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Micah's 1st Day O' Kindergarten

Micah wanted to ride the bus for the first day of school.

Waiting so patiently.

He got on the school bus like a pro!

Off we go...

Daniel wanted to go too.

The Old has become New!

One of my great friends, Sarah, gave me the courage to take on a huge project. 

For years, Adam and I have been talking about restoring our retro 1976 couch into an updated one.  We got several estimates and it was going to cost $1,400 or more to have it reupholstered.  As you would expect, we had a hard time coughing up that money when we could buy a new one at a cheaper price.  But we couldn't get rid of this couch for many reasons.  For one, Adam was in love with his childhood couch.  In his exact words, "It's comfortable and they don't make winged-back couches like this anymore!" Also, it was Adam's parent's first couch.  It has much sentimental value.  So, for years it sat in our living room with an annoying couch cover that just wouldn't stay put and looked a bit drab and out of place. 

I didn't have the appropriate sewing and restoring experience to tackle on this project myself, but I desperately wanted something to be done.  But, from my experience, patience is a virtue.  So, I just waited...and waited...and waited to see what would come my way.  Six years later, along came Sarah - an answer to my prayers!  Not only does she have lots of sewing experience (she made her own wedding dress for goodness sake), but she also has some restoring experience. And not just with ordinary furniture, but with old, winged-backed chairs!  Although, until now, she had never reupholstered a couch I completely had faith in her abilities, and she (for some odd reason) in mine.  And after two hard, but rewarding weeks, came the fruit of our labor: a beautifully restored couch that now has even more sentimental value! This couch has touched many hearts, and now you can add mine and Sarah's to that list.   

I Did It!

My goal time was 2:15. My actual time was 2:17. I was really down on myself for not making my goal time. But my husband reminded me of a few things. First of all, I only gave myself 8 weeks to train. Before then, I could barely run 3 miles. Secondly, I didn't train on hills, and the course in San Diego had a few long ones. And lastly, I ran the last 3 miles with cramps in both thighs. So overall, I didn't do too shabby. Now, with a new perspective in mind, I am really proud of myself! And I have the running disease 'running' through my blood. I am looking forward to my next 1/2 Marathon in Fresno. And this time I won't run alone. Adam has decided to join me! Also, I've decided to set my goal even higher for next year: I want to run the full San Diego Marathon, all 26.2 miles, in 3 hours and 45 minutes to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I know I'm crazy. I don't need to be reminded. :)

Yay. I'm running a half-marathon.

I say that with such enthusiasm because I really am excited about it, yet exhausted from training. Nonetheless, I have completely shocked myself! My second week of training and I have made it to 8 miles in 1 hour 20 minutes. I have never, ever, ever run that far in my entire lifetime, let alone even remotely thought about it. And to top that off, I am running exactly at my goal time: 10 minutes a mile. It's not a fantastic time, but I am meeting my goal. And it's pretty darn good for a beginner. If I say so myself. I really would love to finish the half-marathon (a little over 13 miles) in about 2 hours. That is my ultimate goal. I think I can do this...

I can't believe I'm doing this!!!

Yay.

Kim, Deby and Snorkeling

Kim, Deby, me and Adam after our dive in the Florida State Pennekamp Coral Reef Park in Key Largo.

I met the nicest and coolest couple while snorkeling today! Their names are Kim and Deby. They were so approachable. And an inspiration to me because they have been traveling since the middle of August; they have travelled more than 3,200 miles; and have been camping and riding their bikes the entire time!!! This amazing couple started their journey in Grand Forks, British Columbia and has almost made it to their final destination: Key West! Can you believe that?! Amazing. Adam and I got along so well with them. They were truly one of the nicest couples I have ever met and will be keeping up to date with them by checking up on their blog. You should check it out at: http://www.gearsandsorerears.blogspot.com/. I'm sure they have some amazing stories to share. I may also post a picture of us on the boat from today's snorkeling adventure - if it turns out, and if it's okay with Kim and Deby.

Red Beds

Over the Labor Day weekend, I got a burst of energy and decided to paint the boys' beds red. It was lots of work, but worth it. Major thanks to my neighbor, Eddie! He let me borrow his brand-spanking new spray painter for the head and foot boards. I tell ya, I think I might have the best neighbors in the world! Oh, I almost forgot to tell you: Micah said he doesn't like his bed. Can't you just tell?!?