Toes and accountability.

Last night I made a quick run to the grocery store for a few things... as I was heading inside my mind was wandering thinking about the possible gang members living in our apartment complex (this was in the days previous conversations) and I somehow tripped as I stepped up onto the curb.  Tripped meaning I ended up laying on the sidewalk with a throbbing toe.  This morning when I woke up this is what I found:

A nice bruise across my toe and a difficulty bending it in either direction very well.  I wanted to go to the gym this morning and I thought Crossfit makes me feel better all the time why not my toe? 

I entered the gym with some apprehension of even being able to complete the workout being that today was 4 rounds of 800 meter running.  Oh yay my favorite running :(   Now, I have never enjoyed running and have never really done it much but Crossfit has really taught me that you can learn how to do anything and there is always room for improvement.  So off I ran... my first 2 rounds I got the same time 6:22.  As I was starting my third round a visitor from a Crossfit gym in Anaheim, CA named Al joined me on the run.  I assumed he was just starting his own round until he asked me what time we were going to beat? I was a bit confused and he then explained he was just warming up and was there to help me beat my time.  He stuck by me, always running just a bit faster so I wouldn't slow down.   I made it to the top of the hill where we turn around and head back to the gym, this is when it got more challenging.  He told me to relax it's just down hill from there, then the closer we got to the gym the faster he had me running and by the end we were sprinting and he was cheering me along.  I came in and had beat my previous times by almost a full minute!  Was it easy? No way, but it felt great accomplishing something that I walked into the gym not even knowing I could finish let alone improve.  It also shows the power of accountability in our lives and that other people can see our potential especially in an area we feel weak in. Why is it so easy to not strive as hard when were are alone with no one challenging our standards or method?  

A big thanks to Al from Anaheim Crossfit for challenging and believing in me today! 

And... my toe is feeling a bit better than it did this morning : )

Merry Little Christmas time...

We had a lovely Christmas this year, it's so fun to see how the kids change and respond differently.  We watched some videos from last years Christmas and the kids all looked so little, I'm thinking we should watch those videos every year as a new tradition just to see a glimpse of our past each year.  

Here is the short version, or I like to say Official Trailer of our Christmas morning.  

Here is the full version with a little more detail.  Marinn was very embarrassed to receive panties in her stocking and Taurin was really excited about it, oh what an age difference makes sometimes.  Shaw got lots of fun cars to push, and drive everywhere.  Blaize just looked really confused and a bit excited that everyone was tearing paper and it was all over, since we are always confiscating paper from him! 

Christmas always seems to feel like you are finishing up a year and new goals and memories are coming so quickly.  This year has been so very challenging in many ways, but looking back and seeing where we are today I realize that the foundation we have created from the beginning of our marriage and the commitment to serve and love one another with everything we have has been the reason for our success in difficult times, challenging situations, and just bad circumstances.  In the end, a year that could have broken our family and relationship has made us stronger and reminded us that the effort that we have put forth to keep our family strong and healthy has paid off,  that is has all been worth it.  It hasn't been easy, but situations have always seemed to work out for the best even though they seemed impossible in the moment.
"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."

I'm excited to say that Andrew will be starting his first day of work tomorrow, I'm so proud of all his hard work and perseverance to complete his training and go for the job and department that he wanted. Sometimes our dreams take sacrifice but it always seems to be worth it.

I found the videos from previous years : )  yay!

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2009