My Something

Well, once again this year my resolution was "to do something". It's such a great idea because everyday you do something. It's fail proof! It could be as simple as brushing your teeth, drinking coffee, paying a bill, or it could be bigger like practicing knitting, sewing, or trying a new recipe.
By January 2nd, I already had my "big something" for 2012. I was convinced to attempt the Dupont 1/2 Marathon! So, training officially began yesterday. I rushed from school to go running in the woods with Ann and our dogs. I realized this task was upon me, so Sunday I decided it was time to kick it into high gear. This is when I realized I hadn't actually run since December! I had been walking, but not running. Oops! So, going into this run I had a few butterflies. I just knew I was going to have to stop and walk. However, as I turned the last corner and realized where we were, I knew I had made it! I completed the 5 mile run in the woods with confidence I could do it again. Now as for the 9 or 10 mile run...well, we will just have to see!
So, here's to staying busy in 2012 getting ready for an April race!

Play Time

Could you say "no" to this face?!

Sole Party

I participated in a sole party at church last night. We cut shoes for Sole Hope, a local organization that teaches the trade of shoe-making to African widows as well as people without homes living here in WNC, then delivers the shoes to children living in Uganda and Zambia. So we gathered for pizza first then got down to business. We had a team of tracers who traced the patterns needed for each shoe on old denim and cotton fabric. The next team gathered the material and did the cutting. The third team organized and pinned the pieces together for a shoe. We finally called it quits after 2 hours of working. There is still work to be done, so we are thinking a girls night this week just might get the job finished!
I had a great time talking with everyone and making new connections. I even discovered another family and I had breakfast together about three years ago with a mutual friend that moved. Isn't it really a small world?

Friends

For the long weekend, I made my way to the Cary/Apex area. It was a coffee drinking, birthday partying, music hearing, story telling kind of weekend.

Celebrating Mom

January 12th mom celebrated her birthday! I was able to spend a little time that weekend with her. Happy Birthday to my loving, inspirational, and most kind hearted mother.

Weather

(These were taken with my phone, so not great quality)
This was seen outside our school as I was leaving yesterday. It was a full, double rainbow! That has to be some kind of good luck...right?!

This was my view when I pulled in the parking lot this morning. Again, these pictures don't do the sky justice.

Legal

This pup turned 3 (or 21!) on the 11th!

2012 begins

Happy New Year from us to you!!!

2012

Here is a little reading to begin your new year.
http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/12/23/12-things-happy-people-do-differently/

May the new year bring you everything you need! It's going to be a good one!

Just a little more...

Petty Christmas

Those of us that were close by joined together Tuesday evening to celebrate Christmas together.

"Christmas Morning"

The best Christmas present arrived when the Ohio Gribbles made it to NC Tuesday!!!

special

I have fond memories of going over to MeMe and Pa's house each year to help decorate the Christmas tree. When the tree was done and fully watered, this quilt was placed underneath. This Christmas the quilt was given to me by mom and dad. As I look at it and touch the stitching, I will be reminded of my beautifully kind grandparents.

Christmas Eve

We headed to Grandma Gribble's house Saturday afternoon for an evening filled with watching a super cute one year old! We were missing the Ohio Gribbles for sure. Hopefully we'll all be together again soon.

All The Way From CO

I made a stop at Lake Hickory on my travels home to see my dear friend Dana. I missed her husband Trent again this year as he was flying into town that evening. Instead, I spent the afternoon with Dana and Grayson who flew all the way from CO for the holidays! I can't wait until they move back home!

Merry Christmas

Tacky

I attended Dan and Briana's 2nd annual tacky sweater party. Here are a few shots in all their tacky glory:

Decorations

I was inspired one evening while playing outside with Pattie. Just as the sun was setting, I looked inside the large picture window and saw only the lights from the tree glowing. I probably took over 60 pictures trying to get it all just right. It's still not just right, but close enough I suppose.

Create your own free picture slideshow

The Nutcracker

Last night, I traveled home to attend The Nutcracker ballet with mom. This was a custom mom and I shared growing up. Each year, we would attend the ballet together. Even Dad and Phillip attended one year, and I stress one year! I would watch as the ballerinas took the stage with such pose and grace as they seemed to glide in front of my eyes. Not much has changed. I was just as entranced watching last night as when I was a little girl. Now my desire to be a ballerina again has surfaced...

Feeling Festive

Well, it's that time of year again. It's that time of year when teacher's start losing their minds! There is shopping to do, decorating to get done, presents to make, and many young children to entertain who are quite excited! Here's how we survive: