Fall on my Mind

Fall is my favorite time of year, so it goes without saying that I love my house to spruced up for this crisp time of year. I love fall leaves, autumn scents, roasted pumpkin seeds, carving jack-0-lanterns, and wearing jeans and sweatshirts. I love the fact that both my daughters were born in the Fall, and that my wedding anniversary is in the Fall. I love hot apple cider, and hay-rack rides, corn mazes, and the sound leaves make under you feet during an early morning run. I love the warmth my house can bring when the air turns chilly, but especially love the people who make my house a HOME! Loves to my family!!!!

Fun in the Kitchen with Kade

My little man and I took some time out of our day to bake pumpkin pie and make sugar cookies. He had a blast rolling and shaping the dough. Fun Fall Days!

Waddell and Reed Marathon Relay Oct. 2010

Another great relay with my girlz!!!! Team Mercy took 1st place in the corporate female division, and 2nd place for female relay teams overall. Not to bad for only being 13 days out from our last marathon, Aimee having to run 2 legs, and 2 injuries. Overall time was 3:31 (a 2 minute PR from last year). We are just excited to pick up the $250 prize money-Yippee








I ended up running the 4th leg of the relay which was 6.9 miles. I finished this leg in 51.33 which was 7.28/mph pace. Overall I was just so proud of my team. What a strong bunch of woman. And I have to give kuddos to Angela Proctor, who ran her 2nd marathon in 3:42 (seriously-totally amazing girl!) as well as Ashley Gibbs who PR'd her half with a 1:49-Way to GO!

Great Wold Lodge ....a Childs Birthday DELIGHT

Kiersten choose to go to GWL this year, instead of having a big birthday party. We headed there on Sunday, and started our day at the Scoops SPA for manicures, then my parent's met us for dinner and more cake. We played at the water park, did a Magic Quest Adventure, and played arcade games. Happy Birthday to my spunky, fun-loving, and adventurous baby girl! We LOVE you KiErSteN!

Just what do you do for a SUPER DUPER GOLDEN BIRTHDAY PARTY........

Kiersten turned 10 on 10.10.10, so we were not sure what this meant, but we did know it was quite amazing and unique how these numbers lined up so perfect on her 10th birthday. We started our celebrations with cupcakes and orange sodas to school-(did I mention that they were black-oh my). Then Friday night Grandma and Grandpa Gillam were able to come over for cake and presents, as well as our 2 favorite neighbors, Orianna, and Lauren.

A Frightening Halloween PaRty!!!!

The Farrar's have an AMAZING Halloween party each year, and I can't begin to explain how awesome her decorations are. Each year she has more ghoulish and creepier decor. Every inch of her beautiful home is transformed for this party. We had a ton of fun with friends, and a great night out! Thanks Anne and Todd!

Pumpkin Patch FuN 2010!

Saturday we headed to the local pumpkin patch. We tried Lazy T ranch this year, and although it was low key, we had a blast exploring, playing with animals, launching hedge apples, and taking a hay rack ride. Kids just being kids.....LOVED IT!

KSU-NEBRASKA game

The KSU-NU game was Thursday night. This was a highly anticipated game since NU will be leaving our conference next year. Unfortunately the Wildcats did not fare so well with a final score of 48-13. We enjoyed tailgating with good company while the Cats were inside the stadium getting "pummeled"! We still love our CATS despite the loss!

TWIN CITIES MARATHON 10.3.10

What can I say about such an amazing day! The weather was perfect, then fans were were super supportive, and I was with an amazing group of women and our favorite "sweat" brother! This journey started with a 10 hour car ride from Manhattan to Minneapolis (can I just say construction everywhere). We spent most of Saturday at the expo (listening to Kristen Armstrong speak), checking out the route, and eating. Sunday was race day and we were up bright and early with little sleep. The race started out at 38 degrees and ended at 50 and sunny. This is the perfect temperature for runners. The race was glorious, with perfect fall foliage, beautiful lakes, and ending at the St. Paul Capital (A must do!!) My goal was to beat my previous PR of 4:24, but I was secretly hoping to break that 4 hour mark. I had a great race the fist 21 miles. I was ahead of the 4 hour pace group by 3 minutes, but an old heel injury set in, I changed my gait, and my left leg paid the price. Miles 21-26 were super tough (the race really does start at mile 20). My mind was telling my legs to go, but they were not not responding-Ha! I got off pace but gave this race everything I had. My final time was a 4:03 (which was a 21 minute personal record for me). I was thrilled..... and happy to say marathon #6 will definitely be in my future! Keep marking miles Friends!!