Homemade Starbucks

Black friday came & historically I have never taken part in it. First of all, I am never that organized when it comes to shopping- I think I am usually in denial that I have to get it together. Second, I hate crowds (get that from my dad)...but something came over my Friday a.m. & I was out the door....not without my caffeine! The girls joined in with a fancy chocolate drink that I made & voila! I don't think it compared to a mocha chip frapaccino- but it seemed to make them happy! ps- I am happy to report that i was a success in my shopping & I am ahead of the curve for 2009!

Thanksgiving 2009

Another great, delicious Thanksgiving. Definitely a favorite holiday around here. It seemed to be less chaotic- the last hour trying to time things together was not a problem. Nice to have Debbie & Wayne here this year & all the great food they made. We are so thankful for all our wonderful friends & family...onward to the holiday madness!

Blazing Blisters Finish!

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We had a great finish- Ken ran in strong. It was so great to see him running up the boardwalk...2 other teams we started with were also waiting for their last runner & we had no idea who was coming in 1st...so we were stoked when he appeared through the crowd! Running up at the end altogether made it all worthwhile.

Run. Drive. Sleep? Repeat. Ragnar Race Florida 2009

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Our Ragnar Team- The Blazing Blisters-just ran across Florida. 202 miles in a little over 28 hours! This was an example of when the idea comes to you, it sounds like a good idea ..."yes, definitely, it'll be fun". Then when it approaches or you are in the middle of it...you aren't feeling it so much! Unfortunately, my journey started out not so good after I tried an energy drink for the 1st time. My adrenaline was high before I took it, plus the drink & running during the heat of the afternoon sun made a bad combination for me...awhile after my 1st leg, I felt really nauseated-had palpatations & all around felt like I was not going to make it. Thanks to my teammates who recognized that I was most likely dehydrated...I was able to turn it around. I felt so much better during my 2nd & 3rd legs. Running against traffic in the middle of the night with no sidewalks was a bit unnerving but thankfully Al rode the bike next to me & all was well. We all decided that the running was probably not the hardest part of the race...the temperature changes, no sleeping, planning out the nutrition, not showering...basically all the "outside" elements were what brought the challenges. We brought books etc. to keep us busy, which we did not open... At 5 a.m. some of decided we can check Ragnar off our list & we will not be doing this again...however, after I finished my last leg I instantly thought " I am totally doing this again" Crazy, exhausting, uncomfortable...but in a weird way fun & definitely cool. Loved my teammates & thankful that my family came out to meet us in the end & see us cross the finish line as a group!

The next America's Funniest Home Video (Not kidding)

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Okay- this is funny. Like we are sending it in to America's Funniest Home Videos! Hang in there through Kathy & Amy's traditional style & get ready for a good hearty laugh. As always, thank you Nancy for bringing tears to our eyes.

Meet our latest additions

I consider myself pretty solid at math- so it is ironic that I spent $48 after Josie & Sydney won 2 free fish at the Founder's day carnival on Friday. Of course, sucker that I am, I bought a beta fish for Griffie! The tanks do look pretty though...we'll see how long they last. Josie's last fish made it to 4! So we welcome, Reggie, Sebastian & Dorothy.

Chillin' in the hot tub

After our runs we can home to soak in our jacuzzi & rest our feet. gotta love Florida in November. Griffin iniated our 1st ever "Florida Polar Bear Club" by jumping in our ice cold pool.

Go Team Lowell!!!

We rocked the pavement this a.m. during The Celebration Founder's Day Races. We had one member of our family running in each of the races . Amy (10K), Lee (5K), Josie (mile), Griffin(4 & under) & Sydney (#1 fan & photographer). I love that my family is jumping on my band wagon- I think it is such a positive environment to expose our kids to...plus, never,ever,ever would I have guessed that Lee would start running in races. NEVER!!! He must really love me. It was an early & long morning. I love the fact that they came out to watch me finish...something that we joke has not really been done before. Looking forward to 2010, when I have a feeling we might have 3 of us running the 5k!!! One can dream!

Ice, ice baby

Okay, we had some of the heartiess, well deserved laughs in awhile last night. Mostly compliments one Nancy Kousaie. Overall, going to Mystery Night at "Ice" at Gaylord Palms had us nonstop laughing...I mean putting adults in oversized puffy ice blue jackets for starters...2nd, it's fun to be a kid when your kids are not there, 3rd...9 degrees is fun when you know it is temporary!

Another Laser Win

Josie, your team just gets better & better each week. Excellent defensive plays by Josie - it was an exciting game to watch. Both teams had some great foot & head work...these 8-10 years are really getting how to play as a team.

Beautiful morning for soccer

This is my last weekend to watch the kids play soccer since I will be out of town next weekend for a race. Griffin had a powerful kick...unfortunately into the other team's goal. However...it was powerful & he went for it with purpose! He was a bit upset, but personally, I think this is a right of passage! A little drama on the field with some dads taking things up a notch. People...it is only a game!!! Kids do need to learn the rules ( and this kid definitely could learn about good sportsmanship)- but lets all just try to remember this is 4/5 year old youth soccer!!! Ps- I love how Sydney & Josie come to support their brother, yet multitask & read for school (or as in this picture...sydney plays her DS).

The Cavs beat the Magic!

Lee & I had a fun night out-we went to dinner (alone) & then to see The Cavs vs. the Magic. I am not a huge basketball fan, but at this point I am thankful for the Cavs since they really are our only hope at this point. Plus, it is so much fun to go to any sporting event & of course have a night out with Lee. The win made it even better.

Headliner's Part II

The 2nd show was great. First, my friend Rose treated me to a soy latte with a shot of peppermint (my new fav) so I was very awake. Second, the show was even better the 2nd night. We were minus Josie but Griffin (in his pj's) hung through the 1st 3 acts until he declared he was tired & he was out within a second. Once again, Sydney seemed to be enjoying herself- which is what it is all about. Way to go Sydney- we are once again very proud of you.

Lasers play hard

A very tough, exciting game today. Josie played great on defense & had some great offensive shots. Unfortunately, the Lasers came up short. They played their little hearts out. Oh well...looking forward on to next weekend!