Rabbit, Rabbit

Wasn't she beautiful?

My wonderful grandmother Lolly had many amazing traits and habits. It's been a hard 6 months since she went to be with her Maker, and I still miss her every day. One of my favorite habits of hers began on the beginning of every month. She taught us that the first words we said on the 1st day of the month should be "rabbit, rabbit" and that they would bring us good luck all month long. I spoke with her at least once a week but I would always get a call on the 1st and she would tell me that she had said Rabbit, Rabbit for me in the morning, just in case I had forgotten.

Rabbit, Rabbit

Tough Mudder 2012

I hate New Years resolutions. I like having clear, measurable goals. If I see something I wish to change or try, then I hope to try and achieve it because I want to not because it was Jan 1st. And as a bonus, if I don't make every goal at least I've achieved something as I build my way toward it. So my goals for 2012 are to participate in:

At least one Olympic distance triathlon

At least one Sprint triathlon

A tough Mudder

and perhaps if I get talked into it, the SF GIANTS Half-marathon. But thats mainly because in years past you get to cross home plate at the finish line.

So if you want to try any of these with me let me know. The Tough Mudder registration is already open, and so far our "team" is going to do the one Sept 22 in Northern CA. Here is a link to see what a tough mudder is all about! Best of all it raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project

Last post of 2011

I'm going to sneak in one last post for this year. I've been traveling the last 10 days and taking a break from blogging, but will be back starting tomorrow for the tens of you who read this blog!

Here is our vacation to CA by numbers.

Over the last 10 days

Miles flown: 1580

Miles driven: 700ish (thanks mom for letting us borrow the car, we love you!)

Christmas celebrations: 3

Birthday celebrated: 4 (Jenny, Ashley, Addison, & Jesus)

Book read: 2

Treats eaten: dozens upon dozens

Miles ran: 16

Inaugural family Rudolph Race runners: 4

Memories created: Hundreds

Pictures taken: 150

Be back soon!

Thankfulness wrap-up

Day 28~ I am again very thankful for the friends we have that are our family. At Addison's Christening in May both of her godparents flew out for the occasion, and numerous friends drove out of their way to come spend this special day with us. We are so thankful for all of you!

Tara & I have been friends for 18 years! We're going on a girls trip to celebrate

when we get to 20!

Day 29~ I am thankful that I have my moms sense of humor, and I hope I pass it along to Addison.

Day 30~ I am thankful that I can capture moments like these on my phone. I have titled it 'Santa Fail' or if you can hear me laughing in the background, 'Parenting Fail'

Thankfulness days catch-up

Thankfulness catch-up

I'm not sure where this month has gone, but it has gotten away from me! Again!

Day 18

I am very thankful for this little family that we've created. Each day is tiring and busy, and wonderful all at the same time.

Day 19~ I am thankful to live somewhere so beautiful, it may rain more than I love to say but its stunningly beautiful here. Can you believe this picture I took is a reflection in a little pond?

Day 20~ I'm thankful for the friends that become family, and getting to spend time with them.

Day 21~ I'm thankful that I did most of the prep work for thanksgiving earlier in the week, so I didn't have to start cooking until noon on thanksgiving day.

Day 22~ Im so blessed to have such amazing friends in my life, even if most of them do not live near me, although it makes me very thankful for the ones that do live here. I am so lucky to have friends send me boxes of clothes for Addison every month, or give me bags and bags of toys for her from their own 2 beautiful little girls. Addison gets to have playdates with these two amazing girls, and I am so thankful for that. I have had multiple friends fly out to come and meet her and spend time with us. I also had two amazing baby showers last year, one thrown by some of my dear friends back in CA, and a "virtual" shower where my friends from out of state each sent me a gift in the mail that arrived at the same time. I am so, so, thankful for each and every one of you.

Day 23- I am very thankful that most Eric's family could come up and visit for the holiday.

Day 24~ Although as a vegetarian it was very intimidating to cook the thanksgiving turkey, I'm glad that it came out edible and no one went to the hospital. And I'm very thankful to Jenny for cleaning it, because I just couldn't do it.

I am a little sad the only picture I got of my meal had the turkey in it.

Day 25~ I am thankful that it is time to decorate for Christmas. I love the decorations, music, and traditions we have.

Day 26~ I am glad to have found the second part of my student teaching placement, now I'm just waiting on the 1st part.

Day 27~ I am glad that I saw no part of a mall or shop on black friday.

Catch-up

Well after a rough week, I am finally playing catch-up. First I got sick with an awful cold, then about 6 hours behind me Addison did. I don't think I've been this tired since she was a month old. Thankfully (Day 8) we seem to be on the mend!

Day 9- I am thankful that whenever I make plans to go home, I have so many wonderful friends and family to fill the time up with and visit.

Day 10~ I am thankful that I am able to have lazy mornings drinking coffee and hanging out with Addison.

Day 11 ~ I am thankful to have two wonderful sisters, whom I love very much and who love my daughter so much! I was pretty much a terror to them until we were in high school, mainly because I was so jealous of them growing up...know whats cooler than twins? Umm nothing. Thankfully they've forgiven me and now we have the relationship my mom dreamed about and wished for when we were kids.

Day 12~ This beautiful picture has my second home, Santa Cruz, in the background. It's one of my favorite places and I talk about it constantly. Can't wait for summer!

Day 13~ So thankful that we live close to family and get to go visit them! Here we are with my uncle checking out his current showing at a gallery in portland.

Day 14~ So thankful that we have so much family that loves on this little girl as much as we do!

Day 15~ Although it's been brutal at times, I'm very thankful for this life we've had in the military. We've gotten to travel, create memories, meet amazing friends, and enjoy the many blessings this life has to offer. And although I am ecstatic about moving back to CA and our new adventures coming up, I will miss this.

Day 16~ I am very thankful for all the men and women who serve in US military, and for their sacrifices so that I can live my life freely. I've gotten to meet some incredible people who give generously of everything they have, and ask for very little in return.

Day 17~ I am super thankful that the Niners are 8-1!!! I don't think thats happened since 1997, and it's almost made up for staying a fan during the last decade....almost.

Bonus post

Addison's 10 month picture! Right now her favorite foods are: prunes (go figure), avocados, & veggie burgers. She loves looking at her board books, and trying to chew on them. We went to the library the other day and got some new ones for her to look at, but not chew on. She took a step on her own last week, which was really exciting for Eric and I to witness. She will take a step or two on her own right now but she does not like doing it for an audience, hence no video.