Merry Christmas!

This had to have been the best Christmas I have had thus far in my lifetime!  It was crazy busy but I had so much fun spending time with Ricky and I's families!   It started Thursday night where Robertson Tire had their company Christmas party.  Then Friday morning Ricky and I headed to Seminole to spend time time with Myers/Shaw side of the family.  There I met a whole new set of people and they were all so nice and kind and welcomed me in with loving arms. Ricky and I taught them all how to play Mexican Dominoes and had a blast!  Saturday morning we we to Ricky's parents house to see Ellie Kate get up and walk downstairs where Santa had brought her all kinds of toys!  

Ellie Kate as Jessie the Cowgirl

Ricky and I on Christmas day

That evening we headed over to Ricky's mom's side of the family to celebrate with more food and family.  It was a good time seeing all of them.  We left there a little early because we were headed to Hobart that night to my parent's house.  We got there about 12:30 and to bed we went.

Jake opening a  huge gift! 

Sunday morning we woke up and had Christmas with my siblings and were entertained by my nephew Jake as always :)  Then my dad's side of the family came down and we had lunch and played dirty Santa.  The rest of the day and Monday were relaxation days.  We did however play more Mexican dominoes and I taught Ricky how to play Sequence.  We came back home Monday evening for some R&R.  But not for long, we have to get packed because we are headed to Hawaii Friday!!!!

What's Next in running

So I've been thinking a lot lately about "What's Next?" This post is going to be about my physical activity.  Let me give you a brief background, I started running March of 2009....pretty much like this:

I trained on my own with the C25K (Couch to 5K Program).  Upon completion of that I finished my first 5K in May that same year and was so proud of myself.  So then I thought..."What's Next?" A friend of mine decided to train with a group for the 15K happening on Halloween...I thought "this is crazy, but I want to do it"...so I did.   I trained 3-4 days a week through heat and cold (mostly heat) and completed the Tulsa Run 15K.

First 5K

Tulsa Run 15K

Only a month after my 15K was the Route 66 Half Marathon...about 4 miles longer than the 15K and I decided since I was already so close, why not go ahead and complete it too.  So I did ha. Then I wanted to train for another half in the spring. So I trained for the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Half Marathon.  And completed it as well.  

2nd Half Marathon

1st Half Marathon

3rd Half Marathon

So when the fall training came around again this summer, I had decided I wanted to train for the full marathon.  Little did I realize just how much time that consumed!  The time restraints plus a couple of running injuries burned me out quickly.  I was just tired of running....but didn't want to give up.  So I backed down to the half training (still having injury problems) and finished my 3rd Half Marathon.  So now here I am, and not quite sure "What's Next?" 

For the present time, I'm doing some speed interval training on a treadmill (because I'm being a weenie and not running in the cold) and really would like to get more weight off before I run more long distance.  I might start at the bottom again...doing 5K's and try to increase my time and stamina.  So stay posted and I'll keep you updated on my running adventures.  

Way too long...

Sorry everyone, I've been slacking in the updating department.

Thanksgiving has come and gone and so much has been happening!  I had an excellent Thanksgiving split between Ricky and I's family.  I had so much to be thankful this year!  The first few things that come to mind when Thanksgiving is mentioned are: fall, family, and football ha.  Three of my all time favorite things :)  While at Thanksgiving dinner at Ricky's parents, everyone was discussing Bedlam football coming up....so in the spirit of things, Ricky's mom went and got little Ellie Kate ready for the big game.

Ellie Kate being a Cowboy's cheerleader :)

Bedlam had finally arrived, the day I was excited and scared to death for.  This was the first real test for Ricky and I's "House Divided".  All in all, the game ended sadly but my relationship stayed in tacked haha.  It was a beautiful day to tailgate and enjoy the last home game of the season for the Cowboys.

The clan at the game....with the Sooner fan :)

With Thanksgiving behind us for another year, it was time to gear up for Christmas.  So the next weekend I had some time and put up the Christmas tree in my new little apartment.  I used the ornaments that my grandmother had made, some of them wood that my grandpa had cut out and she had painted, and others that she had crochet.  Since they are both in heaven, I always get a little teary eyed when I put them up because I remember all the good times we would have at their house for the holidays.

Christmas time typically means lots of holiday parties and get togethers, and this year doesn't disappoint.  Lots of activities coming up which include friends, Christmas lights, food, gifts, and laughter.