There's no one like your best friend!!

Meredith and I have been best friends since Juniors in High School. I remember the first time I met her like it was yesterday. She is the most caring, sweet, and down to earth person. I am so proud to call her my best friend. We can go months without talking and pick up right where we left off. Pate and I went to Rsvl on Sunday to visit with Mer and her two girls ( they were in visiting her dad from Austin). Believe it or not this was the first time Mer had met Pate. The last couple of times we have been together it was without kids or one of the kids was sick so we didnt want to pass it on. Pate warmed up to Mer and her girls like they had known each other forever. I didnt have a doubt it would be that way. We had MANY laughs, caught up on what was going on in our lives and made many new memories. Our next visit will be in Austin. It cant get here soon enough.

I'm Thankful.....

I have so much to be thankful for. I know I dont thank God enough for the blessing he has given me in my life. I have noticed on fb people doing an "I am thankful" blog each day. So, it has made me think of all the things I am thankful for. So, here is a list of the things I can think of off the top of my head. I know I will be leaving something out but.....

~ I am thankful for my God and his unconditional love for me. I am thankful that He is forgiving and is ALWAYS there for me.
~ I am thankful for my husband and his unconditional love for me. His forgiving heart and patients with me. He is not only good to me but an awesome dad to the kids.
~ I am thankful for JT. He is so kindhearted, loving, patient, and a blessing to my life everyday. I am blessed to be his mom.
~ I am thankful for Pate. She was an answer to so many prayers. Saying that, I am thankful God had a plan for us. For all the years of tears and worry of not understanding why we couldnt get pregnant and God knew all along the plan he had for us. Pate was our plan!! I am glad God picked me to be her mom!
~ I am thankful for my family. I have the greatest support group. With my parents, Craigs mom and extended family. Our life is one complete circle of unconditional love. They help make my life easier.
~ I am thankful for my job. Some days are hard but in the end it is so rewarding that I have a part in shaping other kids lives and their parents put all trust in me. Craig and I's jobs gives us all that we need to take care of our family and much more!
~ I am thankful for my education. I am glad to know growing up that my parents pushed me to be the best I could be and that college wasnt a choice, it was a priority! I am glad to know I can be independent if I had to be and to show my kids that education is the way of life.
~ I am thankful for my friends. I love that my friends are Christians,are unmaterialistic, are not judgemental, are supporters and not downers, are people that make me feel good about myself and know that they can count on me too.
~ I am thankful for my health. My familys health. I am thankful I am able to run. So many people take for granted the little things in life that some may never get to do, like running.
~ I am thankful that God allows me to be strong enough to pray for my enemies. This may be one of the hardest things Ive learned to do. But, this is probably one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. The peace it gives you is something you wouldnt have imagined.

All these things are possible bc of our Awesome God!! THANK YOU!

Jam packed weekend, again......

Once again our wknd was jammed packed. Saturday morning I ran in the FCA RV 10k. I was first overall female. I had a time of 52:22 which is a PR for me but it should have been even better. A 10k is 6.2 miles and by the time I crossed the finish line the gps said 6.68. So, I should have been around 50 minutes. Oh well, either way it was a great run. Pate had her best friends Caroline's bday party and then we did a little shopping. JT killed his second 8 point on Sunday morning. It was much bigger than the one he killed last year. And he was so proud bc he shot it on the run.
I started my "offical" training schedule yesterday. I am gonna have to get used to less running each day during the week for the long runs on Saturday. I ran just 3 yesterday and when I was done I felt as though I didnt do a thing. But, I am trying to stick with the schedule so I can be prepared in March. (may have to sneak a mile or two in there more during the week just so I feel like I actually did something).
Pate's bday is coming up and I am really at a loss as what to do for the party. I have a couple of ideas I just dont know what would be best. After all the work on the Halloween party I am not really into anything too BIG. We'll see.
Here are some pics from this past wknd and week.

My 34th Birthday

My birthday was very special this year. My family and friends always make it great. My kids were extra good at school and I got some great gifts and cards and hugs from the kids. I had lunch with two sweet friends and a great dinner with my family on Wed night. Had to celebrate a day early bc we had 3rd grade performance Thurs night. This time in my life I really am happier and healthier than I have been in years. In honor of turning another year older I have a new goal for myself. I registered last night for my first MARATHON!! I know, I cant believe I did it either. I dread the winter weather training but I am determined to do it. You only live once so I dont ever want to say "I should have". Here are a few pics from the week.

More Halloween pics!

Halloween night JT was under the weather so Pate and I went to trunk or treat at the Whittington's church. It was a nice change from going house to house. Pate had a great time!
Here are some pics from the night