes.
Cut and Serve. They are REALLY chewy.
Makes 16 large squares @ 186 calories each.

Handmade Pasta

2011-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd try making pasta from scratch. We've decided that we really like the flavor but I need the Kitchen Aid attachment to roll it thin enough. It was good and really easy...just a little too thick.

It makes a HUGE batch...the above picture is just 1/4 of the dough.
3.3 cups flour
4 eggs
Big pinch of salt.

Mix it all up, roll, and cut. Cook the pasta in salted, boiling water. Since it's fresh, it will cook in three to five minutes.

Maybe next time I'll make tomato basil pasta or spinach.

Lastly, I was given this dress by a friend that was done with it. Isn't it cute!?! I thought it might be a little short...what do you think?

After Race Dinner

2011-04-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

This was the best Calzone. I think I've finally found the perfect pizza crust and sauce recipes for them. AND a slice of Megan's cake. (Very high calorie for both)

Crust:

1 Can of Beer

T sugar

t active dry yeast

c whole wheat flour

t salt

1-1/2

T butter

Filling:

zucchini

3/4

cup mushroom

1/2

cup onion

cup spinach

cup Mozzarella cheese

Sauce:

ounce tomato paste

1/2

cup water

teaspoon basil

teaspoon salt

tablespoon sugar

tablespoon olive oil

Race for the Cure

2011-04-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

There are no "after" pictures because I was so fast they didn't have time to get the camera ready. I beat my fastest time by 3 minutes so they weren't expecting me just yet. But that's okay because I killed at this one. It was so great! The people were wonderful, the race was fantastic, the volunteers were amazing...even the freebies rocked. I'll do this race again for sure. Maybe next year Sarah will run it with me...Pie too I hope.

igpay atinlay

2011-03-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Away iendfray ostedpay onway Acefay ookbay inway igpay atinlay
odaytay andway itway otgay emay inkingthay aboutway owhay Iway
earnedlay otay eakspay itway.

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astfay andway eythay idday itway enwhay eythay idn'tday antway
usway otay owknay atwhay eythay ereway alkingtay aboutway.
Eingbay away "ottysnay avehay otay owknay everythingway" indkay
ofway idkay Iway oonsay earnedlay otay anslatetray atwhay eythay
ereway ayingsay utbay Iway illstay ouldn'tcay eakspay itway.

Iway asway aboutway 14 enwhay Iway inallyfay earnedlay otay
eakspay igpay atinlay andway ybay ethay imetay ymay idskay
amecay ymay othermay andway Iway ouldcay alktay icklyquay ithway
outway emthay owingknay atwhay eway ereway ayingsay. Ymay
irlsgay avehay iedtray otay igurefay itway outway utbay eythay
on'tday earhay itway asway oftenway asway Iway idday osay eythay
onlyway owknay away ewfay ordsway.

Ifway ouyay ancay eadray isthay...avobray!!! If you can't you can go here to translate it.

Arriecay!

A Sweater That Fits

2011-03-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Over my knitting "life time" I've attempted to knit a sweater for myself...I've either given up on them or they didn't fit. When I saw the pattern for this sweater a long time ago I really wanted to knit it...but I was sure it would turn out like all the others. Well it didn't and I love it! I found the pattern on Flint Knits but it can be found on Raverly too. It's called the February Lady Sweater and it seems that everyone and their mother have knitted it. :o) All those people can't be wrong...can they?

Cookie Surprise

2011-03-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

What could be inside the chocolate chip cookie???

That would be an Oreo. :o)

Tri For The Cure

2011-03-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Tri For the Cure
I'm looking forward to the relay and a weekend out of town with girlfriends.
I haven't had a weekend without the family in ages.

(Sorry the picture is so dark)

These are our team shirts.
Designed by Mary. She did a wonderful job AND got us an amazing deal on a hotel. Way to go Mary!!

I'm not sure...

2011-03-10T10:48:00.001-08:00

...what's going on here. :-)

Worth Repeating...again and again...

2011-03-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired." - George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

Birthday Birthday Birthday!

2011-03-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

The week of birthdays is well under way. Megan's was last Saturday, Rich's is tomorrow, and Sarah's is Friday.

We had one party for all of them tonight. (family only) The cake was amazing. Sarah designed it and chose the flavors. I baked it. Megan (of course) decorated it.

(Waiting to be assembled)

Finishing touches...
Beautiful!

With the left over cake from the top layers Sarah and I made cake balls.

The birthday people before everyone arrived for dinner and cake.
Getting ready to blow out the candles.
I served corn chowder, homemade herb bread, and homemade butter for dinner.
I love making my own butter. This photo is just after it reached whipped cream stage.

Fresh butter

Dolls and Dogs!

2011-02-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

She is so pretty!
Thank you Morning Star!!!

Birthday Cupcakes!

2011-02-27T12:37:00.001-08:00

My daughter Megan (13 as of yesterday) loves to decorate cakes and cupcakes...it's her "thing"
She's done all kinds of cupcakes to give to her classmates to help celebrate her birthday. This year she did monsters.
Totally cute!
2010 Cupcakes
2009 Cupcakes

Rocky Road Brownies

2011-02-25T19:48:00.001-08:00

Brownie:

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

3/4 cup (95 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:

1/2 cup ( semi sweet or milk chocolate chips

1 cup miniature marshmallows

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and place rack in center of oven. Butter, or spray with a non stick vegetable spray, an 8 inch square baking pan.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a large stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar. Next, whisk in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the flour, cinnamon, and salt.

Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the brownies with the chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows and chopped nuts. Return the brownies to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or just until the marshmallows start to melt. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Early Birthday Gift

2011-02-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

My brother gave my husband and I our birthday gift early this year. Two weekends ago he brought over a picnic table kit from Home Depot and set it up for us...I love it. That night Rich and I went to Home Depot and got a finish for it.

Last night my brother and nephew came over for dinner and we all ate out side...it was great!

Our Weekend in Pictures

2011-02-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

Homemade Do-Si-Dos

2011-02-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

I saw this recipe on Baking Bites and thought I'd give it a try.

Cookies
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant or regular)

Filling
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat oven to 350F.

Start with the cookies. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and peanut butter. Beat in the sugars until fluffy, then add in the eggs one at a time, waiting until each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.

Working at a low speed, mix in the flour, followed by the oats (if you don’t have quick-cooking, pulse whole rolled oats in the food processor to chop them up a bit).

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drop teaspoonfuls of batter (roughly 3/4-in. sized balls), leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spread.

Bake for about 10 minutes, until cookies are a light golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, making small holes in 1/2 of the cookies (for the tops of the sandwiches) before they set up.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Filling.
In a large bowl, cream together smooth peanut butter, butter and confectioners’ sugar until very smooth. Spread 2-3 tsp onto half of the finished cookies and sandwich with the remaining halves.

Store in an airtight container. OR Eat them all right away. :o)

Makes about 48 sandwich cookies.

I have Ten Legs By Anna Swir

2011-02-14T09:17:00.000-08:00

When I run

I laugh with my legs.

When I run

I swallow the world with my legs.

When I run

I have ten legs

All my legs

shout.

I exist

Only when running.

Elisabeth Cookies

2011-02-13T12:10:00.000-08:00

I found a recipe for Earl Gray Shortbread on the blog The Sweet Life...that sounded really good...it reminded me of my cousin Elisabeth. This summer at Cannon Beach she had Earl Gray tea (my favorite) for the first time...she like it. :o) That got me thinking about our vacation with that part of the family and how I loved the Lavender Honey Lemon ice cream sandwich I had on the river. So I tweaked The Sweet Life's recipe a little and made these while reminiscing.

Elisabeth Cookies

1-1/3 cup all purpose flour

1 tbsp earl gray tea leaves

1/2 cup powder sugar

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Reserve some flour for dusting.

Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon Orange blossom honey

Preheat over to 350 degrees.
In a food processor, blend 1-1/6 cup of flour and tea.
Add sugar, salt, and vanilla blend well.
Add butter and mix until the dough just comes together.
Flour your work surface, roll out dough, and out the shape you want.
Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
While cookies cool...
Mix powder sugar, lemon juice, and honey until smooth.
When cookies are cool drizzle with glaze and allow to set.

Enjoy!

I was able to make 28 cookies @ 60 calories each. :o) Pretty good!

Megan's Valentine's Cake

2011-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Megan made a cake for her class. She did a wonderful job and is getting better and better at her cakes.

Iced Cookies

2011-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:00

Lots of people call these kinds of cookies "Sugar Cookies" but in my family these are Rolled or Iced Cookies. Sugar cookies are similar to snickerdoodles and they are delish!I've always wanted to make flooded cookies but never have because I was sure I'd make a HUGE mess and they'd look terrible.

It was easier than I thought and they look okay. With some practice I might get good at them. :o)

This is the best Iced Cookie recipe!

1 cup butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup confectioner's sugar
2 cups of flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat over to 325 degrees.
Cream butter and lemon zest until fluffy.
Add sugar and mix well.
Add flour and salt...mix.
Roll 1/8 in thick and cut out shapes.
Bake for 14 minutes.
Let cool on wire racks.
Frost as you like.

Now I'm off for a run! Enjoy making cookies!

Our Pets

2011-02-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

Still SICK!!!!

2011-02-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

This stinks...I'm still sick. I can't seem to shake this cold. I don't feel like doing ANYTHING but it's been so long since I've posted I thought I should post something!

This is what I had for lunch today it was so good...especially since I've been eating so poorly lately.
I've been spending a lot of time in bed...so has the dog.
My Auntie Janet gave me an awesome bread machine and I've been using it like crazy. We have homemade bread every day now...cinnamon rolls and cakes too.

Megan has been taking cake decorating classes...here are a couple of her "creations"

Her first cake...
Hairy Mum Cupcakes
I'm still running and biking even though I've been sick...I think I'd have to lose my legs before I gave those up. :o)

Sorry this post is so...hodgepodge...but it's the best I could do on NyQuil.

Chest Cold

2011-01-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure why but whenever I have a chest cold I feel an overwhelming need to bake...yesterday I made these heart cookies.
And this morning while everyone was at church I made these...
...homemade "Oreo" cookies. They're REALLY good.

Bikes and Books

2011-01-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been spending a lot of time on my Christmas gift. :o) BTW, her name is Lulu!
Plus, I've got my books for January sorted out and have made a pretty good start. I've finished "Me and Mr. Darcy" (a disappointment) and started on "Lady Vernon and Her Daughter" (MUCH better)

I want...

2010-12-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

...to knit this...
...out of this...
What do you think?

Second Gift of the season!

2010-11-29T19:28:00.001-08:00

I say the second because Jesus is the first.

This beautiful wreath arrived on our doorstep today. It was such a wonderful surprise! Thank you Auntie Janet for the lovely bit of freshness this Christmas!

2010-11-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I Have a Goal...DONE!

2010-11-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

Do you all remember this post? I thought I'd do an update about it.

I have earned...
$125 in Amazon gift cards.
$95 in cash doing surveys.
and...
$150 in saving dollar bills!

If we add that all up it is $370!!!!!!!!!

I've upgraded to the Dakota 20 for $289 and have added the extra $81 into the Christmas spending plan.

I'm thinking I need to set more goals...because I ROCK!

Stinking Knee...

2010-11-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

One minute I'm on top of the world running as fast as I can for miles and miles...the next I'm barely able to limp home after two little slow miles. The sports doctor says it's probably IT Band Syndrome.

What is IT Band Syndrome?
Iliotibial band syndrome is a common knee injury that usually presents as pain on the outer side of the knee.

Symptoms

The primary initial complaint in individuals with iliotibial band syndrome is diffuse pain over the outside of the knee. These people frequently are unable to indicate one specific area of tenderness, but they tend to use the palm of the hand to indicate pain over the entire outside aspect of the knee.

With time and continued activity, the initial discomfort progresses into a more painful, sharp, and localized irritation. Typically, the pain begins after the completion of a run or several minutes into a run or another long-distance activity. However, as the iliotibial band becomes increasingly irritated, the symptoms typically begin earlier in an exercise session and can even occur when the person is at rest. Those injured often note that the pain is aggravated while running down hills, lengthening their stride, or sitting for long periods of time with the knee in a bent position.

Treatment

Treatment of iliotibial band syndrome begins with selecting proper footwear, icing the area of pain, and beginning a stretching routine. Limiting excessive training, resting for a period of time, and incorporating low-impact cross-training activities may also help. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help decrease the inflammatory response around the area of irritation. If these treatments do not solve the problem, working with a physical therapist to develop a more focused stretching and strengthening routine may help. Cortisone injection into the area of inflammation may also be attempted, usually after these other treatments fail. If all else fails, surgery is an option, but only in very rare circumstances.

Recovery

The length of recovery depends on many factors such as your age, health, and history of previous injury. Recovery time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild injury may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may take six weeks or longer to recover. If you continue doing activities that cause pain, your symptoms may return and it will take longer to recover.

(Information taken from this)

All the websites say the same thing...I'm screwed for 6 weeks! My chest hurts, my heart aches, and I'm getting a little panic-y! I'm pretty sure I'm going to cry...

100 Things About Me...Do Over!

2010-11-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

I did this original list on Oct 17th 2008...it's been more then two years...let see how things have or haven't changed. My original answers are italicized and my new answers are bolded

1. I love…Chocolate milk shakes Being healthy
2. I have been...married for 13 years. 15 years. :o)
3. I have…two…children. Same
4. I like…Daisies Same
5. I'm scared of…heights. Same
6. I don't like…eggs. Same
7. One of my favorite shirts…is a green tie dye with a fleur de lis. Is 4 sizes small than the shirt I was wearing two years ago!
8. I don't shop in the mall unless…my daughter makes me. Same
9. I am…crafty but not an artist. Same
10. I like/dislike making lists; because…(like) it’s fun to see everything organized. Same
11. I like making people…wonder what I’m up to. Same
12. My sense of humor is…jovial . A bit on the touchy side lately but still jovial at times.
13. I ALWAYS cry when…I hear “Amazing Grace” played on the bagpipes. Same
14. I hate when people…don’t use their signal when driving. Same
15. I'm not necessarily…a cheerful person. Too true today!
16. I like to draw, but…I draw like a three year old. Same
17. I don't have any living…parents. Thankfully this is the same...it would be kind of scary if it weren't!
18. I like/dislike to save stuff…(dislike) because I hate clutter. Same Same Same!!
19. I recycle…often. A little less
20. I like toilet paper…to do a good job. :o) Same
21. I love candles that smell like…pumpkin pie. Same
22. I've worn glasses since…I was 24 years old. Same
23. The oddest thing I have eaten…escargot. Same
24. I eat salad…when ever I can get it, yummy! Not very often but I love it with blue cheese crumbles!
25. Scary movies are…TOO scary. Not worth my time
26. One of my pet peeves is…people not using it’s and its correctly. Same
27. Another pet peeves is…long story tellers. (get to the point all ready) Same
28. I make my bed…everyday. Same
29. My memory is…shaky at best. Same...that's scary...maybe I need to do more puzzles.
30. I dislike socks with…a children’s theme. Same
31. Books are…one of God’s gifts! Same
32. I like to imagine…sleeping through the night. Doing an Iron Man Race
33. I eat when I'm…tired. I'm hungry...food is just fuel now.
34. If I have a lot to do on…Tuesdays. Thursdays
35. I broke my…feet jumping from a barn roof. Same
36. I get bored when…I listen to long winded stories. Same
37. I like to write…lists. Same
38. I had my ears pierced when…I was 5. Same (of course)
39. I have a hard time…picking an outfit to wear. When I'm not able to get my daily run.
40. My closet is organized by…nobody. Coats, dresses, skirts, and blouses.
41. Being busy makes me…stressed. Same
42. I am a…budget-er. Same
43. I have…smoked. Ha! Not any more...Rich and I quit 18 months ago!!!
44. I get…my eyebrows waxed. Same
45. I avoid…making commitments. Same
46. I'm sensitive to…garlic. Same
47. I sing in the…car. And the house and church and in meetings and all over the place...I'm a much happier person than I was two years ago.
48. I do not get…my hair dyed anymore. Same
49. I drink…coffee all the time. Earl Gray tea all the time and coffee every once in a while.
50. I wear…Birkenstocks. Same and loads of other things because I'm so much smaller
51. My favorite holiday is…Christmas. Same
52. I'd rather be…cold than hot. Not any more...I'm freezing most of the time...
53. My hair is…light brown. Same
54. I like gifts that…are from my husband. (He is always so thoughtful) Same Same Same
55. I like buying things for…my kids. Same
56. I would rather sleep in than…anything! I wish this said "I'd rather RUN than"... anything.
57. I'm an emotional…talker. Same
58. I am…left…handed. Same
59. I will never…get married again. Same Same Same
60. I don't mind…long traffic lights. Same
61. I’m sure…God is real. Same
62. I think it’s easy to…sew. Same
63. Sometimes I think I'm too…judgmental. Same...sadly
64. I tell…everyone what I think. Same
65. I hate being…HOT! Hahaha I don't like being hot but since I've lost 70-ish lbs I'm not so HOT all the time.
66. I drink coffee…at night. Rarely
67. I love teasing…everyone. Same
68. I like when have a specific…job to do. Same
69. I wish my life was more…spontaneous. We are much better about this!
70. Board games are…boring. Same
71. I have lived in…the US only. Same
72. Sarcasm is…mean but still a part of me. Same
73. I have been to…12 movies during my entire life. I think I'm up to 14 or 15!
74. I'm a…middle…child. Same
75. I enjoy teaching…middle school Sunday school. Heck no...not any more...I don't like teaching ANYTHING!
76. Cats are…annoying. Same
77. I do not have…a big house. Same, we live in the same house
78. My favorite color is…pink. Same
79. Meal planning is…important. Even more important
80 My biggest fault is…losing control of my temper. Same
81. Painted toenails make me…feel great. Same
82. I get embarrassed…when I have to repeat myself. When I take a digger while I'm out on a run...I don't mind repeating myself anymore.
83. I’m pretty good at…decorating. Same
84. Walking is…better done in the winter. Too boring and slow...run baby run!
85. I'm not very good at…meeting new people. I'm so much better at this so I'll say...taking proper rest days from exercise.
86. My first memory is from…when I was three. Same
87. I keep friends for…a lifetime. This one sucks...because it's no longer true. I'm not sure how I would answer it now.
88. I am learning to…think before I speak. Still learning and not doing too well.
89. I enjoy smelling…Christmas trees. Same
90. I believe in…Christ. Same
91. I love…ice from Sonic. Eegees!
92. My favorite cookies are…oatmeal and M-n-Ms None really...maybe homemade heart healthy ones.
93. I'm to married a…Systems Admin guy. Same
94. I’d love to live in…Idaho. Oregon! Totally
95. I’ve been to Disneyland/world…3 times. Same
96. I really enjoy…being alone. Same
97. I love to eat…Double Cheese burgers from Mc D’s Hahaha! One of those wouldn't cross my lips today...even if I was dieing...vegetarian all the way!
98. I’m getting…very sleepy. New running pants Thursday!
99. I'm very…opinionated Same
100. I wish I was less...High strung. Same

Well...that's it. Some very big changes and some things didn't change...but I'm two years older, wiser, and healthier...that has to be a good thing!

Since my Forerunner Arrived...

2010-11-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

...on 8/15/2010...I have...

Run 139.82 miles and burned 18672 calories (that = 5.5 lbs)

...I've been slacking!

It's time to buckle down again now that my knee seems to be cooperating. I'm going to give myself an easy goal for the month of November. On Mon., Wed., Fri., I'll run three miles a day. Tues. and Thurs. I'll run two miles...that should be easy...only 13 miles a week! I'll pick it up some in December and do 20-25 miles a week.

Here's some cool little facts...since I started keeping track of my miles on dailymile I have...

Run 567.53 miles, burned 27 lbs, am .02 on my way around the world, powered 1708 T.V.s, and burned off 514.54 donuts. :o)

2010-10-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

SQUEEE!!!!

2010-10-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

I don't normally do back to back posts...but this is so exciting for me I wanted to post about it today too! Do you see what the sticker says on my new jeans??

That's right 8R...8R. I've never been an 8 anything!

More Cookies

2010-10-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

This time we added bats.
I love the "hair" one Megan made and the witch one right next to it...Sarah made that one.

Am I Pack Rat?

2010-10-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

NO!! I'm not a pack rat, nor will I ever be...but letting go of running shoes has been hard for me. I didn't want to get rid of my first pair because they were my first pair. Running shoes have a miles limit...they're only good for 300 or 400 hundred miles. The first pair has 400+ miles on them.
And I didn't want to get rid of my second pair because those are the shoes I wore when I ran my 1/2 marathon. This pair has 300+ miles.

(Can you believe I have run more then 700 miles since last Christmas??)
Here's the thing...the neat freak in me couldn't justify keeping TWO crappy old pairs of shoes. So GOOD BYE first pair! The second pair I've kept for yard work...that's a good one...and I'm happily racking up the miles on my new pair. :o)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-28T17:03:00.000-07:00

We're having a little get together on Sunday and the girls are helping my get ready.
I think some of their decorating has been influenced by the internet/texting/emotes like the one Megan did to look like this Ü
p.s. I'll probably post about Halloween again...because this was just a little post. :o)

The Great Pumpkin...pie!

2010-10-25T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've never made a pumpkin pie from scratch before...I've always used canned pumpkin...so when I got these two little pumpkins I thought I'd give it a shot....here's how it went.

Baking the pumpkins
Baked pumpkin...smells good but tastes kind of yucky.
The scooped flesh.
Puree-ing the pumpkin...it smells so good.
Pumpkin pie filling ingredients.
It looks a little runny...I hope it sets!
Pie Crust ingredients...
I'll save you the disaster that was rolling the pie crust and just show you a nice pie shell. :o)
Pour in the pumpkin filling and bake.
I had a little pie crust left over so I got out my tiny autumn cookie cutters and made some cute pie decorations.
Hooray it set! Enjoy.
Don't forget the seeds! Those two little pumpkins had loads of seeds. I roasted them with a little salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
Yum!

It's the Great Pumpkin!

2010-10-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

What a fun run! Part of it goes through this corn maze.

(Taken from the Buckelew Website)

There was a crazy moon all the way out there and for the run. It was so full and bright.

Pinning my number.
I think they said there were 800 runners (walkers and kids too).
5 Minutes until we start.
Running through the pumpkin patch. I'm talking to the woman next to me...no clue why or who she is. (before my injury).
Done with the pumpkin patch and onto the corn maze! (after my injury)
Out of the maze and to the finish!
I set a P.R. for myself. This is only my 2nd 5K race...the first one I did was last year's Jingle Bell run...my time then was 37.01...today it was 31.07!

EDIT: The race results are in. I came in 391st and 22 out of 55 for my age group! With a pace of 10:07 and a time of 31:28!