It's GR8 to be 8!

Happy, happy birthday Brady!

 

Dad and I are so proud of you and so happy that God has chosen us to be your parents.

 



 You were born in Scotland on May 20. Our wee Scotty lad! But you were 2 weeks early and at 8lbs. 9oz. you were a big baby.

 

 

You had the most precious, sweet smile and such an easy baby to take care of. We also stayed busy doing all kinds of activities. You and I went to baby-massage classes, baby-yoga/music and swimming lessons.

 

 

You have traveled the world - more than most people do in a lifetime. This picture was in Germany just after you turned 1.

 

In Scotland, you always wore shoes, socks, long pants and shirts. Then one day, when the weather was finally warm enough to put on a short sleeved shirt, you spent the whole time trying to pull the sleeves down to cover your arms.

 

One of the colder days in Scotland. When you were 2, we moved to TX.

 

Swimsuits and flip-flops, here I come!

 

You didn't want to wear your costume or go trick-or-treating until I told you people would hand out candy. You quickly put on your costume and off we went.

 

When you were 3, you learned to water-ski.

 

And, became a big brother!

 

You played soccer, but mostly you just ran, laughed and chased your friends.

 

Soo cute!

 

When you were 4, you learned to snow-ski with cousin Claire.

 

You were a shepherd at the Christmas program.

 

All Texans need a picture in the bluebonnets.

 

You love adventure. This was when you, Mason, Daddy and Papaw were going jeeping in Colorado.

 

The Durango-Silverton train ride was a fun time for everyone.

 

My cowboy

 

My baseball player

 

My bike rider

 

My strong man

 

Brady the mutton-buster

 

When we went to Disney, you were sick with pneumonia, but look at that smile.

 

 

When you were 7 we moved to Malaysia and you lost your 1st tooth.

 

 

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby Winner!          

 

 My first-born son. My boy that loves Legos, the beach, trains and airplanes. My fearless rock-climber, skier and roller-coaster rider. The boy that loves to fix things, take them apart and figure things out. Thank you for all the joy you fill us with and for being an excellent son and big brother. Thank you for sharing your love, your smile and your toys. Happy Birthday, Brady.

 

WE LOVE YOU!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How's the running going?

I've told a few people about my own 1000 mile challenge. I started in January with a goal of running 1000 miles in 2013. So, since you asked I'll tell you. The running is going well. I just logged 399 miles for the year. I'm averaging 20 miles a week and have logged at least 1 run a week, but mostly its 4 or 5. I'm in need of a new pair of shoes. I've been running in Newton's Lady Isaacs for the last year, which is too long. Running shoes should be worn 300-500 miles. I love them, but feel the cushion and the tread wearing thin. Those new ones can't get to me fast enough. I'm almost to the halfway point, which means I'll need another pair of shoes around Christmas. Hint, hint....

What counts towards the total?

Well, I'm the judge and jury on my own challenge which is the cool thing. Long walks and trips to the store do not count. Hiking does count, but it's really the miles run that count. I also don't round up to the nearest mile, I only count the tenths of a mile.

Where do you run?

I break it up between the trail at the park and the treadmill. I was beginning to hate both of them, but now that I'm deep into my challenge I'm just enjoying the running more. It's such a habit now that I don't think about not running, it's just something that I do. The location doesn't really matter. The good thing about both is, I don't have to look out for cars so I can wear my Ipod (or not) - whatever I feel like. Some days it's intervals / sprints, some days tempo, some long and slow. I like to change it up.

Are you still doing Insanity?

Sometimes. I still love it though. But, I'm also weight-training and doing other things. I'm trying to be a better swimmer, but one thing I've found is that I'm a terrible swimmer. I think I get nervous that I can't take a breath whenever I want and I end up swallowing a lot of air. It's just a mental thing, which is another challenge I might focus on next.

What do you do all day with the kids at school?

My kids aren't in school all day. The youngest only goes until 1:00, so most of my time is spent at the gym, school and grocery store. I go to the store several times a week and some days go to more than one store just looking for something basic like bananas or milk.

What are you going to do when your kids are in school all day?

Have a party!? Just kidding, believe it or not I like to read. There is a lunch-time yoga class at my gym, cooking classes through the American Association, explore the city in which I live, or at least find my way around, teach myself how to swim, run.... Don't worry about me, I've got plenty to do.

What's it like driving on the other side of the road?

It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Of course, I learned when we lived in Scotland, where most drivers were courteous and pretty slow. Once we moved to KL, I picked it back up again fairly easily. But I did throw all the rules out the window. Lanes, stop signs and signal lights are really just a suggestion. The best advice I was given was "don't hesitate, just keep moving." Other drivers anticipate your motion. People cut me off, I cut other people off. The traffic reminds me of an amoeba, always changing and going forward. It's actually quite liberating. I've heard the traffic is not as bad as in Vietnam or Jakarta. So it's quite tame, but what is frustrating is the map view of the roads look like a bowl of spaghetti. I have no idea where I'm going and I'm really lucky if I can find my way back home. There are also a lot of elevated roads and no matter what if your down you should be up or if your up you should be down.The only other difference with our car now is the wipers are on the left and the turn signal is on the right. So whenever I need to change lanes quickly, I get flustered and I usually end up turning on the windshield wipers. Which actually makes me more flustered and annoyed. We have a GPS but, you need to have an idea of the general direction you should start out in. And, the GPS says different street names or exits than what the road signs have posted. It's all pretty confusing.

 

That's about all I can think of for now. What other questions would you like answered?

Happy Birthday, Brady!

Brady celebrated his 8th birthday this year with a rock-climbing adventure and for the 1st time a friend stayed the night. I was a little nervous about this right-of-passage. But, the boys were so well-behaved and sufficiently worn out, that they went right to sleep about 10:45. That was our fault since we stayed out a bit late and trying to navigate the roads in KL can be a bit hairy sometimes. Then, once we got home we still had cake and ice cream.



Mason, Andrew, Will and Brady

King of the Mountain

Suit up, boys!

Brady is an excellent climber and reaches the top of every wall.

This was Mason's 1st time to climb. He has proved that he is an excellent climber as well. These boys are fearless! My heart was racing when Mason started up.

Andrew - at the top

Taking a rest

Brady climbing again

Will giving it a go

Here goes Mason

Don't look down

I took this picture for perspective, look how high Mason is on the wall!

Happy Birthday, Brady!

Mother's Day Tea

Mason hosted me for his Mother's Day Tea at school. I loved it and he was so sweet. He was very excited and wanted to make sure that I would be there. He had a special surprise gift for me and served me a fruit plate. All of the children sang two songs and they were precious.

He also took my picture!

What a gentleman!