In the Mean Time

She prefers to eat with utensils now.

And it isn't because it's a cleaner way to eat...

It's definitely more grown up and sophisticated.

And judging by the low key spooning on the video, it's just plain fun too!

She's growing up... quickly!

Where to start??

Let me tell you what we've been doing.

I played with my babies beneath the super soft pillows...

We went to the Renaissance Festival (actually, that was late October... but who's REALLY counting?). It was my first time... Mama's too. Luckily, Daddy knew where to take us and what to show us!

What is a Chupacabra, you ask?

Beats me, but we tried to find out last weekend...

Rob and I packed up Taylor and drove to Ft. Worth for the "Los Chupacabras de DFW!"

It was a 10k, night-time trail run through some awesome mountain bike trails just north of Lake Grapevine!

A little about the run - we were told it was a "fun run" not a race... yeah right, are you kidding me?! We definitely had fun, but it's hard to get that race mentality out of your head when you're all at the starting line, they shoot a gun to start the "run" and everyone takes off running underneath the big timer that keeps track of everyone's time. They even gave us shoe tags to keep track of times... or perhaps the shoe tags were to keep track of runner's that didn't make it to the finish line. Maybe they were worried about people being eaten by a chupacabra?! They assured us ahead of time that headlamps were required and that even though the trail was marked with glowsticks and signs that we WOULD get lost if not careful! Luckily we finished without any major mishaps and had a great time!!

Our generous, fun-loving friends, The Churchill's, graciously opened up their home to us as a place to crash. And crash we did - after the run and mandatory fire pit time at their house! S'mores anyone?! After a big breakfast of blueberry pancakes for me and sweet potato pancakes for Rob we headed home. A short visit with these special friends only leaves me wanting more...

Today is a special day.

Rob and I have been married for 7 1/2 years.

Before that we dated for 6 1/2 years.

For those that dated for a while before being married, you can relate - it feels great to surpass the time you spent dating with the time you've been married, doesn't it!?

And then a couple years ago I realized I have known Rob for more than half my life...

Crazy for sure... but not really the point... I'm back on track now, I promise.

Back in October of 1997, Rob asked me if I wanted to "make it official" which I guess is the less cheesy way of saying "Will you be my girlfriend?" We had been hanging out for a few weeks before that, but weren't exclusively committed until 10.10.97.

Rob always liked our 10.10 date - something about it being easy to remember... Of course, we had to go make it more complicated when we got married in May, but I still like to make mention of the 10.10 day whenever it arrives. In my mind it's just another excuse to get a kiss and a lingering hug from my man and think back to the good ole days.

And today - 10.10.10 - well, that's the ultimate!!

(Yes, Julie... that's my Gidget impersonation!)

On 10.10.97, I really had no idea what God had in store for us.

I can't thank Him enough for the blessings He's poured over us since then.

And I can't imagine what He's got in store for our future.

Sunday morning in our house,

Uneventful, as you'll see.

Here's a little video clip,

Of play time with Miss T.

I'm just soaking up the love,

And all the joy she brings each day.

It's the simple little things,

That I thank God for when I pray.

This poet is signing off now.

I know you're sad to see me go.

With T in bed, its OUR time now.

So... just watch the little show.

In the morning, I let Rob sleep in while I made some oatmeal, hung out with the dogs, and thanked God for the peaceful escape from the city.

When Rob woke up we hiked all around the park... several miles in all.

This park is known for the maple trees. We were too early in the season for any color changes, but still enjoyed the awesome variations in the trees! Look how big these leaves are!!


At the top of the one of the hills there was lavender growing wild!
So fragrant and a nice contrast to the grass and other plants.


Being the nerd he is, Rob spotted not only a centipede, but also a millipede while we hiked.
Being the nerd I am, I snapped a picture - don't worry, I'm only going to bore you with one of them! I actually thought it was pretty cool! I guess we're a match made in science geek heaven.

After a full day hiking, we decided we'd rather drive home and spend the remaining weekend time with our little missy. So, without much delay, we packed up and headed home. Even the dogs carried packs! Aren't they cute?! They sure seemed to enjoy the Taylor-free time and our undivided attention.

On the drive home, we couldn't resist...


In case you're wondering, yes, that is a Blizzard, and no, it isn't the new "mini-blizzard!"
It isn't even a small blizzard.
That's right, Rob ordered MEDIUM BLIZZARDS for us!!

Once again, heaven.

We got home in time to pick up T from my parents - who were probably disappointed to give her up after expecting to keep her for the night! I had a surprisingly emotional reaction to picking her up... joyful tears. And to top it off, we put T to bed, Rob picked up sushi, and we had a wonderfully romantic, candlelight dinner at the house.

With all the fun I had - fresh air, QT with Rob, lovin' from my little girl, romance, and a blizzard - you'd think it was MY birthday or something!

But just to make sure there was no mistaking WHO we were celebrating, the next day I made Rob a simple cake and we had a little family birthday party for him.

Out of all of the birthday's I've spent celebrating Rob... and I've spent quite a few with him... I think this one takes the cake (ok, pun totally intended).

Who knew celebrating 31 would be so good?
Can't wait to celebrate 32!

I got a new sandbox from my grandparents!
Now you see it!

Now you don't!!!

Mmmmmm....

If it doesn't end up in my mouth it ends up on the ground!!
But most of it is in my mouth!
And that's the way I LIKE it.

Thanks Grandpa (GrandBA) and Granny (Leelee)... still working on those grandparent names. One of these days we'll settle on one or the other.
Until then, sand for everyone!

That's right.

Nighttime Beach Run!!

Doesn't that sound like so much fun?

Well - it was!

At 9pm we were STILL waiting in line... but we were in good spirits - enjoying each other and bonding over the petty things people stuck in long lines talk about.

By 9:30pm, it was on.

We ran the 5k.

In the sand.

Headlamps required.

On the drive to Galveston I had to get my expectations in order.

We decided that for this first run we would stay together... even though you never really know which one of us is going to be the stronger runner that day. This was good for me and took the pressure off my trying to run too hard to keep up or wonder whether I should slow down and wait for my better half. Something about that has got to be a good lesson for marriage... or perhaps an analogy for our relationships with God...

Anyway, I was super impressed with Rob hurdling a rogue sandcastle while running without his glasses! After I saw that maneuver I started to call out "hole!" each time there was an obstacle... just in case he didn't see it. Gotta take care of my man!

At the finish line we were met with BBQ, beer, and a bonfire! Overall we finished 149th and 150th out of over 1000 runners/walkers. Not to shabby for two crazy 30 year olds trying to stay in shape.

This was our last summer weekend, the end of an era...

Taylor heads back to Mimi's, Rob heads back to school, and I'm officially full-time at the office as of this week.

While I was at work today I got an email saying that it was official... I'm signed up for the Sugar Land half marathon in January. Thanks Rob... (I guess there's no turning back now... we've already been billed!!)