38 is GREAT!

Well, I just turned 38 on the 19th of March. I always thought that I would feel and look much older on my 38th birthday. When I was younger, the thought of my "late 30's", conjured thoughts of "oldness" for sure, but my perspective has changed. Now my motto is "38 IS GREAT!" I'm happy, I am blessed, I feel good, I feel young, I am fit and healthy, I am accomplishing new goals, I have a great husband and family and wonderful friends...so this birthday was wonderful. I guess it all depends on our attitude and our lifestyle. My family made my birthday extra special (they always do) by making me breakfast in bed, and putting helium filled balloons all over the ceiling of the family room and kitchen...along with flowers and signs. What a fun start to my day.

Four of my best friends took me to lunch at Macaroni grill. Two of my favorite things. Friends and eating out. Sara Rose, Beckie Lowe, Amy Hillis, and Andrea Rediski (not pictured as she had to leave early with "nap ready" children). What a fun afternoon. I love these girls and all of my good friends. They are family to me.

Another thing that made my birthday fun, was having some family visiting. John's brother Mike was visiting with his kids Madi and Luke (all the way from Texas) for the week. We all had so much fun. We took all the kids to the pool the afternoon of my birthday, then my family made me a yummy dinner and my favorite cake (cinnamon bundt), and didn't let me lift a hand for dinner, clean-up, and bedtime activities. It was a wonderful birthday. On the week-end after Mike had gone home, John took me out to dinner and shopping for a little "post-birthday" celebration. I love spending time with my hubby, shopping, and eating, so it was perfect.

"Wildman Triathlon" March 2008

I just competed in my second sprint Triathlon (Wildmand Triathlon Festival). I competed with six of the girls from last time, and one new girl. The Triathlon was challenging, exciting, rewarding, and a lot of hours of training...but ultimately, I LOVED IT! I guess I am addicted.

My favorite part of the Triathlon was competing with JOHN! Most of the husbands committed to doing this triathlon back around Christmas, yet they dropped out one by one as the training went along (sounds like they were not up to the challenge of possibly being beaten by their wives:). John was the last man standing (and a little bothered with his friends for quiting) and he went ahead and competed with us. I am so proud of him. He did a great job, even with much less time to train that me. I beat my times from my first Tri, and came in 4th in my age division, and John met his goal of "finishing". He actually did a great job. I finished about three minutes ahead of him (passed him on the run with a nice little wave), but he was a great sport about it.

The men started the swim in a wave that was three minutes ahead of the women, so here we are watching them...getting ready to head out ourselves.


Me coming out of the water. Happy to be finished with my first event and trying to get to my bike as fast as I can.

Our photographer friends must have missed both me and John on the bike...but we did do it.

Almost to the finish line, though I can't seem to lose "speedo man".

John heading out for his run.

Little Blue Overalls

I have always thought that there could be nothing cuter than little blue denim overalls on a baby boy. I thought this picture of my sweet baby boy completely captured what I am talking about. Cooper has just started taking his first steps in the past few weeks and it is so fun to watch his progress. I know that years from now, I will see a pair of blue denim overalls on a baby, and it will take me right back to this time in my life watching my last baby boy learn to walk.