Group shot BEFORE Mad Mud Run.  From left to right, Audrey,
Lauren, Allison, Alicia, Kate, Courtney, Andrew, Barb, Hayden
Greg and ME!

I thought I would share with you KOOL-ers.  My son and I participated in the Mad Mud Run this past Saturday.  It was 4 miles of running and boot camp-like obstacles.  My son, Hayden, runs track in school.  I, on the hand, haven’t run outside since high school.

                               
Hayden and Maria BEFORE the Mad Mud Run!

Hayden and Maria…AFTER!

The Great American Smoke Out is TODAY!  The thought behind the Smoke Out is that if you can quit for one day you can quit for two;  if you can quit for two days you can quit for three……

The Smoke Out began in 1976.

I have smoked on and off for about 12 years.  I never thought I was a “smoker” because I didn’t smoke at home.  I smoked at work and when I was out having a few cocktails.  A couple weeks ago my daughter gave me a hug, backed upped and looked at me and said, “You’ve been smoking, I can smell it!”   It broke my heart.  It it time I quit!

QUIT WITH ME!  WE CAN DO IT….TOGETHER!

John The Plumber threw his cigarettes out the window this morning and has joined the Great American Smoke Out!
If John the Plumber and I can do it…YOU CAN TOO! 

This morning Tom was talking about how, when he was a kid, he use to make Snow Ice Cream.  NEVER heard of that!!  I did find a recipe.  Give it a try,  if you can find some snow…. 

INGEDIENTS:

1 GALLON OF SNOW
1 CUP OF WHITE SUGAR
1 TABLESPOON OF VANILLA EXTRACT
2 CUPS OF MILK

DIRECTIONS:

When it starts to snow, place a large, clean bowl outside to catch the flakes.  When full, stir in sugar and vanilla to taste, then stir in just enough milk for the desired consistancy.
Serve at once.

 Thinking about putting this on our Christmas card this year.  What do you think?  Mona is wearing the antlers and Olive is wearing the sweater.  They are sooooo cute!!

 
UPCLOSE of Tom being eaten by piranhas.

The public is invited to the state capital Friday tolearn how the Arizona Legislature works.  Topics will include how a bill is drafted, how a bill moves through the legislature, and how to use the legislature’s website more effectively.

Remember School House Rock?  I’m Just a Bill…Sitting here on Capital Hill!!!  OOOOH YEAH!

click here…  

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walk to cure Diabetes was a HUGE success!  Thank you to eveyone who participates especially “my boys.”  Tom Peake, John Michaels and Lee Bortell (and his lovely wife Mary) all showed up to support the cause.  Thanks again!  We will see you all NEXT November! 
You can learn more about Juvenile Diabetes by visiting www.JDRF.org .

Pleased to meet you.  My name is OLIVE.

SSSSSSSH!  Baby sleeping!

I have FINALLY learned to stop asking permission! 
My daughter Lucy fell in love with this little girl and HAD to have her.  We did get her from a local rescue organization.  :)My husband, who did NOT want another dog, did not know what we were doing.  We did not call and ask permission…we just went with our heart and realized this little girl belonged with us.   Needless to say he was a surprised!!! But it only took him about 15 minutes to fall in love with her. 

My son has Type 1 Diabetes. 

He was diagnosed when he was just three years old.  For the last 10 years Hayden has dealt with multiple finger pokes to check his blood glucose, three daily insulin injections, and a strict meal time schedule. 
This is the fourth year that my family and I have partcipated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes. 

The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes at Tempe Town Lake is the largest  in the country.

I encourage you to put together your own walk team and support a wonderful cause.  If you visit www.jdrf.org you can get more information.

I am also looking for donations!!! 
If you click on the link below it will take you to my donation page.
THANK YOU for your help and support.  It mean more to me than you will ever know. 

http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmid=87227768 

I’ve learned my Daddy can say a lot of words I can’t.

age 8