At the Starting Line!

I have exactly 100 days before the race...and I need somewhere to reflect on my progress (with juggling school, work, life :-)  ).  I hope you will follow me and provide me some encouragement when I need it.

Much love | Livie

Life is Good!

(view from our balcony)

Tonight ends on a beautiful note. After over a year of not speaking to my sister, we made up! And just like sisters, we talked for three hours - and we still didn't catch up! :-) I have missed my sister. I am so glad that she is part of my life again. I learned a valuable lesson today...you have to throw yourself out there for things that mean something to you. I missed a whole entire year of my sister, brother-in-law and nephews lives because we both were too scared to deal. I won't ever make that mistake again. I will never lose my sister again.

June Update

Things have been absolutely crazy busy the past month. I have officially been accepted into the W. P. Carey Business School @ ASU, Lily is now part of our family and doing fantastic, I bought a new camera (finally), we have been busy working on the house in anticipation of the children's arrival in two weeks, and finishing up a few books that I wanted to start before summer was in full swing.

Officially a Sun Devil!
After much hoop jumping (I was accepted as a Bachelor of Arts student, but they wouldn't let me start a Bachelor of Science program without knowing what percentile I was in high school...yeah, you heard me right, high school!), I will start back to school in the fall as a Junior Finance student. I have orientation and sit down with a counselor on June 30th, and at that time will also finalize all the last ASU requirements - proof of MMR and get my Sun Card for access to facilities. I am absolutely ecstatic that I am going to officially graduate from a true 4 year university! I never thought I would, and was told at a very young age I wouldn't, and I am going to prove everyone, most importantly myself, that I can do anything I set my mind to!

Lily's Homecoming
Wow! To sum up how the past month has been with our little girl you only have to say two words - pure bliss! She brings us laughter, friendship (especially for Baxter), love, and just whole girliness! She is the opposite of Baxter in so many ways, and it is good. They compliment each other so well. She has already gone to the vet twice, and Dr. Bode is very happy with her progress (she has gained three pounds!). She has one more visit in three weeks before we schedule her surgery. Baxter accompanied her on this last visit and had his Junior Wellness Exam. We should know the results of his blood work in a few days. They both took their heartworm medication like troopers last night, both got teeth brushed and hair combed today, and are looking quite spiffy! I knew that life would be good with another, but life is GREAT!

New Camera
We finally went and bought me a new camera - watch out world! :-) We chose the Canon G11, and have really been happy with it thus far. I have started to read study guides on how to take better pictures and understanding exposure. I have already learned a lot, and am seeing improvements in my picture taking capabilities. Matt likes the fact that I have a newfound hobby. He says he hopes it keeps me away from scrubbing the floors as much as I do!

Kids Homecoming!!!!
I can't put into words how happy and excited I am for the kids to come home for a while. It has been hell since February with all the court stuff (of which, nothing is still resolved), and we are just going to be glad to have them in AZ territory for a while. They are excited as well, and keep talking about all the fun stuff they want to do. The first couple of days we are going to coordinate with Nana Kathleen because luckily she will be in town as well (I love it when everything goes so well).

Two Books
This update is mostly for you Tiff! :-) I read Sophie's 20's Girl and also Sleeping Arrangements by her other pen name (Wickam, spelling?). Both of which were spectacular!!!! I recommend you read 20's Girl for sure - she keeps you laughing through the whole book. I read it in two days!!!!

Well, that is about it for the updates. Love and miss everyone a lot!!! XOXO

Roger's Canyon and Mother's Day

Matt, Murph a I went on an amazing hike Saturday. We Started at the Roger's Trough Trailhead, headed down 109 and then finished off on 110. The trail ended at Angel's Basin and the 600 year old Salado indian ruins - cliff dwellings. I did not know that there were other cliff dwellings besides the ones found at Tonto National Monument, but I was pleasantly mistaken. Not only were we able to explore without being held back behind red tape, but we were able to view pieces of pottery and even an arrowhead. We respectfully enjoyed what others before us had left behind, and then we did the same. :-)

The most amazing thing about this hike was all the way down the trail we were able to enjoy the waterfalls. There was a lot of water that fed the canyon all the way down to the ruins. We did take a few opportunities to cool ourselves off - it was a very hot Saturday!!!

Sunday, Matt and I met Kristy, Chad, Shane and Jake at the Lakeside Grill at Club West Golf Club for Mother's Day Brunch. The weather was absolutely beautiful (and can you believe that view?), the food was really great...but the company was the best! :-) Matt and I had a really great time. I am so glad that Kristy asked if I wanted to share my day with her.

We finished off the day with a one hour Skype call with the kids. If I can say that there is anything good that came out of us not being with the kids any longer in Michigan is the fact that I get to spend a little time with them on Mother's Day...never got that in Michigan. It was great. Tyler and I spent some time doing multiplication and division...he is so smart!

It was by far the best Mother's Day I have ever had; it was a day I won't forget soon.

This week has started out pretty rough...do you know what is worse for a Finance Analyst than the last part of the fiscal year and closing the books? The first part of the next fiscal year and getting the budgets set! I hope it gets better!! I don't know if I can take another three days of this.

What's getting me through you might ask????? :-) Four more days and we get the baby!!!!! So so excited!

Today Our Baby Turns 8!

Canoe Trip 2006

Easter 2010

It just seems like yesterday that I was taking a very shy little 3 year old to the zoo with her 4 year old brother. I didn't know if they would like me or not, but I was 100% ready to take that leap...and I fell in love with them the moment I met them. I never thought that I would ever find a man like Matt, and not only did God cross our paths but he brought these two precious gifts into my life. The best gifts God could ever give. I am truly blessed. Melissa, I love you with all my heart, mind, and strength. Happy Birthday Princess!!!

My Girl's a Star & Other Fun Stuff!

Matt and I are very proud parents today! Melissa, for the third year in a row (mind you, she is only in 2nd grade!), was selected to have her artwork displayed at the 34th Annual Troy School District Art Show. Her piece is a lizard and it illustrates tempera paint.

She did a beautiful job!

Tyler had a Cub Scout event on Monday night, so Grandma and Grandpa were asked to pick Melissa up after school and escort her to the opening ceremonies. Mom said they had a really good time. The evening ended with dinner at California's Pizza Kitchen - yum!

But it is these types of events that are really hard for Matt and me. We would do anything to be there next to Melissa cheering her on. I remember the last one we could attend - her Kindergarten year. I have her picture hanging in our den. :-) I remember holding her hand as she drug me through the exhibits trying to find her painting...I miss her...I miss our kids. The next 11 days can not come soon enough.

Matt and I continue to find great new places to explore and more challenging routes to hike each week. This past weekend was Siphon Draw to Flatiron and then to the top of that range in the Superstitions. It was magnificent! You have to do a little of this...

To get a view like this...

This is one mile up! We hiked for a total of 7 hours - a very nice distraction for the weekend!

So, the weekend was pretty fun. We finished off the evening with a bon fire and martinis. I found a new recipe with Stewart's Key Lime Soda and Skyy...yummo!!

Jen has been keeping us up-to-date on Lily. It sounds as though she has had a few up-and-down nights, but I think that is to be expected with just losing all her brothers and sisters. Jon has grown pretty fond of our little girl...he better not kidnap her :-) J/K I am just so thankful that I found her. In fact, we are tossing around the middle name of Grace. I think it is appropriate.

I have gotten her crate ready (almost like having a second child - I knew not to get rid of Baxter's baby kennel) and I even found some of Baxter's old baby toys that are going to get washed up really really good and presented to her when she arrives. There is not much we need to do to prepare ourselves for May when she comes home. I am going to buy her a blankey like Baxter had and I think Jen is allowing her to bring something home from there that has her smell on it. I am sure that the first few nights will be just like when her siblings left, but I think we will be ok.

Jen sent this pic over yesterday of her snuggling up on a towel. She is just so precious!

Well, it is getting late, and I must get to bed.
Another real quick update - I applied to ASU this afternoon! My transcripts should be enroute to AZ by the end of this week, and I should hear something back from them by next week. I am super excited. With Nissan reinstalling our tuition reimbursement and my boss' feelings towards a flexible schedule, school can be a priority again. I will keep everyone posted.

Updates

So, as all of you may know I haven't updated in quite some time.  Here are some updates:

Running
I have officially completed my first 5K run, which was actually 4.2 miles in honor/memory of the late Pat Tillman (42 was his ASU football number). Here I am crossing over the finish line! My status were: Overall 6028/19,684; Gender 1767/9881; Division (Age) 561/2988; and I ran a 9:34 pace. Not bad for my first run! :-)

I am planning on completing a 10K by November and a half-marathon by January...maybe marathon if I feel I can do it. I am very excited that this is something that I have found that not only mentally gets me in shape but physically. I will say that I have never been this physically fit ever; not even when I was in high school. It is a good feeling! I also enjoy that Matt has joined me. It is nice that we have another activity that we can share together.

Hiking

Wow! Has this Spring been filled with AMAZING hikes!! We have done no less than 8 miles on any given day and the most we have done thus far is 13. We have seen great flowers, lots of water, a little bit of animal life, and learned a lot of interesting history. Matt sure has become a little Indiana Jones! If we don't have a trip that includes going and seeing some old mining camp (that only has some rusty old nails and tin cans left) or some other link to history, he isn't excited. However, he has taken me to some really cool places thus far. Here are two really cool pics. I will provide captions, so that you know what they are:

These are grinding holes in Garden Valley (Superstition Mountains) that are at the ruins that date back to prehistoric times. They were first reported in the Arizona Daily Gazette in 1893.

The Spanish Hieroglyphics are thought to be the key to one of the 18 Peralta gold mines in the Superstition Mountains. The Sunburst indicates it was a very rich mine, the word “ORO” tells us what it is all about—GOLD (you can only see the O in this picture - straight down from my left elbow). Then there is the map sketched on the rocks below. Could it be the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine?

If you can believe it or not, these are the mountains right by our house. The early Spring showers brought the mountains alive with greens, yellows, and purples. It was absolutely breathtaking! Most of the hills around us have now started to dry up and turn brown, but the high elevation areas are still very much green.

The Brittlebush is still very much vibrant around Miner's Needle.

And the trees are still very much green around Weaver's Needle. By the way, this was where we at lunch yesterday...pretty nice view, huh? :-)

Family
Well, we are all doing well. I guess that somewhat sums it up. We spoke to the kids on Skype last night, and we are ready to head to Michigan in a few weeks to see them. we miss them A LOT!!
Tyler is done with basketball now, and has started baseball (player pitch). It looks as though he may be the pick for the team's pitcher. We couldn't really tell if that excited him or not...but that is Tyler! Melissa is still playing soccer and enjoying her time on the field.
We had a little surprise for them, and we can now share with everyone :-) We have decided to add an additional member to the Whipple family! It is a little black fur baby, and we have decided to name her Lily. Now, we just need to work on middle names! Here is a picture of her.

Seems that she is a pup from a litter-mate of Baxter, so that makes her his niece. Isn't that crazy?! Last Thursday I was just playing around online and googled "Nubbybutts" which is the name of Baxter's breeder. I came across Jen's blog which mentioned that she had babies that she needed to find homes for. Well, we have a home! Lily comes home with us the weekend that we visit in May. Melissa is all excited that she gets to pick up her new little sister...and also by the way, Melissa was the one that gave the deciding vote that it was Lily!

Well, I think that is all for now.

Learn from a Donkey!

Another cute one sent to me today...

Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are, precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Read the following story:

One day a farmer's donkey fell down a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; It just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds

of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well

is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of

our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out

of the deepest wells just by not stopping,

never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less!

NOW........Enough of that crap! The donkey later came back, and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him. The gash from the bite got infected and the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.

MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:

When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you.

Good Stuff Today!

I think that someone is trying to talk to me today :-)

I did some reading during my lunch break (too cold to run, haha), found some good thoughts. This is from this month's Health magazine, interview with Kristen Bell:

"What philosophy or phrase would you say guides you in life the most?"

her answer:

"Eleanor Roosevelt once said something amazing that I took to heart: the three requirements for happiness are knowing you're honest with yourself and to others, knowing you've done the best job you could in your personal life and in your work life, and your ability to love others."

Sounds like she has a really good philosophy!

Concentrate on this Sentence...

A close friend shared this with me today. Thought I would share:

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better...

Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' Something good will happen to you today; something that you have been waiting to hear.

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past,there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

The Greatest Dignity of All

Read this in my daily devotion today, and I wanted to share this thought with everyone...

"God gave us the greatest treasure in all creation: a heart. You could not live or love or laugh or cry had God not given you a heart. And with that heart comes something that staggers me. God gives us the freedom to reject him. He gives to each of us a will of our own.

Good grief, why? He knows what free-willed creatures can do. He has already suffered one massive betrayal in the rebellion of the angels. He knows how we will use our freedom, what misery and suffering, what hell will be unleashed on earth because of our choices. Why? Is He out of his mind?

The answer is as simple and staggering as this: if you want a world where love is REAL, you must allow each person the freedom to choose."

Powerful thought, isn't it?

My Sole Mate

Well, we are back from the northern cold. Besides having a delayed flight back into Phoenix for a few hours, everything went great! We had a wonderful weekend with the kids that included another great basketball game in which Tyler contributed with 6 baskets, watching Melissa grow at her soccer practices, and a trip to the local police station with Tyler's Boy Scout Troop - and that was just the icing!

Thought you might like this highlight picture:

He made this one.

After Tyler's game on Saturday morning, we headed up to Ludington to spend time with Dean, Cinda, the boys and Kami. We had A LOT of fun!!! The girls put on singing performances for us, the boys (and me) went skiing at Caberfae and we finished off the visit with pizza on Sunday night - the boys' favorite!

Monday, early afternoon, we were back on the road headed to Tyler's Boy Scout field trip and Melissa's practice. Both were done early enough for us to head on over to the Wilson's home for some fun. The kids enjoyed each other's company for a few hours and then it was sleep over time! :-) Tuesday before we had to head back to the airport, the kids were able to have breakfast and lunch together and went and played at the Bounce House in Utica. Everyone got along really well. It was a great visit.

We are always so appreciative of our family and friends that let us stay with them while we are in Michigan. Due to the ice shutting down the ferry, it made it impossible to stay with Mom and Dad on the island. Thanks Wilson family for helping us out this season with the inclement weather.

There are a lot of great pictures (and video too!) of all the fun we had this past weekend, and I will post as soon as I can. :-)

Today, it was back to the old grind...but it was actually a really easy day back. Work was quiet, and I was able to get caught up by mid-day. I was able to go and pick Baxter up at lunch AND make it home at the regular time.

Matt surprised me and decided he was going to run with me this evening. Thank goodness he did! Did you see my time posted to the left?!? I am almost at a 10 minute mile with him!!!! I put in all the calculations...and retyped them because I thought for sure SOMETHING must be mistyped. Nope, my honey pushed me my hardest today...and I am SO GLAD that he did. He is my "sole" mate. My forever friend. I love you baby!

Today's run definitely upped the ante for the rest of the week, but I know that if I can do it once I can do it again. Two more months before Pat's run, and I know that I can make my goals. My knees are a little sore tonight, but I took my "old people's medicine" as Matt calls it and some pain meds before lounging for the night. I will feel good as new for tomorrow...or at least good enough to run the best that I can tomorrow!

Goodnight all...sleep well! xoxo

Owning My Days

So the past week has been a little difficult for me to get back on track after Mom and Dad left. It hasn't helped that I have been working SO MANY hours at work...and after work, and on the weekends...I think you get the point. I have allowed other people to dictate how my days were going to be orchestrated. Well, not any more. I know how I feel when I exercise every day, and I miss that so much.

So, today was my first day back. I ran at work during lunch through the fields by the HSO. Gosh, did it feel GREAT! I have decided that dailymile.com is the easiest application to use to track my progress, so I will continue to use that from now on. I really like the fact that you can change the map from street mode, satellite and hybrid. It is pretty cool. I have also placed a widget on my blog page...to see my progress, but much more to keep me accountable.

My eating is again back on track too. I drank my breakfast (three cups of skim milk - lots of protein and packs in a lot of calories to keep me full until lunch), had oatmeal for lunch and dinner consisted of a 3 ounce pork chop and a cup of whole grain brown rice. My only snack today was dehydrated apple chips on my way home from work. I even drank my 12 glasses of water! The only thing I have to give up (again) is my coffee. I had switched officially to only loose leaf tea (my favorite - teavana) the week before Christmas, but with all of this working overtime, I had switched back. I will probably try next Monday. I am really weird like that...must start something new at the beginning of the week :-)

We are heading up to Michigan for an extra long weekend to ski with Matt's brother and his family. We are super excited to see Melissa and Tyler! There has been a lot of stuff going on lately, so it will be nice for Matt and I to have some one-on-one time with the kids, and to also have some fun with our family.

I must get to bed. I hope everyone is having a great week!

Forgiveness...

I need this today...thought a few of you may also. It comes from: http://www.christian-books-for-women.com/forgiveness-prayer.html. Let me share the thoughts...

The Word is really clear about the need to forgive. It's required in order to receive answers to prayer, as part of a relationship with God where you actually expect to hear from Him.

There is a lot of bad stuff that happens when you don't forgive. Bitterness, anger, and hurt...just to name a few. But the odd thing is that it all happens to you, not to the person who hurt you. You're the one who has to walk around with all that stuff inside you, eating you up.

The bottom line is that forgiveness is mostly for you...your health...your peace of mind...and mostly, your relationship with God.

But just because you realize you need to forgive doesn't mean you've suddenly inherited a magic forgiveness prayer, or even the desire to do it. In fact, it's hard. It's really hard. Here are some steps that have helped me:

Make the decision to forgive, regardless of your feelings. They will eventually catch up with the whole forgiveness concept, but maybe not today.

Pray that God will give you His Grace to do it. God's grace is simply His power to do something with ease that you would struggle with if you try to do it on your own.

Pray for the person who hurt you. Ouch. This is probably the hardest part of the whole concept. But when you pray for that person, God can reach into the situation and work.

LEAVE the situation and person alone. Don't try to avenge yourself. Ugh. Yeah right...it would be so much easier if you could just do some awful thing to make them look bad or feel bad or something! Don't do anything. Let God do what He's going to do and you focus on moving forward, doing whatever God tells you to do.

There's something about acknowledging forgiveness that seems to strengthen the concept somehow. In my new book, A Change of Heart, I show you just how forgiving opens the door for God to work. There are many barriers that can stand in your way when you want to make life changes. Unforgiveness is one of the biggies. Here's a "Print and Pray" forgiveness prayer that may help:

Lord, I'm coming to You because I need to forgive (insert name). I don't have anything to bring except all this pain and anger about what's happened. Lord, I don't know what to do with it all, so I'm bringing it to you and laying it at Your feet. Your Word says I have to forgive (insert name), so I'm making the decision to do it. PLEASE heal me on the inside so I can let go of this.

I pray for (insert name), please deal with them in the way You know is best. Heal them and bless them Lord. Make them into one of your followers.

Thank you Lord, for taking all this from me. Thank you for healing me. And thank you for helping (insert name). I ask this in Jesus name.

AMEN!

The Heart is Central

Tonight was such an interesting night...very insightful to say the least. I talked with someone that knows my family, but not well enough to understand the dynamics...but knows one member very well. It is amazing to hear how we have all suffered through the years. It makes me think...

...What would life have been like if we were raised as children and young adults to believe we could be good enough?

...To learn from a very young age to love - love beyond all else? Love unconditionally?

...To forgive?

...What would life have been like if we learned from infancy that the Lord sacrificed his life for the sins of the world? That with a crown of thorns and nail-driven hands and feet OUR sins are washed away...yes, each and every one of us.

I am thankful...so very thankful...that the Lord showed me the way. That I did seek, and I did find. And that I have a personal relationship with him, my heavenly Father. He knows my name, he knows my weaknesses, and he knows when I hurt. He knows when I am lonely...and reassures me that I am not alone. We are never alone. He knows my heart...he is the only one.

"I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt, but only more love." Mother Teresa

I will love until it hurts...because the hurt is disapating...and there is nothing but love.

Good night everyone!

Rough Week

This has definitely been a rough week getting back onto the work out wagon!

We had a great weekend with the kids. We watched Tyler play basketball, Melissa play soccer, we attended a birthday party, a regular party, we went to Dave & Busters, and had a few really nice meals together. We played and we laughed...besides a little drama (that is always expected when entering into the MI border), it was a really pleasant trip. We really enjoyed our visit! I even ran while in Michigan. However, since I have been back home it has rained everyday and everyone knows...I hate going to the gym! With the beautiful weather here, there is just no ambition to get my butt in a car and drive to the gym :-) However, I talked with Amanda this evening on my way home from work (she wanted to make sure I was able to get home - I will get to that), and she said that she will help me during this yucky weather (she needs a little help too!). Thank goodness I am at least eating really good!!

Over the weekend, I was talking with a few friends in MI about our running progress. It is sort of cool that a few of us started together and we have continued to be great encouragement for one another. Anyway, they recommended this really awesome website that tracks your runs. It is called mapmyrun.com. A few of the guys at work also recommended dailymile.com. I will try both of them and figure out which one works best for me...but I promise, I will be running tomorrow!!!!! (Although it will be at the gym.)

Many of you have asked how we are doing through this storm. We are making it...it has been very scary. At 5 pm today, the state was declared in a state of emergency. I have never been in such bad weather without a basement to hide in, and Baxter is giving me anxiety. He runs to the closet and crys. I want to hide with him! We did bring in all of our potted plants and the patio furniture is inside also, so there really is nothing to get thrown around this time, like the last. At this point, it is just a waiting game...for all of you that are with me in Arizona...hold on!!!!! Mom and Dad fly in tomorrow. I really hope that Sky Harbor will be open; the airport cancelled all arrivals today.

I wanted to give a loving shout out to Tiffany. Hey girl - you are doing great! I will be with you every step of the way!! Thanks for the invite to your new blog. Envision what you want your body to be. You will be there before you know it. Keep up the great work - love ya!!!

Also, a second shout out to Tammie. Thanks for the referral at LifeTime. I am going to use the money to get a personal yoga training session. It was very nice of you to think of me. Love you!! Sorry I couldn't see you over the weekend. Skype soon...k?

I am going to try and get some sleep now...if Baxter will let me :-) Liv XOXO

A New Approach

So, I wanted to post a few pictures of me at the beginning of the year, so that I have a good visual "line in the sand." :-) I have started a new approach to working out and getting in shape and I think it is going to work better than anything I have done thus far. Don't get me wrong, I am in the best shape I have ever been in. I have been pretty consistent with working out at least 5 times a week since my move out to AZ and I am now up to running 6 miles a day. However, I have some goals that I really want to obtain, both short and long term. I hope to look at these pictures in one year and say, "Wow! That is what I looked like?" I am more determined and passionate about this now than ever. I think I can do this...I know I can!

January started the fourth quarter in our fiscal year which came a lot of added work and stress with my job. That is what has pushed the new change. I love my new job, so I want to give my all there, but with living in Phoenix it is so hard to want to stay at the office...or at least stay motivated as everyone else walks out the door at 4:00 p.m. and the sun is shining and it is 72 degrees - in January! Last week left me disappointed at myself because I only got to run once because my job kept me to the late hours of the night. So, I came up with a compromise to myself starting this week! I cut up my workouts throughout the day. If some unforseen occurrence happens that keeps me late at the office, I have at least ran for 30 minutes (a little more than 2 miles) at lunch. That will be my minimum - some people's max for the day! I won't feel let down that I didn't get to work out which in turn won't ruin my mood for the rest of the day. Today, not only did I run 30 minutes at lunch, but then ran with Baxter (yes, my little guy runs and he doesn't poop out!) for 43 minutes AFTER work - about 5.5 miles today total - and it was easy peasy!! I finished my run, made dinner, and then welcomed Matt home as he returned from the gym himself. We ate dinner, enjoyed a glass of vino and then got prepared for tomorrow - very relaxed and refreshed. I like this new schedule.

My first short term goal is Pat's Run on April 17th - Matt's birthday. It is in honor of Pat Tillman, football player, who died while fighting for our freedom. It is 4.2 miles, which won't be difficult, but I am now training for time. I have only timed myself once...which was about a month ago. I will time myself again at the end of the month.

My second goal is to learn beginners yoga. I have ALWAYS said I wanted to learn, but this time I am going to do it!!! I may take a class or two, but first short short term goal is to buy one DVD - recommendations please! - and start with that in my home. I know that I have asked before...will someone help me remember which ones you said were good? :-)

My long term goal - The PF Chang Marathon in January of 2011 - right before our cruise in March. I am hoping that by that time I won't even recognize my own body. Gosh, I would LOVE that!!!!!

I am going to start logging my progress, so that everyone can help cheer me on. You have always been a really good cheering squad - it is always appreciated :-)

Now I must give myself the love of a good night's rest. Night!

A Fresh New Year!

Well, we just got home this evening from being in Vegas. I would love to fill everyone in on how the two week shut down went and update you on how the kids enjoyed their time here at their AZ home, but I just don't have that much time (or energy) to put it all into words...but I don't think I need to; the pictures tell the story. And for those of you that HAVE asked...yes, my very first trip to Vegas was awesome; I LOVE that place! The fact that it is a beautiful 5 hour drive through the desert and mountains (and the Hoover Dam), and rates are so silly cheap, we are so there again soon!

I am not making any New Year's resolutions, so thanks to everyone that hasn't asked. I just think they are silly. If you are true to yourself and what you stand for, your actions will supercede any promise you make to yourself on January 1st...or any other day for that matter.

I will end, though, tonight with some thoughts that I just read from FlyLady. If you do not know how she is, you need to. She (actually they) is a God-Send! If you do decide to make a New Year's resolution, hopefully it will include love and forgivenes:

"Have you been wearing your heart on your sleeve? Do you perceive that you have been wronged in some way by others? Are you wearing all the wrongs like a cloak of armor? Have these wrongs been the foundation for your whining? Are they what have kept you from FLYing? Armor is heavy stuff! When we blame others we need to look closely at our own actions. This is why we tell you that this is a NO WHINING ZONE!

Tribes used to sacrifice a poor innocent goat for their sins. They would heap all their sins on the scapegoat and send it out into the wilderness. Have all the wrongs been heaped upon you! Do you feel like the scapegoat? Are you acting like a martyr?

Have you been hoarding these wrongs? This is just like we do with clutter, we hold on to things past their usefulness. When we get our feelings hurt it is best to discuss it as soon as possible. The longer it festers the worse it is on you! Are you hearing this? The person who has wronged you may not even know they have done anything to hurt your feelings or they may not even care. If you don't talk about it and clear the air; you will be the only one suffering. Discussing the wrong will let you know two things; they are mean and need to be prayed for, or they didn't know they had hurt your feelings and they apologize. Either way you have released the wrong and it is no longer being hoarded.

Some of you are going to argue that it is not easy to forgive and forget. If you notice, I didn't say forget! When a snake shows its fangs this is a warning! If you pick that snake up and put it in your pocket; whose fault is it when you get bitten. Forgiveness is the gift, you give yourself.

You get what you give! But if you give in order to get, you will always be left wanting! At the start of this New Year let's symbolically take off that armor of wrongs! Put each wrong on a Post-It Note. Imagine that you peel each wrong off your sleeve and put it in an old pie pan. Then take it outside or put it in your fire place and put a match to them. As you watch your wrongs (the ones you have been hoarding) go up in smoke send a prayer of gratitude up with it! Be thankful that you no longer have to hold on to this and thankful that now you know!"


I hope you enjoyed that thought as much as I did. For all us Christians, the Lord's prayer puts us straight:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen

with that...goodnight! xoxo

My Husband Made Me Coffee!

It has been a really great two weeks since I last posted. Halloween was a lot of fun (well, not as much fun as it could have been with the kids, but none-the-less) and we actually had a few treaters - I only had a few pieces of candy left! That made me much happier. We started out the weekend with a carving party at Bryan and Becky's. They have absolutely the cutest daughter, Abbie. She has such great manners and is a pleasure to be around...but Becky and Bryan are really great people, so it isn't a surprise. Saturday we were invited to Fred and Barb's for dinner and then we handed out candy. We ended the night at Nicole and Paul's with a bon fire and some spirits and we got to meet a few of our neighbors...good finale. Amanda was able to join us also which just put the frosting on the cake. I was glad that we got to spend the evening together. She is such a great friend :-)

Last weekend we also received our 5 roses from Ryan. They are being nursed back to health after the traumatic move, but I think they will survive. They are very pretty. We placed 3 by the hot tub and 2 by the dining room porch. It was very kind of Ryan to give them to us. We are very appreciative.

Kristy and I continue to hike almost every weekend on South Mountain. The weather has gotten cooler which contributes to a pleasant trek - not to mention the company is great!! The girls and I are still walking/running at lunch too! I am really proud of Julie. She continues to push herself and says she loves the way she is feeling - go Julie! I continue to run every evening either on Telegraph Pass or Desert Classic...the latter is a little easier on the joints, so I have been doing that more frequently. I am now up to 55 minutes non-stop...more than I have ever done in the past. It makes me feel really good that I can do it. I sorta feel like I can accomplish anything now...I am eager to push myself to the next level. I welcome the challenge.

Thursday was Rock Bottom's Harvest Brewer's Dinner. It was a fabulous evening! The food (5 course meal) was spectacular and the beer selection was great. We met a few new people too that were a lot of fun. We exchanged phone numbers, and hopefully we will all get to hang out again soon.

This past Saturday Matt, Murph, Amanda and I took a day trip to Jerome. We sampled some of the local fair (The Haunted Hamburger) and shopped in all the small boutiques around the town. It was a very fun day. I recommend to anyone that is looking for a great day trip to check out Jerome - the galleries/talent is just as good as Sedona at half the hype/price. You can find something unique for everyone on your Christmas list. We finished our day at a local Phoenix sushi restaurant...what a great day.

Today has been a catch up day...and it started with Matt making me coffee - first time ever! Woke up and was posting all of the pictures, when I smelled something. Then it hit me. Matt was on the back porch, and asked him if he had made me coffee, and he said yes! I was so surprised. It was very thoughtful of him.

Matt and I got all of our chores done, including the complete clean-out of the garbage compactor...disgusting...and then got ready for our Skype call with the kids. Then, all of a sudden Matt starts getting sick. He has been asleep ever since. Soooo, it has been a quiet remainder of the night. I will finish with packing my lunch and laying out my clothes...Flylady would be proud. Speaking of which, check out the Phoenix newspaper this weekend. There is a write up on her and how great her system is...and you ladies tease me! :-)

I LOVE Fall!

Since coming back from Michigan, things have been very nice. Here's some updates:

House - Matt is still working on the tree in the front yard and the hot tub. The tree is finally starting to look good. He has all of the decorations out, and has impressed some of our neighbors. Matt thinks he has FINALLY figured out the hot tub - a valve is not working correctly. However, I think that he has agreed to call in an expert (thank goodness!). We finally got our dryer, and the washer doesn't look so lonely in the laundry room. Sorry Mom, forgot to tell you last night. I will take pictures tonight and update the left side - look for at "Updates to House." I am learning that the only thing I really do not like about AZ is the dust. Man, what is up with it. I wash my floors constantly and my floors are still filmy. I have been talking with a few of the ladies here and they have given me their advice. I think that I will need to get an interim sweeper/duster for the floors in between washes. Rubber Made makes a pretty good one (Kelly - our cleaning lady at work swears by it, so does Julie). I guess I can purchase it at Home Depot. The advantage that one has is that you can put your own cleaner in it. It is worth a try - anything is at this point! :-)

Friends - We are starting to meet new people and get invited to different activities which helps with the home sickness of not having our friends. We had a really nice evening last Saturday with our next-door-neighbors Bryan and Becky and their adorable daughter Abbie (I hope I am spelling that right). We hung out a little and chit-chatted at their house, and then headed to Arriba for dinner. It was really great to get to know them better...and the food was great! We hope to hang with them again soon. While outside today, Paul from down the street came and introduced himself. He is the father of the little boy I teased over the fence a couple of weeks ago, Preston. They are originally from Chicago (go figure; no one is ACTUALLY from AZ). It just so happens they have a daughter named Olivia also. He invited us down to their home on Halloween. He told us to bring a bottle...told you we were going to fit in well here! LOL. He said everyone pretty much congregates there, brings their candy, the kids run around (it is not like any of them could really get lost in such a small gated community), and then finish the night there. I sort of feel a little embarrassed...I was SO WORRIED about Halloween being lame this year because of being in a small community. I guess I had nothing to worry about.

Hiking - Wow, what an amazing hike we had yesterday. I hope you check out the pictures. The Fall colors were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Who says you can't have color here like you do in Michigan? Not me! We hiked for a little over 4 hours up the Mogollon Rim near Payson. If you are looking for color in AZ, don't look any further. I am not sure where we will head next weekend, but I hope it is as good as Saturday. We had such an enjoyable time!

I have been running every day at lunch with the girls, and running up Telegraph Pass to Dobbins Peak and then back down every night. It is a great workout and I burn major calories!!! I think I finally found my workout regime that I have always been looking for. I am starting to feel so powerful...my legs are turning rock hard, my thighs are starting to slim down, and teaching my body to breath more steadily has really pushed me to the next level. I am registering for the Pat Tillman next year, but everyone thinks that I need to do something else. We shall see...I just want to work on my timing up and down the mountain right now and my heart rate. My goal is 40 minutes without my heart rate going over 150. Right now, I am at 50 minutes and 154 BPM. I know I can push myself to get to that goal. If I have learned anything from the past month is that I can do it!

Tomorrow is another Monday...not looking forward to it, but it is another day towards seeing the kids...Thanksgiving is just around the corner now. I welcome Fall with open loving arms!

Liv