It's me...again

Just a brief update. I couldn't help but post about Roz....she is talking so much lately. I think this has to be the best stage of their precious little lives. She has learned so many words in the last couple of weeks and adds to her vocabulary daily. I love hearing what she has to say...about everything. She seems to not shut up but I do love it! And I also love the fact that I am the only one that can understand her...one of the perks of being an at home mom I guess. I think Molly is the only one that understands her better than me...they almost have an 'unspoken' language going on. This morning during breakfast Roz broke out in the ABC song! It is very random and broken but it was the ABC's no doubt...so sweet!

And poor Molly is sick with a stomach bug. Although I do hate it that she feels bad she is the absolute worst patient ever! I can't wait for her to get better we can all get back to life.

And last but not least I am now only counting the hours until I can meet baby Laney! I can't wait to pinch her and kiss her. What a treat this week is going to be...

Until next time (whenever that might be).....

Is this working?

I don't know why I can't get things together and post on this blog anymore but I just can't. It is becoming more of a burden than fun anymore. I am really in a rut with it and don't know if I am going to be able to keep it up. I don't want to be one of those "once-a-month" posters but that is what it has become so until further notice....

This has been fun.

Roz's Birthday...finally

I vow to not be 2 weeks behind on my blog one day but for now I will tell you about my baby's 2nd birthday...

Roz's birthday (Jan 16) fell on a friday this year and since Ryan had class that night we had her party on Sunday instead. She got to enjoy a whole weekend of celebrating that way and we had lots of fun singing happy birthday to her several times. On friday we opened a gift that my sister Shawna had sent to her and then some cards before we headed out to Chic fil A in the mall and the indoor playground. Both girls had lots of fun and were worn out by the time that we got home. Here is a video of her opening her gift and cards...

Her party was Sunday night and we had Southwest Chili Soup with Cake & Ice Cream (and strawberries). It was quite a treat. All of the kids had a fun time and got along for the most part which will make any party a success. Here is the video of Roz when we sang happy birthday to her...

She is such a sweet little thing lately. I love the way that she tries to repeat everything you say. I love how she always has a hug and a kiss for you when you arrive or leave (even if you are just leaving the room). I love her crazy hair and her little tantrams at night when she doesn't want to go to bed. I love how she loves me unconditionally even when I'm not a good mommy to her some days and I love that God chose ME to be her mom...what a special task. I think back to when she was born...she was so small and there were so many questions that we had about her and her growth and developement and God has worked out all of those things. She is just as normal as any other 2 year old. One thing that was never a question thought was how much I loved her and would do anything for her. Having kids really does change everything. I remember when I found out that I was pregnant the second time and being so worried that I wouldn't be able to love her as much as I love Molly. God does amazing things to mother's hearts when their children are born and I instantly had as much love for her as I did for Molly. I hate to sound prejudice but I have to be the luckiest mommy on earth to have these 2 precious girls. Thank you God for allowing me to be a mother...and forgiving me when I mess up constantly.

Until next time....

Delaney Grace's Debut....

Isn't she beautiful....

I'm the (super) proud new aunt of a beautiful baby....

GIRL....Can you believe it? I would have bet my life that Shawna would have a boy this time but I guess that is why I don't bet often. Her name is Delaney Grace and she is 8 lbs 5 oz and 19 inches long.

I am so excited for Shawna and her family and so sad that I can't be there...I don't know who is more exhausted by this day, Shawna or me!

I hope to have lots of pictures soon.

Until next time...

Here goes....

So here is the tale of our racing weekend:

We left Saturday morning for Orlando around 7:10 am. Ryan, Molly, Roz, Artie, Maddi and myself drove our van and then my parents left about an hour later and came in their car. We arrived at the Wide World of Sports complex and as we were walking from the parking lot inside Maddi said that her legs where already tired. She is so funny when it comes to going places or getting out. She would rather just stay home and I think that she was getting a little overwhelmed by how big things where. We picked up the girls race packets and wasn't able to register Maddi because the races where all full. It was a real bummer but in the back of my mind I kinda thought that she would get to run anyway...any she did. I then had to stand in line for a while to get my race packet and pick up all the necessary info for the big race on Sunday. The expo was really nice and I would have liked to look around a little more but by the time that we got all of the necessary things collected it was almost time for the girls to race so we headed to the track. Each of the girls got a t-shirt and race number so we got them all suited up and my mom took Roz onto the track to practice. She was really having a blast until the announcer called for her to line up. I could tell she was starting to get apprehensive and when they said go she took right off, looked around and seen all of the other kids and flopped down on her hiney. I picked her up and tried to coax her down the track but apparently her legs just weren't working. I ended up carrying her across the finish line after the announcer teased her a little and she still got a medal. It was cute. Next was Molly's race.

Molly did so good!!! She ran her little heart out and "passed several boys" according to her. Maddi had no trouble getting to run and even received a medal at the end too. After they took off I frantically tried to get to the finish line before they did and got all emotional watching Molly pour her heart into running that race. It reminded me just how much I love being her mom!


Now for me. I have to admit that I didn't get the best nights rest before the race and had to be up at 3 am to get ready and head out for the starting line. I didn't really feel that excited before leaving the hotel and was really hoping that adrenaline would kick in when I got there. It is always weird for me before the start of the race...it seems like everyone is there with a group of friends and I am just milling around by myself. (Hopefully that will all change now...Ryan is getting into running!) So as I was waiting in the LONG lines for the port-a-potties I was listening to all of the other racers talk and I started to get excited. The starting gun was so exciting and I have to admit that I got a little emotional as they let off the fireworks and everyone was cheering right after the National Anthem was sung. It was truly unforgettable.


The first 6 or 7 miles were not exactly fun. There were soooo many people trying to get their pace it was almost impossible to move. If you are closterphobic then you would have really hated this. After mile 7 we moved onto the 3 lane highway and people started spreading out a little better. During this time one of the 'fans' on the side of the road yelled "Good Job Andrea, looking great". I couldn't believe that someone right beside me had the same name! Then a few miles down the road it happened again! This time I knew something was up so I looked down to see my name on my race number. It was so nice to have all of these strangers encouraging you along...and I needed it!


Things went really smoothly until about mile 19. I thought that I would die...literally. I slowed down to a walk for a while and tried to figure out how I was going to tell everyone that I couldn't finish. My feet tingled with every step and the exhaustion was unbearable. My legs almost fell completely off!!! I told myself that I would walk for 5 minutes and then run for 10 until the finish line until I realized that walking was actually harder. So I kept up the pace (somewhat slower) and stopped at all aid stations to get a good drink of water and snack whenever possible. By mile 24 there were so many well-wishers and the adrenaline had definately kicked in. As I rounded the corner to the finish line I spotted my dad and Ryan and once again the emotions ran high. It was totally exhilerating and exhausting at the same time. The feeling of finishing was unmatched by anything else. I felt such accomplishment. As I write about it, I can't help but think that must be what it will be like to make it into heaven. YEAH!!!


The next few hours were spent resting and eating. I am so glad that my family could be there to share this experience with me! I can't wait for the chance to do it again!

Here are a few pics of the big day

I hope to post on Roz's big birthday soon!

Until next time....

26.2 Complete!

I DID IT! I actually finished my first marathon on Sunday. It was totally amazing, exhausting & exciting. The race started at 5:50 am and i finished in 4hours 46 minutes and 54 seconds. I was really pleased with my time but being the perfectionist that I am I already am thinking about my strategy next time in order to improve. Mile 19 almost killed me but I survived. I want to go into more detail but will have to wait until I have more time.


Until next time...

P.S. Molly did fabulous in her race as well! Roz on the other hand sat down on the track....we'll have to work on that. I will post video later!

The time has come...

Well I know I haven't posted in awhile but rather than go into how much I hate computers when they melt down I will just move forward....like 26.2 miles forward. This weekend is the big marathon! We are leaving for Orlando tomorrow morning and both girls will be racing around 11 am. Artie, Maddi & my parents are going with us so it should be a really fun time. Maddi is going to join Molly & Roz in the kids races and it will be so much fun to watch them. Molly has been practicing for weeks now and I think that she is well conditioned...no use in starting too late in life right?!?! Roz doesn't really care about practicing but I am sure she will put on a fine preformance as usual. I promise to post how things go as soon as I am able. Have a great weekend!

Until next time....

Christmas Pics

Holly Jolly Christmas

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone for another year! We had a wonderful Christmas here in Florida with G'ma Marcy and G'pa Charley joining us for the festivities. Our week just flew right by and now it seems like forever ago. The Abel grandparents arrived Saturday afternoon before Christmas left the following Saturday. We really enjoyed having them around and don't know exactly where their time here got to. Our activities included going to the beach (the weather here has been unseasonably warm...the beach was fantastic), shopping, Molly sleeping over with grandma...twice, looking at lights, visiting Santa, eating out, visiting with extended family, more shopping, more eating and all of that before Christmas even came.

Christmas eve we attended our early Church service geared more for the kidos. It was cute with a puppet show and kids singing Christmas carols. Then we were off to Jack & Candy's for the Knepp's southern addition. It was nice and it seems like more and more of my family are here in Florida now. Afterward we were sure to get our letter to Santa and cookies and milk out. Molly was terrified that she wasn't going to get to bed in time and Santa was going to skip right over our house. It was a restless night for me doing some last minute rapping and preparations and then when Molly was up at 5:45 am I was exhausted. We held her off until around 7 when we finally woke Roz who was considerably less enthused. Everyone seemed to get what they wanted most from Santa and the day was off and running with a great start. Marcy and Charley arrived around 9 and then my parents and Artie came for lunch at 12. Molly then went with my parents to the pinecraft parade around 3 so that everyone could have a little break from the action. It was a nice day and the part I enjoyed the most was being able to enjoy it at home with my girls and family. Traveling to IN for Christmas is nice but there is nothing like home.

That pretty much sums up our activities for the Holidays. Now the fun part of taking down the decorations and storing them ever so carefully until next year is upon us. No plans for New Years Eve or Day to speak of.

Until next time....

Just a smile...

Today was so hectic...I ran 10 miles to start the day and can't wait until this training lets up a little. I then mixed up a batch of cookies so that they could cool in the fridge and be ready for Molly and I when Roz went down for her nap. After picking up Roz at my mom's and running some errands it was time to pick up Molly and head home for lunch with Ryan. After lunch there was cleaning and baking to do all the while throwing in a craft just to spice things up a bit...and did I mention that our good friends were coming over for supper since things have been so hectic and we just don't get to see them as much as we would like? Well after decorating the cookies and their plates then finishing up supper just in time we had a great time visiting and enjoying our company. As I came in here to finish up some work on the computer Roz was screaming and through her screams (they are loud) I could hear Molly singing Silent Night to her and my heart just melted. It was quiet at first and then Roz became calmer and you could hear Molly's sweet voice trying to comfort her sister. That is what life is all about...the still small calming voice from those that love us the most. Thank you God for my life. My girls, husband and friends are all gifts from you. Help me to not forget......

The MOST wonderful time of the year...

Well things are going good here. We finished our second batch of cookies today for Christmas. I figure that if we bake one each week then it won't be as overwhelming as trying to do it all at once. I love to give a plate of cookies to friends & neighbors...although I do get carried away sometimes....wanting to decorate the packages and all. The whole idea is to save $$ and give something "homemade". Molly really enjoys baking with me. I really have to be careful though. Today I sat and listened to myself get on her for not doing it 'my way', and hated what I was hearing. I really try to make it fun for her and have to watch myself. So far this year we have made 2 batches of cookies (I know I already said that), one gingerbread house and homemade stockings (which I totally love). It really has been fun doing things with the kids and I look forward to spending many more Christmas's with my girls.

I FINISHED 18 MILES! Last sunday I RAN 18 miles. We had a really busy weekend and I just wasn't sure if it was going to happen but it did. I felt really good at the end and the sense of accomplishment was unbelievable. Then monday morning came....wow. My legs felt like 2 huge bruises, I couldn't bend and walking was a real challenge. I was supposed to run again on tuesday but my alarm went off tuesday morning and since I couldn't get out of bed I decided that another day of rest was probably best. Then this morning things went fine. I have a night race tomorrow...it is called the jingle bell run, and it should be fun. I think that everyone wears bells on their shoes and there are lots of lights and festivities for the whole famdamily. The girls and Ryan are going with me so we shall see....

As for our busy weekend last weekend, I can't really remember what we did other than church Saturday night, the beach Sunday morning (followed by the 'kids eat free' at the Oaks BBQ), my run and then dinner at Artie and Madelyn's. Artie fixed us tacos and I have to admit that he is a fine cook. We like spending Sunday evenings with them, it give the kids something to do so that we can all watch football! Yeah!

My Christmas shopping is just not really happening. I am trying to be extremely frugal with the ecomony and our work being so light so I guess that my strategy thus far has been to just ignore that gifts for the girls eventually do have to be bought. Hopefully things will change....and like soon. I did finish and order our Christmas cards yesterday...I really enjoy making them and hopefully they will come out to my satisfaction. Well I need to get going. I am leaving you with a couple of pics of the girls.

Molly and her Gingerbread Creation

Ryan and Roz watching a Christmas movie
Molly and her 'masterpiece' cookies

Until next time....

Home again...

Well we made it back to Florida Sunday morning around 6:15 am. I think...I was totally delirious. That traveling through the night twice in one week was too much for me. Sleep was impossible when we got home since the girls had slept most of the night and were raring to go. Finding a sitter at 6:15 am on Sunday is also impossible so needless to say I wasn't worth a darn on Sunday...or Monday for that matter. We did get our Christmas tree and decorations put up yesterday. It was so much fun putting them up with the girls. Roz did take a nap and gave Molly and I some time to finish up. Molly was so good...she knew exactly were she wanted to put everything and I must admit she has a great sense of style (most of the time).

As for our trip, it went good. We got to see most of our family and enjoy the cold weather for a change. Molly spent a lot of time playing with Allison. They played so good I was totally amazed. I know that I only heard of them fighting once or twice which is a big change from when her and Maddi get together. I guess it is always fun to play with someone new and Allison seems so easy to get along with. She is so soft it is unbelievable. Especially compared to Molly. One day we went to visit my Grandma Needie and Shawna & Allison went with us. As we were leaving the parking lot I asked if everyone was buckled in only to look back and see Allison tearing up. She couldn't get her seatbelt buckled. If that was Molly there would have been lots of screaming and thrashing but not Allison...only tears for her. She is so sweet. Being around her and Shawna make me wish that we could live closer...or better yet they could live here.

I got all of my training runs in while there. It was a challenge finding routes to run and trying to stay warm and out of the wind. The hills there were definately not easy and my thighs were burning for several days but all in all I am sure it was good for me...especially after consuming all of that turkey, dressing & dessert on Thanksgiving.

Marcy & Charley were the best hosts as usual. They always make us feel right at home and I appreciate them more and more every year!

Now onto another busy week of work, school (for Molly & Ryan) and preparing for the Holidays...the MOST wonderful time of the year.

Oh yeah, we are potty training Roz this week so please say a little prayer for me...I hate messes!

Until next time....

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, to IN we go....

Well we are leaving for Indiana this afternoon. It has been a really busy week trying to get ahead on work, Ryan with school, finding warm clothes for the girls and all of the regular stuff too. Molly is so excited she is just about ready to come out of her skin. I am hoping the excitement will ware her out and she will sleep good in the van as we travel through the night. Roz keeps saying "anyanna" (her version of Indiana). I don't know if she really knows or just wants in on all of the excitement that Molly is showing. Either way I can't wait for everyone to see the girls and how much they are growing. Molly is such a 'girl' now. She grow up more and more every day. Don't get me wrong we still have our moments but she is really starting to mature. Roz is doing new things all the time. She is starting to put 2 words together for mini sentences. She says "mommy won" (translation mommy run), daddy work, and one of the cutest "Molly cwy" (translation Molly is having a breakdown). She is so funny.

I am really starting to notice their different personalities. Molly is all about the big picture. She is not concerned with 'details'. She wants to learn as much as possible about any and everything. I can't wait to see what she becomes! Roz on the other hand is all about the details. The other day her and Molly were chasing each other through the house and I seen Roz stop to fix the corner of the rug that was turned up...now that is a child after my own heart! Either way I am so proud of the both of them...and that God made them so unique.

I finished my 16 mile run yesterday. It was not easy...I had to stop for walk breaks in the last few miles...but complete it I did. I felt such a sense of accomplishment when I was finished, and was terribly frightened of having to do 10 more miles for the marathon. I can't wait!

Well I need to get going. I will post pictures soon. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Until next time....

Catching up...

It sure has been awhile but life hasn't slowed any. Things are busy as usual here. We are fighting sickness, trying to keep up with kids and work as usual. It seems that the more time I think I am going to have the longer my list of things to do grows. My friend told me that they usually make a crash landing into Thanksgiving and boy is it ever true for us this year.

We are planning to come to IN for Thanksgiving this year and hopefully everyone will be well enough to travel. (Feel free to pray for health and safety for us if you get the chance.) It should be a nice time and hopefully the weather will be cool enough for the girls and Ryan to get their winter fix.

I have taken some time off of my training schedule due to the stomach flu. Hopefully it won't do too much damage on race day. I plan to be back on track next week...hopefully God has the same plans;)

The girls are up to the much of the same: being cute then terrible then cute again. I love them dearly and it is a good thing sometimes.

I will leave you with a slideshow of the last few weeks.

Until next time....

13.6 and counting....

I officially survived my long run of 13.6 miles this morning. I took off a little after 6 am and met my water girl (my mom) along the way for some refueling. At the half way point mom decided to ride her bike behind me. It was really motivating to know that someone was watching and there to help if needed. She finished the run with me (on her bike) and boy was it awesome...thanks mom!!!! I logged my training online and found out that I burned 1410 calories...yeah! Now off to the unlimited buffet of food today (to refuel of course, ha ha).

Have a great weekend and I will post more about all of us later.

Until next time....

Parent Teacher Conferences, Sports & Cold....

First of all Molly's parent teacher conferences were last night. I had mixed feeling about it because I know that her behavior at the beginning of the year was a little less than desirable (to put it nicely). But after talking to the teacher I couldn't help but feel a little proud of my scholar. I don't know how long Mrs. Beauchamp has been teaching, but she said that Molly is the most advanced reader that she has ever seen at this age. Molly just really enjoys learning and sometimes the other kids even ask her to read to them. I have to admit that was a really good 'mommy moment' for me...even though I can take zero credit for her abilities, which are all God-given. The other day she came to me and said "mom I can spell champion, C H A M P I O N". I think she had seen it on the cereal box but she definitly wasn't looking at the time. She really is amazing...and only 4!

Here are the school pictures that we got to pick up last night. The class picture is just priceless! And the one of Molly is so perfect...she couldn't leave the house for picture day with out big ribbons (which I totally don't get into) but I chose to let her pick. I can't wait until she gets to pick out more of her clothing...ha, ha!

Ryan and I were so excited for the Colts v. Titans football game last night (Ryan is a big Titan's fan and I DON'T like the Colts). We were a little torn over how to keep up with both the World Series game and the football game so we did lots of channel switching between innings and plays. We put up a good fight but decided to use the good ole DVR after about 10:30...I know we are weaklings. We were so glad to check things out early this morning and find the Titans were victorious (GO TITANS!...sorry all of you Colts fans) and that the Rays have another chance to redeem themselves. I love fall sports season!

I don't think that I mentioned that marathon training is not going real great. Last week I was battling a cold and couldn't train much so my weekend run that was supposed to be 12 miles turned into only 7 and I couldn't even run that whole distance. It was a real bummer for me so this week I have some ground to make up. This morning was my first run since feeling better and it went really well. The temp was around 50 when I left and it was quite a change compared to what I am used to...a welcome change I might add. We are supposed to have a high of 66 today but back up to 80 by the weekend.

The girls really had to bundle up this morning for their walk to school. I thought you would enjoy the picture. Ryan laughs at us but it really seems cold when you are used to 75+ everyday!

I guess that the laundry is calling. Until next time.....

Marcy Update

Marcy is home!!! I am happy to report that Marcy's last test on friday proved that she is healed and ready to enter the outside world again. She came home yesterday and although I haven't talked to her, I am sure that it is good to be back in the comfort of her own house. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to recover at home.

As for us, we are on the mend as well. Molly missed school Wednesday - Friday but is showing signs of improvement today and I am sure she will be back to school on Monday. Roz is acting her normal crazy self again and everyone slept through the night last night...yeah! Hopefully next week will be a little bit more normal.

Until next time....

Abel Family Update

Well with all the chaos lately I have been wanting to post these pics and videos. Alot has happened and so I will just go through the pics.

Emma, Molly & Abby

The Otto's came over for supper last week and we all had a good time. The girls played together so well and we really enjoy hanging out with them.

Last Wednesday night was 'crazy hair' night at church. Maddi was a great sport and wanted to show off her hair. Molly decided not to participate....girls!!!
I came home from work 2 Saturdays ago to this beautiful bouquet of flowers. Molly picked them out because they were her favorite color pink but they were really from her awesome dad!

We enjoyed a picnic at the park a few Sunday's ago and the girls had a great time. The weather is really starting to cooperate with picnic season here in FL.



There is this patch of flowers (weeds) in our back yard that the girls love to play in. I just can't stand to get rid of it so I don't. They love to pick flowers for me and I have to admit that I love getting them.

Roz is definitly a show phanatic. Ryan let her take a pair to bed with her the other night and this is how I found her before I headed off to bed myself.
The ice cream truck finally made it into our neighborhood the other night. We were super excited and the girls thought it was soo cool. The ice cream was awesome and we encouraged Mr. Softee to return anytime!

Ryan was doing storytime duty tonight and I couldn't resist the photo op.

Last but not least is some footage of the girls swinging again. They just love it...thanks again to Marilyn our neighbor for the swingset...what a blessing.

Both girls are sick as of this evening...nothing major just the usual fevers, coughs and runny noses. Hopefully they will make a quick recovery and be better by the weekend.

Oh and Marcy is still doing good. She must be feeling back to herself a little because yesterday when I talked to Renita, Marcy had sent her on a candy bar run. I will let you know if anything changes. Just keep praying that we can have a fully recovered G'ma, mother and friend back as soon as God sees fit.

Until next time.....

Marcy Update 10:24 am Oct 20, 2008

Not much has changed with Marcy. She is still doing great by all post-stroke standards. Yesterday she was abel to get out of bed to go to the bathroom and today walked there on her own. She is eating a little bit but her appetite is small. They took some of her IV's out yesterday to allow her to move a little more also. We think that all of these things are great. The power of prayer is awesome! Thank you all so much for saying a prayer for her.

Ryan made it home to us yesterday around 1 pm. We were all so glad to have him back! It is amazing how much of the load that he bears around here. I appreciate him more and more every second. That is all I can say about that without embarrassing him too terribly much.

Renita is still in Nashville with Marcy and Charley returned to Montgomery this morning for a few days of work. We are kinda playing thing by ear but hopefully Marcy can come home this weekend. There will be a long road to recovery but having her closer to family and friends will be a big help.

Until I know more.....