26.2 !!!!!

Success!!! I guess I can't really say I'm surprised (Grant is extremely competitive in case you didn't know) but I can say that I am super PROUD of my hubby and our friend Rob for not only completing the California International Marathon, but for doing so with great times and finishing strong! My parents, Eli and myself bundled up (was anyone outside this morning...it was FREEZING! When Grant left with Rob the temp was 32 degrees but "felt like 25 degrees" according to weather.com) and met Danielle, Isaiah, Hannah and Rob's parents at the 14 mile marker to cheer them on. They looked awesome and continued on strong even with the icy wind blowing at them head on. With frozen noses, cheeks and fingers we loaded back in the car to make our way to the finish line. It was a bit tricky with all the road closures, but we gathered once again with the rest of the crowd to cheer them to a great finish. It was hard not to feel the buzz and excitement as we watched several runners complete an impressive 26.2 miles! What a feat! I am pretty sure I'll never know what that accomplishment feels like for myself, but my pride swells for Grant and Rob and makes me realize just how amazing these guys are!

6am departure

All Bundled Up

Staying cozy waiting for the Daddies

14 mile mark

Waiting anxiously at the finish

Grant rounding the last corner. Finishing time: 3 hours, 26 min. 30 sec.

26.2 miles and still smiling!

One Little Monkey Jumping on the Bed...

A few months ago, I decided that Eli needed a nice, cozy blanket to sleep with now that he's in a toddler bed (with no real bedding). I finally found the fabric, came up with a design and began sewing. I made the mistake of telling Eli the day we got the fabric (Veteren's Day) what I was doing. He asked about it several times that next week and then gave up I think. Well, its finally done and it turned out sooooooo cute. He was very excited and rubbed his face all over it when I gave it to him this afternoon!

My Life According to George

Someday, either Eli or I will write our memoirs with this title! It is amazing how many times a day I am able to reference Curious George or apply a lesson from Curious George to Eli's little 2.5 year old world. Some might say that's just a result of watching too much George, but really, when it comes right down to it, Curious George just about sums up Eli's personality. He's way too curious for his own good, silly, always wants to be a part of the action and means well most of the time. Here is the perfect example:

Today during nap time - It was very quiet right away (unusual) so I went to listen at his door after about 20 minutes. I could hear rustling and then heard the clank of his mini blinds. I opened the door to find quite the "nap time" scene! He was standing at his window trying to peak out. This was only possible because he had moved his table (its not light) along with the mini Christmas tree on top of it, over to the other side of the room, taken out his night light so he could plug in the Christmas tree lights, placed his night light in the outlet that his tree used to be plugged into and was then trying to look out the window! If I could have taken a photo without undermining my parenting I certainly would have. I had a hard enough time keeping myself from laughing. What a monkey!!!!

Shhhh...Don't Tell Daddy

This morning after Grant went into the office, Eli and I were getting ready for the day. I heard him in his room talking away. When I peaked in, he had taken the ornaments off the Christmas tree in his room, lined them up on the table and said he was doing his "scrapbookin". He's definitely my kid!!!

So Much!

If I began to list the things that I am thankful for, the list would go on and on. But this year as my Mom, Sister and I were planning the meal and looking forward to hanging out, I realized that I am most thankful for my wonderful family! God has blessed me with amazingly supportive and loving parents as well as a sister that I couldn't live without. Throw in a pretty awesome brother-in-law, a handsome best friend for my husband and a super silly little boy and that's my family! I am truly blessed!!!

Choo....Choo....

Last Sunday we ventured out to the Model Rail Faire in Roseville. My Dad and Eli were most excited, and the rest of us just enjoyed the weather and the yummy lunch at The Habit afterwards!!! It was pretty amazing to see all the intricate little (sometimes huge) train sets with all the trimmings. Eli was most fascinated by the real working mini steam engines, riding the train below and getting to drive a model train all by himself. My Dad was dreaming of where and how he could set up a permanent working model train at their house and Grant and I were laughing at the fact that 90% of the people there were men over the age of 75!!!

Eli "Chuggin'" with his right arm

Before the train left the station

It's the Simple Things

After a few months of trying to avoid the peeling "non-stick" substance that was practically jumping off our wok and a few weeks of worrying what it might do to us if we ingest too much, I put my foot down (well, it didn't really take that much convincing) and headed out for a new pan. We lucked out and found this lovely 5.5 qt pan at Costco for only $21.99. I just have to say I LOVE it! Makes me feel like I'm a co-host on Rachel Ray.

P.S After we sat down for dinner tonight (spaghetti bolognese), Eli spears a lone onion on his fork and takes his first bite. His response? "Awe Yuck!!!" What every mother longs to hear in regards to her home cooked meal. :)