Merry Christmas and New Year

Adam and I are taking off tomorrow for California. I'll have lots of pics to share, but I won't be back to blogging until after the new year! So here's a hug to all of you—signing off, 2008.

Thank You Everyone!

Your votes came in and I got 2nd place!! (Only three votes below the winner yeah!) So my prize is a little more exposure—in one of the gift guides I think—for free! Thanks everyone, you are the best!

Running by Music (by Adam)

A co-worker and I competed in the San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon last month and it was awesome. There were bands every couple of miles.

I ran right past the Alamo (very small) too.

The Alamo

There were over 33,000 people who participated in the run. Jogging 13.1 miles—sounded like a good idea before I actually started. (I didn't train . . . at all.)

Well after a rough start I finished the half marathon in 2 hrs 45 minutes. (They keep track with a little tag attached to your shoe.) If you do the math that is a 12:45 minute pace, pretty bad I know. I did get a medal for my efforts and ate LOTS of fruit and carbs afterward.

I must say it was much more mentally challenging than I thought, and I was definitely sore after and days to follow, but it was a blast and I plan on doing it again in the spring. Anyone want to join?

Crossing the finish line.

Tree Down

How do you like our tree?

We came home tonight to face full on mutiny by our only Christmas decoration. (It must be the evil step twin of last year's tree.) Fine then! If you won't fulfill your only function, I'll put you back in the box FOR ANOTHER YEAR! *sigh* We should have seen the signs.

I am laughing really. I am.

Cast Your Vote-three days left

One of my dolls has been nominated for best child's toy on Esty. Now it's up to voters to decide who wins. If you would like to vote for me, you will either need to sign in to Etsy or create an account. Next go to THIS link and vote for the little green Abducted Twice doll. (Click on the circle next to the name, a star will appear. Then scroll up to the top and click the vote button on the right.)

Tell all your friends too!

Holy Collection!

Last night we attended a nativity display at a stake center (LDS Church) in Arlington—VERY impressive. There were easily more than 1,000 different "settings" as most of the rooms were completely packed. (I'm talking displays on tables, floors, and shelving in most of the rooms) It was difficult to get good shots, or even SEE some of the nativities, but here are a few that turned out:

Some collections included pieces from all over the world. Sadly, many were not labeled. So I'm unsure of origins and materials on many of them.

Lladro? Not sure . . .

Above—The plaque reads: This display is the Vatican Authorized Nativity. The figures depicted are replicas of characters from Vatican paintings or sculptures and have been faithfully reproduced by artisans commissioned by the Franklin Mint. (Click on image to view larger).

Below: One of the packed rooms.

Warning—I am about to digress. Below: Just so you know, ALL nativities were accepted . . . even Star Wars, or is that a planet episode from Star Trek?

I don't mean to poke fun, well, maybe just a little. But some of the decorating was a little um . . .

(Jamie—sister in-law and scary shepherd.)

So which one is your favorite?

Thanksgiving

We hope you all had a good Thanksgiving with tons of yummy food! Over the weekend we watched football, ate, watched football, ate, played football, ate. Traveled. Went to the temple. Ate. Traveled. Went to a baptism, ate, went antique shopping and window shopping. Traveled. Went antique shopping. Traveled. When we finally arrived back in Texas our bums were a few inches flatter, our tummys a few pounds heavier, and we are now a few degrees happier.

Below: Thanksgiving Day in Kansas

Friday we went to the temple in Winter Quarters Nebraska, went through a session and then attended Jamie and Aaron's sealing! Yay! What a wonderful day! I'm sure they'll write more about it and have some new photos on their blog soon! After all that we met with more family and had another huge feast!

Below: Adam's Mom grew up on a farm in Nebraska. Here are some random photos taken while exploring.


Below: Some of us up in the barn. Wish my camera had been on the right settings for this . . . sorry it's blurry! From left to right: Laurel (Adam's sister), Jordan (Adam's youngest brother), Korina (an in-law like me), Adam, Nathan (Adam's younger brother married to Korina).

Below: The barn.

That's it! Now I tag all of you to share your holiday photos if you haven't already!