A week of well deserved rest

Well i took a week off of running since the marathon. The only exercise that i managed to get in last week was a 2 - 3 hour bike ride in California. I came back to the hustle and bustle of life as a WAHM with two little kids. After 4 days of not working out i started to feel sluggish and extremely tired. Yesterday all i wanted to do was sleep! I did manage to get a restful 90 min nap in and then woke to a feeling of overwhelming guilt for my lack of workouts since the race. I hopped on the treadmill and managed a measely 3 mile run at a 10 min/mile. Today was a little better; on the treadmill again for another 3 miles,  but this time increased my speed and incline with intervals. I finished feeling revived --- and no desire to sleep!

Now that i am back on track with my running - i really plan to start incorporating strength training back into my routine with a goal of 6 days a week workouts. As well, i struggle daily with my eating habits. I beat myself up daily when i eat what is considered "bad foods". My food goal is to have my "healthy foods" all prepped so that putting my meals together will require little if any mind power. 

Memorable Marathon

It was been 8 days since my last post and wow has it been busy. I left last Friday for Long Beach California to run the Long Beach International Marathon with my Dad. It was such an experience to be able to share that memory with him. We spend Friday afternoon and evening getting situated and becoming familiar with our surroundings. Saturday was a relaxing day, trying to rest in preparation for the big day; we  wandered around the city, taking in the running expo and napping. Both my Dad and I were up early on Sunday morning with a wake up call just after 5am (however, i am not sure either of us managed to sleep past 3:30am - due to the excitement). It is difficult to express the excitement, anticipation and finally exhilaration that i felt Sunday morning as i watched the 2500 bike racers speed off down the course. Then it was our turn an hour later, where we were surrounded by 18 000 other runners who were participating in either the half or full marathon. Men and Women of all ages were geared up and ready to go, making last minute ajustments to their watches, sport belts, Ipods and race numbers. It was amazing to feel that i was one of "those" people that i have admired for so long. The race begain and ended the same way, with my Dad and i crossing the start and finish line together. We trained together for 16 weeks for this race and it was well worth it. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to train and run this marathon with my Dad. A journey never to be forgotten.

Family Pictures

Last weekend we had Family photos taken at "Big Hill Springs Provincial Park". We wanted to have an outdoor theme with the changing of the leaves and fall colors. We used a photographer that i have known for a number of years who did an amazing job. I recieved the proofs today and was able to pick 25 images to have added to a CD. I can't wait to get the photos and start a family scapbook album. Here are a few pictures that were taken.

www.absoluteexposure.ca

A few of my favorite layout picture for the "Twin Lakes" Album

As i stated in my last post, while at Sylvan Lake "scrapping retreat" i managed to get most of my layouts done for our vacation album. I have a few that i really liked and have added pictures to show.

The first one "Monkey See, Monkey Do" was inspired from the facial expressions of both Steve and Breana. It is hard to tell in the photo (unless close up) but Steve had his tounge stuck out to the side. Breana was watching him cook and had the same expression on her face.

The "Buckled up and ready to go" layout was inspired from the photo of Sisi wearing her life jacket - i did my best to try and recreate that look.

The "Family Raod trip" layout was the second one that i completed that weekend. I wanted to make the circles surrounding the pictures look like steering wheel leather. It is a little difficult to tell from te photo but i embossed the paper and it looks pretty good!

The final layout that i have posted "Digging for Gold" is one that i truly like. It is quite simple, but i like the effect of the inked edges and layered letters.

 

Fall Has Arrived

October already - where have the days gone?
September was a busy month, getting back into a routine with tutoring, preschool, and new extra-curricular activities for the girls. Breana started Karate this year and goes twice a week. She also attends library weekly and a sports class.

The end of the month was spent on a scrapbooking retreat at Sylvan Lake with my "Soul Sistas". There were plenty of laughs, witty remarks and creative energy flowing through the cabin. I managed to get the majority of my "Twin Lakes 2010" pictures scrapped and will have those posted very soon!

More Christmas Photos

Well the month of January few by and i just wasn't able to find the time to work on my blog like i had hoped. I did however complete a the layouts of 2009 Christmas, and am happy to say that this holdiay season is now completed.

Christmas Layouts

Although i am new to the world of Digital scrapping and have a tremendous amount to learn, i love what i have created, capturing a few of the many memories surrounding Christmas Day!

We had a fantastic Christmas day at home with family. It was such a joy to watch the girls see what Santa had brought them. Breana was grinning from ear to ear with her "Barbie" Doll and car. Sierra was a little hesitant around her tickle me Elmo, but just needed time to warm up to it.