Let the Bunco Begin...

Last night Tamara hosted our first Bunco party. It was nice to get to see some people that I hadn't seen in years! I'm excited about our upcoming parties. It should be lots of fun!

Christa was on fire!

Friends since junior high: Christy, Beth, Tamara, Jennie, Rachael and Amanda

The whole Bunco group: Christy, Amy, Jennie, Tamara, Amanda, Rachael, Melissa, Beth, Christa and Julie.

I'm looking forward to lots of fun Bunco nights in the future.

PS Thanks to Beth for letting me try one of her Bud Light Limes. Yum!

Just For Fun...

I saw this on Running Just as Fast as I Can:

For Fun...

What is your salad dressing of choice?
Ranch

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
Kobe (Japanese...mmmmm)

What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?
Strawberries

What are your pizza toppings of choice?
Cheese only

What do you like to put on your toast?
Strawberry Jelly

How many televisions are in your house?
3

What color cell phone do you have?
Black and silver

Are you right-handed or left-handed?
Right

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Yes... this past year was full of surgeries!

What is the last heavy item you lifted?
Elyse

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
No, thank goodness!

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
No way!

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Aubrey

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
Probably not, but Ryan would do it in a heartbeat

Last run-in with a cop?
Someone broke into our Jeep and the officer came to take a report

Last person you talked to?
Payton

Last person you hugged?
Ryan

Favorite Season?
Spring and Summer

Holiday?
Christmas

Day of the week?
Saturday

Month?
May

First place you went this morning?
The kitchen to answer the phone that kept ringing and ringing and ringing.

What's the last movie you saw?
The Hangover (too funny for words!!)

Do you smile often?
Yes

Do you always answer your phone?
Usually, unless I'm right in the middle of something (or trying to sleep)

It's four in the morning and you get a text message who is it?
I don't normally get text messages at that hour :)

If you could change your eye color what would it be?
I wouldn't. I love blue eyes

What flavor drink do you get at Sonic?
Regular Dr. Pepper...why mess with the best?

Do you own a digital camera?
Yes

Have you ever had a pet fish?
Many and they all died quickly

Favorite Christmas song?
Jingle Bells

What's on your wish list for your birthday?
Spa day, clothes, time with my family

Can you do push ups?
Yes, but I choose not to.

Can you do a chin up?
Maybe one or two before passing out and dying.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?
Excited

Do you have any saved texts?
Whatever is on my phone - don't take the time to remove them.

Ever been in a car wreck?
One little fender-bender when I was 16 (my fault!)

Do you have an accent?
Probably...I am from the South!

What is the last song to make you cry?
Wind Beneath My Wings

Plans tonight?
Running, then Bunco at Tamara's house

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
No

Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
Payton's school supplies
Pizza
A New Necklace and Ring

Have you ever been given roses?
Yes

Current worry?
Starting to worry about getting my classroom ready. It's time to get going!!

Current hate right now?
Can't think of anything. Life is good and I am lucky!

Met someone who changed your life?
Yes

How did you bring in the New Year?
In bed, fast asleep next to my hubby

What were you doing 12 AM last night?
Sleeping

What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
Why does that phone keep ringing???

Now you know a few more things about me, so post this on your blog and I will know more about you.

My Babies Are Growing Up...

Today we took Elyse to get her very first haircut. She was a little nervous at first, so she watched mommy and big brother get their haircuts done first. After that she felt comfortable and climbed right up into the big chair to let Ms. Torri work her magic.

Payton helped to entertain her and make sure she was looking forward.

What a big girl!!!

She liked watching herself in the big mirror.

She didn't like having her hands underneath the gown-thingy.

Elly had a little bit trimmed off the back so that it's all even now. You can't really tell since her hair is curly, but now when her hair gets wet it won't look like she's business in the front and party in the rear. :)

Next we headed over to the Pediatric Clinic for Payton's 11 year checkup. Now I knew he's been growing nonstop, but goooodness...he's really growing. At the end of the school year he was the same height as me (5'2") and now he is already 5'3 1/2". Dr. Swindle said he hasn't even hit his growth spurt yet. Man, oh, man...this boy is going to be tall!!!!

Payton at the doctor's office. Can you tell how excited he is?!?! He had to get 2 more immunizations - no fun at all!

I know I say this all the time, but my babies sure are growing up fast. All these milestones keep coming and passing us by in the blink of an eye. You really have to treasure every single moment...

The Bachelorette Finale...

Last night was the season finale of the Bachelorette. I know, I know... you're wondering what in the world I am going to live for during the next few months. So am I, my friend, so am I. Oh? My husband? My kids? I guess they'll have to do until the next season of The Bach is here. It's always a little sad when it ends...especially when she doesn't pick the person you're rootin' for.

Ashley invited us over to her place for a viewing party. Things got a little iffy for a while there. We weren't sure if Cathy was going to make it through the night. Luckily, she pulled herself together and didn't have a breakdown like last time. :)

Cathy, Ashley, Jennifer, Beth and Haley

Cathy, Ashley and Jennifer getting ready for the action to begin!

Cathy was a little (ok...I mean a LOT) upset when Kiptyn was sent packin'. I think Ashley's trying to duck for cover in this picture because she's not sure what Cathy's going to do. :)

And the top moments of The Bachelorette Finale are...

* The scene with Jillian and Ed snuggling and kissing on the bed - cut to a shot of a volcano exploding. Really? Was that necessary? I mean we all know that Ed had some issues during the fantasy suite date but really???

* Kip gets to go first to pick out a ring and he selects a nice, classy ring. Good choice! Now it's Ed turn and he chooses... wait a sec... is that a Superbowl ring? That thing is HUGE and UGLY!! Poor Ed. He's seriously got some style issues goin' on, but as Haley pointed out I guess it makes him even more lovable.

* When the boys are getting ready to find out who is "the one for Jilly". First they show Kip getting ready. Man, look at that 9 pack! Those abs are incredible. Next they cut to Ed getting ready...he walks out with nothing but his undies on. Let's just say that while Ed's body is perfectly normal it was not fair to show it in comparison to Kiptyn and his 13 pack abs!! Poor Eddy boy.

* The return of Reid! Only to be shot down once again. The first guy in Bach history to be rejected twice in one season. My sweet, sweet Chandler... I mean Reid.

Overall, this season was just ugh. I didn't like Jillian nearly as much as I did when she was on Jason's season of The Bachelor. Although I definitely admire her fashion sense! Ed is a sweetie, but I don't think he would have been my first choice. Can't wait to hear if they're still together tonight on the After the Final Rose!

Going Away Party...

Last night the Pennes hosted a going away party for the Douglas family. We had so much fun hanging out with everyone and all the kids had a blast running around and playing. We will really miss Karl, Michelle and Mason but we look forward to visiting them in Baltimore!

The night started off strong when Jen fired up the grill...

Maybe it got a little too fired up because a car driving by saw the smoke and called 911. Six fire trucks were called to the house. Seriously people? Does a little smoke from a grill look the same as a house on fire???

The first truck on the scene.

The poor firemen had just put their own food on the grill when they were called out to this "fire". Luckily they were very nice about it.

Brian and Karl relaxing and enjoying the evening.

Coop and Karl making a toast.

Me, Michelle and Sondra. You can tell that Michelle was really not messing around that night. She wanted to go out with a bang!

Mason and his Mama

Michelle, Sondra, and Sandra enjoying their yummy food.

The boys wrestling on the trampoline. Looks like Payton is about to be taken out by that little guy.

How many kids can fit on the trampoline?

Elyse loves hanging out with the big kids.

Mason and Payton

Josh, Caleb, Mason and Payton...Go Stingers!!

Karl and Michelle

Karl, Elyse, Ashley and Michelle hangin' by the pool.

Silly boys

The guys could have sat there all night listening to Karl tell stories and crack jokes. He is the funniest person I have ever met! Hilarious!!

Me and Shelly

Elly enjoying the pool

Jumping on the trampoline at night. Amazingly, no one was injured. :)

Pretty girl.

We have SO, SO, SO enjoyed the time we have spent getting to know the Douglas family over the last year and a half. They are seriously awesome people and we look forward to many visits in the future! We love you guys!!!

My New Coach...

For the last few years I have used the Nike+ sensor and my iPod to help me keep track of my miles, pace, calories, etc. when I run. This week Ryan got me the Nike+ Sport Band to use instead. I am so excited to take it out tonight and give it a try. I think it will be so much easier to have it right there on my wrist, instead of having to try to navigate my iPod as I run. Lord knows, it's hard enough for me to just run without tripping over my own feet. Plus, isn't it a pretty color?!

The Bachelorette and a New Book...

So disappointed that Wes didn't show up for the Men Tell All episode. They showed plenty of footage of him, but I sure would have liked to hear what that guy had to say. Would have made the night much more interesting!

My favorite quote from the show goes to....Tanner with this humdinger-

"I may not be able to play the guitar, I may not be able to break dance, but Daddy can suck a mean foot."

Two words: Oh. My.


I sure was excited to see that my precious Reid is going to be back next week. Can't wait to hear the shocking confession!

Moving on...

I'm currently reading this book and enjoying it so far. I'm a fan of Jane Green's books and this one is off to a good start. Once I finish I'll rate it for ya. (Please hold back your excitement).

It's off to an in-service day for me tomorrow. While the kids may still have almost a month until school starts, the summer is winding down for me. Time for teacher's meetings and preparing my classroom.

Weekend Wrap-Up...

This weekend we had a such cool weather for the middle of July. It almost felt like fall. Highs in the upper 70s/lower 80s. Perfect weather to be outside, so that is exactly what we did...
(Yeah...we were so busy that I was really bad about taking pictures this weekend and did not get a single one.)

On Saturday we started off our day with a trip to the Farmer's Market. The weather was gorgeous! We bought lots of yummy vegetables and some fresh flowers. Elyse loved seeing all the doggies and the horsie that was there. Next we headed over to Common Grounds for some breakfast on the patio. Delicious!!

I had planned to get in my long run (9 miles) on Saturday morning but it was just so nice outside that we decided to go for a family bike ride on the trail system that runs through town instead. Ryan pulled Elyse in the bike trailer. She was so funny to watch - she was laying back with her feet up, drinking her juice and eating cheerios. Just relaxing and enjoying the ride. She loved going through the tunnels and over the bridges. The trails were so nice and we really enjoyed our ride. We did just over 7 miles. Then we took Elyse to the park to play for awhile. She surprised us by counting all the way to 10!! We knew she could go up to 5 on her own, but she just kept counting and counting. Smart girl.

Ryan cooked steak and some of the veggies from the Farmer's Market for dinner that night. It was so delicious! Finally I thought I was ready to go on my long run. I was planning on running for about an hour and then meeting up with Tamara to finish the last 3 miles together, but just as I was about to walk out the door Tamara called and we had a change of plans. Instead of running we went to the mall. :) (Much more fun!) She got several cute dresses and some shoes and I got a new pair of running shoes.

Sunday morning we got up early and did some things around the house. And I FINALLY got in my long run. I did 9 miles/ 1.26 min/ 9.38 avg pace. I really liked my new running shoes. They felt so good and my shins weren't hurting after this run.

Sunday afternoon we met Tamara and her family for another bike ride on the trails. Drew's tube had a hole in it, so Ryan ended up pulling both Addye and Elyse in the trailer. Ha! That's quite a load! Payton and Cayden had a blast and just giggled and laughed the whole way. We did about 6 miles and then headed over to Tamara's house for some kids vs. moms baseball and soccer games and some yummy, yummy food. Mmmmmm!!! Elly had so much fun playing with Kynzie and Addye that she didn't want to leave. I know she's looking forward to going over there on Tuesday and Wednesday while I go to some in-services (ugh).

This weekend was awesome! The weather was so perfect so we got to spend a lot of time outside. I really enjoyed spending time with my sweet little family and my friends. It was so much fun!

My Running Buddy...

Meet my running buddy.

My cheerleader.

My motivator.


Elyse LOVES to go on runs in the jogging stroller. I, on the other hand, don't LOVE pushing that thing...but do enjoy having her along with me for several reasons.

"Go, Mommy, Go!"

"Faster, Mommy, Faster!"

"Wwweeeeee!"

"Yay, Mommy!!!"

This is what I hear as I jog along, struggling to breathe, with sweat pouring down.

Now that's motivation!

This morning we ran 5 miles at Wilson Park (ugh, those hills!) and there was a man running who kind of resembled her Poppie. Every time we passed him Elly would yell "Run, Poppie, Run!". Too cute.

The Bachelorette: Who Wears Short Shorts...

Ed wears short shorts!

I really, truly feel bad for Ed after watching last night's episode. I mean, come on! The camera man must have been less than 2 feet away as he was rubbing Jillian down with baby oil in the fantasy suite. What do you expect from the poor guy? Maybe he needed a little privacy.

But the whole bedroom scene was not even what really bothered me about the show. What bothered me the most was the swim trunks Ed was wearing when he went on the boat with Jillian. I mean, did he forget his swim trunks at home and have to borrow a pair of her shorts to wear instead? Those puppies were so short! I was just in shock the whole time. While they were on the boat. While they were visiting with his parents. All I could think was "What is he wearing?" There were a few shots where I got pretty nervous that we were going to see more than we bargained for.

I'm not even going to mention his suit at the rose ceremony. Yikes!

Oh poor, poor Ed. It will take him a long time before he is able to live down last night's episode of The Bachelorette.

The shorts. The suit. The ED...I mean the lack of chemistry in the bedroom. Overall, I think it was not a good night for poor Eddie.

Blog Hop: 3 Things You Didn't Know About Me

1. I follow a strict exercise regimen and a vegan diet.

Ha! Fooled ya! Actually I do enjoy exercising. For example, last night Elyse and I went on a nice 3 mile jog. The jog was fine. Pushing 30 pounds of baby and stroller was not so fine. But we managed to finish in 27 minutes with a pace of 9.10 minutes per mile. Not too bad. After we got home and put I Elyse to bed, I proceeded to have dinner. It was definitely not my healthiest choice ever. 2 bowls of Reese's ice cream with chocolate syrup. Followed up by a few handfuls of barbecue chips. I guess I felt I needed to make up for all those calories I had just burned.

2. I am an accomplished pianist.

Ha! Fooled you again! Didn't think you'd fall for it twice! When I was little my mom signed me up for all sorts of classes and lessons. Piano. Ballet. Gymnastics. Art. The list could go on and on. I was so super, super shy that I never wanted to participate in these activities. I would beg and cry, cry and beg and after forcing me to go for a few weeks my mom would eventually give up and let me stop. My poor, poor mother. All she wanted was for her baby girl to be involved in some activities. To have a well-rounded education. But I refused. It was just torture to me for some reason. Now, however, I have gotten over most of that shyness and do leave the house on occasion. :)

3. I have the most incredible family and friends ever!

On this one I am not joking. I am so blessed to have an amazing group of people in my life. I wouldn't trade them for anything. And even though sometimes I get caught up in wanting this pair of shoes. Or that pair of shoes. I know that the most important thing in my life is now what I have, but who I have. From my husband and kids. To my best friends I grew up with. To my friends I work with. I am truly blessed to be able to spend time with these people everyday. I don't know what I'd do without them.

MckLinky Blog Hop" longdesc="http://www.brentriggs.com" width="300" border="0" height="98">

Mission Accomplished...

Hallelujah!!

Our home improvement project is finished. We started several weeks ago on a mission to take out the carpet in our living room, office and two hallways...and replace them with wood floors. Today we finally finished! I am so excited and LOVE the way it looks!! Ryan worked so hard on this project and did an amazing job.

Here are some pictures of our (almost) completed living room.
Please excuse the Shop Vac in the hallway...we are still cleaning up and putting away supplies.

We totally rearranged our furniture, so I'm still trying to figure where exactly I want everything and where to hang pictures. I just love it and think it looks a million times better than the carpet.

I'll post some pictures of the office and hallway later...once we get everything cleaned and organized.

Dive In...

Today we headed to the pool with Tamara and her kids. The boys had a blast jumping off the diving board, playing basketball and hanging out. The little ladies enjoyed pouring the water into cups and pitchers, playing with fishies, and swimming in the kiddie pool. Thanks Tamara for inviting us! Here are some pictures from our afternoon...

Mason, Spencer, Payton and Cayden

Mason, Spencer and Payton (who hates the camera and always makes silly faces)

The girls...Elyse and Kynzie. Aren't they cute in their little swimsuits?!

Elyse, Addye, and Kynzie

Blog Hop: Favorite Picture...

This week I am participating in the new Blog Hop using MckLinky and sharing my favorite picture. Here it is...



Tada! This pic was taken on our vacation to Hawaii at John and Beth's wedding. I just love these two kiddos SO much! They are my precious babies. I love how Elyse is making her "say cheese" face and how Payton is so caring and sweet with his baby sis. He takes such good care of her! Aaawwww...just melts a mama's heart.

Congrats Payton!...

Payton competed in the AAU Regional Meet this weekend in Joplin, MO. Athletes had qualified for this meet by competing in their state meets in Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. He qualified to compete in the Junior Olympics in August. Go Payton!!!!!

Here are his stats:
1oom dash 2nd place 13.71 (Personal Record)
High Jump 4th place 4'6"

And he managed to do all of this with a pulled muscle in his leg. He could barely even walk after the 100m. Poor guy!

We are so proud of you Payton!!!!!!!!

Pronunciation is Everything...

Meet Axl...
He is Nanna and Poppie's dog. This pic shows him hiding from the fireworks. He does NOT like the loud noises they make.

Elyse has taken a liking to Axl during this visit. She walks around the house yelling, "Axl, Axl." The only problem is that she hasn't really gotten the /x/ sound down. It sounds more like /s/... so it sounds like she's walking around yelling, "@$$hole, @$$hole." Luckily, we know what she's trying to say. But if a guest were to come visit, they would think that our 2 year old daughter has a filthy mouth.

It's kind of like the time we went to eat out at a restaurant and she dropped her fork on the ground. We knew she was saying "fork, fork, fork" but the people at the table next to us sure were looking at us funny.

Happy 4th of July! I will post pictures from our weekend tomorrow.

4th of July Weekend...

We are off to Joplin for the 4th of July weekend. We plan on doing a little bit of this...

and to watch some of these...

Payton has his AAU Regional Meet this weekend as well. He will be competing against the top finishers from Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. Good luck Payton!!!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th! Be safe and have lots of fun!