You asked...

Finally, after oh-so-many requests...

a picture of my bicycle man.

This photo was taken at last weekend's race.

My man came in third.

And, yes, I'm giddy with pride right now.

Birthday Boys

These two lucky cousins share a birthday.

They were both born on Feb. 24th.

Happy birthday Max and Cade.

We love you!!

Fun Dip (Lik-M-Aid)

It's Fun Dip,
the sugary, powdery goodness in three fruity packets. And...comes with an edible, chalky Dip Stick.

How could this perfect treat become even better?

Share it with your best friend!

Happy Birthday, Sis

Yesterday was Brianne's birthday.
We celebrated with one glowing birthday cake.
Dang, that's alot of candles!!

Ran it!

I'm tired...

I'm sore...

but, I did it.

Yesterday, I ran the Lost Dutchman 1/2 marathon. I was worried about the hills, but they didn't get the best of me.

And...I'll be doing it again.

Gotta beat my time, right?

My Cub Scout

Last night, Max attended his first pack meeting. He has been talking about joining scouts for the last couple of years and was thrilled to finally be there!

A Young 35

On Monday I turned 35.

For the last several weeks I have been whining and complaining about how old I am getting. I have been such a baby about it that I'm starting to get on my own nerves.

My grandfather turned 90 two days before my birthday and while I sat back and watched this rugged, active, energetic man blow out his candles and schedule another big bash 10 years from now, I began rethinking this whole aging thing.

I am healthy, strong, and blessed beyond measure. How dare I complain about the years I've earned rather than feel grateful for each and every one?

My mother died at 57. She was far too young and full of life to leave us, but I am grateful for every single second I had with her. Never in my life did I hear her say one negative thing about aging. She welcomed every new stage that came along.

Yes, I'm 35...or "checking the next box" now, as I like to say. And, rather than focusing on what gravity has begun to take hold of or point out the arrival of crow's feet and stress wrinkles, I will do my best to welcome this year with hopeful optimism and sensibilities. I will appreciate those moments of joy that have given me laugh lines and recognize the gifts that come with age. I feel that I am smarter, more self-assured, and far more comfortable in my own skin than at any other time in my life.

The world no longer looks like it did 15 years ago. It looks better.

And... I can't wait to find out what it will look like in another 15.

*See what you get for your birthday when you're dating a really sweet bicycle man!

(...not to mention super cute!!) Thank you, Lance.

Happy Birthday, Paca

Over the weekend, we celebrated my grandpa's (Paca) 90th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Paca. You sure know how to keep all of us young at heart!! We'll do it again in 10!

Damn Yoga!

Ok, I wish.

Even yoga would be a better excuse for this shiner!

Can you believe it? 34 and my first black eye.

How did it happen?

A bad case of the stomach flu, dizziness, passing out...

and awakening to find this beauty!

I'm considering adding a column to the right to log all of my injuries...they are accumulating at a disturbingly fast rate! I'll keep you posted.

Finally...

I am embarrassed to admit this.

Max will be eight years old this month.

Yesterday, I taught him to tie his shoes.

I know...it's a little late coming. Ok...very late coming!

I just figured somewhere along the way, someone else would teach him.

A teacher, dad, grandparent...someone would take the initiative, right?

Didn't happen!

Yesterday morning, just before Max's basketball game, I bit the bullet.

I sat him down, showed him one time, and ta-da...he had it!

Now, he is obsessed. He spent every moment that he was not in the game, tying and retying!

Those laces and his little fingers are exhausted!