My resolution......

Heehee!!

Seriously though, gonna think about some realistic goals for the next year & will post those tomorrow.

Until next time,
Lori

Trying not to be a Scrooge.....

We have been busy in our home getting ready for Christmas. Samantha has worked on her letter to Santa and hung it on the tree for him to find:

Again this year, she has asked Santa to put her brother's present in front. We always get something for Cameron - a movie, a game, something we know that he would have loved. Last year's playstation game remains unopened in his room. The intent was to donate these gifts, but we just can't seem to give them away. So they sit. Much like me today. Bah Humbug.

Gotta work on that attitude if I am going to pull off a happy holiday this year.

Until next time,
Lori

So that is it?

So I started my birthday weekend with the Jingle Bell Run. My thoughts are, if you look ridiculous running, you might as well own it! I do my best at this race! :) Though this year there were way more people dressed up. My last race of my 30s was not great. Stll fighting through this lingering chest cold which leaves me a bit short of breath, but it was a beautiful morning and I am glad I went!



My friend is way more creative and talented than I am. She made this great plaque for the half marathon medals were are earning! I have 3 down so far! Can't wait to get this on the wall!



After a quick rest, it was time for barbeque with the family. Some important people were missing which always makes a celebration a bittersweet event.




LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my girl!





My girl picked out some great new running shoes for me! They have memory foam inserts and feel like clouds on my feet. Can't wait to give these shoes a work-out!



So far, 40 is not so bad! Not sure what all the fuss is about!

Until next time,
Lori

Love this!

I sometimes need to be reminded of this.......

As a friend posted today, "We don’t get to choose most of what happens TO us. But we DO GET TO CHOOSE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!" Until next time, Lori

Thanksgiving.....

Thanksgiving morning started with our 3rd annual Parkersburg Turkey Trot. It was a nice brisk morning for a semi-run...... I've been fighting a cold for almost 2 weeks so this was not my best effort!




The after-the-trot tradition of shopping at K-Mart went well too! Knocked a couple items of the shopping list!

Finally! It was time to eat!! My plan was to do some serious carb-loading for the real event - Black Friday shopping! Or rather, Thanksgiving eve & all night long shopping!

My fave part of the carb load was this deliciousness - cheesecake with brownie for a crust!

The girls were thankful for their technology. They had no interest in the football game or the sale ads that had taken over the living room!



I had my game plan mapped out, a wad of cash in my pocket, ads in my bag & coffee in hand! I heade out a little before 10:00 pm. Scored EVERYTHING that I was looking for (& lots else too!). Finally rolled back home at 5:00 am for a few hours of sleep before hitting the mall again. This year, even I think I bought too much! How is that possible when I still have $$ left???? Must be my awesome shopping skills... :)Well taught by the master: my mom, who never paid full price for anything! Seriously though, I am going to take inventory & in all liklihood, make some returns!

Silly girl!

Silly girl begged to have a cupcake smashed in her face! What a mess!

I saw a rainbow fruit plate in pinterest & thought I would give it a shot. Wasn't quite as prety but still tasted good!

Sami loves Ian!

Until next time, Lori

Sami is 9!

I cannot believe my little girl is 9 years old! What a ride it has been.....

Moments after being born -

Turning 1 in 2004:

Celebrating #2 with Cameron & Ian at McDonalds in 2005:

Birthday #3 was in Cameron's room at Children's hospital.....

#4 in 2007 was a little happier!

2008 was a surprise party & she really was surprised!

2009

2010

2011

2012 pictures will come soon!

Tonight, she has asked that we go out to dinner someplace where they will sing "Happy Birthday" to her! Looks like we will be eating good in the neighborhood @ Applebees!

Until next time,
Lori