I can't pretend to be humble today. I have to brag because I am SO proud of myself. I ran my first half marathon! I participated in the PF Chang's Rock and Rock 1/2 Marathon in Phoenix. We ran from downtown Phoenix to ASU. I decided around mile 2 that I'm addicted to running (I didn't feel quite as chipper around mile 10, but I'm still stoked about running!) and that I want to continue to find and do races. That should also help with the last few pounds I'm trying to lose, and the general getting in shape-ness, haha. I like the distance of a 1/2 marathon, but I really think I'd like to try a marathon this year. If not this year, definitely next year at this same event...
Here are a few photos of the race. Mandy Wettstein let me tag along with her, which made things so much more fun. It wouldn't have been as easy without her. We ran at the pace for which she had been training, and it was perfect and comfortable the whole time. We waited until we saw our families cheering for us around mile 12.5, then I used all the gas I had left to sprint as fast as I could to the finish line. I finished in 2:08:10. Not bad for a first time 1/2 marathon.
Looking for our cheer squad...we knew they would be on that corner.
Spotted!
Feelin' good! (Except the dead knees and muscles, of course.)
A couple days before Christmas, I let Rajko play with this box of Kleenex. The desired effect was achieved. I now know what Rajko will be getting for his birthday - several boxes of Kleenex!
Rajko playing with the ball he received from one of his Beautiful Buti cousins...
I wish I had the next few pictures on video. It was a classic case of too many cool toys! 1. Ooh, I like this chair and pretty crayons.
2. Hmm....stay right there, crayons, while I check out this other cool thing. Don't go anywhere.
3. Hello noisy table!
4. Oh no...which to choose?? Maybe I can reach both at the same time.
5. CRASH! Not quite. (As he slides of the chair and splats on his bottom.)
IN OTHER NEWS:
Rajko finally decided to really start eating. He has been consuming large amounts of oatmeal, various soups, any of mommy and daddy's food, and even some chunky baby food. Hopefully all this food will help Rajko go up on the weight chart. Although...I don't think he's starving. What do you think? And last but not least...LOTS OF TEETH!7 to be specific. Top 4, 3 on the bottom so far. The top 4 came in one week, followed by #7 on the bottom the next week. Lots of sleepless nights!
Wow, hello blogging world. Yes, I'm aware that it has been nearly 3 months since I blogged. That's 1/4 of a year. Luckily, Noah has kept you at least somewhat in the loop with his quick posts. Well, I apologize, but I certainly hope you'll welcome me back with open arms. This post will be a huge catch up post, so I understand if you want to just browse the pictures. But…
If you are taking the time to look at our blog, PLEASE comment! I want to know you're out there - especially if you have a blog yourself. I love keeping up on old acquaintances and finding new ones through blogs. Even a quick shout out will do. :)
A few of the major occurrences since my last post:
My Grandpa Bisel’s funeral
Promotion at work
Rajko Updates
Trip to Pinetop with Nate and Celeste
My sweet Grandpa Bisel passed away on November 6, 2009. He went peacefully in the hospital with his children all surrounding him. He has been waiting a long time to be reunited with my sweet Grandma, and I’m so happy that they are finally together again. My grandparents were the most idyllic “sweethearts.” They were always together, and always holding hands and sitting side by side. At their house, my grandma would always be at the kitchen sink and my grandpa used to come into the house and pinch her bum. I’m sure he was happy to finally able to pinch that bum again!
We flew up for the funeral, and it was beautiful. Here are a few pictures from it. My grandpa was taken in a horse-drawn carriage to the cemetery, followed by a horse with no rider. It was a sad but wonderful day, and we were so happy to be able to visit. All but one or two of my cousins were there, and it was great to see not only my immediate family, but my extended family as well.
My Dad and Evan (Allen and Patrice's little boy)
Ellie Jo, Rajko, and Noah (also referred to as Lion Noah or other similar names so as to not confuse him with "big" Noah)
The boys...I foresee mischief. Elijah, Rajko, Jack and Evan
Rajko driving to the cemetery...
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RAJKO
I LOVE THIS BOY!
I made this hooded towel. It was really easy, but still, I can be proud of myself. He might just be getting a couple more for Christmas :)
Rajko is such a happy little guy. He is always smiling and laughing. Even when he's sick, he hardly fusses. We are so lucky to have such an easy going baby. Now...if he would just sleep :)
These are kind of old (about 6 1/2 months) but I just love them. This is/was such a fun stage. So social, so happy and fun, but not yet mobile. Rajko doesn't crawl yet, and I think he might skip it altogether, but I know his mobility is just around the corner. Goodbye sweet baby that stays where I put you. Hello crazy baby!
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PROMOTIONRemember this? My first paycheck at University of Phoenix. Well, one year and many paychecks later, I have been promoted to be an Academic Counseling Manager. I got hired to manage a brand new expansion team, so all my employees are brand new. I was technically promoted on 12/1, but I will be creating the groups of students for my counselors, and they will be out of training and ready to work on 12/18. Wish me luck!
In the current economy, it's great to have a job. But to have one with a company that is growing and hiring, who has amazing benefits, and who continuously promotes from within is such a blessing. The pay raise is nice, too.
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PINETOP
In October, we were invited again to Pinetop, AZ by our friends, Nate an Celeste. Last year we did nothing. We happily hung out in our pajamas and watched movies and played games. This year, although we both have new babies,we chose to have a little more adventure. We all have bikes and we got bike trailers for the little ones (had to put the whole carseat in, but it worked). We had so much fun. Thank you Nate and Celeste!
Looking for our cheer squad...we knew they would be on that corner.
Looking for our cheer squad...we knew they would be on that corner.
Spotted!
Feelin' good! (Except the dead knees and muscles, of course.)
My partner in crime. Thanks Mandy!
