Mid Summer Night's Update

I really had several things to say today, so instead of changing my Facebook status multiple times I decided to BLOG!!  I started a Twitter account yesterday and wanted to Tweet some things but no one is following me, so no one would hear what I have to say.  I surprisingly like Twitter.  However, I'm glad that I held off for as long as I did.  So, let the updates and randomness begin:
1.  Due to this article that Josh sent me:

http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/training-day/201206/61-easy-ways-lose-weight  particularly 27. To burn more calories, stay upright. This means not sitting in front of a computer, TV, phone, etc., all day. Stand and you'll burn more and be more productive. This could even save your life. DiscoverWhy Your Office Chair is Killing You.  I decided to stand as much as I could today.  I think in my 10 hour work day, I stood about 5-6 hours today. 

2.  I wear flip flops around the office because I saw on the Today Show that heels are bad for the calves.  Today, I did wear my flip flops while I was standing and wore them home today!

3.  We did a fitness challenge at work and part of the challenge was to eat 5 servings of fruits or veggies for at least 5 days during the week.  I've realized that is hard to do.  You pretty much have to make one whole meal of fruits and/or veggies per day!!

4.  This time last year, I could hardly run 2 consecutive miles.  And I was running at a 10 min mile pace.  Yesterday I did 6 miles straight running at a 9 min mile pace!!  It's crazy.  I am thinking about doing a 1/2 marathon in November.

5.  In January, I tried to train for a 1/2 marathon but injured my hip.  I started doing hot yoga and I have not had any hip issues as long since, as I am consistent with hot yoga. 

6.  Cody has been working for mom this summer.  He has been spending a lot of time with her.  And Brayden has been going to stay with Grandma a couple of days a week.  I am glad that they are both getting this time with Grandma and GG. 

7.  Between the major, minors, Cody, and Brayden I think I will see about 50 baseball games this year.  WOW that's a TON of baseball...

8.  I like the symphony.

9.  I started listening to Symphony Hall XM station 76 and today when I got into the car after work, I smiled when symphony music played.  It's pleasant music.

10.  Even though it's pleasant, symphony music makes me think of psycho killer movies.  Like when the murderer or psycho is getting ready they typically play soothing symphony music.

11.  I used to blog about my dreams and I haven't lately, but the only recent dream that I can think of is this dream that I had last week that my grandma was pregnant!!!! 

12.  I'm in my Master's program now.  I've done 2 classes and I'm on a break for July.

13.  I need to start volunteering again.

Labor Day - FL

For the Labor Day weekend, I am with Josh in Pensacola, FL visiting his sister and her family. Jodi is Josh's sister and her husband Emmanuel have 2 adorable sons Ian and Dominic. The trip started out not awesome when the air conditioning in my car went out on the way to Tulsa. So I drove for about an hour in 100 degrees. I was a gross sweaty mess when I got to Tulsa. But the drive to FL was pretty uneventful. We took the puppies and they were great travelers.

We stopped at the Louisiana boarder to use the restroom, let the puppies out, and of course take pictures. We missed the Alabama rest stop... :( And I figured we would take enough pictures of Florida.This is Dominic the baby. He is about 9 months old. He is soooooo sweet. He almost let me rock him to sleep. He loved the puppies.

This is Ian. He really loves having his Uncle Josh here to play with. And Ian REALLY LOVES Neo. Neo has been really patient with the boys.

We did actually make it to the beach even though it rained most of our first day here. It was super windy so we did not get into the water nor did we stay on the beach long. We shopped on the Boardwalk for awhile, had lunch, then went back to Emmanuel and Jodi's. We all just took it easy the rest of day. It was the perfect rainy day for naps and movies.

We shall try the beach again...

Tulsa Time

The boys and I headed to Tulsa on Saturday to spend a couple of days with some friends and family. Saturday was a pretty full day with TONS of pictures (I got a new camera!!! So picture taking resumes). So each event from Saturday will have its own blog posting. Today, I will start with the beginning and end of our trip. The main purpose of my trip was to meet Josh’s daughters Jill and Elle. Jill is 9 and Elle is 7. Saturday we had lunch with 2 of my childhood friends Ericka and Stefanie. I met Stefanie’s husband Greg for the first time. I have known these girls since 4th grade and they lived in my neighborhood so I saw them almost every day til 8th grade. I really enjoyed visiting with them again, and we had a good time.

Josh’s daughters are super adorable and a lot of fun. We had a really good time, and I had really enjoyed having girls around. It took the boys a little bit to get used to having girls around, but they all got along really great. The girls are so loving and sweet and that I think I would literally have to be the Wicked Witch for them not to like me. But apparently I got the seal of approval from them. Sunday, after lunch and a trip to Cherry Berry, we played family Twister, and then I headed home through the storm.

Before we played Twister, my friend Morganne called me to see if I was on the road yet because the terrible tornado that hit Joplin, luckily I had not left yet. We decide to hang out a little bit before heading home to make sure that I was not driving into the storm. Once I got through Tulsa, Matt informed me that 44 was closed by Joplin. So between Matt and mom, they directed me another way to get home. They had 44 blocked off about Afton and I missed my 60 turn off so I was able to get back on 44 at mile marker 18. There were dozens of police on the highway. At one point I saw 15 emergency cars in a caravan headed to Joplin and then later 6 ambulances in a row headed that way. I had SEVERAL people checking on me on my drive home and it was SO super nice to have such caring thoughtful people in my life! Our campus is off to give blood for the people in Joplin today.

New Wheels

Cody got a new CAR!!!!! (new to him) It is a 2002 Grand Am. I surprised him with it last night. He had NO idea that he was getting a car. So he is SUPER excited. The car is in pretty good shape, but he is already thinking about and considering the maintenance for it.

The funny thing is that the day before, Brayden and I went to look at it and pretty much make the deal, so Brayden knew the whole time. He kept it a secret too. Then that evening Cody was getting upset about not having a car and being able to get a job or work certan hours. I just let it go, but after he got his car, Brayden told him that he wanted to say stop getting mad at me because I was buying him a car!!!! Cody said that he felt bad but couldn't believe that Brayden kept it a secret. Such good boys.

Side note: I went to a Springfield Cardinals game on Saturday and left my camera at the stadium and they have not found it. So no camera, and I had to take the pics with my iphone, which takes great pics during the day but at dusk or at night, it takes bad pics. So, this is why the pics are not that good and why I need a new camera!

Once Upon a Mattress

My mom, Cosette, and I took a break from hospital duty this weekend to run to Tulsa for the day. We had lunch with Richie and Theoden. Then we headed over to TCC Pace to see Sarah in a leading role in Once Upon a Mattress. This play is based off The Princess and the Pea. It was a really GREAT production. They did a good job and Sarah was AWESOME! Here are some pics and I will try to post some video clips, once I can size them down enough to go on here!

Happenings

Since my last post we have:

Taken a trip to DC to visit the Spillers (really before my last post, but for some reason I did not post about it)

Went to WI skiing for a week. We had a BLAST. It was another great vacation with the 3 of us. Cody did injure himself the 2nd say, so not as fun for him.

Took the boys to a Thunder game in OKC, Brayden's first NBA game, and the first that Cody can remember.

Cody, got a job, I cried, Cody didn't start his job, I was relieved.

And the count down is on for him turning 16 and getting his driver's license.

Helping my friend with her blog & I decided, to update mine as well!

Updates

Virginia - To make this short & sweet. We went to Virginia Beach, we stopped by Williamsburg and then our last night there we went up to Baltimore to Inner Harbor. We met up with the Poff family & really enjoyed that time. THERE IS A LOT OF TRAFFIC in that area - ALL OF THE TIME. We did a lot but still have a lot left to do up there. I really appreciated the Spillers' hospitality

Wardrobe - still doing my color weeks. Last week, I did blue week. This week was black week. I think next week will be light pink week or purple, I haven't decided yet. Probably light pink.

School - I found out the bus pick up/schedule and I have accepted the fact that Brayden will be riding the bus. He only has to walk like a block to the bus stop. And Cody will be home before he is so Cody can make sure that he gets home safely. I think I am more anxious about the new school year than they are.

I'm back in classes & should actually graduate with my first bachelor's degree next year!!! My new major is now Communication Sales & Marketing.

Back to reality

So, I am back from vacation, and I am not going to post my pics on here. I posted most of them on FB & I took like 300 pictures. I have decided that I do not have the time to post them again.

But I will take the next couple of posts to talk about my vacation a little bit.

This was my first time on the East Coast and I LOVED IT. We had a totally great time and my cousins the Spillers were awesome to us!! The boys liked DC the best. I am very surprised by that. But I think it is because they have read about DC and heard about all of the historic monuments but it is a different experience to actually see them. Cody said that he never thought that he would actually go to DC or the Smithsonian. They were awesome during the very long day of walking too. It was hot, we walked A TON and then we got rained on and the whole time they had great attitudes. I was so proud of them. I told them like 10 times!!!

DC was probably my favorite part of the trip too. BUT the beach would come in a close 2nd. Already planning my trip back!! Too much to do & I missed going to DC cupcakes!!

Cosette

Since my last posts I have added a member to my family. I would like to introduce you all to my daughter Cosette. We were "puppy sitting" in December and I guess she never went home. Cosette is a year old.

Only one person the whole time that I have had her has gotten the origin of her name. I did not name her, her breeder did. But still, her name is from Les Miserable.

When I was younger, I remember watching a TV show where these people kidnapped a dog & were trying to get a ransom. My mom has had a dog at all times that I can remember. I made some kind of comment to her about how ridiculous it was that someone would pay a ransom for a dog. She basically said that I was being insensitive and if ever had a dog of my own, I would understand. And she proceeded to tell me all the wonderful things about having a dog.

Well, I have had dogs since I have been an adult. I had a chocolate lab for 5 years. But she was an outside dog. I think
that we had 2 or 3 inside dogs but we did not keep them for more than a month or 2. I SERIOUSLY LOVE this dog. I have never been a dog person nor did I think that I ever would be. But this dog is so stinking cute!!! And she is small so I can take her with me wherever I go, so that is another reason why I have become so attached to her. She is so playful and funny. She cries when I leave her, even when grandma is watching her. I guess I understand what my mom was saying.

So, this stroller. Trust me, I have heard my fair share comments about how crazy this stroller is. Well, I know & I don't care. She is little, I do not like to leave her at home. I like to run and I run for a long time. She cannot keep up. SO THERE! I have a stroller for her & we like it.

What a week

Whew what a crazy busy week. Let's start with last weekend. Friday, I headed to OKC, with a stop in Tulsa to eat lunch with my old youth group friends. Especially Angela & Giovanni visiting from Italy.Left Tulsa to meet up with Katie at Matt's new job to see him and to hang out with her a little. We had a little quality cousin time.

Saturday, Ashley came to OKC to see us. So had some more cousin time and then headed to two parties. A BDay party & Matt's 3rd of July Party that was held late due to scheduling issues this year.

Sunday I picked up some of my 3rd cousins Elliott & Oliver to spend the week with us while their mom & sister hang out with their Grandma. My great Aunt Ev that has pancreatic cancer. Monday, I took the opportunity to go work out, look for a new job and go on an interview for a job (it was ok-had a 2nd interview on Friday-I'm not sure how I feel about the job). Then Tuesday all the "kids" and I headed to Silver Dollar City - minus Cody - he had band practice.

Wednesday the boys got to hang out with more of Aunt Ev's grandsons Phillip, Michael and Anthony(Anthony is only 6 months old). SOOOOOOOOOO cute though.

Wednesday got some pool time in during the day.


Then Dixie Stampede that night. This is Julia (silent J). She is from Germany and she is staying with the Spillers this year. She loved Dixie Stampede. She really like horses & they have mostly formal horse shoes. And nothing that you could eat a meal & watch a horse show!!!

Thursday, the boys hung out with their mom & I went to volunteer at the hospital then I just took the two girls to Ripley's Believe it or Not. We couldn't believe it...

Friday was another relaxing day of hanging out & then that night we went to a Springfield Cardinals game. The Cards won. They played the Drillers. I was going for the Drillers. Julia wanted to make sure that she was supposed to be going for the Cardinals & she wondered if I was like the only one going for Drillers. I assured her that I was the odd one! Then they had fireworks at the end. She really enjoyed that. They aren't as free with fireworks in Germany as we are here in the states.

Crazy week but lots of good fun!! Happy to have this time to spend with this family. They go home today. Now Bray's birthday Sunday!!!

Winn Reunion 2009

This was our group this year at our family reunion in Branson, MO. Let's see, did anything exciting happen this year?

Ummmm, for 2 weeks Aunt Ev & Uncle Phil have been in St. Louis due to her health.

Wednesday before reunion, Mom called me to tell me that Marvin was in ER. He had cut himself & was getting stitches. I guess he was already almost done by the time mom called me but I decided I better go up there anyway.

When I got to ER, my parents' neighbor & friend was sitting there too. She had brought Marvin's dad up right after Marvin had come to ER. Good thing I went up there. I got 2 for the trip of 1. Luckily he only had a UTI. So, mom was coming home from STL to go to Grandma I's stress test. So we met her at McD so she could see the guys, then went to Gma's.

Friday reunion starts. Oh, Grandma I decided we were having a boring week. She ended up having a low blood count. The found it due to some lab work they had done. So she ended up spending the night in the hospital too.

But somehow, Saturday things came together nicely. Grandma came home and Lisa & Uncle Phil were able to come home for the weekend from St Louis. It was a good turn out and it was nice to see the family that was able to make it.

I have to admit, I was a little wired & stressed up. I drank a lot of coffee too so I was a little high strung, but I made it & I think with little casualties.

Sleep Over

Neviah (my 2nd cousin) came over to spend the night with us the other night. We had fun. We didn't do a whole lot but she found my shoes. She kept putting my flip flops on and saying that she could fit. I told her if she liked those then she needed to come check out my closet.















We found lots for her to put on & the "fit" her. She also did really good at posing for all the photos. She would put one pair on & then tell me to take a picture.

St. Louis Trip 2

8 days after going to St. Louis with Holly & boys, I had to go back. So I took that opportunity to take Cody. We went and saw a Cardinals game. The Cards won. And I took him to Six Flags too. It was SUPER hot so I guess not a lot of people want to go to Six Flags in that kind of heat. So we did not have to wait in the lines very long. There were several of the big fun rides that we rode back to back.
I Pricelined the hotel downtown & we got the Hyatt for $50. Right next to the arch & 3 blocks from Busch Stadium. That was super awesome, did not mind walking and not fighting the traffic.
Cody in the stands before it really started to fill up.

During the game, the guys above us were playing Cups - a baseball gambling game, where money is passed around. They kept dropping money, so Cody & I made $7.00.

Then at Six Flags, we went to the water park & I sit down next to this lady in the lazy river & she asks if I'm Kira. As soon as she starts to tell me her name, I realize that it was one of my really good friends from when we lived in Indiana. She was there visiting a friend & we happen to see each other at Six Flags. Very random but happy to see her & catch up a bit.

Meet Me in Saint Louis

The beginning of the month Holly had to take Carter to St. Louis for some doctor's appointments. She was going to be there for a week. So Brayden & I joined her for a couple of days. I believe it had been exactly 4 years earlier we had met our friends from Indiana in St. Louis and we did pretty much the exact same things this trip. A little deja vu ish but Bray is a lot older now and he will remember this trip better. We went to Six Flags, but we ended up getting rained on for most of the time. So we left and had dinner at Apple Bees. But we ended up going back after dinner. It was pretty dead there & we were able to ride a couple more rides. Brayden was even able to ride Batman (which he is technically an inch or so too short for).

We also went to the Arch. Here we are at the top!

This is a cool pic of Brayden & Trevor running up the stairs with the sun & the Arch in the background. A little Rocky-ish.

We went to Union Station & Bray did this trampoline thing where he was strapped in & could jump & do flips. He is so light, but has a lot of muscle control/body control, he was able to go pretty high and he managed 3 back flips in one jump, he loved that.

Here we are at the zoo, obviously. We fed the sting rays. That was pretty fun. We also ate at this place that makes their own Root Beer. That was fun & in a part of St. Louis I had not seen before. A cute little area.

Since we were going with Trevor & Carter, Cody decided that he would rather stay with a friend. So, last week I took Cody to St. Louis, that post to follow...

8th Grade Completion

Friday was the last day of school for the boys. This is Cody & I at his 8th Grade Completion. They don't call it graduation because they don't want kids to think this is it & stop going to school or relate it to graduating from school in any way. Which what ever, I can see that. They handed out awards too. Cody got one from being a teacher's aide. And the teacher said that Cody said he was more a maid than an aide. That sounds like Cody.

This is the whole 8th grade. Where's Cody. He is wearing a light shirt, last row, on the left side of the picture. Bray ran off & would not take a picture with Cody.On Friday, the 8th grade took a class trip to SDC. These are some of Cody's friends. They weren't too thrilled about all the pics that I kept taking. Cody wasn't either. But I told him that I'm a mom & a mom that scrapbooks, so he had to endure.


And another picture with mom. Going into SDC.