Gettin' Creative

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:56:00 +0000

Wasn't nearly as chilly this morning as I had expected. Used my Christmas gift, the head lamp. Was VERY impressed with how folks driving noticed me MUCH earlier and many moved over to give me ample room. Love those kind drivers.

Favorite run song today was Our Lady Peace's "A Story About a Girl" - is a slower song but has a GREAT run tempo!

Hip and knee took a wee bit of time to warm up but soon were feeling very strong!

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	1274 ft
Location:	Chandler Heights, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	01/07/10	Up/Downhill:	[+22/-22]
Time:	06:00 AM	Difficulty:	2.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Partly Cloudy
	39 F temp; 69% humidity
	39 F heat index; winds NE 7

Performance

Distance:	3.15 miles
Time:	0:32:25
Speed:	5.8 mph
Pace:	10' 18 /mi	Heart Rate:	173 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	364		185 bpm (Peak)

Notes

One of my fastest runs yet! 8:45 max speed, 10:50 average... good run. Hip and knee warmed up slowly but felt really good the whole way through.

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

First Run of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:23:00 +0000

First run of the year with Susan. She came out STRONG and totally rocked it! I"m sure she could have done 10 without blinking.

I struggled today... maybe need a Gu pick me up at about mile 5, however I made it through, walk running the last mile.

1.5 months till Lost Dutchman 1/2 marathon. Let's hope this hip is in tip top shape by then...

Ooh! Look at the time! Gotta get to church!

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	1223 ft
Location:	Sun Lakes, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	01/03/10	Up/Downhill:	[+9/-9]
Time:	09:00 AM	Difficulty:	2.7 / 5.0

Weather:	Clear
	39 F temp; 56% humidity
	39 F heat index; winds S 5

Performance

Distance:	7.01 miles
Time:	1:18:26
Speed:	5.4 mph
Pace:	11' 11 /mi	Heart Rate:	166 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	742		178 bpm (Peak)

Notes

Hip okay, kinda sore but not too bad. Chilly but not horribly so. Last mile was BRUTAL!!!! Think I needed a Gu pick me up...

Map

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

December 29th Part 2: Luminaries at the Desert Botanical Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 04:55:00 +0000

We were rained out for the Tuesday 12/22/09 Luminaries at the Desert Botanical Gardens. HOWEVER we were able to rebook our tickets for the following week. WOW, am I glad we did! The whole family met for dinner at Applebee's and then off to the Desert Botanical Gardens for the evening.

There were a number of people present for the Luminaries and the family wandered around quite a bit. We stopped to listen to the choirs, hand bells and jazz holiday music. It was LOVELY!

The whole family seemed to enjoy the evening. The two kids ran, played and pretended. They also enjoyed counting the luminaries that were out.

The adults enjoyed the crisp night air and each other's company.

The luminaries glowed and flickered softly along the path, Christmas lights highlighted various trees, soft music played and a glowing blue moon. The garden is magical!

The clan stopped for hot chocolate and checked out the "ice" skating rink, which was a large white Plexiglas square, slightly less slippery than ice. Folks seemed to be enjoying their time on the "ice".

By Far, my favorite part of the evening was just before we left. I stopped Dan and asked him to dance with me. We did a wee bit of rumba in the midst of the park while a slow holiday blues song played in the background.

Dan and I determined that we will certainly return next year, maybe just the two of us for a date night. Nothing sounds more divine than strolling leisurely hand in hand through the gently glowing pathways, enjoying a glass of wine and stopping for an occasional slow dance in the midst for the gorgeous garden!

December 29th: Chandler Environmental Education Center Veterans Oasis Park

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Today Joe had a playdate with a "new" friend. D and Joe have been in Sunday school class for a number of years, however never spent time together until Joe was invited to Awanas by D last year. They have since become fast friends. Today we had D over to play... the two played Wii, spent time having an indoor and outdoor nerf war and a Lego "build-off".

They played while I took down the Christmas decorations and packed up the tree. Finally, I loaded up the boys and we headed off to grab a bite to eat. We got lunch to go and headed to the Chandler Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park. I recently attended a volunteer event there for work and wanted to poke around on the many trails the park had to offer. The boys were reluctant thinking it to be a dull journey, however after a stern warning NOT to hug any cactus we ambled off. The young en enjoyed exploring as much as I did and were somewhat willing models for me.

I enjoyed the lighting, weather, location and company. (Note to self: This will make a GORGEOUS location for an outdoor shoot in the future!) Joe kept running off pretending to hug cacti while D and I chatted about pets and local wild life.

I enjoyed listening to the two of them converse... I have often wondered "What DO nine year old boys talk about?" Apparently Sponge Bob Square Pants is a popular topic. They discussed their favorite episodes and Joe mentioned that he was disappointed that the Sponge Bob movie doesn't air on cable as frequently as it used to. Later, they discussed plots for world domination and pretend war. A typical boy topic, I presume.

Our favorite part of the park was this little waterfall. We climbed high and we climbed low. For these pictures, I actually laid on a rock in the midst of the stream as the boys climbed in up higher. I almost rolled off, but thankfully did not. (Water and my lovely camera would NOT mix!!!)

When we returned home the boys resumed their play with a Halo battle and enjoyed hot chocolate and chocolate cookies. (Dan laughed when I shared this with him. I think it's because I'm not usually this "motherly" nor "domestic".)

The two young men had a lovely time together and it ended far to quickly. Fortunately, D is just down the street from us and I know we'll be having more play time with him soon!

Post Christmas Run

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Enjoyed a post Christmas run with Susan today. She is the best, makes me laugh while we run our "routine". Funny to see how far we've come and how much longer we talk when we run.

Definitely needed this post the food fest of wine/pie and movie popcorn yesterday. Now, to get my hip back in line...

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	1222 ft
Location:	Sun Lakes, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	12/26/09	Up/Downhill:	[+3/-3]
Time:	08:00 AM	Difficulty:	2.7 / 5.0

Weather:	Clear
	28 F temp; 88% humidity
	28 F heat index; winds Calm

Performance

Distance:	5.20 miles
Time:	0:57:07
Speed:	5.5 mph
Pace:	10' 59 /mi	Heart Rate:	161 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	541		170 bpm (Peak)

Notes

FREEZING cold until the sun came up. Hip still bugging... fairly painful. Walked at midpoint to see if that helped... nope. :(

Map

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

Christmas Day Run

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Gotta run off some calories to earn that pumpkin pie! :)

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	1272 ft
Location:	Chandler Heights, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	12/25/09	Up/Downhill:	[+13/-13]
Time:	08:00 AM	Difficulty:	2.4 / 5.0

Weather:	A Few Clouds
	30 F temp; 88% humidity
	30 F heat index; winds NE 3

Performance

Distance:	3.25 miles
Time:	0:33:53
Speed:	5.8 mph
Pace:	10' 25 /mi	Heart Rate:	158 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	381		172 bpm (Peak)

Notes

Chilly, could see our breath! Joe went with me on his NEW bike from Santa! He loves his bike with all it's awesome gears.

Hip still bugging, knee too. :(

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

December 24th: Christmas Eve - Dan's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:09:00 +0000

Traditions for Christmas Eve:

One of our favorite things about our church is the candle light Christmas Eve service. Pastor Storms does a marvelous job with the message and the worship team does a delightful job with the music but the capstone event of the evening is the candle lighting that happens at the end of service. The lights go out, the candles get light and Roger leads us in an acapella version of "Silent Night". It brings a tear to my eye every year and is as much a part of our Christmas traditions as a tree and presents.

The second part of our Christmas Eve tradition is celebrating Dan's birthday with dinner, cake and gifts. This year was no exception. Dan requested bar-b-que for dinner so we catered Dave's. Delicious! Then, for his cake, he requested yellow with chocolate frosting. It, too, was delicious and didn't last long... Happy 36th birthday, darling!

After dinner, cake and gifts, the children went upstairs to play and the family watched Dan's birthday gift "The Hang Over". Dad, Aunt Beth and McKenzie loved it and laughed as much as Dan, Joe and I did. Time laughing with family is always something special to cherish.

December 20th: Tales of the Unexpected

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 06:14:00 +0000

This year the UPS man has not stopped by as frequently, yet I did do much of our Christmas purchases via the internet for mail delivery. However I can't tell you what all we received because, well, that would just ruin the surprise!

What I CAN tell you is that I've received many Christmas cards and letters from wonderful family and friends! Not many folks wrote letters this year but seeing pictures in almost every card makes me smile. The card from Darrin and Brooke was one of the sweet surprises... but they are ALL cherished!

Here's the collection we have so far with more to come, I'm sure!

December 23rd: Photo of the house

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:47:00 +0000

Chaos. Complete and utter Chaos. With a capital C. That is what my house is! Look! See for yourself.

To make matters worse, tomorrow is Dan's birthday and the birthday boy is going to help me clean up the house so we can have my family over after Christmas Eve service to celebrate his birthday.

Things to be done still?

Work out so I can enjoy eating
Mail Tax document for the biz
Mail e-bay packages
Wrap Christmas and Birthday gifts
Buy cake mix
Make Dan's cake
Clean/Pick up
Finish the editing photos for Kristee and her family
Make family scrapbook pages for Aunt Beth, Mom & Dad, Kenzie & Joe, Kenzie's folks.
Vacuum so my brother doesn't have an allergic reaction to the cat!
Get gorgeous in my new dress and shoes for church
Make a salad for dinner
Church at 2:45 pm
Pick up Dave's after church
Oh, yes, I'm sure there is more but this will have to do for now.

Santan Hike with Joe

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:03:00 +0000

I need my work out. Lots of calorie burn and what the heck, let's take Joe with!

"Joe! Do you want to go hiking? We can eat breakfast at the top of the mountain."

"That sounds great, Mom!"

Off we trot to buy doughnuts at the store. We return to leave some with Dan then hit the trail.

Joe grumbles a little, but all in all holds up very well.

We get to the top and perch on our rock to take in the view, snap some photos and eat breakfast before heading on.

We came in through the harder steep side, stop for breakfast, then head down the easier side, turn around to come back UP the easy side and finally down the hard side and out.

Joe feigned weakness, however he was a trooper and did a fantastic job.

All in all, we hiked for 1:41 minutes and covered 3.42 miles. Good job, kiddo! Can't wait to do it again. You are always so entertaining!

December 22nd: Things to do

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:57:00 +0000

What's still left on my list of things to do?

Hiking with Joe for exercise
Stocking stuffers
Gifts for Leo/Jennifer
Wrap presents
Edit pictures
Buy cat food (so poor Phil doesn't starve!)
Help Dad get Mom's gift
Mail packages from e-bay
Finish photography paperwork to make me legal and taxable
Luminaries at the Desert Bontanical Gardens

(Sadly, this wonderful event was rained out! BUMMER! However was able to reschedule for next week. YEAH!)

LAUNDRY!
Clean house for Dan's party
Take Joe to his Dad's house
Pick up picture CD from Costco

Oye, wonder what I'll actually get done today!

December 19th: Dear Santa

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:48:00 +0000

Dear Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year. I'd love to win the lottery so I can take pictures for fun everyday, volunteer at Joe's school, keep a gorgeous, stunning home and exercise lots. However, since I don't think that will happen, I wish for a peaceful, family filled day to be shared with everyone. I wish for Joe to be here on Christmas morning so he can bring the excitement of Christmas that only a child can bring as he rushes to see what you brought him. I wish for us to not forget the real reason for the season, Jesus, our Lord's birth.

Love,
Lisa

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:15:00 +0000

Running with a wee bit of breakfast in your tummy makes for a more pleasant stronger day! WHoo hooo!

Activity

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	0 ft
Location:	Sun Lakes, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	12/19/09	Up/Downhill:	[+0/-0]
Time:	07:00 AM	Difficulty:	0 / 5.0

Weather:	Clear
	39 F temp; 69% humidity
	39 F heat index; winds Calm

Performance

Distance:	6.20 miles
Time:	1:07:14
Speed:	5.5 mph
Pace:	10' 50 /mi	Heart Rate:	168 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	756		177 bpm (Peak)

Notes

Hip/knee was better. Chilly but gorgeous morning!

Map

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

December 18th: Christmas Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:22:00 +0000

The feast!

Usually takes place at Mom and Dad's house on Mom's fine Christmas China. Dan, Dad and I partake of a glass of wine. (Yummy!) Attendance varies depending on how the day was coordinated. But when it works our right, it's everyone at Mom and Dad's for a few hours to open gifts and eat.

The kids are a joy to watch with their presents. Dad works the ham or turkey. A man HAS to mash the potatoes. Usually is Joe Bro although Dan has been known to step in on a rare occasion. Salad, a warm veggie like corn or green beans and rolls round out the meal. We eat until almost bursting. However we still find room for pie. Pumpkin and apple for sure, sometimes cherry. Delicious! Whipped cream is a must and there are usually cookies for munching.

A movie is popped in post dinner and someone (Joe-bro) almost always takes a quick cat nap on the floor while were hanging out. The kids run through all their toys and the adults laugh and talk. I love Christmas with my family!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:48:00 +0000

Chilly but tolerable. Gorgeous Sunrise beginning. Enjoyed Julie's company!

R. Hip and Knee still tweaking. Not sure I can do 5/6 this weekend with Susan. We'll see how it goes...

Activity

Route:	3.2 Home	Elev. Avg:	1274 ft
Location:	Chandler Heights, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	12/17/09	Up/Downhill:	[+22/-22]
Time:	06:30 AM	Difficulty:	1.9 / 5.0

Weather:	Clear
	41 F temp; 75% humidity
	41 F heat index; winds N 6

Performance

Distance:	3.16 miles
Time:	0:34:00
Speed:	5.6 mph
Pace:	10' 45 /mi	Heart Rate:	170 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	382		180 bpm (Peak)

Notes

Hip still sore, but made it through. Ran with Julie this morning... I love working out with her!

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

December 17th: Santa Bringed Me My Bed!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:48:00 +0000

Sometimes you land on the perfect gift... sometimes it screams to you for one you love. I've found a couple of such gifts and think I have a few in store this year... although we shall see.

Regardless... one memory does stick out. Now I must find the video and load to you-tube so you all can see too! That may happen many months from now. If at all. We shall see!

The situation: On a trip with Dan and Joe to IKEA in 2004-ish, Joe found the tent bed. OH, he wanted it so badly! Well Santa brought it for him and placed it in his room on Christmas Eve. When he returned home that night from his Dad's house, Dan and I followed him upstairs. He walked into his room and THERE was his bed with a bright red bow on it!

"Joey, what IS it?"
He turns to look at me over his shoulder with a big smile on his face and twinkle in his eye. "Santa bringed me my bed!"
Indeed he had for the good little boy! Oh, his delight in sleeping is such a neat big boy bed...

December 16th: Grateful

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:27:00 +0000

Giving Thanks. It's not something we should only do at the holidays, but all year round. However I find myself thinking of and journaling about things I'm grateful for more often during this two month span.

Sweet baby Jesus, Son of God, born and died for me!
My salvation through Jesus!
My amazing husband - I love his smile, his positive attitude, his sense of humor, his wisdom. He is my sounding board, confidant and biggest support. I pray I provide the same for him!
My darling son - I love his smile, they way he thinks and his sense of humor. I love that he tries new things and loves me in spite of being grumpy on occasion!
My parents - they have role modeled a solid marriage for 37 years, they are there for each other providing strengths for the other's weaknesses and support each other always. They raised us in a loving home and taught us unconditional love... even when I was an evil teenager worthy of drowning! :)
My brother - he is, in many ways, my opposite (calm, deep, quiet, astoundingly intelligent, handsome an stable to name a few) and so many things I admire that I wish I could be. How can two people from the same DNA be so different? In anycase, I adore him!
My S-I-L and Niece - Such sweet girls! They are both always there for Joe as he travels with his work. Supporting each other through troubled times and long distances... They always have a ready smile and positive attitudes. I covet Samantha's twinkle toe sketchers!
My friends - Where would I be without my girls? Who would listen to my boring stories? Who would make me run that extra mile or lift that last set? Who would support me when I laugh, cry or vent angrily about a rough day? I would be lost without them, their support and love!
My job - Intel has treated me so well. From an MBA to pushing me to try new things. I'm in a job I never thought I would be able to do, yet here I am... more or less surviving! The source of many new friends and income to make other dreams come true. Benefits that help me enjoy life to it's fullest.
My other job - A true blessing from God. Never in my wildest imaginations did I fathom that I would be able to turn my passion of photography into something that provides me a little bit of money. The stars have truly aligned... the right people in the right places to give my so much opportunity! Lord, please continue to guide my path and help me make the right decisions!
My health - I LOVE to be able to exercise and enjoy life's adventures in a more healthy way. I love to eat my veggies and try new healthy recipes. I feel great and plan to continue this 2 year journey for the rest of my life!

Wow... a long list, very cathartic... I am so blessed...

December 14th: Passing out Presents

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Now that Joe and Samantha are old enough, they read and make piles to deliver gifts to the appropriate folks.

Joe, Kenzie and Aunt Beth usually end up on the couch.
Mom in the blue rocking chair
Dad in a chair from the table
Dan and Lisa on the floor along with the two kids.

The kids open first, then the adults, one present at a time so we all finish together.

There IS a methodology to the madness and clean up happens as the gifts are opened. Dan and Dad are the assembly folks... taking apart intricate packaging AND putting together anything requiring assembly (including Lego's!).

Weights

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:01:00 +0000

I need to start a log of weight lifting... am think here is as good a place as any...

20 min elliptical warm up

Leg Press:
1x 20 @ 90lb
1x 10 @ 160lb
4x 10 @ 180lb

Inclined crunches
6x 25 @ body weight

Inclined Dumbbell press
1x 15 @ 15lb
1x 15 @ 20lb
2x 12 @ 25lb

Bench assisted chin up 4x 10 reps

Kick backs
2x 15 @ 15lb

Hammer Curl
2x 15 @ 10lb

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Cold morning, had to be "fast" so Dan could get to the dentist!

Activity

Route:	3.2 Home	Elev. Avg:	1274 ft
Location:	Chandler Heights, AZ	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	12/10/09	Up/Downhill:	[+22/-22]
Time:	06:00 AM	Difficulty:	2.3 / 5.0

Weather:	Partly Cloudy
	34 F temp; 85% humidity
	34 F heat index; winds Calm

Performance

Distance:	3.16 miles
Time:	0:33:45
Speed:	5.6 mph
Pace:	10' 39 /mi	Heart Rate:	156 bpm (Avg)
Calories:	379		171 bpm (Peak)

Notes

BRRR!!!!

Elevation (ft)

Posted from runtracker.runnersworld.com

December 9th: Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Does anyone else hear the song from Fiddler on the Roof in their head?

What traditions do you keep for Christmas?

We have a few... I love that after 5 years Dan, Joe and I DO have some things that have become traditional for us at this time of year. Things that our family calls our own... things that Joe might remember when he looks back on Christmas at our house.

Decorating the Christmas tree and putting up Christmas lights on Thanksgiving weekend.
Listening to Christmas music while decorating the Christmas tree.
An Angel decorates the top of the tree (An Angel to announce the birth of our savior Jesus Christ!).
Pumpkin and Apple Pies.
Singing as loudly as possible while car dancing to Mercy Me's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Silent Night" a hundred million times (while driving - oh, you've seen me on the road, have you?).
Shopping online at Amazon.com.
Birthday Cake for Dan with our family on Dec 24th.
Spending Time with Aunt Beth
Asking Joe frequently between Thanksgiving and Christmas: "Why do we celebrate Christmas?"
Hot Cocoa
Movies: Elf, The Santa Clause, The Santa Clause 2, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snow Man, The Nativity Story.
Attending Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at Chandler Christian Church.
Christmas meal with family (either in AZ or OK but it has to be with extended family!).

Dan has informed me that a NEW tradition will involve stockings and stuffing them with goodies. I have assigned him with stuffing my stocking... now what to put in theirs?

December 8th: Visions

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Okay, I admit, I'm actually writing this a few days past 12/08/09... however Joe and I went on our first every photowalk. Coincidentally, this was the day Shimelle (who is inspiring my 'Journal Your Christmas' this year) was ALSO recommending we capture the visions in our lift this day.

The photowalk was WAY fun, Joe and I spent about 45 minutes wandering around Crossroads while Dan stopped in a Barnes and Noble. What were the rules? 1) Don't take a picture of a person unless you ASK if you can take their picture. (We quickly deemed that taking pictures of each other and Dan (who refused our request to take his picture) as okay... anyone else, we had to ask). 2) No running into the street/ no playing in traffic. Beyond that, we were taking pictures of anything we deemed worthy. We stretched our creative eye and snapped, snapped and snapped some more! Here are some of the visions we captured.

Photo's by Joe:

Him of me:

Me of him:

The lady a Pier 1 Imports asked if she could help us with anything. I said "Nope, we're just here to take pictures." She rewarded me with a look that claimed I was "odd" but let us proceed.
Photo's by Lisa

Here, if you look closely, you will find that I captured on digital 'film' an elusive rare creature. His 'coat' helps him blend with his surroundings however he is there, behind the headboards.

More by Lisa

When all was said and done, we took our chilled bodies to Chipolte for some fine eats and reviewed our captured images. SO much fun! Joe and I can't wait for our next one and NEXT TIME I'll let him take the D40x. I'm such a nice mommy.

(photo by Joe)

I ♥ Faces: Sweet Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Sweet little newborn baby boy! Yes, he smells as sweet as he looks. Thanks for stopping by!

December 7th Makin' a List, Checkin' it Twice!

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:36:00 +0000

This year feels COMPLETELY out of control for Christmas. SO many things to do and so little time to do it. Makes me feel a wee bit panic-ie inside.

What to do still?

Hang Christmas lights out side
Advent booklet/ calendar for Joe... where DID I put it???
Fill out Santa's book
Still need to find that perfect gift for Dan's b'day and shop for a few other folks.
Finish editing pictures for customers
I SO want to scrapbook and catch up on my 365 project... of which I am MASSIVELY behind.
There are other creative things I'd love to have time for but not quite yet...
Create a menu for Christmas Eve Dinner
Design a gorgeous table for Christmas Eve Dinner
Heck find time to make my list of stuff to do.

Actually this has been somewhat cathartic... maybe I'm not as behind as I think... I wonder how many times I'll edit this before the list is truly complete???

I wonder what Joe will say he has to do???

A Cold December Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:46:00 +0000

Dan knows good people, and these fine folks are no exception. We'll call them the L family. :)I first had the pleasure of first meeting them at Dan's boss's birthday party. I immediately like Mrs. L. and knew the Mr. L. had become a fast friend of Dan's... they are x-box junkies, playing games online together until late at night.

I often wondered if Mrs. L felt as much an x-box widow as me... we laughing joke about our status! One of these days, when the men are playing, we WILL get together and hang out with a nice glass of wine while the children play. If only we lived closer to each other... we'd be lushes from all the wine while the guys play!
In anycase, we have shared many a fun Saturday night hanging out with this fantastic family playing games, chatting and laughing till late.
Our boys get along fabulously and the daughter bounces between the adults and boys. I love her name for the sheep of Catan, Pearl! They are ALL Pearl!
Mrs. L. is a teacher. She is one of those rare gems that parents petition to make certain their son or daughter end up in her class. Watching her with her own two darling children, Mrs. L. has a true gift and way with kids!
Mr. L works with Dan and is clever man with a fantastic sense of humor.
We are so blessed to have them in our life and so fortunate to enjoy time with them.
Thank you L. Family for being such AWESOME troopers on a SUPER chilly December morning, taking pictures at 7:30 am. To be honest, you don't even look all that cold!