Team Bojo

Noon Years Eve Party

2011-12-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Noon Years!

December

2011-12-11T20:47:00.000-05:00

2011 Christmas card

A Saturday long run. We explored Green Lakes Serengeti.

We learned that Jon LOVES bowling at cousin Brianna's birthday party!

We shared breakfast with Santa at the zoo. Jonny wouldn't get his face painted unless daddy did too.

Jonny loved Santa and wouldn't stop following him around. He even tried to give him his snowflake.

After breakfast, we went to check out the zoo animals. We had a nice mild December.

Doesn't daddy look cute?

It's a Wonderful Run

2011-12-11T12:04:00.000-05:00


It's a Wonderful Run A unique start to this USATF Certified 5K Course places the field atop the famous Bridge Street Bridge which many believe was the inspiration for the bridge scenes in the holiday movie classic 'It's A Wonderful Life'. The run/walk will take you past the decorated Christmas Tree display, the lighted storefronts and shops of downtown Seneca Falls, and past historic village homes decked out and lit-up for the holiday season. The course concludes in the shadow of the Bridge Street Bridge in People's Park along the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor.


This was my first time running this race and it was such a great experience. It will be making my race roster every year !

We met up with some running friends!


We cleaned up nicely for dinner.

Tempted to take it for a spin...

This was an incredible race experience, not only because I PR'd (even though it was just a gun timed race), but because of the festivity. ZuZu was there signing autographs and we even happened to eat at the same restaurant for dinner. Hi ZuZu! "Every time a bell rings, and angel gets his wings." Next year they do plan on doing a chip time for this race. They had no idea that the race would grow like it did this year. Rumor has it that the Hotel Clarence is already sold out for next year's race weekend.

November

2011-11-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

November was a busy month. Lydia had a turkey to decorate.

I was busy seeing how festive I could be for the Jingle Bell Run and It's a Wonderful Run. Nothing says speedy like Woodstock!

We rocked out at our cousin Amelia's birthday party!

JP started participating in Children's Time at church.

We enjoyed a walk at Lights on the Lake with our friends.

My TA made a yule log for our classroom, because every classroom should have a yule log.

We ate breakfast with Santa at the mall.

Jon was more interested in the Wegman's dog than Santa.

Just a little boogie down time with the pup.

Whoa! Just don't get too close!

Well if Santa likes the dog...

Lyds is always good for striking a pose.

The Jingle Bell Run with some old high school friends!!

Woodstock didn't give me a PR, but it was awesome to be wearing a running skirt at the end of November!

Kim and I are planning more races together for 2012!

Every year my classroom cooks a FEAST and the pink apron always comes out!

My wonderful TA of 14 years! She was the one that got creative with the yule log. I just threw the idea out there and we had the yule log all beautified within two days. Is that just total awesomeness, or what?


My husband comes to our feast and brings the kids. The students and their families also attend this great feast, along with some faculty and staff. Hi Denise! Hi Laura!

The Y-Runners got together for the holiday!! Most of the runners were in my marathon training group.

JP got sick in November. Poor little guy.

"Hi mom."

The beautiful November sunrise on the way to meeting some of my peeps for our Saturday long run.

Another Santa sighting at the Polar Express pajama party!

Lyds met one of her BFF's there.

Hi Lyds! Hi Sammy!

My awesome TA, once again. Last spring she did the C25K program with a student of mine. We spent a half hour on the school track, three times a week. She's in her 60's and just started running! What an accomplishment!

Her daughter sent me these photos of her running the Turkey Trot in DC. She ran the whole race. Go Nancy!

October Fun

2011-10-31T22:22:00.000-04:00

Jon causing trouble at school.

Nothing like daddy stopping at Dunkin Donuts on your way to school...

...or mommy surprising you with big lollipops when she picks you up!

Still running, even after the marathon earlier this month!

School parade

Pretty Witch

Classroom party!

Matthew is his favorite buddy!

Getting ready to trick-or-treat. JP wasn't a fan of his hat.

Grandma can wear it! Hello Mrs. Frankenstein!

Trick-or-treating with our favorite neighbor, Miss Makenna!

October Fly Fishing

2011-10-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

Tim's Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T20:05:00.000-04:00

Time for pumpkin picking!


Strike a pose.

Where are all the pumpkins?

Here they are!

Hmm, which one? I think this is the one.

Or maybe one of these...

Let me think on this for a minute.

Cheese!

I found the great pumpkin!

Who is in charge here?

Two down, two more to go.

What about one of those?

I love you mom-mom.

There's a good one!

I'll go get it!

What do you think JP?

Empire State Marathon

2011-10-17T20:48:00.000-04:00

I did it. I completed my one and only full marathon. 26.2 miles. Ouch. Why anyone does it more than once, on purpose, is still beyond me. I'm glad I did it though. What an accomplishment. It takes dedication, determination, and a lot from within to complete such a feat. A good coach comes in handy too. I'm extremely glad I signed up for the training program with Kevin Collins. I had no idea what I was doing, what I was about to get myself into, or how to properly train for something so big. Thankfully, I trained for and ran the marathon injury free, and I attribute it to the training program I followed. Not to say there weren't any hardships along the way. At one point, I seriously thought I might drop down to the half. I wasn't sure I had it in my to keep going with the training. I was getting burnt out and started to dislike running. I missed running "just for fun." Running did stop being fun for me, and now that the race is over, I'm excited to get back into running just because I like it. That won't be for a few days though...I am still sore as hell from the race! I learned a lot from the training program. I learned how to speed train, what a tempo run should feel like, and how to push yourself to that point just beyond what you thought you could actually do. I learned I had more in me than I gave myself credit for. I made some wonderful friends, whom I plan to continue running with. I also learned my peak "feel good" distance, and that I absolutely adore the half marathon distance. My long run group ran a half race during our training and I loved it. I do see more of those races in my future.

So race day--I wasn't really nervous about the race because my main goal was to just finish it. I estimated a 5ish hour finish time based on our training runs and I did just that with my 5:02. I ran the first half and then walk/ran the 2nd half. I saw Pete around mile 16, gave him a hug, told him I was dying and kept on running. I was pretty spent by mile 17. I remember crying around mile 18. It was a bit surreal. At first I thought it was the wind making my eyes water. It was a bit windy on race day. Or maybe I was crying because my hamstrings were not pleased from the hills. No, it wasn't that either. They were adrenaline, endorphin infused tears. I was going to do it. I was going to finish this damn run, even if I had to walk the end. I cried and ran for the next mile or so. I saw my mom and niece, Amelia, around mile 22 and 23. They ran with me for a few seconds. My mom took a photo, and from my smile, you'd almost think I was still having fun at that point, but really, I was one hurtin' unit. Around that same time, a 30 year old man from the Rochester area was running his first marathon. His wife was having a baby in December, and he was running the marathon because he had never been a very disciplined person, and well, he had a baby on the way. He was hurting just as much as I was, we had spent that last few miles, taking turns passing each other in our walk/run intervals. As we were headed out of the park and onto the last miles of the race, I turned to him and said, "Come on. We'll interval our way to the finish." We held on for a couple of miles and then he fell a bit behind and I kept going. I walked/ran my way to the final stretch and then ran the last half mile. I think it nearly killed me. There was no finish in sight. Where was the huge banner that had Start on the front and Finish on the back? I KNOW I saw it this morning!! Later I learned that the winds that seemed to pick up midway through the race, actually knocking the sign down, twice. It hit a finisher the second time it fell, so they just kept it down. Makes perfect sense, but sorta killed my spectacular finish. My finish was redeemed when I suddenly saw my husband and two kids, waiting on the side to run with me to the finish. Now that was AWESOME and better than any banner that said Finish.

Hey, how do we attach these chips to our sneakers?


Hmmm, I think we got it.

Cheese! Marathon crew!

It's almost start time!

A few photos first...

The sun is coming up!


And we're off! We start and finish at the same place. Boo, on the missing finish at the end.

There I am crossing the start line!

And we're off! Is she running with her coffee?

Wheeee! This is fun. (right now. ask me again at mile 17.)

Fresh legs.


Mile 4ish.

I think this is mile 6ish when I saw a bunch of my crazy co-workers, snapping photos.


Woo hoo! Paparazzi.


This is my marathon coach, Kevin Collins, in the Y-runners shirt. He placed third in the half marathon. His brother, Brian, was the one who organized this awesome inaugural event.

I think this is near the spot that my coach whizzed past me. The half started 30 minutes after the full.

My mama came to see me with my niece. I think this is mile 22ish. Even though there is a smile on my face, I was not having fun.


Mile 22ish.


Mile 23ish.

David, one of my long run warriors.


Erika, my partner in crime.


Emily, another long run warrior. I couldn't have done it without these three peeps. Every weekend they kept me going, especially when I felt like giving up.

Almost to the finish!

I think a bus ran over me somewhere along the course.
At least it looks that way.

My glutes and hamstrings were not pleased with me. I was hurtin'.

I think I see the finish. Wait. Where is the finish sign?

The finish is gone. Am I even going in the right direction?

Race Expo

2011-10-14T16:00:00.000-04:00

I woke this morning super excited for the marathon onSunday. Odd, since just weeks ago I was considering dropping down to the half. Injust a bit, I'll be headed over to the expo to pick up my race number and goodybag! Tonight and tomorrow is just crammed with a flurry of activities. It's allgood, because it will hopefully keep the nerves at bay and won't give too muchtime to "think." Right now, I can honestly say I'm not nervous aboutthe race. I anticipate about a five hour finish, plus or minus a few. I'm notshooting for a particular race time. Cripes, just finishing will be a PR sinceit's my first. After that 20.5 of hills in the wind and rain a couple ofweekends ago, I can probably venture that there can't be a run, much worse thanthat. I was proud of that long run, even though the last seven miles suckedserious ass. Seriously. And if I said butt, instead of ass, it wouldn't beenough to stress the suck factor of that run. I am looking forward to startingthe race with my training buddies. They were awesome to train with and withoutthem, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made it. So thank you Erika, for runningthat one Saturday at the park. I have to say, I'm stinkin' glad I met you!

Columbus Day, Beaver Lake

2011-10-10T21:17:00.002-04:00

Today we went for a hike with some of our friends.

Under-ambitious Halloween decor.

Good thing they love each other.

Six days until the Marathon

2011-10-10T21:11:00.000-04:00

Hoping this is me at 26.2.

Marathon Countdown

2011-10-07T10:55:00.000-04:00

Nine more days until the marathon. I am ready. Ready for this training to beover again. Ready to say, I will never have to run that far again. I mean,don't get me wrong, I'm happy that I trained for it. I pushed myself furtherthan I ever have in my fitness, with thanks to Erika, David, and Emily forpushing me, when I didn't want to. I am sure I will feel incrediblyaccomplished when I cross that finish line and I will probably never forgetthat moment.

I decided to do the marathon, just because I wantedto push myself more than I was, with my running. I wanted to learn how toactually "train" for something, to learn how to do speed work. I havecertainly accomplished that with Kevin's training group and I made some new friendsin the process. That can NOT be beat. In early September though, I startedto hate running and I questioned what the hell I was doing. I don't have amarathon "story" like most others have. Erika and David haveexcellent reasons for wanting to complete a marathon. I get it. I didn't havethat, and I struggled with why I would want to torture my body and run 26.2miles when it hurt like hell to do so. Where is the fun in that?

Last weekend we completed 20.5 miles of mostlyhills. We ran the hilly part of the marathon course one and a half times. Inthe rain. In the cold. For 3 hours and 45 minutes. We were chilled to the bonewhen we were done and I know that at least Erika and I required a nap laterthat afternoon. That was my decision making day, to marathon or not. Well ofcourse I can't let Erika and David down, so I will be standing at the startline on October 16th to run 26.2 miles with two pretty awesome people.

I will be happy to have my running back after therace. To run just for the hell of it with no training plan in sight. I willstick in a weekly speed session because I (mostly) loved those. I will maintaina weekend long run, because I did learn that I am in love with thehalf-marathon distance and I will be taking on many more of those races. I didlearn a lot from training with Kevin and I'm happy with where I am with myrunning. The best thing I did was sign up for his running group. I learned alot about myself and running and I gained some pretty good friends.

Snip Its Birthday Party

2011-10-01T20:30:00.000-04:00

Lyds was invited to her friend Sam's birthday party at the kids salon, Snip Its.

She loved getting her make-up done.

...and her nails.

The girls got to dress up and model on a cat walk.

Posing for the paparazzi.

Team Bojo makes the news!

2011-09-19T19:04:00.002-04:00

Making apple picking a tradition - YNN, Your News Now

Beak and Skiff Apple Picking

2011-09-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

Ha!

Waiting in line for the wagon ride to pick some apples!

Wagon ride!

Jon insisted on having his own bag.

He was very good at picking apples.

Jonny, you found a good one!

We were followed by YNN news for a local story.

These are all mine!

Lydia was interviewed on how to pick apples.

She was very good. I'm so proud of her!

Counting the apples.

Pete and Jon had a little interview as well. I stayed right away from the camera!

They caught this on video too.

After apple picking we went to play for a bit.

Beaver Lake Harvest Festival

2011-09-11T16:15:00.000-04:00

In the fall we always seem to keep super busy with the fun community activities that happen every September and October. For the past few years, we've made this Harvest Fest our first official autumn activity.

JP wasn't too sure of the goats. Lyds was offered some goats milk to drink but she didn't dare. Jon, on the other hand, didn't know any better and tried some. He wasn't impressed.

Big sister tried to show brother that the goats are nice.

We met some friends at the festival and enjoyed a wagon ride together. Lyds really did have fun, even though her face says otherwise.

Our neighbor friend, Makenna, joined us for this fun fall activity too!

Jon and Lyds really know how to rock out!

Fall Soccer

2011-09-10T23:00:00.000-04:00

Given a choice between ballet and indoor soccer this winter, Lydia chose indoor soccer, hands down. Northstars, here we come!

First Day of School

2011-09-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

There she is! The new kindergartner.

Daddy decided to surprise her and watch her get on the bus from her morning program.

Surprise!

Hi Daddy!!

Waiting in line for the bus.

Heading out in the rain for her first bus ride to school.

Someone looks like she's getting a little excited!

Bye Daddy!

Muuuaaahhh!

She is sitting in the window with the bus number. Have a great first day Lydia!

First Day of School

2011-09-06T21:05:00.000-04:00

Jonny started his first day of "school."

It's the day before kindergarten for this little girl!

"I'm not too sure about this."

Froggy

2011-09-03T21:08:00.000-04:00

Catching their first frog!

Zoo time!

2011-09-02T21:18:00.000-04:00

Fun at the zoo!

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!

Fall Soccer

2011-08-31T14:18:00.000-04:00

Turning Stone Half Marathon

2011-08-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

Turning Stone Inaugural Half Marathon, also my first half!

All shiny and pretty, pre-race.

Get ready, set, go!

See me and Erika??

I think I see the finish line!


Rounding the corner to the finish!

Post-race stretch

Yippee! We did it. My marathon training partners, all completed our very first half-marathon race together. Total awesomeness!

My first race medal ever.

Marathon Training

2011-08-13T15:38:00.000-04:00

I ran 18.63 miles of the marathon course this morning. It seriously kicked my butt. The marathon distance is scaring the bejeebies out of me. 7.57 more miles. Yikes. I really struggled just to finish toward the end of today's run. I'm not sure I can run the marathon without having a very angry last 10 miles. I find I'm generally in good spirits with my long runs until mile 15 and then it is hard, hard, hard. Thanks to my running partners Erika, Emily and Dave for pulling me though the last of it or I might have cut the run short otherwise. The run left me deflated and I'm contemplating switching to the half marathon. We'll have to see what the next few weeks of training brings. I want to enjoy the marathon experience and not leave it cursing after mile 15, wondering what the heck I got myself into. I run because I love it. I'm not competitive so I want to keep the experience fun. If I'm cursing the last half of the marathon, well, that's not so fun. Only time will tell. Thankfully I have a half marathon on the race calendar for next week, with Erika, Emily, Dave, and another Emily E.. Like the fall marathon, it's another new race for the area. I'm super excited for it and I'm happy to only have to run 13.1 miles. Funny, because I thought I'd never hear myself say that. I'm pretty sure I have told Emily E. on a run, that I could never do a half marathon. I eat my words.

Casowasco

2011-08-06T06:06:00.000-04:00

Lydia and I spent a couple of days at Casowasco for Mother-Daughter Camp. It was an awesome experience. Last year we went to Family Camp. I am hoping she wants to go to the 6-year old camp next year (all by herself)!

Lydia did and excellent job helping out in the dining room after our meals.

Bethany~ the lodge that we stayed in for both years.

Lyds loved doing the crafts.

Wagon ride

Enjoying the lake.

She never has a hard time making friends.

Climbing Jacob's Ladder to check out Mt. Tabor.

Mother-Daughter Tea

Vacation Bible School Family Night

2011-07-28T09:20:00.002-04:00

Lydia went to VBS that our church holds in the summer. This is a video from family night. Jon even got in on the act!

Summer fun with Jon

2011-07-27T21:13:00.000-04:00

Cute video of JP....Cheese!! Jon, it's a video, not a photo. Cheese! Cheese!

Fishing at Ryder Park

2011-07-24T12:08:00.013-04:00

Cheese! What a cute birthday outfit! Thanks Aunt Tracy and Uncle Rudy!


Wee! I love to slide, but I usually go down on my tummy. This way it is a little bit scary!

Time for some fishing with dad! He loves to take us fishing. If you look close it looks like Lydia and I caught a fish at the same time!

Sissy got one!

I think I'll take a water break before I try again..

My turn for a catch!

I think Lyds is going to try to catch another one!

Mommy thought it would be a great night to make a grilled pizza. This is the first time I made a pizza. Lydia has made them before.

This is fun!! You can eat AND make pizza at the same time!

One peperoni for the pizza, one for me. One for the pizza, one for me...

Sodus Point Family Camping Trip

2011-07-14T20:59:00.034-04:00

On Thursday, we scooted over to Fair Haven Beach for the day.

Jonny enjoys a good lollipop.

Time to make a sand castle!

Getting water for the sand castle moat.

The master piece. Thanks for your help Aunt Tracy!!

Sand castle spectators.

"Do we need more water?"

Non-Sand Castle Builders

Sodus Point Family Camping Trip

2011-07-13T20:57:00.008-04:00

Morning run at camp...

On Wednesday, we just hung at camp and the beach for the day and had a camp fire at night.

S'mores!

Sodus Point Family Camping Trip

2011-07-12T20:56:00.000-04:00

Grandma was sneaky and planned a spa day with the kids.

Amelia was Head Spa Technician.

Jonny was Jr. Spa Tech-in-Training.

Apparently grandma didn't know to slice the cucumbers thin so they stay on your eyes.

Homemade avocado face mask.

Good enough to eat.

Ah, thin cucumbers.

Hand massages...

Tracy's technician gave out foot massages too. Lydia did not make note of that. ;)

After we were beautified, we headed down to the beach.

Funny how Jon hates his hair getting rinsed in the bath, but he loves to dump a bucket of water on his head at the beach.


Lyds was the sand castle master this summer.

A few photos from one of my evening runs at camp...

With the sun starting to set, Pete, Lyds, Ava, and I headed down to the beach to watch.

The girls had a blast dancing around and throwing rocks in the water.

Sodus Point Family Camping Trip

2011-07-11T09:10:00.011-04:00

On Monday we rented a pontoon boat and enjoyed the afternoon right on the lake!

Thanks for the great trip Ma!

The Bluffs

Sodus Point Family Camping Trip

2011-07-10T12:47:00.047-04:00

Our first morning at camp...we headed straight to the beach.

Chance was the leader of arts and crafts with her hemp bracelets. Chance is Jessie's best friend and usually joins the family for the trips back to NY.

Thanks for my bracelet Chance!

Jim decided to skip arts and crafts and enjoy some time on the porch.

We had a birthday party for Jon and Ava. Happy birthday guys! Jon turned two and Ava turned four.

Lyds was a great helper to Jon even though I think he could have done it all on his own!

Thanks for the money Aunt Carrie and Uncle Pete!

Jon loved his tunnel! Thanks grandma!

The lawn mower was a hit too. Thanks grandma!

Ava got a ton of American Doll accessories. All the girls had a fun time playing with their dolls.

Even Chance!

The rest decided to kick back and relax.

Cake time! Jon decided a nap was in order so he missed cake.

Happy birthday Ava!

Video of Jon and his new mower.

Sodus Point Family Camping Trip

2011-07-09T12:36:00.007-04:00

Mom took the initiative and booked a cottage near the beach in Sodus Point. Tracy and the kids came in from Anchorage, and Rudy and family from Rochester. Of course we were there, as well as mom and Jim. It was a great week...with lots of memories.

Checking out the water...of course, with fishing poles!

Pete spent more time fiddling with the fishing pool and the kids threw rocks.

7 @ 7 ALTITUDE WITH ATTITUDE CHALLENGE

2011-06-12T14:16:00.003-04:00

Seven @ Seven Cross Country Challenge

“A challenging 7.77 mile cross country race starting bright and early at 7 a.m. Terrain includes trail, gravel, and grass. Do you have what it takes to finish this hilly course?”

Today I ran the 7@7 Endurance Run at Green Lakes. I also grew about 3 inches. All that running is making me tall…or I am making new friends who happen to be short. OK, so my new running friends are short. I can not lie. Meet new running friends Lori and Tina. We met on our Saturday long run for the marathon training program with Kevin Collins. We did a few of the 7@7 course tours the past few Saturdays as part of our long run. It’s a great course. I always thought I hated trail running. When I did the Learn to Run Clinic through Fleet Feet, we did our weekly training on a trail. I HATED it…but perhaps I just hated it because learning to run was hard enough in itself, so forget about adding uneven footing. Fast forward to now, and I LOVE it. I think Green Lakes is my new favorite place to run, hills and all. I know! I can’t even believe it myself. The variety a trail offers makes the weekly long run, not seem so long. That, and some running buddies certainly help. Thanks Lori and Tina! See up next Saturday! PS. I think my finishing time was 1:24. I even had to walk a few parts of it. Damn hills.

Lydia's pre-k graduation

2011-06-04T06:07:00.004-04:00

Happy graduation sissy!

Spring Soccer

2011-05-15T16:36:00.012-04:00

Lydia's first season in soccer. Daddy was the assistant coach.

Heading toward the goal!

Lyds is a powerhouse on the field!

Video of Lydia's soccer game!

Mountain Goat Run, May 1, 2011

2011-05-09T14:18:00.000-04:00

I finished the 10-mile, hilly course of the Mountain Goat. It was my first time running it but it won't be my last. Next year I'll run it faster because I'll be that much of a better runner. I ran the Shamrock in March with my friend Emily, coaching me through it. I owe my thanks to her for getting my head on straight about my running. I ran the Mountain Goat solo. I did it!! No anxiety. Just a wee bit in the beginning and then around mile 5, I had a brief conversation with myself, asking, "What the heck did I think I was doing? Was I really capable of this?" Well at 1:48:24, I think I am! I did a lot of hill training with my friend and co-worker Margaret. Thank you Saturday morning Mountain Goat training runs. Thank you hills O 'Jamesville for our weekday runs. The hills still kill me, I'm not going to lie. I am not a fan, but at least I can manage them. I know I was stronger on the hills for the Mountain Goat than I was on the hills of the Shamrock. I did a lot more hill training for this race. My next running challenge is the 7@7 Cross Country Challenge in June...7.77 miles of a cross country course that includes "Hernia Hill," the steepest hill you will find in the history of Syracuse racing. When I asked my marathon training coach how long the hill was, his reply, “Carrie, About 200m. Short and steep. You'll be on all fours, so bring gloves!" I'm looking forward to it. I am hoping to get a few runs on the course prior to race day. My marathon training starts this week, so hopefully this weekend's run will have us running part or the entire course. I'm ready.

http://www.mountaingoatrun.com/

http://www.ymcaofgreatersyracuse.org/Downtown/ymca_triathlon.aspx

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:22:00.005-04:00

Lydia made me a beautiful pillow for Mother's Day. She kept getting me to try to guess what she made me by saying, "Mom, it sounds like this, piiii---illl----ooow." I knew better than to guess because then she would have been mad that I guessed it before Mother's Day.

Lydia, my cutie-pattotie. She is at the stage of thinking she knows it all.

Jon, my little munchkin. He has quite the temper lately. Must be from his father.

Look at how sister and brother are looking at each other. I am so glad they get along...90% of the time.

Jon was getting grouchy at this point. I think the brunch at the Sherwood was a bit too long for his liking. He did eat a feasts worth of food though

Uncle Rudy and Ava.

Let the temper shine! I'm not even sure what he was mad about.

Love this family photo!

Skaneateles Lake

Grandma VanLengen said he looks like a munchkin here. I think she's right. Maybe he can play a part in the Oz Fest this year. We represent the Lollipop Guild
The Lollipop Guild, the Lollipop Guild.
And in the name of the Lollipop Guild
We wish to welcome you to Munchkin Land!

Add caption


Jon loves dogs!

Lydia gets in on the act but she's more unsure than Jon.

"Hey, my sister wants to come over to pet you. You think you can be nice to her?"

Cousin love. And this is what makes Mother's Day perfect every year...our beautiful children.

A visit to the Duck Pond!

2011-04-04T06:40:00.000-04:00

A trip to the Duck Pond with Grandma Loop!

April 3, 2011

Mountian Goat Training, week 2

2011-03-30T10:23:00.000-04:00

It was the same course as week 1 so my goal was to run it faster this week, and I did! Not by much, but I'll take it. (I was just recovering from strep so I wasn't 100%.) I have also planned a few hilly runs with Margaret in her neighborhood. We ran Barker Hill Road for 5-miles on Monday and my, oh my, was that some HILL. It beat the hills on the Mountain Goat course we've run so far. We are shooting for a hilly 7-miles on Friday since we are missing the week 3 training run this weekend. We ran a fairly flat 3 on Tuesday and my legs were tired. Ok, they felt like LEAD; I'm not going to lie. Today, I relish in a complete rest day. I never quite understood the benefit or glory in them, but today I do. Oh, do I ever! If I don't have a nice firm tush by race day on May 1st, I am doing something terribly wrong. Tomorrow is a planned 4 on a flat, oh, very FLAT road. So flat, that I don't even want to see a wave in the road. Friday is the long hill run and on the weekend I'll probably do an easy 3 in the neighborhood and/or something in the gym. We'll see what I'm feeling.

Mountain Goat Training run

2011-03-19T07:07:00.000-04:00

Headed out for my first Mountain Goat Training run...I'll be back to post an update!

Distance: Week 1 is roughly 5.75 miles, with one major climb

Almost Spring!

2011-03-15T21:25:00.001-04:00

Happy Spring! Well, almost. It was a great day~ sunny and mild, in the 50's. It was perfect running weather so I saved my run for the afternoon so I could take it outdoors. It was one of the best runs I've had since the end of October and my calf strain. It truly was pure bliss. Sadly, I have to take it back indoors tomorrow with the prediction of rain...and I booked myself a massage appointment for the evening. Oh, the suffering, I know. Thursday, the BIG 4-0 day, will also have to be inside in the wee hour morning since of course birthday plans will clutter my afternoon and evening. Oh, darn again. Friday I have my fingers crossed for decent weather...I want off the treadmill! I wonder when it will start to be light enough to run outside before work...

Peanutbutter Goodness

2011-03-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

Once again the Little Bitty Bakes blog taunts me. Dare I try to make these Peanut Butter Nutter Truffles? I just need to find an occasion to make them because I wouldn't have enough self control not to eat them all in one sitting...

Peanut Nutter Butter Truffles

Makes 20 truffles

75 nutter butter bites (about 25 regular cookies), plus additional for garnish
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (any flavor/brand)
1/4 cup Philadelphia Original Cooking Creme
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp. canola oil

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

In the bowl of a food processor, chop cookies until small crumbs form. Add peanut butter and cooking creme; continue to mix until blended. Form mixture into 1-inch balls; set balls onto baking sheet. Chill 1 to 2 hours, until firm.

In microwavable bowl, toss chocolate chips with oil. Microwave on HIGH for 60 seconds, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Use two spoons to dunk chilled peanut butter balls into melted chocolate; cover completely and place onto cookie sheet. Top with crushed cookies or halved Nutter Butter bites. Allow chocolate to set completely. Refrigerate truffles in airtight container.

Yum! Thank you Little Bitty!

http://littlebittybakes.blogspot.com/

My 40th Surprise Party!!

2011-03-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

Pete was an awesome husband and threw me a surprise party for my 40th.

I had no idea. It was a Thursday night. Genius.

Complete with fabulous 40 party decorations!

I was amazed by all the friends and family who were there.

Fabulous Forty. Looking forward to the next 40!

Me and my mama!

Good friends!

Good food!

Good family!

Thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

Lydia told me I didn't have to sing "Happy Birthday" because it was MY birthday.

She was so excited to help me blow out the candles and even waited for me to start blowing first.

Thank you all for the great birthday celebration! You all are part of the reason I don't mind turning 40. You help make my life wonderful and exciting.

ABC's

2011-03-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

(A) Age: 39
(B) Bed Size: queen
(C) Chore You Really Dislike: unloading the dishwasher
(D) Dogs – none at the moment but perhaps again one day...
(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: my wee hour workout
(F) Favorite Color: red
(G) Gold or Silver? silver
(H) Height: 5'3 1/2"
(I) Instruments You Play: nada~ I pretended to play the flute and piano as a kid but I was never really good, so I never got past a year of lessons. I couldn't read the sheet music.
(J) Job Title: special education teacher
(K) Kids: two very cute ones
(L) Live: live your life to the fullest
(M) Mom’s Name: Cheryl
(N) Nicknames: I'm not sure what people call me when I'm not around, but to my face it's usually Carrie.
(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? having my babies
(P) Pet Peeve: People who have the ability, yet don't use it.
(Q) Quote: Attitude is not a feeling. Attitude is a choice.
(R) Right or Left Handed? right
(S) Siblings: older sister, younger brother
(T) Time You Wake Up? 4am for a coffee and a run or some sort of workout. A couple hours later on the weekend.
(U) Underwear: none of your business
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: I'm not a fan of cooked spinach, but raw is delicious!
(W) What Makes You Run Late: Everything. Being on time is unusual.
(X) X-Rays: most recently my leg at the orthopedist...for what ended up being the calf strain.
(Y) Yummy Food You Make: lasagna, but my husband makes me believe everything I cook is top notch.
(Z) Zoo, Favorite Animal: elephant

The only things in this life that you really regret are the risks you didn't take

2011-03-10T11:04:00.002-05:00

"The only things in this life that you really regret are the risks you didn't take. And God knows if you see a chance to be happy, you grab it with both hands and to hell with the consequences."

~Grumpy Old Men~

I just can’t seem to find the time to blog…life is full and I have no complaints. The big 4-0 is rounding the corner. Just seven days left of my thirties and I’m on to a new decade. It’s time to up the face cream ante and grab life by the horns. My mom asked me if I had a problem turning forty, and outside of the occasional deep wrinkle that glares back at me, I have no qualms of moving into the next era of my life. I’m in a good place with a wonderful husband, two beautiful children, a nice home, good friends and a career that I enjoy. My cup is full.

However, turning forty makes me want to take on a new challenge. My last personal challenge was over ten years ago, when I walked the Boston 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk, totaling 60-miles. My cousin couldn’t do it with me so I had to make the decision to bow out or to do it alone. Being a person who wouldn’t even go to the movies alone, it was a big deal to go to Boston and spend three days walking with strangers; but I did it and I’ve added it to the top best things that happened in my life. Now it’s time to add to that list again and this year, I’m adding the marathon to my list. I signed up for the Empire State Inaugural Marathon this coming October, and just yesterday, I signed up for a marathon training program that starts in May. If I’m going to do it, I want to do it right, with smart training.

I just recently ran the hilly 4-mile Shamrock Run with my friend Emily. I have, or dare I say, HAD, some racing anxiety, so Emily coached me through the race. I was fine, no anxiety! Gladly, I signed myself up for my next race in May, the 10-mile Mountain Goat, another hilly course, but I’m ready to take it on. That training will land me in a perfect spot for the marathon training program that will begin two weeks later.

The kids are doing well. Lydia just had a 5^th birthday party, which she was super excited about. Turning five was a BIG deal for her. She is a big kid now, so she says. We had a Fancy Nancy Tea Party theme at Shades of Orange Art Studio for Kids. It turned out to be a great party. Jonathan is moving right into toddlerhood and his personality is starting to shine. His first official word was “poopa” and his first sentence was, “I did it!” Recently he has taken to the ball and I think he thinks he is going to be a basketball star. I can’t keep him away from the basketball nets at the bounce place we go to. I’m pretty sure that height will not be on his side for his future in basketball. He does have a great two hand overhead throw, so maybe he can bring that into a career in soccer. His dad was quick on the soccer field so maybe he’ll inherit some of that gene.

Student of the Week

2011-02-14T11:16:00.011-05:00

Lydia was student of the week in her pre-k class!

Favorite Color: violet

Favorite Animal: lady bug because it brings you good luck.

Favorite Book: Princess and the Pea

Favorite Toy: American Girl Doll

Favorite thing to do: Go to the park with my family

Happy February

2011-02-02T21:33:00.003-05:00

Wow. I didn't realize I haven't posted in so long. I'll get back with an update soon. In the meantime I thought this needed to be posted in honor of the month of February.

From: http://hummingbirdridgewinery.blogspot.com

Wine and Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

3 cups all purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

1 Tbs baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

6 eggs

1 1/2 cups Hummingbird Ridge Pordevino, Reserve Red, or Hummingbird Red

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup dark chocolate chips (melted)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325º F.

2. Line 2 cupcake pans. (Tip: After you line the pans, spray the liners with some non-stick spray. It will keep the cupcakes from sticking to the paper.

3. In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder. Mix everything so that it is evenly distributed.

4. Make a “well” in the center of the dry ingredients.

5. Into the well, pour in the wine, vanilla, oil and eggs.

6. Mix on low speed until combined and lump free.

7. Pour in the melted chocolate chips and mix until thoroughly combined.

8. Fill lined cupcake pan. Fill each liner to the top.

9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The cupcakes will puff quite a bit, and when done should be slightly firm to the touch, but be able to spring back.

10. Let cool slightly before dipping in chocolate wine topping.

Chocolate Wine topping

This makes a lot, but the leftovers can be used as a topping for ice cream and other sweet treats.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

1 14oz. can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup red wine (same as used in the cupcakes)

1/2 cup karo syrup

4 tsp balsamic vinegar

Directions

1. Microwave everything in a microwave safe bowl for two minutes.

2. Remove from microwave, carefully, and stir until smooth and shiny.

3. Let cool, and dip cupcake tops into the chocolate.

4. Repeat after they have set up a bit

When pairing wine with chocolate, typically the wine should be at least as sweet, if not a touch sweeter, than the chocolate you are serving. Otherwise, the taste may quickly veer towards bitter or sour.

When pairing wines with chocolate, your best bet is to match lighter, more elegant flavored chocolates with lighter-bodied wines; likewise, the stronger the chocolate, the more full-bodied the wine should be.

Similar to a “formal” wine tasting, if you will be experimenting with several varieties of chocolates, work from light to dark. Start with a more subtle white chocolate and end on a dark or bittersweet chocolate.

White chocolate tends to be more sweet, mellow and buttery in flavor and generally pairs well with sweet white wines. Milk Chocolate generally pairs well with semi-dry reds and some whites, and Dark chocolate generally pairs well with Dry reds and Port wines. These are just general suggestions. Dare to be bold and experiment. You will find that the perfect wine and chocolate pairings bring out the best in both the wine and the chocolate!

From: http://hummingbirdridgewinery.blogspot.com

What Teachers Make by Taylor Mali

2011-01-13T10:29:00.001-05:00

What Teachers Make

by Taylor Mali

He says the problem with teachers is, "What's a kid going to learn

from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminds the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about

teachers:

Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.

I decide to bite my tongue instead of his

and resist the temptation to remind the other dinner guests

that it's also true what they say about lawyers.

Because we're eating, after all, and this is polite company.

"I mean, you¹re a teacher, Taylor," he says.

"Be honest. What do you make?"

And I wish he hadn't done that

(asked me to be honest)

because, you see, I have a policy

about honesty and ass-kicking:

if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honor

and an A- feel like a slap in the face.

How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall

in absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.

No, you may not ask a question.

Why won't I let you get a drink of water?

Because you're not thirsty, you're bored, that's why.

I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:

I hope I haven't called at a bad time,

I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today.

Billy said, "Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don't you?"

And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.

I make parents see their children for who they are

and what they can be.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids wonder,

I make them question.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them write, write, write.

And then I make them read.

I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely

beautiful

over and over and over again until they will never misspell

either one of those words again.

I make them show all their work in math.

And hide it on their final drafts in English.

I make them understand that if you got this (brains)

then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you

by what you make, you give them this (the finger).

Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:

I make a goddamn difference! What about you?