Deb and Kelli ready to run the Carlsbad Marathon
"the running girls"--Terie, me, Jolee, Gerie, and Nan
Saturday, January 29, 2011
200 in carlsbad
Last weekend I was enjoying the sunshine and warmth of San Clemente/Carlsbad with a great group of friends, known affectionately around our house as "the running girls." I took the lead on taking most of the pictures, but totally missed out on one day because we left to go running in the morning and didn't make it back to the house until sunset that evening. Nevertheless, we had a great time, and I got to witness a very cool thing--our friend Deb ran her 200th marathon! 2-0-0 M-A-R-A-T-H-O-N-S! I can't even begin to fathom what an amazing accomplishment that is. The time. The dedication. Deb started 34 1/2 years ago in a pair of tube socks and a pair of Kangaroo shoes (I think) at the first St. George marathon, and is the only person to have ever run every single St. George marathon since. There were only 38 people who ran the first SG marathon, including 4 women. Since then, Deb has traveled all over to run marathons, she survived breast cancer, she is a retired first grade teacher (30 years!), and is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. Here's a little video I put together of our weekend. I hope this works! Just click on the link just below this with the date.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
happy 90th!
My grandma turned 90 years young last Thursday, January 13. When my mom and I realized a few months ago that Grandma's birthday was going to be a milestone, we decided to turn it into a party. A surprise party. I love surprises, and this was a very fun one to plan. Grandma knew I was coming down last week, but she thought it was just for a visit, and how convenient it was during her birthday.
What Grandma didn't know is that my sister, Brenda, and my brother, Darren, were also coming down. I made arrangements to sleep over at her house Wednesday night, and a few minutes after I got there guess who showed up?! You can still see the look of surprise in her eyes as she is hugging Brenda.
I thought this was a sweet moment as Darren held on to Grandma's hand.
Brenda brought Sydney, who found a new best friend in Darren. Here she is "bumpin" (jumping) to him.
Thursday morning I made Grandma a special breakfast with cheese blintzes, topped with Mom's homemade blackberry jam (my favorite) and sour cream. After that we cleaned up and then opened up the big blue trunk upstairs to look through old pictures. I came across a real gem I had never seen before--one of her and Grandpa just a few months after they were married. I asked Grandma lots of questions, and I thought it was interesting that one big thing she remembered from her childhood was in the 4th grade, when everyone was let out of school to see a helicopter fly over, because they had never seen that before. Something we don't even think about these days. She has seen a lot in her lifetime.
I had to include this cute one of Grandma and my mom when she was a young girl.
Did I mention my hairdresser happened to be in California with me?! I love it when she takes care of me. :)
Even though most of the surprise really wasn't by the time the party started at Grandma's house, (secrets were leaked out throughout the day, on accident) Grandma was still thrilled about everyone who came. My mom and dad went to a lot of work putting this party together. We ate Grandma's favorite dinner, spaghetti.
Eric might disown me for including this, but hey, at least I didn't include the video!
He had to cover-up because the spaghetti sauce went everywhere.
Grandma and my cousin, Kelly.
Grandma and Grandpa's two kids--Grey and Bonnie (my mom)
What would a party for Grandma be without a program by the great-grandchildren...and Darren.
Mom had Grandma and Grandpa's wedding picture enlarged and framed by Darren. They basically eloped 2 weeks after she graduated from high school in Arizona. Grandma was 18 and Grandpa was 17. They were just pups!!
Seriously, how can this beautiful woman be 90 and make it look so easy?! She is one of the most caring, loving, classy, and generous people I know. Grandma, you are the best--I hope I've got your great genes to live long with good health and look amazing. I love you so much!!