Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

To my family, friends, and bloggy friends....from my family to yours....Have a Very Merry Christmas!

A few random pics from the last two weeks: the view from my kitchen - ice and snow - it is so beautiful as long as I get to remain indoors. The subzero temps and windchills are not so lovely!

We went to Holiday Magic at the zoo this past Saturday. It really was magical....every branch covered in lights and it was snowing!

Daddy and Vivi had some Daddy/Daughter time earlier that day, too. They went to Costco together, and she LOVED sampling the treats!

The previous Saturday we attended Santa at the Library. Our small-town library really has a fantastic children's library program. Over 60 children listened to Santa read a story, did a craft, had snacks, and had their picture taken.
These photos were taken by our local newspaper...and Vivian was on the cover page last week to advertise the celebration! This photo is one I'll always treasure!

Like everyone, we have a very busy week. So, until next time.....many blessings to you and yours!

Wordful Wednesday-A Little Pampering

Last Christmas my husband gave me a gift certificate to The Heartland Spa, located south of Chicago. It is listed as one of the top ten destination spas in the U.S. focusing on health and fitness. I never got to use the gift because I was always too busy with work, and since staying home with our children I've had no one to watch the kids for me to get away. Until last week! Rich had a day that he was able to watch the kiddos and luckily I was able to fit into their schedule for the day....the last day before they closed for the holiday season....and before my certificate expired. It was the best day! I wasn't feeling great going into it, and had to drive over an hour to get there, but I left refreshed and alive.

It used to be a dairy farm. In reading some of the material while there, a Chicago doctor had the farm as a getaway on the weekends. When it was sold, the buildings were rennovated to become the Spa that it is today. Very quaint. Very unpretentious. And sitting in the middle of farmland reminded me of the simple beauties in life.

Thanks, honey, for this day of pampering. You can regift this anytime you like!

For more Wordful Wednesday posts visit Angie.

Jingle All the Way

I did it! I ran my first race since highschool-my first ever 5K! I recently blogged about this commitment, and though I dreaded every single time I had to run, I will admit that I always felt better after. Plus, I don't mind the fact that my legs and arms are starting to slim down!

Last week I wasn't sure if I would be able to run. I've been healthy all year, but go figure, when I had plans I ended up being sick all last week. With a little rest, lots of o.j. and hot tea, and a few zinc tablets, I managed to be perky enough for the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis.

Rich ran the whole way with me. He could have easily finished much quicker, but he stayed with me. He had to slow me down a few times, so I wouldn't crash before the race end! I was focused, and I guess was clipping along a bit quickly a few times. Thank goodness I was determined to run the whole way, because it would have been SO EASY to quit that day. We were running in 45 mph winds, sometimes straight on. I never heard my official finish time. The wind was too loud! I know it was under 33 minutes. ... not fast....but my goal was completion! Mission accomplished. Next up, the Shamrock Shuffle 8K.

Nice look, huh? Sweaty hat head at the end of the race :)

Wordful Wednesday

When asked what she was thankful for on Thanksgiving, this three year old responded, "I'm thankful for puppies and birdies." Yeah, I was kind of hoping she would say, "I'm thankful for you, Mommy!"

This photo was taken a few days before Thanksgiving. Just a random morning when I noticed her "friends" all lined up on the sofa watching cartoons with her. Of course they all have names, and there are even a few that you can't see....and neither can I! Squawky is a parrot that is sitting on top of the couch, and Tasha is a sheep sitting beside my darling. I love her imagination!

To see more Wordful Wednesday posts visit Angie.