Zoo Babies

New elephant baby-Sam

We took the boys to the zoo today. It was foggy most of the morning and the sun finally came out the last little bit we were there. No crowds but my it was brutally cold. RJ had a hand at the camera today so here are his pics. Yes, I am proud!

check me out

follow my journey on my other blog http://www.mamaephotos.blogspot.com/

Grauer Back-to-School

It is January and I am off to my first meeting for Grauer. I am on a board that holds a back-to-school readiness program. We distribute school supplies, back packs, coats, shoes and socks/underwear to get children ready for the first day of school. It is an amazing thing on distribution day. We give away to 700 children in August. This is the 8th year! I of course started just by writing grants. Last year though I was a co-captain for distribution day and helped with the set up weeks. Can you believe there are 250 people that volunteer every year to help get the items to the kids? We already have people buying coats and shoes. I can't wait! It becomes infectious, this thing that we do...well that or addictive;) You should see the smiles and the excitement of the kids. It is amazing what a small group of people can do when they put their heads together and follow their hearts.

Mama's bakers

RJ and Jack making brownies!

RJ had to make something for Scouts so we made brownies for the meeting! Ah, chocolate! My boys for sure!!!!!!!!!

Running

So to motivate myself this year I did it again, I signed up to do the Hood 2 Coast. I thought for sure I would be running by now. Nope, not even close. I just got my e-mail notification that my team captain wants me to register my info and I just stared at it. I want to do this, don't get me wrong. I am actually looking forward to the weekend of running with a great group of people. It was nice taking a year off and getting some perspective, for all the anguish it was invigorating...but I'm not with it yet. I've set up a training program even, to start in February. I have hit the gym hard the last couple of weeks and the soreness has been surprisingly welcome. A clear indicator that I am getting warmed-up to be motivated...maybe. But I have yet to hit the pavement. Maybe tomorrow?

I'll huff...

... and I'll puff and I'll blow your fence down!

We had some raging wind last night that took out the fence. What a great way to wake up, I'll tell you what. I went to let the dogs out (we are sitting Hercules) and much to my surprise two panels were laying on the neighbors tree! It would appear that fixing the fence moved to the top of the "To Do" list. You will note of course that the posts were not in concrete...not so good.

New Years Celebrations!

We are off with a bang! A new year, a new tradition. We had a quiet evening at home making ice cream Sundays and bowling on the wii. Spending time laughing out loud with my boys is the best way to end a day and start a new year.