Try Melon Tri 2010

Sunday Molly participated in her first ever triathlon!!!! It was held in Muscatine, IA at the YMCA and let me say it is a SWEET Y!! Molly and two other girls were a team and they called themselves The Lemurs. Molly had to ride a stationary bike for 7 miles. She had done some practicing but, never fully cycled the 7 miles. They had also been on a waiting list so then they thought they probably wouldn't get to do it. So, when we found out that there had been a cancellation she went into panic mode. Molly said mom I can't do it. They will hate me if we loose. I said they aren't going to like you if you bail on them. One of her friends had to swim 1/2 a mile I believe and her other friend had to run 2.5 miles. I am so proud of Molly for sticking with it and finishing. First she said she would never do that again!! But then when she found out that if they had been a few minutes faster they would have got third instead of fourth. She said oh we so have to do it next year so we can improve!! They did the triathlon in 1 hour and 9 minutes. They were 14 seconds faster then my friends husbands team so they were pretty proud of that!!

ARI!!!

Today Ari came home from school without her coat. I reprimanded her for not wearing a coat in the winter. I could tell she was upset. Then a few minutes later I noticed a hole in each sleeve!! Exactly where her thumbs would fit. That is a style in some shirts. I was livid. It was a brand new shirt and that was the first time she wore it. I asked her why did you do that....her response was I don't know. She ran upstairs crying. So, when she came back down minus the shirt and just her t-shirt. I told her I would buy her a shirt with the holes already in them. She claims I said she couldn't have one.....I did apologize for being so gruff. And she vowed not to do that again. I love my kids!! Guess I will be seeing if I can repair it. Just might have to take a picture and post it.

Brad Paisley

Sunday night (January 24th) Charlie and I were very fortunate to go and see a wonderful concert!! Some friends of ours invited us to attend. Her husband is a member of Brad Paisley's fan club so our seats were AWESOME!!! Row 5 seats 5,6,7,8 we were just a few seats from the runner stage. It was so much fun to see him that close. Justin Moore and Miranda Lambert opened for him. At the end of the concert a young lady jumped on stage but didn't get very far, she was grabbed by a security guard. Even after being nabbed she still tried to get away. I wish I would have taken a picture of that!!! My friend was able to meet the man himself and he saw the police escort the young lady out of the building. Exciting times. I highly recommend that if you are ever able and have the opportunity go to one of his concerts. You won't be disappointed!!!!! I could add all my pictures but I don't want to bore you so I am just giving you a taste.

New Addition

No we aren't having a baby! Got your attention though didn't I? It is another dog. The day before Christmas a dog showed up at Charlie's office. We did some checking he had a microchip and we were able to track down the owner. After several phone calls he finally called my BIL back and said he didn't really want the dog (how sad). He also said he had an ear infection and would cost 200.00. WOW!! My SIL decided she would pay for the vet if it could help get him a home. The good news it only cost 70.00. And now he is at our house. We thought we had a lead on someone who wanted him but, it must have been in God's plan that we add a second dog. Charlie is pretty sure he is an English Lab. He is all white and only weighs 83 pounds!!! The owner said he likes to wander. That he does he has bolted 3 times. Which makes for some sad little girls. The first time he ran away, Ari cried She asked mommy can you pray with me?? She had the cutest prayer. It went something like this. Dear Jesus, Please help Remington come home, and if someone finds him I hope they go door to door and ask is this your dog? And they come to our door and they ask and we can say yes. She sat by the window and watched. Pretty soon he came up the front steps. She was so excited that her prayer was answered so quickly. The next time he ran off he was caught by animal control. To make a long story short my nephew knew the dog catcher ( he lives near us and saw Remington get picked up) He chased after him and he gave him back the dog and my nephew brought him back to us. And then the third time a student I had in youth group drove by and saw Charlie out on the porch looking for him, she opened her car and he hopped in. So I think we are meant to have this dog. Charlie isn't usually soft hearted but, he really likes this dog and couldn't bear to take him to the pound. Enough about the dog. I'm sure we will more adventures to share!

Locks of Love

O.K. I meant to post this before my Christmas ones but, oh well. Molly and I have been talking about her cutting her hair and donating to Locks of Love. She was going to do it when school started but, decided to wait until December so it wouldn't be too short. Thanks to the advice of our hairdresser. So before Christmas we had an appointment to go and get it cut. She was super nervous. I was so proud of her!!!! When all was said and done she probably cut off about 12 inches. It looks so adorable. Several of my friends have said she looks a lot older which I'm not happy about. She will always be little to me. It was so funny when our hairdresser was done with her hair, Molly said wow it is a lot cuter than I thought it would be, I really like it. It is less headache for mom and dad and a lot fewer tears for Molly (no tangles). Enjoy!!

Quincy

Over Christmas break the girls and I went with my family to Quincy to see some of my cousins that I don't get to see very often. We had fun hanging out and eating. I wish they lived a little closer. One is in Oklahoma, and the other one is in the Carolinas. I do have a few in Quincy I see more often. Thank goodness for Facebook.

Happy Birthday Jesus

Whew, finally things have slowed down so I can catch up on my blog. Funny thing is I was just talking to a few friends today about how I was going to catch up on my blog and there would be a ton of posts. It has been a tradition for several years now that we go out to my parents Christmas Eve and spend the night and wake up Christmas morning open gifts, eat, hang out and then head to Charlie's side of the family. It makes a very full day but, rather enjoyable. As always the kids enjoyed opening gifts. I have let them the last several years open one gift on Christmas Eve. You would think they would catch on to the theme and know what they are getting new pajamas. I love seeing them opening there gifts and the delight in their eyes and the excited squeals of thank you so much. I have wanted that for so long. I hope this finds everyone happy and healthy and ready for 2010. Always remember that Jesus is the reason we have this blessed holiday.