Saturday Soccer

Mason was ready to play soccer before he could even walk. I think he was 11 or 12 months old in these pictures, right before he started walking. I see a little cutie-pie that desperately doesn't want to touch the grass, but is anxious to get to that ball. I also love that blonde hair!

 



Look at that cute face!

 He's a big boy now and learning how to play. He's really fast and loves it. He's not the most aggressive kid when it comes to kicking the ball, but he's always right with the action.



Practicing some drills

Game time

He also refuses to wear long socks

This is how we've been spending our Saturday mornings. Practice starts at 8am. Games time is 8:30. Then its all over by 9am. Pretty quick and easy!

Pinewood Derby

Brady and Ryan built their 2nd Pinewood Derby car together. The design ideas and production started in December. So, over the Christmas holidays and while we were in TX the boys got busy!

I think there were 35 cars that raced.

Check out the minion car on the far right - it won for crowd favorite

Brady's Creeper Car #12

Brady won for Fastest Wolf. His car came in 7th overall. He was happy!

 

Grade 2 Wolves - what a handful!

Christmas in TX

Going to Texas for Christmas was the best gift for the boys and our parents, I'm sure! We loved being home and we were able to spend a lot of time with family and friends. Making memories and enjoying the fellowship. I wish we would have taken pictures with everyone we saw! For my Richmond Girls, why did I not take any pictures of y'all? So sad I didn't! It was a whirlwind trip and went by so quickly. Here's a few... 

My handsome boys on Christmas Eve

 



Presents from Santa

I really try to avoid the camera on Christmas morning. I always look so sleepy and the jet-lag doesn't help either. One day though, I know I'll look back and be so grateful for all these bleary-eyed photos. I'm sure the boys will also hold it over me about their too small and mis-matched pajamas. Maybe next year I'll splurge on some matching Christmas pjs that actually fit.

my new Duck Dynasty cap

We were able to spend a lovely, but all-too-short of a day with our good friends Jeff and Hollie and their family!

The Engels

My long time friend, Olivia and her girls came to Comanche and spent the day with us! So fun to take those city girls for a wagon ride. Thanks, Papaw!

 

3rd grade friends to college roommates - look at us now!

We also had a visit with the Shyers and their kids, Madison and Grant.  

We had such a fun Christmas holiday! We enjoyed our time in TX and spending time with everyone! We are truly blessed to have such great friends and family - who are happy to see us and wish us well when we leave. You guys make living overseas easier on us and I miss you dearly!



The Journey of 1000 Miles - DONE!

It all began with a single step...

On December 20, I completed a year-long goal to run 1000 miles. For the final run I needed 5 miles.
We ended up running 6 miles and my friends surprised me with a CELEBRATION! It was awesome!

An emotional finale 

This passerby held a sign "1000 Miles" that I ran through. He seemed pretty happy about it, too!

Janelle, Stephanie and Anissa - these girls logged many miles with me

Bridget brought food, balloons and champagne

Nothing like drinking champagne in a public park at 8:30am in Malaysia!

Yummy! These strawberries were delish!

A toast to the finish

I was really relieved that it was over. The miles loomed over me, especially towards the end. I was running more than I had ever run before. I was sick in November and the last 4 weeks were 40 mile weeks. Anissa and I were running 10 miles on Mondays and Fridays and I had also implemented 2-a-day Tuesdays. I was so close I had to finish. Thanks to Anissa, Stephanie, Janelle and Bridget for encouraging me, running with me and for celebrating with me!

Thanks, Anissa!

Anissa really stuck with me. Little did she know how much she would end up running because I wanted to do this! I honestly could not have done it without her. Scheduling runs for me, driving to new places and grinding out the miles. What a journey! And the wonderful memories! The stories we have shared!

Thanks, Girls for a wonderful surprise and really making me feel special! I will treasure that day forever! Not only did I complete the 1000 miles, I made some really great friends along the way.

Will I ever do it again?

To read the post that got all this started, you can find it here:
http://jen-girlontherun.blogspot.com/2013/01/hello-2013.html