Temple Square at Christmas!

Last night David and I went down to Temple Square to see the beautiful lights. Here are some photos!

Marathon Training Week 11!

This week was a challenge for a couple of reasons. First, my hip was still hurting; second, it was 12 degrees out and the ground was still covered in snow; and third, 10 miles after taking a week off (for my hip to rest) was killer.

The run was really beautiful though. My legs were so cold by the end I couldn't feel anything except the pain in my hip which then traveled to my knee! 8 Advil and some ice later, I feel pretty good!

What Zoe and Toby Got For Christmas!

CUTE! Matching Sweaters!!!

Our First Christmas Together!

Our first Christmas together was white! We had snow storm all day. I loved it because I have not seen a white Christmas since I was a little girl!

Zoe and Toby play in the snow in their Christmas best!

Toby looked so cute with the snow barnacles stuck to his feet! He looks like he is wearing big furry boots!

Me with some of my presents (yes, I asked for the ironing board).

David is happy with his new toy!

I made a delicious Christmas dinner.

David carves the turkey!

We had a wonderful day!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I Love Christmas, But Festivus Rocks!

I can't wait for the "Feats of Strength"!

I would say bagels yes! I have never been able to pass up a bagel.

What can I say about this? Classic Castanza!

Winter Running Is Great!

I think this is week 10 of my Marathon training. All this week Utah has been hit with snow storm after snow storm. Running outside has been challenging. I don't mind the sub 20 degree temps, but I don't want to slip, fall and break something.

Last Monday, I decided to run on the treadmill. That was torture. I was so bored and my hip has hurt ever since. Thursday, I decided to brave the elements and do my run outside. I loved it! Dressed in the proper gear, I was pretty warm and I loved listening to my Christmas music on my ipod while I ran past houses all outdoing each other's Christmas lights (my favorite was the house with the leg lamp from A Christmas Story in the window).

Friday night another really bad storm rolled in and I thought for sure our Saturday morning group run would be cancelled. I woke up at 6:00 AM, checked the group website and noticed that one of the pace groups had cancelled, but my pace group was still on! I got dressed and slowly made my way to our meeting point. The place was deserted. Just as I was getting ready to leave, up came Jim and then Teresa and they were ready to go!

We jumped out of our cars, put hand warmers in our gloves and headed out. The snow had not been plowed off the trail so we were running in 6-8 inches of snow which was pretty close to running in sand (did I mention that it was 12 degrees)! Once we started we warmed up pretty quick. We had a blast talking about how officially crazy and hardcore we were! We did 8 miles! I love winter running! It will be weird running the 1/2 in Phoenix next month.

Jim and I stop for a photo! (I know this photo sucks. It was taken with my phone).

Galloway Jingle Jog!

Despite the storm that was headed our way, our marathon training group made our 8 mile run a little more festive today! All was well until about mile 4 when it started snowing. By the time we hit mile 6 the snow was really coming down and stinging our faces. Thank goodness I had my boot covers on (they kept my feet fairly dry) and my Santa hat & beard (which kept my head warm and the snow off my neck)!

After the run we all met for breakfast at Einstein's on Christi & Josh(who looked adorable as an elf)! Thanks Christi & Josh!

Energy Strategies Christmas Party

Last night David and I attended my work Christmas party. It was held at this really nice place called Log Haven. We all enjoyed a delicious steak dinner and had a great time!

Just In Case You Need Some Christmas Cuteness Today!

I mean, do I really have to say more than SWEET!

Tom Is Now An American!

Huge congrats to my bro-in-law, Tom Stradling! Today he became an American citizen! Tom you may now put the "Brits for Obama" sticker on your car without going to prison!

Tom Stradling, Yankee Doodle Dandy! (Sorry Tom, I couldn't resist!)

Marathon Memories!

So, since I have started training for my marathon I have enlisted the help of my sister (a veteran of 12 marathons) for advice. As we got to talking we got on the subject of which Marathon was the hardest for her. She proceeded to tell me the story of the Dublin marathon of 2000, where the weather was so bad, the Irish Times headline read the next day, "RUNNERS DEFY WIND AND RAIN IN MARATHON OF SUFFERING".

The next year she ran in the Athens marathon. Athens, Greece is where it all began and she was looking forward to it, until she got there only to find a freak storm had hit Athens and it was pouring rain and freezing! She did not want to get off the bus! But, she did and once off the bus, she and the other participants waited in the freezing rain for the start. I couldn't help but laugh when she told me of how the bus carrying the elite runners roared through the flooded starting area splashing everyone with water and mud! It sounded like something from a movie! They ran the first mile in knee deep water!

This photo was taken at the finish of the Athens marathon. My poor sistah! The finish is in the old Athens Coliseum. Notice the empty stone seats. Usually, those seats are filled with spectators cheering on finishers, but not that day!

Our First Christmas Tree!

Today David and I put up our first Christmas tree! I am glad I kept all my stuff from years ago. I forgot about all of the cute ornaments I have!

It's A Boy!

We are pleased to congratulate David's sister, Elaine and her husband Jeff for a job well done! This morning at 8:02 AM Elaine brought a son named Jasper Ray Viraldo into this world! Jasper weighed 9lbs 3oz (little big boy)! Mother and baby are doing well and we are thrilled for them!

Welcome to the world little Jasper!

Look at all that hair!

SWEET!!!!

Mama and baby.

My Little New York Tree!

I went to my storage unit today to pull out all the Christmas stuff and I came across my little tree I had in my New York studio. It is perfect for my office so I brought it in and put it up. Unfortunately, my lights didn't work, but that's OK, I still like it and it reminds me of New York!

My Newest Creation!

It is winter which means it's time to break out the knitting needles! Since I got all of my yarn out of storage, I made a pair of booties for a co-worker's new baby, but that's it until I saw 6 new skeins of black yarn I ordered before I left New York. The yarn was ordered so I could make myself a poncho I saw in this knitting book my friend Jeff had (thanks for letting me copy the pattern Jeff!).

Well I started it about a month ago (working on it now and then) and finished it last night! It is hard to see in the photo because it is black, but it turned out really nice and it is super warm. I love it!

Today is Our 1st Anniversary!!

One year ago today, David and I tied the knot in Las Vegas! It was the best decision I ever made! I love you Sweetie!