My New Favorite Number...26.2

I am so proud of Jose and I. We decided to try to accomplish the impossible. We decided to run the St. George Marathon. Now for Jose it wasn't so crazy because he has already run two marathons, St. George and LA, but for me not only did I think I was crazy...I knew I was crazy. We started training 16 weeks ago and in the beginning it was a piece of cake. As the miles increased, I began to question my sanity.

St. George is a popular marathon and can be very difficult to get into. Even though the race is in October, you have to register for it in May and a lottery is held in June to decide who the elect are that are privileged enough to run. Jose asked me if I wanted to register, and not thinking we would get in, I accepted.

Ever since then, the anticipation has been building for me. The night before the race I was like a little girl on Christmas Eve. I couldn't sleep. We went to bed at 10:30 PM. I proceeded to wake up at 12:45AM, 1:30AM, 2:30AM, 3:45AM, and 4:10AM. By 4:20AM I gave up on sleep since my alarm was set to go off at 4:30. Who needs sleep anyway?Anyone who has ever run a race before knows that the line to the port-a-potty is very long. This is exactly where we were standing when the race started. We didn't even cross the start line until 10 minutes after the gun went off. Fortunately, the timing is done from the time you cross the start line until the time you cross the finish line, so we weren't penalized for answering nature's call.Jose carried the camera for the first couple of miles. This is about 1/2 of a mile into it, notice we are still both smiling. You can tell by my red nose that it is cold. The starting line temperature was predicted to be 34 degrees. I didn't see any thermometers, but I have seen warmer freezers. We shed our sweaters after two miles and for some silly reason I took my gloves off too. My hands got so cold I started losing feelings in my fingers. I couldn't think of anything else to do, so I stuck my hands in my shorts. Throughout training, Jose kept telling me that marathoners lose all dignity while running...I guess I proved him right.
Then after 4 hours 9 minutes, for me and 4 hours 22 minutes, for Jose we were able to taste the sweet victory of success. That may not sound long to you, but to put in perspective, it took us less time to drive home from Las Vegas. Don't get me wrong, it was not easy but it was worth every single minute of it, even the painful ones.

Jose and I ran together for the first 18 miles and then we split up from there. I love that we have found something we can do together that we both enjoy. It is such a feeling of accomplishment to complete something that was never within the realm of possibility in my mind. I started to run just 15 months ago and now I'm a marathoner! It's awesome to be able to say that. Yay me.
Poor Jose had some issues with his feet. He got 6 blisters and had a bloody toe nail. Yikes!! But even with all that he beat his personal record by over 32 minutes. Go Jose!!
So you would think the night after the race I would sleep like a rock and not wake up even once, right? Not so lucky. I rolled over at 4:30AM and the soreness was so severe that it woke me up. If you need a good laugh come over and try to watch me walk down the stairs. Let's just say, it is not so graceful.

My Little Old Lady Inside

Yesterday I came to the realization that I am a little old lady. I'm not sure when I became on old lady but I have arrived. For Jose's birthday we got tickets to The Killers at UCI. I was more than excited to go with him. There were many things that occurred to show me what a little old lady I am and for some reason I have decided to share them with all of you.

The concert was general admission. When we got there the place was only 1/2 full so I started to look around for the best seats I could find and Jose shook his head, took me by the hand and lead me to the floor. I don't know if you have even been on the floor for a concert before, I have. It can get a little crazy. I figured why not it's Jose' s birthday let's do it. So #1 reason, I was ready to sit in a seat to watch the concert from afar.

When we arrived there was an opening band playing. My very first thought was, wow that's loud. If they would just turn it down a little. Yes at a concert I wanted them to turn it down. That would have to be reason #2.

There were two opening bands and the second band ended at 9:30PM. When 9:45 rolled around and The Killers still hadn't started I realized that I was very tired and ready for bed. Reason #3 I was ready for bed before the concert even started.

When the concert finally started, it was great. They really know how to put on a show. When they came on stage the crowd rushed the stage and Jose and I were right there with them, jumping up and down shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the crowd. This leads us to reason #4. As they were performing Mr. Brightside (Jose's Favorite) I was really jumping up and down and then there was a little accident. Any women who has had a baby knows your bladder is never the same again. It wasn't a big accident just enough to make me realize that I am OLD.

I found it very fitting that they ended the night singing When You Were Young because I truly am no longer.

I might be old but I had a good time. If I had it to do again, I definitely would do it again so I guess I'm not that old. My ears are still ringing and I can't hear much but it was fun.

The Best Decision I Ever Made

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. I know that might sound a little odd to many of you being September 11th and all but it is the day I get to celebrate the wonderful man in my life. I feel completely blessed to have found such a wonderful person with whom I get to share this adventure of life . Jose I love everything about you. I love that you can find humor in ANY situation and that is what you choose to focus on. It helps me to focus on the positive and find the good in life. You have taught me to laugh at myself and enjoy the ride.
You are an amazing father. Your girls are blessed to have a strong, loving father. I love that you get down and play with them, teach them values and are filled with patience.
You are an amazing husband. There is no doubt in my mind that I am loved. I am thankful for you everyday of my life.
What more can I say I love you, Jose!! Thank you for the Good Times!!

Jose, Life is Good and with you it is even better!!

First Grade

Cherish started the 1st grade yesterday. I can't believe how big my little girl is getting. She is going to have a great year and Izzy is going to miss having her big sister around.She insisted on the backpack with wheels. I personally can't stand them. It was very hard to let her get one.
Cherish we hope you have a wonderful school year.
I'm so proud of my girl. She is such a kind, loving, sweet child. I feel blessed to be her mother.
The only tears shed were by Izzy. She was very sad when Cherish walked away. She wanted to go with her big sister.

Izzy Bug

Saturday we celebrated our little Izzy's Birthday with Family. It was a fun day but boy was it hot. We had the party at Mama and Tata's house and it is at lease 15 degrees hotter there than here at home not to mention Saturday was a scorcher no matter where you were.It was a ladybug themed party. We call Izzy our little love bug so it was only appropriate.
The girls loved playing in the bounce house but it was way too hot for them to stay in there very long.

Cherish came out looking for a Popsicle. I think she ate at least 6 that day.
Izzy enjoyed having both of her grandmas there to take care of and spoil her.
We tried to get her to take a nap before the party started but we were not successful. so we finally got her to sleep in the middle of the party in an hammock. We let me sleep for about an hour but then we woke her because we had to get things moving. One word of advice...Never wake a sleeping baby. I know we have all heard it before, but really NEVER wake a sleeping baby.

If you do be prepared for what follows.

I don't know if she just didn't like our singing or what but she was not impressed.
Once we gave her a cupcake she was happy again.
Yum-Yum
I love her cheesy smile.
I had to include this picture of her pirate face. She makes me laugh.

Once it got dark and cooled off the girls made their way to the bounce house and jumped and jumped. Cherish was doing some pretty good flips.

Family Game Night

The other night we played one of our common games of Trouble. Who can forget the Pop-O-Matic Bubble? It brings back some great memories.
It has become one of Cherish's favorites to play.
Izzy Loves to play too but she largely just puts her pieces on her fingers and tries to steal everyone Else's pieces. Yes it disrupts the game and makes it hard to play but it only adds to the fun.
She also takes her turn with the bubble. She loves to help us roll.
Check it out mom. Look what I can do!!
Nothing beats a good game of trouble with those you love.

two

I can't believe my little girl just turned 2!! Time really does fly by. We greeted Izzy with balloons and singing Happy Birthday when we got her out of bed. She wasn't too sure what she thought about it at first.
She quickly warmed up to the idea.

We made her Eggos complete with whipped cream bananas raspberries and candles. When we finished singing she asked us to sing again and again. She loved blowing out the candles.

Cherish taught her to lick off the candles. After breakfast the girls took a bath and had some fun times.


We went outside and took a couple of pictures. She is such a happy little girl.
What a smile!!
She let go of the balloon and waved bye bye until she could no longer see it.

We had a little melt down. I think she had had enough.
She has the sweetest little face.
Jose came home early and we spent the afternoon and evening at Disneyland. We went on the carousel many times. The Birthday girl just didn't want to get off.
Evan came along with us.
We had a good time on the Ferris wheel
Izzy really liked it in the beginning...
After a couple of minutes she wasn't so convinced. She kept snuggling into Daddy.
SURF'S UP!!!
Izzy tuckered out by about 5:30 and took a long nap. She didn't wake up until about 7:00. All in all it was a great day and a late day. We stayed for the fireworks and still went on Pirates of the Caribbean afterwards.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR LITTLE IZZY!!